New Cruiser Boat 'Tradewinds' joins the fleet at Walt Disney World

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Tradewinds Cruiser Boat

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Posted: Tuesday October 5, 2021 5:46pm ET by WDWMAGIC Staff

Walt Disney World has a new cruiser boat serving the Magic Kingdom area resort hotels and the Magic Kingdom.

Tradewinds Cruiser Boat

The new boat is the first addition to the fleet in nearly 30 years, with the last new boat added in 1993. The color scheme is a distinct bright orange, yellow, white and teal coloring.

Tradewinds Cruiser Boat

Inside the Tradewinds

Tradewinds features new touch screen controls for the crew and an updated interior design.

View of the Polynesian Resort from Tradewinds

Rear deck seating onboard the Tradewinds

Tradewinds is currently serving Disney's Grand Floridian and Disney's Polynesian Resort, transporting guests to and from Magic Kingdom. The route was previously serviced by one of the small launch boats.

Tradewinds Cruiser Boat

Watch the video below for a look at Tradewinds on the water and a look inside. (4K YouTube)

Click the gallery to see more pictures of Tradewinds.

Tradewinds Cruiser Boat

Discuss on the Forums

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NobodyElseSep 15, 2022

Let me know when they pick up a few of these: https://candela.com/p-12-shuttle/

DisoneSep 15, 2022

I love the resort boats at Universal. They're kind of a mix of being cute, like a Disney launch, but with the efficiency of a Disney cruiser.

Jon81ukSep 14, 2022

The boats at Universal are better as they still look cute but have a section for wheelchairs that offers level boarding (with a small ramp).

AceExplorerSep 14, 2022

Has anyone been able to find and confirm the builder of this new vessel? I have checked several builders web site, and none advertise that Disney is their customer. I'm wondering if there is a non-disclosure agreement in place. Thx...

castlecake2.0Oct 07, 2021

That wasn’t clear from what I read, there was lots of thoughts going on in the post you quoted. I agree now that I understand. Didn’t need to “ugh” me :)

Gabe1Oct 07, 2021

Ugh. I think you misread the post I was responding (quoted) to or didn’t read that. Member was speaking to the length of boat trip to reach DHS. The ferry boat does not sail on that body of water

MaryJanePOct 07, 2021

So new cruiser for 50th Anniversary. Maybe new monorail fleet by 100th.

castlecake2.0Oct 07, 2021

The express boat is the ferry lol

Gabe1Oct 07, 2021

I always thought there should be Resort Boats and Express Boats like Monorail Express and Monorail Resort loops

Gabe1Oct 07, 2021

Now that was a needed upgrade! Woohoo 🥳 Question. What is with the name of the boat? Tradewinds is a beautiful resort In Tampa with so much for tourists to do you don’t need to leave the resort. It is fun and gorgeous. So I’m curious as to how the name was chosen? Disney doesn’t generally give a tip of the hat to competitor for tourism dollars.

DisoneOct 07, 2021

I would like to see more of these cruisers. The launches are cute but they're inefficient and not ADA Compliant.

peter11435Oct 07, 2021

Yes the launches will still be necessary to support all of the routes

castlecake2.0Oct 06, 2021

Will they still use the launches to get around 7 seas lagoon? That’s one of my favourite things to do when I need “a break”. Any word on if WL/FW/Contemporary route till return?