Getting to Magic Kingdom is part of the magic, isn’t it? For those of us who adore the iconic ferryboats, get ready for some exciting news: Walt Disney World adds a brand new vessel to its fleet! This marks the first expansion of the ferry fleet since 1976 – a truly historic moment.

If you’re « team ferryboat » like me, you know this is huge. Seriously, it’s a 120-foot-long game-changer! Imagine: next year, our beloved fleet of three ferries on Seven Seas Lagoon grows to four. Yes, four!

This isn’t just any boat; a dedicated team of engineers and craft workers built it right here in Florida. Currently, it’s undergoing construction at a marina, but soon, pieces of this magnificent vessel will make their way to Walt Disney World. The assembly, painting, and all those special Disney touches will take about a year. So, we’ll see this beauty launch in 2027! The anticipation is real.

You know the names: Admiral Joe Fowler, General Joe Potter, Richard F. Irvine. These are the legends whose names grace our current ferries, a tribute from 1997 to their pivotal roles in bringing Walt Disney World to life. Now, three decades later, a new name joins this prestigious list: the Meg Gilbert Crofton. She was Walt Disney World’s fourth president, starting her Disney journey in 1977 as a marketing manager and leading the resort from 2006 to 2013. This is such a cool tradition!

Just like the others, Meg’s portrait, crafted by Walt Disney Imagineering, will greet guests on the first deck. A plaque will share her incredible story with everyone sailing across Seven Seas Lagoon. Meg herself expressed her humility and gratitude, saying, « I was humbled to learn that my name would be on this new ferryboat. It means so much to be recognized by the cast members I had the privilege of working with for so many years. » It’s truly a testament to her impact.

Meg’s legacy at Walt Disney World is immense. During her presidency, she oversaw the resort’s first major theme park expansion since Animal Kingdom opened: the incredible New Fantasyland in Magic Kingdom! She brought us fan-favorites like Seven Dwarfs Mine Train and Be Our Guest Restaurant.

Meg also shaped the resort’s hotel landscape, opening the beloved Art of Animation in 2012. This family-friendly resort immerses guests in stories from Finding Nemo, Cars, The Lion King, and The Little Mermaid, complete with giant characters and the fabulous Big Blue Pool. But her impact goes beyond brick and mortar. She truly cared about the Cast Members, always fostering their dreams and aspirations.

It’s no surprise her Main Street, U.S.A. window, unveiled in 2015, honors her as the founder of the « Center for Leadership Development, » with the inspiring inscription: « We start leaders on their journeys. »

Seriously, who else thinks a ferryboat ride across Seven Seas Lagoon is an attraction in itself? That view from the upper deck, gliding towards Magic Kingdom, is pure magic. This new vessel will blend perfectly with our current fleet, offering the same capacity and classic look. Get ready to experience it for yourselves! I literally can’t wait for you to « sea » it! (Pun intended!)