Walt Disney World has officially announced that a brand-new ferryboat will join the Magic Kingdom fleet. This massive 120-foot vessel marks the first expansion of the watercraft fleet in 50 years. The announcement comes as a surprise to many, as the current trio of boats has handled the Seven Seas Lagoon traffic since 1976. This new addition will help manage the increasing crowds traveling between the Transportation and Ticket Center and the park entrance.
Honoring A Disney Legend
The new vessel will be named the Meg Gilbert Crofton. This name honors the fourth president of the Walt Disney World Resort, who served in the role from 2006 to 2013. Crofton began her long Disney career as a marketing manager in 1977 and is a well-respected figure in the company’s history. Following the tradition of the other three ferryboats, the ship will feature a portrait and a plaque sharing her story on the first deck for guests to read.
Construction on the new ferryboat is currently underway at a Florida marina. Disney expects the vessel to officially launch in 2027. Over the next few weeks, workers will ship the boat in large pieces to Disney property. Once it arrives, Disney engineers and craft workers will handle the final assembly, painting, and detailing. This meticulous process ensures the boat meets all safety standards while fitting the classic aesthetic of the existing fleet.
Expanding Capacity On The Water
The addition of this boat brings the total number of ferryboats from three to four. It will join the Admiral Joe Fowler, the General Joe Potter, and the Richard F. Irvine. These existing boats were all rechristened in 1997 to honor key figures who helped build the Florida resort. Adding a fourth boat will significantly increase the guest capacity on the lagoon. This is especially helpful during the busy opening and closing hours of the Magic Kingdom.
This milestone is historically significant because it is the first entirely new ferryboat added since the bicentennial year of 1976. For decades, the three-boat rotation has been a staple of the Disney guest experience. By expanding the fleet now, Disney is preparing for the future of the resort and its continued growth. It is a fitting tribute to see a modern leader like Meg Crofton honored alongside the original pioneers of the Walt Disney World Resort.
If you want to book your magical trip to Walt Disney World, be sure to contact Enchanted Kingdom Vacations and to keep up to date on all the latest Disney news and more, be sure to follow Disney Dorks on Facebook!