Credit: How to DisneyOne of the more recent shifts at Walt Disney World involves the complimentary boat (water taxi) service between the Magic Kingdom area and two beloved resort destinations: Disney’s Wilderness Lodge and Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground.
Previously, guests enjoyed two separate boat routes: one direct route from Magic Kingdom to Fort Wilderness, and another separate boat that traveled between Magic Kingdom and Wilderness Lodge. Each resort had its own dedicated vessel, and the system generally ran efficiently, with guests typically waiting around 20 minutes for a trip from the park to the campgrounds.
Under the new 2025 protocol, that has changed. A single large boat now departs Magic Kingdom, stops first at Wilderness Lodge, and then continues on to Fort Wilderness.
This new route eliminates the direct line to Fort Wilderness, creating a few noticeable differences for guests. Travel time has increased — what was once a roughly 20-minute ride is now closer to 35 minutes because of the extra stop. The combined routing also means longer queues at the Fort Wilderness dock, as the shared route consolidates more guests onto a single boat service.
So why the change? Cast Members have shared that the update has to do primarily with accessibility and capacity. Only the larger enclosed boats can accommodate scooters and other mobility devices, while the smaller open-air boats cannot. Similarly, strollers must be folded up on the smaller boats, which can slow boarding and limit capacity.
The new protocol pairs a large enclosed boat and a small open-air boat on the same route: the large boat handles both resorts, followed closely by the smaller vessel. In addition, a third water taxi connects Magic Kingdom, Disney’s Contemporary Resort, and Wilderness Lodge, though that route typically doesn’t begin operating until the afternoon.
While this new system has occasionally appeared in the past during peak or seasonal times, Cast Members have confirmed it is now the current operating procedure for the foreseeable future. Disney appears to be testing the combined route to see if it is viable as a permanent configuration.
For guests, this means planning ahead. If you’re heading from Magic Kingdom to Fort Wilderness for dining, horseback riding, or the popular Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue, you’ll want to leave a little extra time — around 30 to 40 minutes total travel time. Arriving early at the dock can help you secure a spot on the next available boat, especially during high-traffic hours after the fireworks or park close.
Guests using scooters or strollers should pay attention to which boat is arriving — enclosed or open-air — as that will determine whether you can board or if you’ll need to wait for the next large vessel.
Complimentary Transportation Across Walt Disney World in 2025
Even with the water-taxi adjustment, one of the biggest advantages of staying at a Disney Resort hotel remains the same: the ability to use Disney’s vast complimentary transportation network. Over the decades, the resort has evolved a complex, efficient web of free transportation options that move thousands of guests daily between theme parks, water parks, and hotels.
Here’s a breakdown of all the main complimentary transportation systems currently operating at Walt Disney World in 2025:
1. Disney Bus Transportation
Disney’s bus network remains the backbone of the resort’s transportation system. Buses connect nearly all resort hotels to every theme park, water park, and the Disney Springs shopping district.
This system runs early and late, often beginning service about an hour before park opening and continuing until well after park closing. While coverage is extensive, wait times can vary depending on the time of day and crowd levels. Morning departures for rope drop and evening returns after fireworks tend to be the busiest.
Guests with mobility needs will find that buses can accommodate wheelchairs and ECVs, but boarding may take extra time when multiple accessibility devices are in use. A general rule of thumb: always allow at least 45 minutes to an hour of travel time when using Disney buses to get between resorts and parks.
2. The Monorail
Few experiences at Disney World are more iconic than the monorail. This elevated rail system connects the Transportation & Ticket Center (TTC), Magic Kingdom, and EPCOT, as well as several Deluxe resorts — the Contemporary, Polynesian Village, and Grand Floridian.
The monorail remains one of the fastest and most reliable ways to reach Magic Kingdom, and for guests staying at monorail resorts, it’s an especially convenient perk. Trains arrive frequently, and boarding is smooth and covered, making it an efficient option rain or shine.
If you’re visiting EPCOT from one of the monorail resorts, you’ll make a transfer at the Transportation & Ticket Center, so be sure to factor that connection into your schedule.
3. The Disney Skyliner
Since its debut, the Disney Skyliner has become a guest favorite. The colorful gondola system soars above the resort, connecting EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios to several resorts: Disney’s Riviera Resort, Caribbean Beach, Pop Century, and Art of Animation.
The Skyliner offers a scenic, fun, and often time-saving way to travel between parks and hotels. However, guests should be aware that the Skyliner may temporarily close during severe weather or high winds. When that happens, Disney deploys backup bus service to ensure guests can still reach their destinations.
For guests staying at Skyliner resorts, this system can save considerable time, particularly when visiting EPCOT or Hollywood Studios.
4. Watercraft and Ferries
Water transportation has long been a Disney hallmark, providing both functionality and charm. Beyond the updated Magic Kingdom–Wilderness Lodge–Fort Wilderness route, Disney operates a variety of watercraft routes throughout the property.
Large ferries carry guests between the Transportation & Ticket Center and Magic Kingdom, offering a spectacular view of Cinderella Castle as you approach. Smaller friendship boats operate between EPCOT, Hollywood Studios, and the surrounding EPCOT-area resorts like the Yacht Club, Beach Club, and BoardWalk Inn.
Additionally, guests staying at Disney’s Old Key West, Saratoga Springs, or Port Orleans Resorts can often take boats to and from Disney Springs, though these routes occasionally adjust seasonally or due to maintenance.
Water travel at Disney provides a unique sense of relaxation — a gentle breeze, a view of the resort’s scenic waterways, and a peaceful break from the crowds. Just keep in mind that watercraft can be delayed or rerouted due to weather or special events.
5. Walking Paths and Pedestrian Routes
In recent years, Disney has made major improvements to its pedestrian pathways, allowing guests to walk between more destinations than ever before. There is now a walking path that connects Magic Kingdom to the Grand Floridian and the Polynesian, and another network of paths links EPCOT and Hollywood Studios to the nearby BoardWalk-area resorts.
While walking may not always be practical for every park or distance, these routes are excellent time-savers for nearby resorts — and a pleasant way to enjoy the resort’s scenery without waiting for transportation.
What This Means for Guests in 2025
With so many complimentary options available, Disney’s transportation system continues to evolve and adapt to changing guest needs. The new Magic Kingdom water-taxi route highlights Disney’s efforts to balance efficiency with accessibility, ensuring that all guests — from families with strollers to those using scooters — can move comfortably around the property.
For visitors, the key takeaway is to build flexibility into your schedule. Transportation changes like the Fort Wilderness route can affect timing, so always plan for an extra 15–20 minutes of travel, especially if you’re catching dining reservations or special experiences.
It’s also wise to familiarize yourself with the transportation offerings at your resort. For example, monorail and Skyliner resorts often enjoy the fastest, most scenic transfers, while bus-only resorts might require more time to navigate.
Ultimately, the transportation system is part of the Disney magic — not just a way to get from point A to point B, but an extension of the experience itself. Whether gliding over the resort on the Skyliner, sailing across Bay Lake on a ferry, or watching the monorail glide by, these complimentary systems bring convenience, character, and a sense of adventure to every guest’s stay.
As Disney continues to fine-tune its operations, the 2025 transportation network stands as one of the most comprehensive and guest-friendly systems in the theme park world — one designed to keep the magic moving, wherever your next stop may be.