Friendship boats at Epcot

[8 Ears]

I can find very little information concerning the Friendship Boats at Epcot, fill me in please.
What time do they start running? How often do they run, how many of them? What is the typical wait time for them, what are their capacity?

In particular we want to take one from the Mexico area over to France (looks like it is more the Morocco area) Yes, I know we can walk faster but are trying to make this a more "relaxing" vacation and want to try more of the "little" things we have missed in the past. Thanks

 

[erikthewise]

There are two Friendship boat routes in Epcot, and I have only seen one boat on each route. One goes from the right side of World Showcase Plaza to Morocco, and one from the left side of World Showcase Plaza to Italy.

To get from Mexico to France by boat, turn right from Mexico and head toward Canada. Go to the second dock, after you pass the turnoff to Future World. Take the boat to Morocco, then France is just a little to the right.

Unless you are a very slow walker, it is almost always faster to walk than to take the boat. If you walk from Mexico to France the short way (past Canada and UK), it will take about 10 minutes on the average. The boats tend to wait that long or longer for passengers to board. If your feet are tired or you're just not in a hurry, the boats are fine.

There is no set schedule. It doesn't take them long to cross the lagoon, no more than five minutes. But between waiting for the boat (if necessary) then waiting for passengers, it seems to take at least 20 minutes average to get to the other side.

I'm not sure about capacity, but I would guess you can get at least 100 passengers on a boat

 

[DebbieB]

One runs on each side (front near Mexico to Germany, front near Canada to Morocco). There is a large capacity, I'd guess about 75 seated, plus standees. I'd say it's between 5 and 10 minutes to cross, 10 minutes to load, so if you just missed one it would probably be about 20 to 30 minutes before it comes back. I believe it starts running around 11:00 opening and closes about 7:00-7:30 when they get the lake ready for Illuminations.

 

[8 Ears]

Thanks for all the great information!!

 

[betterlatethannever]

...In particular we want to take one from the Mexico area over to France (looks like it is more the Morocco area) Yes, I know we can walk faster but are trying to make this a more "relaxing" vacation and want to try more of the "little" things we have missed in the past. Thanks

If you are going during the slow time of year, they sometimes only run one boat in a circle stopping at both Morroco and Germany, and then coming up to either(but not both) Mexico side of the plaza or Canada side of the plaza.

Ed

 

[bluejasmine]

It seemed like it was a long walk from FW to WS so I took the boat that ended up in Morroco it was a slow journey but it was nice and cool and you can get some great pics...

 

[8 Ears]

Thank you, we are looking forward to riding them on our next trip. Last time we missed 3 shows in WS, so we are headed over to see them.

 

[senecabeach]

Sounds like a great relaxing way to travel.

Think I'll do it too in September!!!!

Does anyone know if the boats are handicapped friendly...i.e...scooter and wheelchair accessible???

Thanks Much!

 

[DebbieB]

Sounds like a great relaxing way to travel.

Think I'll do it too in September!!!!

Does anyone know if the boats are handicapped friendly...i.e...scooter and wheelchair accessible???

Thanks Much!

Yes, they are handicapped accessible. They have a ramp they put on the back entrance so that you can get on.

 

[SueM in MN]

If you are going during the slow time of year, they sometimes only run one boat in a circle stopping at both Morroco and Germany, and then coming up to either(but not both) Mexico side of the plaza or Canada side of the plaza.

Ed

Even sometimes in the "not slow" times of the year.

And (agreeing with DebbieB), we have ridden them many times with DD's wheelchair and have seen people with scooters on the boat. If you are a new scooter user, a little practice acurately moving in narrow spaces and backing will b e helpful. The small ramp they use is not very that much wider than a wheelchair.

 

[DVC-Don]

We returned a week ago and only one boat was making the run.

 

[WillCAD]

Friendship launches also run from the International Gateway exit around Crescent Lake to the various Epcot resorts and all the way over to MGM. Sure, you can walk from Int'l Gateway to the Boardwalk or Yacht & Beach Clubs, but where's the fun in that?

 

[sacandjac]

On a hot day these boats are a life saver. Especially one hot day at the end of May-these boats were fantastic!! Great air conditioned way to travel and take a break!!

 

[betterlatethannever]

...Great air conditioned way to travel and take a break!!

As long as the passengers don't open the windows.

Ed

 

[CPer'sMom]

We returned a week ago and only one boat was making the run.

It all depends on which boats are running (ie, not in for repairs) at the time.
Best case is both boats out on the lagoon.

 

[CPer'sMom]

As long as the passengers don't open the windows.

Ed

Those are the same passengers who then complain to the captains that 'the air-conditioning isn't working back here' !!

 

[8 Ears]

AND they have AC!? We are planning on going in June, wahoo!