What time do the boats start running to MK?

[CJK]

I've looked, but can't seem to find when the boats start running to MK. If wanting to get to the park for the 8:40am welcome show, do the boats run on time, or should we take the bus?

 

[peg110]

It's my understanding that the transportation is supposed to start 1 hour prior to the earliest scheduled (public) event. So if you have the Keys to the Kingdom tour at 8:30 even though the park isn't scheduled to open until 9, then the transportation should be running by 7:30. That said, however, many folks have stated that the buses start at 6:30, but that's from leaving their "Terminal" and not at the campground. Also, it's been suggested that if you are there present for the FIRST boat to MK you may still be at the back of the crowd for the Rope Drop (show). It has also been suggested that the boat from FW to Wilderness Lodge (and the Contemporary) actually is earlier and less crowded. You take that boat to the Contemporary, then walk to MK and you can get to RD early and near the front.

Your Mileage may differ and I have not tried this personally. I Know we have made RD several times from FW on the normal boat to MK, but we are usually in the back of the crowd. This is not really an issue for us, since the "Show" is UP at the train, you can basically see it well from anywhere inside the gate (where you scan your Magic Bands)

 

[bama_ed]

I've looked, but can't seem to find when the boats start running to MK. If wanting to get to the park for the 8:40am welcome show, do the boats run on time, or should we take the bus?

Nobody punches a clock here.

This is the sign for the small boat that runs between WL-CR-FW from the right side of the FW dock. Take it to the CR and walk to the MK gate.



This is the sign for the big boat that runs to the MK from the left side of the FW dock.



Sometimes the pre-opening show starts a little early and they rope drop 10-15 minutes before the stated time. I've been there when they did that. In that case the big boat would miss the show.

To GUARANTEE being there in time to see the show, take the CR boat and walk to the MK gate early. Most times the big boat has gotten us there but that one time they started early.

Bama Ed

 

[CJK]

Thank you!