Terrific Tuesdays: Sailing Away on Disney World’s Boats

One thing my family enjoys doing while at Walt Disney World is looking at the scenery a little differently than others do. Most people think that you need to rush to places by monorail or bus transportation.  Though sometimes we do, we also like to go by boat.  

Our first Disney boat experience was when we stayed at Port Orleans French Quarter. From here you can travel by small ferry boat to Port Orleans Riverside or Downtown Disney.  The boats leave the dock, which is located on the backside of the resort along the Sassagoula River, approximately every 20 minutes during the day time hours and every 10 in the evenings.   The captains of these boats usually give a little bit of the area and river history and tell you about the scenery that you pass along the way.

Our next boating venture was at the Swan and Dolphin Resort.  There, they have a ferry that can transport passengers to the Beach and Yacht Resorts or to Disney’s Boardwalk.  These ferries are a bit larger than those at the Port Orleans docks.  Also on our most recent trip we took the large ferry from the ticket and transportation center to the Magic Kingdom.  This ferry is the largest of all with two levels to choose from.  It does take a bit longer to get to your destination, but you’re on vacation so why rush it?

There are also many attractions that use boats as a means to take you from scene to scene.  My favorite, Pirates of the Caribbean, It’s A Small World, The Jungle Cruise and the Adventures of the Three Caballeros just to name a few.

And don’t forget about the magnificent Liberty Belle at the Liberty Square Riverboat.  This is a paddle wheel steamboat that lets you take in beautiful scenery of Native Americans, pirates and wildlife and catch backside glimpses of Splash Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad and Haunted Mansion.  There are three levels to this boat where you can choose to stand and see the scenery as it circles Tom Sawyers Island or rest your feet.  The 17 minute trip is about a half of a mile cruise. 

There are also rentals available at other resorts and locations for paddle boats and pontoons. So take a different view the next time you visit and see what you have been missing 

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Shannan is a mom that was born and raised in rural Tennessee. She tells us: “I live with my husband and 3 of our 5 children. Travis is 24 and is father to my grandbabies, Emma and baby Judson. I can’t wait to start sharing Disney with them. Dusty is 22, Clay 12, Zachary 10 and Erin is 8. I clean houses to make money to fund my magical trips. I went to Disney the first time as a teen and couldn’t wait to start introducing my own children to the magic. We took our 3 youngest in 2004 and that started it all. We have been 3 times since then and have our first Christmas trip planned for this December. Usually my parents accompany us on the trip and I have to research and plan for things that will suit various ages in our party of 7. Each time I go, I try new experiences in lodging and dining so I can share it with friends and family that seek my advice on trip planning! Disney is definitely my first choice in vacation destinations. Hopefully there is a Disney surf and turf vacation in our future!“

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