6 Things You Should Never Do Aboard Disney Ferryboats, Friendship Boats, & Water Taxis

There are several forms of transportation at Walt Disney World; buses, monorails, your own vehicle, and boats. Buses are available at all Disney Resorts, and monorail and boat transportation are available at select Disney Resorts. When riding on any of the boats, you should listen to the Captain when he/she makes any announcements concerning your safety while on board. Just so you will know ahead of time, here are six things you should never do on board any watercraft.

1. Strollers—Strollers and wheelchairs can be rolled onto the Friendship boats at Epcot, the Ferryboats, and the boats from Port Orleans to Downtown Disney. Do not leave your child in the stroller when boarding the boat. Carry them on the boat and fold your stroller to make more room for other guests. Do not put your child back in the stroller until you are away from the boat dock.

2. Life Jackets—On any of the Disney boats, it is a good idea to pay attention to the announcements made by the Captain, and observe the area where the life jackets are kept. In case of an emergency, do not panic and let the crew of the boat do their job.

3. Remain Seated—Please do not attempt to stand while traveling by boat. The Pilot of your particular watercraft knows how many guests will fit, and will not overload the boat, but will make sure every person on board will have a seat. The only exception to this rule are the Ferryboats. These boats hold approximately 600-650 guests, seating is limited; therefore, most passengers must stand.

4. Ferryboats—There is limited seating on the Disney Ferryboats, so please hold on to your children, and do not let them roam freely. Since there is a staircase on these boats, I would highly recommend that parents with small children stay on the lower level. I would suggest strongly that parents do not try to pick a child up to look at the water. Not a good idea! Also, think about it before you lean over the rail to get a better look. Many hats, sunglasses, cameras, etc. have ended up in Davy Jones’ Locker over the years. Be smart and attentive, and in a matter of minutes you will be disembarking for an exciting day of fun at the Magic Kingdom.

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5. Seasick?—Don’t even think about boarding a Disney water transport if you have any degree of motion sickness. There are times when the waters can get a little rough, and the boats may sway a bit (the ferryboats are somewhat smoother, even on rough waters). There are no restrooms on any watercraft, so if you do feel a bit queasy, unless you brought along a bag of some sort, you will have to take some deep breaths and try to make it to the nearest restroom when you disembark.

6. No Running—I have actually seen whole families racing toward a ferryboat, even though it was obvious the boat had just left the boarding area and was on its way to the Magic Kingdom. This is so unnecessary. There are two ferryboats and each one can hold up to 650 passengers, and there is never more than a 15 minute wait before the next one arrives. Also, do not run as soon as you hit the exit ramp. Remember, the ferryboats are on water, and the exit ramps are not on solid ground. You could easily slip and fall. It’s not worth it. Take your time and behave in a manner which will please your children and those around you.

Boat transportation can be fun and a very relaxing way to travel to different areas of Walt Disney World. They are even more enjoyable when you pay attention to your Captain or Pilot and respect other guests traveling with you. Obey the rules and regulations, keep an eye on your children, don’t be pushy, and enjoy the ride.

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