Is a second-level entry and exit coming to the Magic Kingdom Ferry Boat?

Forum Forums Tweet Share Tweet Share

Gallery / 4 Photos
New Ferry Boat gangway being prepped

Posted: Thursday August 12, 2021 3:05pm ET by WDWMAGIC Staff

A lot of work is taking place around the Magic Kingdom Ferry Boat this week, lending weight to the possibility that Disney is adding an entry and exit point to the second level of the boats.

A new gangway is being prepared on the shore of the Seven Seas Lagoon, which has the same look as the gangways that currently lead to the ferry boats from the dock.

New Ferry Boat gangway being prepped

In addition, we can see some risers next to the gangway that would be needed to get it at the same height as the second level.

Onboard the Admiral Joe Fowler, the front and rear standing areas alongside the cockpit have been removed, and new gates installed. This would roughly mirror what is in place on the lower level for entry and exit.

Admiral Joe Fowler upper level refurbishment - August 12 2021

Finally, crews are installing new pilings in the water between the boat docks that could be used to support the risers that would be needed to enable the entry and exit from the second floor via the new gangway.

Ferry boat dock modifications at the Magic Kingdom - August 12 2021

Guests exiting from the second level currently have to merge with guests on the lower level, creating a bottleneck that this new capability would eliminate.

Admiral Joe Fowler upper level refurbishment - August 12 2021

The concept of adding a second level entry and exit was rumored several years, but never came to fruition. Disney is yet to confirm any changes to the ferry boat.

Could a new entry and exit point be installed around the cockpit area

Discuss on the Forums

Get Walt Disney World News Delivered to Your Inbox

montyz81Dec 03, 2021

I am very disappointed in the theming of these docs. These look like docs look like the ones you used to board The Mount Washington on Lake Winnipesaukee. Before anyone gets upset, I am just kidding around. They look perfectly fine and are a much-needed addition to faster service across the lake.

zulemaraDec 03, 2021

I used to work in MK watercraft and asked about this last week. The upper deck hand (who is also the second pilot) handles it.

wdwmagicDec 03, 2021

Magic Kingdom ferry boat second upper-level ferry boat access gangway prepped for installation https://www.wdwmagic.com/transportation/ferry-boats/news/03dec2021-magic-kingdom-ferry-boat-second-upper-level-ferry-boat-access-gangway-prepped-for-installation.htm

DCBakerNov 10, 2021

The upper level ramp is reportedly being used today.

ThumbelinaNov 03, 2021

Looks fun and kinda scary! I am ready to see it in action!

DHoyOct 13, 2021

It's not a good looking structure. Wonder if they have something planned to make it less of an eyesore.

Vegas Disney FanOct 13, 2021

And any gap on the boat will be filled by the boats gates opening outward, which will overlap the inside of the ramps rails.

lazyboy97oOct 13, 2021

The guard rails are on the gangway.

freediverdudeOct 12, 2021

My concern looking at it is there is no railing on the ferry around the area where the gangway will lower and connect with the ferry. So people will be walking off the gangway to the second level of the ferry with a small area there where there is no railing. And we know what idiots the general public are/people looking for a lawsuit. Maybe they're planning on a cast member standing right there by the edge.

HauntedPirateOct 12, 2021

I forgot they built the security stations at the TTC...🤦‍♂️

TimeTripOct 12, 2021

Why would this change lining up for security? That happens before entering the TTC.

HauntedPirateOct 12, 2021

“Introducing Disney Ramp+!! For only $49.99/person/trip, you can walk directly from the TTC to Magic Kingdom Park and back via our MAGICAL Ramp over Seven Seas Lagoon!! (Stopping for photos is an extra $99.99/person/trip)” I am curious to see what this does for ferry traffic, from embarkation to lining up for security.