Disney World water taxis / ferry boats with toddlers

[Michiel]

Hi all,

Next year I will bring my then 2 year old daughter with me to Disney World for the first time. I am planning on staying at a DVC resort that has a water taxi connection.

Can anyone share their experience with small children on the Disney World water taxis or ferry boats? Do they need to wear life vests? And are these supplied?

Many thanks!

 

[sheilafri]

I regularly stay at the Swan/Dolphin and use the Friendship Boats. Many people get on with toddlers and strollers. I’ve never seen anyone, young or old, wear a life vest. I’m not usually on when it’s busy but i don’t think you are required to fold the strollers but they do need to go inside and not stay in the open rear section.

 

[Dug720]

I've never seen them make parents put one on - but per coast guard regulations they should have them in the event of an emergency. (Not sure what they do about numbers...perhaps the CMs know how many infant and child ones they have and would cut off boarding if they number is approached?)

I haven't paid attention to the announcements about infants/kids since I don't have them, but I'd imagine it's like the safari where they are not supposed to be seated on the edge.

 

[reddog21]

I have never seen anyone were a life vest, Florida doesn't require wearing a life vest for boats over 26ft.
Kids any age can sit anywhere, I have had my kids next to me(either side) or on my lap depending if the boat is crowded. On the bigger boats(not the magic kingdom ferry boats) that you
don't have to fold up your stroller your child isn't allowed to say in the stroller while underway at least it's been that way the last few time I went.

 

[Mle8308]

They do have life vests on board, stored. As others have said, I have never seen them used - guess that's a good thing!

 

[Best Aunt]

Are you talking about BCV/BWV boats to DHS? Or SSR/OKW boats to Disney Springs?

I haven't been on the SSR/OKW boats.

I've never seen anybody in a life vest on the BCV/BWV boats. To me it feels like you're close the shore and the water doesn't seem that deep. It doesn't feel like being in the middle of a big lake. If this website isn't blocked by the Dis, it has some photos which show how narrow the waterway is at points.
https://www.mousesteps.com/2015/08/...alk-via-the-walt-disney-world-boardwalk-2015/

 

[DeeBee3]

We have been on all the boats with 2 toddlers. No life vests. They are often enclosed and you are basically going slowly for a shortish period of time.

 

[_19disnA]

Have never seen anyone wear a life jacket on any Disney boat, I have no idea if they have them onboard for an emergency, but like others have said the trips are very short, you are never that far from land and the boats aren't on any kind of open water where there might be big waves or storms. I think it would make sense to hold the hand of any small child while on the boat and not let them run around unattended or stand on the seats near the edge, probably things most parents do anyway.

 

[Stratman50th]

The life jackets are under the seats. Wearing them is not required.

 

[Michiel]

Thanks all! Helps a lot!