Guests staying at Disney's Yacht and Beach Club Resort will need to adjust their transportation plans for a five-day stretch in August — the FriendShip Boat dock serving the sister Deluxe Disney Resort hotels will be closed for refurbishment next month.
The Closure Window
Walt Disney World Resort has confirmed that the FriendShip Boat dock at Disney's Yacht and Beach Club Resort will close for refurbishment from August 17 through August 21, 2026. The watercraft service typically connects guests at the two sister hotels directly to EPCOT and Disney's Hollywood Studios — two of the most convenient transportation links in the EPCOT Resort area. During the five-day closure, the boat service will be entirely unavailable.
FriendShip Boat transportation remains available through August 16 and is expected to resume on August 22. Guests should verify the return date closer to their visit through the Walt Disney World Resort website, the My Disney Experience app, or by checking with a hotel cast member.
Getting Around During the Closure
Walt Disney World Resort has alternatives in place for both affected parks. Guests traveling from Disney's Yacht Club Resort or Disney's Beach Club Resort to Disney's Hollywood Studios can take direct bus service during the closure window. Getting to EPCOT is even simpler; the International Gateway entrance to the park is a walk of less than ten minutes from the Deluxe Resort hotels, depending on where your room is located, making bus service unnecessary for that destination.
Transportation to Magic Kingdom Park, Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park, and Disney Springs will not be affected by the FriendShip Boat dock refurbishment. Minnie Van service also remains available for direct transportation to all four Central Florida Disney theme parks and Disney Springs throughout the closure period.
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