Magic Kingdom ParkNews

Disney World Changes Magic Kingdom Entrance, Effective August 26

New construction progress spotted on August 26 shows Walt Disney World Resort steadily reshaping how guests will arrive at Magic Kingdom Park by ferryboat, as work on a new dock continues to take shape at the Transportation & Ticket Center.

The Project Behind the New Dock

The Magic Kingdom ferryboat on Seven Seas Lagoon with Cinderella Castle in the background
Credit: Disney

Walt Disney World Resort filed the initial construction permit back in February to build an expanded ferryboat dock outside Magic Kingdom Park. The upgrade is meant to boost capacity for guests moving between the park and the Transportation & Ticket Center, particularly with the addition of a fourth vessel to the Seven Seas Lagoon ferry fleet: the Meg Gilbert Crofton, named after a former Walt Disney World Resort president.

Florida's state water management district approved the project in March, officially clearing the way for Walt Disney World Resort to begin construction. Plywood barriers appeared at the site over the summer, with construction equipment steadily moving in over the following months.

Construction Progress at Magic Kingdom Park as of August 26

A ferry boat on the Seven Seas Lagoon at Walt Disney World Resort; Magic Kingdom is visible in the background.
Credit: Dave & Margie Hill / Kleerup, Flickr

WDWNT posted fresh photos of the site on August 26, documenting new wooden pillars that crews appear to have cut and installed after timber first showed up on-site in early August. Wooden joists now link the newly placed pillars to an existing walkway near the dock.

The outlet also noted that a large barge, previously seen hauling an excavator, is no longer at the site — though it remains unclear whether this signals the end of the project's heavier construction phase.

A ferryboat glides across the Seven seas Lagoon in front of the Magic Kingdom
Credit: H. Michael Miley, Flickr

Walt Disney World Resort hasn't confirmed when the new ferryboat dock will officially open. The Meg Gilbert Crofton vessel itself isn't expected to enter service until sometime in 2027.

Have you noticed any other construction projects at Magic Kingdom Park, EPCOT, Disney's Hollywood Studios, or Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park? Share your story with Disney Fanatic in the comments!

Jess Colopy

Jess Colopy is a Disney College Program alum and kid-at-heart. When she’s not furiously typing in a coffee shop, you can find her on the hunt for the newest Stitch pin.

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