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Magic Kingdom fourth ferryboat construction underway backstage at Walt Disney World

Magic Kingdom fourth ferryboat construction confirmed backstage, named after former president Meg Crofton.

Alexander Ashe
May 17, 2026 · 2w ago · 3 min read
Updated: June 6, 2026
Wooden ferryboat under construction in a backstage workshop area at Walt Disney World
Wooden ferryboat under construction in a backstage workshop area at Walt Disney World

A fourth ferryboat is currently under construction backstage near Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World, with the new vessel set to be named after former Disney World president Meg Gilbert Crofton. The additional ferry will provide extra capacity for guests travelling between the Transportation and Ticket Centre and Magic Kingdom, though completion dates remain unconfirmed.

Pieces of the new ferryboat have arrived at Walt Disney World and are being assembled backstage near the theme park. Sections of the hull were transported by truck to the site, where they are being welded together as part of the construction process.

The ferry underwent initial design and building work at a Florida marina before being shipped to Disney World in sections. Assembly work, painting and final touches are expected to take approximately another year to complete, though Disney has not confirmed a specific launch date.

What will the new Magic Kingdom ferry be called?

The new ferryboat will be named after Meg Gilbert Crofton, who served as Walt Disney World's fourth president. This continues Disney's tradition of naming the Magic Kingdom ferries after significant figures in the resort's history.

The existing three ferryboats are named Admiral Joe Fowler, General Joe Potter, and Richard F. Irvine. Each vessel currently serves the route between the Transportation and Ticket Centre and Magic Kingdom's main entrance.

Why does Magic Kingdom need a fourth ferryboat?

The additional ferry capacity will particularly benefit Magic Kingdom guests when future park expansions open. Disney has announced plans for new themed lands including Piston Peak National Park and a Disney Villains land, though opening dates for these areas remain unconfirmed.

The extra ferryboat comes as Disney World continues to manage guest flow and transportation needs. The Liberty Belle riverboat left service last summer, removing one water-based attraction from the Magic Kingdom experience.

When did rumours about the fourth ferry first emerge?

Rumours of a fourth ferryboat construction project were first reported in 2024. The confirmation of active construction work provides concrete evidence that Disney is moving forward with expanding its ferry fleet capacity.

Disney has not released details about the construction cost or specific passenger capacity of the new Meg Crofton ferryboat. The company also has not confirmed exactly when the vessel will enter service alongside the existing Magic Kingdom ferry fleet.

Meg CroftonMagic Kingdom, SydneyWalt Disney WorldTransportation and Ticket CentreAdmiral Joe FowlerGeneral Joe PotterRichard F. IrvinePiston Peak National ParkDisney Villains LandPhiladelphia Liberty Belles

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The Magic Kingdom fourth ferryboat construction represents a significant investment in guest transportation infrastructure as Disney World prepares for future expansion projects and continued attendance growth.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the name of the new Magic Kingdom ferryboat?

The fourth ferryboat will be named after Meg Gilbert Crofton, who served as Walt Disney World's fourth president.

When will the new ferryboat enter service?

Disney has not confirmed a specific launch date, though assembly, painting and final touches are expected to take approximately another year.

How many ferryboats currently operate at Magic Kingdom?

Three ferryboats currently operate between the Transportation and Ticket Centre and Magic Kingdom: Admiral Joe Fowler, General Joe Potter, and Richard F. Irvine.

Where is the new ferryboat being constructed?

The ferry is being assembled backstage near Magic Kingdom, after initial design and building work at a Florida marina.

Why is Disney adding a fourth ferryboat to Magic Kingdom?

The additional ferry will provide extra capacity for guests, particularly when future park expansions like Piston Peak National Park and Disney Villains land open.

How is the new ferryboat being transported to Walt Disney World?

Sections of the hull were transported by truck to Disney World, where they are being welded together backstage.

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