Staying at Disney World hotels comes with lots of perks, but some of those perks might not always be available.

Sassagoula River Boat

While we’re still waiting on the return of package pick up, there are others that we tend to use almost without thinking about them when staying at a Disney World hotel. Most recently, one of these perks has become unreliable, though, and if you’re not prepared, it could leave you in a tough spot!

Sometimes, the choice to stay at a Disney World hotel for your next Disney vacation seems almost like a non-question. With so many perks like early morning entry, extra magic hours at select resorts on certain nights, and complimentary transportation to and from the parks, Disney World really tries to make getting around to all of its hotels and parks as simple as possible.

Sassagoula River Cruise to Disney Springs

But, we’ve come to realize that one of these “perks” just can’t seem to be trusted as an option at certain times of the year, and if you’re not careful, it can really throw a wrench in your plans and mess with your entire day. So, which perk exactly are we talking about? Well, it’s the boat transportation between Disney Springs and the nearby hotels.

What’s The Problem?

When the boat transportation isn’t running between Disney Springs and the surrounding hotels, it’s typically due to an issue with the weather or water levels affecting the ability of the boats to move.

The boats are closed

You might see the boats in the water and stationed at the docks, but that doesn’t always mean they’re cleared for passengers. When this happens, hotel guests and those looking for transportation along these routes are forced to take other transportation measures that they may not have factored in already.

How Often Does This Happen?

Well, that’s a more complicated answer. While we’ve seen this happen recently in 2024…

The boat dock in Disney Springs

…we also experienced another dry spell that caused boat operations to halt for several weeks over the summer of 2023, t00.

The short answer is, more often than not, the boats are typically running; however, we recommend tracking the Orlando weather around Disney World leading up to your trip (and keeping a close eye on the news we post) to be sure there won’t be any delays in your current transportation plans to take the boats OR be able to catch an issue before you arrive so you’re not so unpleasantly surprised.

What Do We Do If Boat Transporation Isn’t An Option?

That’s an excellent question, and we’re glad you’re asking NOW rather than when you’re (seemingly) stranded and frustrated. While it might appear at first glance that all hope is lost, it’s not totally! If boat transportation isn’t running during your trip, this just means you’ll need to line up an alternate form of transportation to Disney Springs or around Disney World property.

Boats are BACK!

When the boats aren’t running, the hotels will have complimentary bus transportation running…

©Disney

…and a walkway is always available from Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort.

Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort

If time is truly of the essence, you’ll have options to call for a taxi, Uber or Lyft, and Minnie Van service.

Minnie Vans

It’s not a bad idea to have an alternate mode of transportation in mind just in case of an issue or if you happen to notice the lack of rain for several days during or leading up to your vacation. Of course, water levels aren’t the only deciding factor as to whether or not these boats will be running day to day, but they seem to be a good indication to predict any long-lasting issues with transportation until the next big rain storm moves into the area.

We’re always talking about tips, tricks, and updates that can affect your Disney World vacations, so be sure to check back in with us often at Disney Food Blog for all the latest changes!

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Which of the Disney World perks do you tend to enjoy most? Tell us in the comments below!