The Walt Disney World Resort is expanding its ferry fleet for the first time since 1976. The expansion of its ferry fleet comes as the Magic Kingdom is undergoing its largest expansion ever. When completed, there will be new attractions and experiences for guests to enjoy from the worlds of Disney and Pixar’s Cars franchise, as well as the Disney Villains! This means that there will be more guests pouring into the Most Magical Place on Earth!
With additional guests visiting the Magic Kingdom, Walt Disney World will expand its fleet of ferries offering complimentary transportation between the Transportation and Ticket Center and the Magic Kingdom. This will allow even more guests to easily cruise across the Seven Seas Lagoon. Here is a video of this trip that was taken aboard the Admiral Joe Fowler by the Daps Magic team:
A New Ferry in the Fleet
The new ferry that will join the fleet will be brand-new. It will also see the fleet at Walt Disney World Resort expand from three ferries to four. The new ferry is currently being designed and built by a team of engineers and craft workers. Already under construction at a marina in Florida, it will be shipped to Walt Disney World Resort in pieces in the next few weeks.
Once the pieces of the ferry arrive at Walt Disney World Resort, they will be assembled. The new ferry will then be painted, and final touches will be put into place ahead of its maiden voyage. Disney expects the new ferryboat to launch in 2027.
The Name of the New Ferry
Picking a name for a ship is a very important thing. In 1997, Walt Disney World rechristened the three existing ferryboats as the Admiral Joe Fowler, the General Joe Potter, and the Richard F. Irvine. This was in honor of three individuals who were instrumental in making Walt Disney World Resort a reality. 30 years later, a new name will be added to this list.
Once again, Disney is focusing on honoring someone who has had a significant impact on Walt Disney World. For the fourth ferryboat, the name chosen is the Meg Gilbert Crofton. This is after Walt Disney World Resort’s fourth president. Crofton started her Disney career in 1977 as a marketing manager. Several roles later, she took on the job of president of Walt Disney World Resort. This is a role she held from 2006 to 2013.
As can be found on the other ferries, a portrait of the namesake of the ferry will be found on the first deck of the new vessel. In this case, it will be the portrait that is shown above of Meg Crofton. This will also be accompanied by a plaque that shares her story with the guests who cruise across the Seven Seas Lagoon.
“I was humbled to learn that my name would be on this new ferryboat,” Meg said. “It means so much to be recognized by the cast members I had the privilege of working with for so many years.”
Meg Croften’s Legacy at Disney
While president of Walt Disney World Resort, Meg Croften led the first major theme park expansion since the opening of Disney’s Animal Kingdom. This was in the form of New Fantasyland in the Magic Kingdom. This expansion introduced the world to new favorites like Seven Dwarfs Mine Train and the Be Our Guest Restaurant. Each of these experiences brought classic Disney tales to life in new ways that were immersive and immediately loved by guests.
Along with her contributions to the parks, Meg Croften also contributed to Walt Disney World Resort hotels. In 2012, this saw the opening of the Art of Animation. This family-friendly resort allows guests to be surrounded by stories like Finding Nemo, Cars, The Lion King, and The Little Mermaid. Guests can enjoy the oversized characters and the Big Blue Pool while staying at this popular retreat.
A big part of her legacy at Disney is the way she led people. She believed that what truly lasts as a leader is how you make other people feel. Meg Croften had, and continues to have, a genuine interest in the dreams and aspirations of cast members throughout Disney.
This legacy can be observed by the window she received on Main Street, U.S.A. in 2015. It identifies her as the founder of the “Center for Leadership Development.” It also says, “We start leaders on their journeys.”
For many guests at Walt Disney World Resort, the ferry boats are the first ride they experience as they glide across the Seven Seas Lagoon to the Magic Kingdom. Soon, there will be a fourth ferry for them to look out for and to ride. This ferry will have a similar capacity, look, and feel to the current fleet. Because of this, it will fit in seamlessly with its sister ships.
What do you think about Disney expanding this fleet of ferries at Walt Disney World Resort? Are you excited about it? Share your thoughts and opinions in the comments below!
