Scenic Boat Rides BY MARIA SALERNO As Walt Disney World moves through the phased reopening , some of our favorites on this list may not be currently available .
Wilderness Lodge / Campsite Cruisers
These impressive cruisers are responsible for transporting thousands of guests from Wilderness Lodge and Fort Wilderness to the gates of Magic Kingdom every day . These ships offer indoor and outdoor seating , and their scenic and informative route offers views of some of Disney ’ s most treasured nostalgic sites . You can expect to catch breathtaking views of Disney ’ s Contemporary Resort and the former site of River Country . You ’ ll finish your journey as you pass over Disney ’ s iconic water bridge ( yes , cars are actually passing under you !) that opens up into the mouth of Bay Lake .
Crescent Lake Boats
Connecting Hollywood Studios and EPCOT ( and all the resorts along the way ) are the low , flat , European-inspired boats . This particular fleet is the only type that can be found inside a Disney Park but does not require a ticket to ride . That ’ s right , these very same boats are responsible for transporting guests around World Showcase in EPCOT , which makes the entire Crescent Lake boat fleet feel that much more elite . Before the parks open , you can spot them carving paths through the glass-like surface of Crescent Lake , signifying the beginning of what is sure to be a magical day .
Liberty Belle
Walt Disney himself was the mastermind behind the Liberty Belle . Although he never made it to Walt Disney World Resort , Walt imagined a very similar boat for Disneyland , the Mark Twain , and the design and track system were replicated for Magic Kingdom . The Liberty Belle is an excursion that offers tired feet a rest during a loop around Tom Sawyer Island . During the ride , you ’ ll pass many iconic Disney attractions that Walt helped to conceptualize , like Haunted Mansion and the entirety of Liberty Square .
Seven Seas Boat Fleet
These ships transport you from reality to a world of yesterday , tomorrow , and fantasy . What I really love about this fleet are the small sailers that transport guests to and from the monorail resorts . These tiny boats allow you to sit at water level and immerse yourself in the story of Seven Seas Lagoon . My favorite time to ride these little boats is before the evening fireworks : Since most folks stay in the park , you practically get a complimentary private fireworks cruise back to your resort .
Disney Springs Fleet
The # 1 spot on our list goes to the boat fleet that rolls everything we love about the WDW Water Transportation into one . The Disney Springs fleet offers transportation to and from the Port Orleans Resorts and is by far the most scenic , relaxing , and truly useful boat transportation on WDW Property . The nearly 20-minute ride down the Sassagoula River is more like a leisurely tour . In the evenings , this fleet offers guests long , romantic rides with a soft musical underscore , ultimately taking guests to the frozen-in-time Port Orleans Resorts , where horse-drawn carriages and a hot plate of beignets are just steps away .
PREVIOUS PAGE : The Crescent Lake boats offer beautiful views of the water . PHOTO BY RICH RAMOS