Disney World’s free transportation system really can’t be beat. It’s FREE, for starters, but it’s also efficient and convenient.
Between Disney World buses, the Monorail, the Skyliner, and boats, you can get to pretty much anywhere you need to go on Disney World property. But sometimes closures can happen that can affect how you get from point A to point B. For example in bad weather, the Skyliner closes. Other circumstances also affect transportation, and we’ve got a closure to warn you about right now.
As of April 28th, the Sassagoula River Cruise Boats are currently closed. These are the boats that ferry Disney World visitors between Disney Springs and Disney’s Old Key West Resort, Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa, Disney’s Port Orleans Resort — Riverside, and Disney’s Port Orleans Resort — French Quarter.
We spoke with a Cast Member who could not confirm why the boats are closed, but we’re fairly certain it’s not weather-related since it was a beautiful day in Disney World on the day we noticed the closure. It is also uncertain if the boats will be back up and running again tomorrow.
If you are visiting Disney World and need to get to or from Disney Springs from one of those hotels, buses are running. At Disney Springs, you can find the buses at the Town Center Bus Depot located between the Lime and Orange garages.
Last year, the boats closed in June due to low water levels and were closed again in August due to construction on a retaining wall near the bridge. When we asked Cast Members about the issue, we were told that it’s possible that this is again due to low water levels, and if the area continues to encounter a lack of rain, it could be an ongoing concern.
We’ll be keeping an eye on the situation and let you know when the boats are running again, so stay tuned to DFB for more.
WATCH OUT for 4 Transportation PROBLEMS at Disney World Hotels
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Have you ever seen this transportation problem in Disney World? Let us know in the comments!
Norma says
Wow! I only go to wdw for the resorts and Disney Springs as I don’t have a smartphone and Disney has made it too confusing and stressful to enjoy the parks without one. This will definitely change my travel plans! Not only do I enjoy the boats but taking a bus is no longer convenient to and from Disney Springs since they put the bus stop all the way to its far end! And it takes a lot longer without the beautiful scenery and relaxation of the boat routes. Extremely disappointed…..
Jim says
There has been a noticeable lack of rain in April. I hope they use this down time to figure out why half the boats list to the port side… Unbalanced boats are nervy.
Joy says
Oh noooooo. I hope they fix it really soon! We were hoping to use it to get from Disney Springs to Riverside in a few weeks.
Tracy says
I hope this is temporary! I’m staying at Saratoga Springs in 3 weeks and I love taking the boat to Disney Springs. I hope it reopens by then!
Josh says
We checked in today at Port Orleans Riverside after a Disney Cruise and we were sad to see the boats closed. We asked a cast member by the dock at the resort and they confirmed it is closed until the water levels rise again. The water level is very much visibly low judging by the dark water line on the walls of the waterway.
Luci says
Just got home from a Saratoga springs trip. Boat was down for the last two days. Not a huge deal, but I always like the ride and it drops you off at a perfect location.
A cast member confirmed to us it was because the water levels were low (this was also left as a message on the room phone).
It was also mentioned unless the forecast changes, it could be down for a week or two.