We encountered an interesting but great addition to the boat service. It seems we were there when all 3 hotels were sold out. There was a sign at City Walk where the boats load that said show your on-site hotel key. We asked and were told hotel guests gets priority boarding back to the hotels.
There were a few times we just walked (from PBH) because it was much quicker than waiting for a boat. We got good at estimating by the lines waiting for a boat as to if it was worth the wait! They count off the first 40 people and close the line, wait till the boat is loaded then add as they see fit.
The Captains are terrific! They do their best and keep things running as smooth as possible. If you dont make the first boat another was always along shortly after.