OKW Boats

[MI_firefighter]

Maybe with the temperature checks coming to an end we'll see the return of the boats. Wishful thinking I'm sure.

 

[ILoveMyDVC]

Also Fireworks and Typhoon lagoon, please

 

[Douglas Dubh]

Maybe with the temperature checks coming to an end we'll see the return of the boats. Wishful thinking I'm sure.

It probably wouldn’t hurt to send an email and ask for them to return.

 

[Philsfan77]

It probably wouldn’t hurt to send an email and ask for them to return.

I actually think you're onto something here.

 

[Chuck S]

Remember that those boats are not funded by DVC or OKW. The original boats, with the comfy seats and limited to 10 people were funded by OKW dues through the recreation budget, but the new boats are funded by the Disney Springs merchants. And yes, everyone wants them back. But I doubt we'll be seeing them resume service as long as Port Orleans resort is closed, since their service is also funded the same way. They may want more guests overall before resuming the boat service and restarting that payroll and maintenance.

 

[BethanyMouse]

We are staying at OKW for the first time this summer and I too am hoping these boats return! I have barely heard any talk about this and I am a bit surprised.

 

[condorthb]

When we stayed at Universal in November, they were able to use the resort to park boats while social distancing. I wonder why the OKW boats can't?

 

[Chuck S]

When we stayed at Universal in November, they were able to use the resort to park boats while social distancing. I wonder why the OKW boats can't?

It likely depends upon who is paying for the boats. Disney's resort to park boats are running (BWV, YC/BC/Swalphin to EPC and DHS) The Disney Springs Boats are not running from any of the 3 resorts on the canal. Again. likely because the Springs Merchant Association isn't funding them right now.

 

[MI_firefighter]

Interesting, I always figured Disney footed the bill for those boats. I figured the hangup was where the docked and no temperature checks at that dock.

 

[DL1WDW2]

I guess the capacity per boat would make them very expensive for the business to justify. I really miss them and hope they can be returned soon.
Also can not believe the trams in the parking lots are not considered a necessity in the heat.

 

[NoTime42]

I guess the capacity per boat would make them very expensive for the business to justify. I really miss them and hope they can be returned soon.
Also can not believe the trams in the parking lots are not considered a necessity in the heat.

Guests survived last summer without trams.

their biggest problem was dumping tons of guests off at temp check vs a regular flow.

with temp check being phased out and now social distancing being reduced outdoors, they are removing most of the barriers that were preventing using trams.

 

[Evita_W]

Guests survived last summer without trams.

their biggest problem was dumping tons of guests off at temp check vs a regular flow.

with temp check being phased out and now social distancing being reduced outdoors, they are removing most of the barriers that were preventing using trams.

The problem is now that guests have shown they are willing to come without trans, why would Disney spend the money to run them again?

 

[mamamia2005]

I really hope the boats return. We are due to stay over Christmas / new year, ( if we are allowed to fly from the UK!) and love getting the boat to Disney Springs in the evenings.

 

[carolinadj]

Any more word on the boats?

 

[Chuck S]

I'm not sure they will return until Port Orleans reopens, since the 3 resorts on the canal share boat staff and boat maintenance. Especially with the labor shortage we are seeing right now. My understanding is that the Springs boats are paid for by the Merchants association.

 

[carolinadj]

Thanks for the update.