Boat transport in bad weather

[Swimmergirl]

Question for you transportation experts... Do the boats stop running during thunderstorms? On our trip last week we walked around the boardwalk area for a while. It is my understanding that the BW, BC, YC and Swan/Dolphin all share boat service to the Studios and Epcot. Also, these resorts do not offer bus service to these parks. So, what happens in bad weather if you stay at one of these resorts? Do you have to wait for the storms to pass to get to a park or back to the resort? Or do they really have bus service and I'm mistaken?

 

[Tink9295]

They will add buses to compensate for the boats not running in bad weather. When I was at Fort Wilderness during Tropical Storm Fay, they stopped the boats going to MK. They bused us to the park. I assume that would be the case for all locations.

 

[ahoff]

How bad does the weather have to be? The only time I have used the boats was when it was bad weather and I didn't want to walk in the rain!

 

[DebbieB]

Question for you transportation experts... Do the boats stop running during thunderstorms? On our trip last week we walked around the boardwalk area for a while. It is my understanding that the BW, BC, YC and Swan/Dolphin all share boat service to the Studios and Epcot. Also, these resorts do not offer bus service to these parks. So, what happens in bad weather if you stay at one of these resorts? Do you have to wait for the storms to pass to get to a park or back to the resort? Or do they really have bus service and I'm mistaken?

There was one time I was there that the boats stopped running between DHS and Epcot. We were sent to busses. Another time the weather was OK but the boat line was really long at closing, we were directed to busses.

There normally is not bus service between Epcot, DHS and those resorts.

 

[goofy4tink]

The weather has to be pretty bad. I've been in the boats during storms before..sideways rain, and a big ole thunder boomer on it's way. But, if there is a storm directly overhead and it is too intense, they will run the buses.

 

[DonnaL]

No the boats do not run during bad weather. I was on a boat this past January from OKW heading to SSR....with stops at DTD West Side and DTD first... when an afternoon thunderstorm hit unexpectedly. We were almost at the DTD West Side dock when the rain began pouring down and the boat captain announced they were immediately canceling the remainder of the run and we would need to depart the boat at the DTD West Side dock and go to that bus stop to get to SSR or walk over to DTD if we chose.

 

[zulemara]

it depends on location. Friendships, Sasagula, and MK watercraft all have a different set of rules. They were also recently updated, but I THINK the rules are this:

Friendships - run during a storm, but if the wind is too intense they will shut down. not affected by lightning
Sasagula - same as Friendships thought I'm not sure on the lightning issue

MK(I know these for sure) -
Ferryboats(TTC to MK) - most affected by wind, so if the wind is really bad, they are usually the first to shut down. Visibility is also an issue as the Ferries will not run if their destination can not be seen while docked(TTC to MK or vice versa). This is primarily because docking is a long procedure and requires the proper setup.

Launches(gold, blue, and one on the red) - Shut down when lightning is within 5 miles of MK. To "bring us in line with attractions" this was changed last year in our new operating guide. Feel free to complain to guest relations because it's stupid. We are not an outdoor attraction, we have lightning protection on the boats, and we haven't had a problem for 40 years. I'm waiting for launches to be shut down and monorails go down...then we'll see how long this lasts, but anyway...

cruisers(green route and one red) - Only shut down due to wind, however, the bow is closed during lightning so it reduces the capacity of the cruisers down to about 90 from 120. Having said that, the windier the better, I like a challenge LOL. If I can't dock the boat, then I feel there is a legit reason for shutting down =P

In the event that MK watercraft is shut down, busses are brought online for FW. The rest of the resorts we service already have alternate forms of transportation available(WL and the monorail resorts)

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

In August 2010 when I was leaving Hollywood Studios it had started raining very hard. Now I was able to get on the boat and just before arriving at the Swan/Dolphin boat dock the captain made an announcemnet that we needed to stop at the Yacht Club/Beach Club boat dock since they were full at the Swan/Dolphin dock. He also said because there was a threat of lightning the boat service would not resume until they were told it was ok. We were also told the boat could be parked there between 20 minutes - 2 hours, so they said we can stay inside or get out and walk to our destination. I decided to get out and walk back to the Boardwalk since I didn't want to wait there not knowing how long it would take.

 

[zulemara]

In August 2010 when I was leaving Hollywood Studios it had started raining very hard. Now I was able to get on the boat and just before arriving at the Swan/Dolphin boat dock the captain made an announcemnet that we needed to stop at the Yacht Club/Beach Club boat dock since they were full at the Swan/Dolphin dock. He also said because there was a threat of lightning the boat service would not resume until they were told it was ok. We were also told the boat could be parked there between 20 minutes - 2 hours, so they said we can stay inside or get out and walk to our destination. I decided to get out and walk back to the Boardwalk since I didn't want to wait there not knowing how long it would take.

that's interesting, but also makes sense because Friendships are considered an attraction, not transportation(which on its own doesn't make any sense, but what does in this company?)

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

that's interesting, but also makes sense because Friendships are considered an attraction, not transportation(which on its own doesn't make any sense, but what does in this company?)

I always assumed they were considered transportation since they also stop at the Boardwalk, Yacht Club, Beach Club, Swan & Dolphin. So what makes them an attraction? I never considered the Monorail to be an attraction and that's the best example I can think of.

 

[zulemara]

I always assumed they were considered transportation since they also stop at the Boardwalk, Yacht Club, Beach Club, Swan & Dolphin. So what makes them an attraction? I never considered the Monorail to be an attraction and that's the best example I can think of.

I have absolutely no idea. All I know is they are not under the transportation umbrella, they are considered an attraction for whatever stupid reason.

Remember if it makes sense, Disney won't follow it or do it.

 

[twinklebug]

I have absolutely no idea. All I know is they are not under the transportation umbrella, they are considered an attraction for whatever stupid reason.

Remember if it makes sense, Disney won't follow it or do it.

It might have to do with getting the waterways certified by & maintained per the FL/US DOTs. I'm sure it comes down to a matter of control & finances. As an attraction, which Disney already have all the permits and licences for, all they have to do is make sure it's safe and have the typical inspections.