Currently, the Friendship Cruisers will run until 1 hour after Epcot or Studios closes (whichever is later).
FC used to be classified as "Attractions," however now they are classified under "Disney Transport." I'm hoping that with this classification, we can get them to run until the latter park is fully clear (11ish). If the Disney/MGM Studios closes at 9:00, and has a 9:00 Fantasmic... Those guests only have a half hour to catch the boat. And with thousands of people all exiting at once, it takes time for people to get out, especially those who might not move as quickly as others.
Once that boat shuts down... the only alternative is to walk back to the resort. And that can be quite a walk.
Don't get me wrong... as a bus driver, we are more than happy to take you back to your resort after the boats shut down, but they really should stay open later. (This is something I have brought up with mgmt). And unfortunetly, a lot of guests don't realize that they just need to ask us... (It's an unofficial thing... there is no set bus for it... we'll just pull an empty bus aside, and have them do the quick drop off and then come back.)