The EPCOT Shortcut You Didn’t Know You Needed Just Returned

If you’ve ever spent time walking the loop around EPCOT’s World Showcase, you know it’s not exactly a short stroll. Especially on a hot Florida day, that 1.2-mile trek can feel a bit more like a marathon than a leisurely theme park stroll. That’s where the FriendShip Boats come in—and right now, they’re offering guests a slightly different spin on how to cross the lagoon and explore the pavilions.

Mickey Mouse stands in front of the iconic geodesic sphere at EPCOT, showcasing a charming Disney Loungefly Bag against a clear blue sky and fountains at Disney World. — Credit: Inside the Magic

This isn’t just a transportation update. It’s an invitation to slow down, kick back, and experience the magic of EPCOT from a totally different vantage point—on the water.

From Land to Lagoon: EPCOT’s Scenic Shortcut

Instead of powering through the pavement from Canada to France or Mexico to Japan, you now have another way to take in the World Showcase: from the deck of a charming FriendShip Boat gliding over the lagoon. The boats have been running in some form for years, but the specific route has shifted more than once—especially post-COVID.

A traditional Japanese torii gate stands prominently near the edge of a lake at twilight. In the background, trees and a lit geodesic dome structure evoke scenes from Walt Disney World. The sky transitions from blue to orange as the sun sets, casting reflections on the water. — Credit: Charles Givens, Unsplash

Most guests have become accustomed to the Canada-to-Morocco route. That shortcut connected the two ends of the World Showcase promenade that see the heaviest foot traffic. But over the past few years, various docks have gone through periods of refurbishment or closure, forcing Disney to reshuffle the FriendShip Boat route more than once.

Now, EPCOT has made another change—and this time, it’s kind of exciting.

New Route, Familiar Sights—But With a Twist

The current FriendShip Boat journey takes guests from the Canada Pavilion dock to the Germany Pavilion dock. While that may sound like a small shift, it opens up a surprisingly fresh way to experience some of the park’s most beloved sights. Picture this: You board near Canada, breeze past the U.K. and France on the water, and end your journey in the heart of Germany, with its charming architecture and lively atmosphere.

Morocco Pavilion in World Showcase at EPCOT — Credit: Disney Parks Blog

Germany’s dock hasn’t always been in service. It remained closed for years, finally reopening briefly in early 2024 before getting the pause treatment again. But now, it’s seemingly back in business—and possibly for good.

During a recent weekend, Disney Cast Members even held what looked like a reopening celebration at the dock. There was a ribbon cutting and everything. That sure doesn’t scream “temporary.”

Why This Matters for Your Park Day

To the average guest, a boat route might not seem like a big deal—but it can be a game-changer. EPCOT is a park where it’s easy to rack up 20,000 steps in a day, and if you’re with small kids or just trying to pace yourself, the FriendShip Boats offer a moment of rest without sacrificing exploration.

A look at Future World including Spaceship Earth from the entrance to World Showcase — Credit: Jonathan (IceNineJon), Flickr

It’s also just plain relaxing. Unlike the hustle of trying to make your Lightning Lane window or get in line before crowds swell, the FriendShip Boats feel almost like a ride themselves. There’s no storytelling, no animatronics—just water views, iconic pavilions, and the occasional breeze. It’s the kind of moment you’ll remember when you think back on your trip.

Plus, there’s something genuinely special about sailing up to Germany’s pavilion instead of walking in. It gives you a new appreciation for the scale and design of the World Showcase, especially seeing it from the middle of the lagoon.

What’s Closed, What’s Open—and What’s Next?

While this new route is now operational, not every dock is back in use. Both the Morocco and Mexico docks are currently closed, although there are signs at each—literally.

And those signs are a little confusing.

At the Morocco dock, a temporary-looking sign says “Transportation to World Showcase,” while the Mexico dock’s sign reads “Transportation to World Celebration.” The labels seem swapped, and frankly, that might be a good sign. (No pun intended.) It could mean that updated signage is on the way and Disney is actively preparing for a wider return of FriendShip service.

Spaceship Earth at EPCOT framed from the arch in the Japan Pavilion in World Showcase. At EPCOT in Walt Disney World Resort — Credit: Ed Aguila, Inside the Magic

So what’s next? That’s hard to say. Disney hasn’t officially commented on whether this Canada-to-Germany route is the new standard or just another stopgap. But based on the crew presence and that ribbon-cutting moment, there’s reason to believe this could be a longer-term setup.

There’s also a real possibility that, sometime this summer, Disney could expand FriendShip service further—perhaps reopening the Mexico and Morocco docks and returning to a more robust boat route around the entire lagoon.

Why You Should Try It—Even If You’re Not Tired

It’s easy to think of the FriendShip Boats as just a backup plan when your feet get sore, but they’re more than that. They’re a chance to reframe your visit and approach EPCOT at a gentler pace. So many park experiences are about maximizing your time—getting on every ride, hitting every showtime, and grabbing every snack before the crowds show up.

The boats force you to slow down. And that’s a good thing.

Boarding at Canada, you get a wide-angle view of the UK’s iconic red phone boxes and the Eiffel Tower peeking out over France. Pulling into Germany, you float past the Italy pavilion with its replica of St. Mark’s Campanile and the bustling walkway that always smells faintly of pretzels and caramel.

That’s a kind of EPCOT magic you just don’t get on foot.