What time to leave MK?

[mshanson3121]

If we want to take the boat over to Fort Wilderness for the 4:00 show of HDDR, what time do we need to leave MK by? How often do the boats run?

Also, what is the boat ride like? We will actually have our own car there, but we thought the boat ride might be neat for the kids. I'm assuming it runs rain or shine.

 

[Robo]

If we want to take the boat over to Fort Wilderness for the 4:00 show of HDDR,

A. what time do we need to leave MK by?

B. How often do the boats run?

C. Also, what is the boat ride like?

D.We will actually have our own car there, but we thought the boat ride might be neat for the kids.

E. I'm assuming it runs rain or shine.

A. 2:45-3:15 will do it.

B. Every 15-20 minutes.

C. Very nice. Most of the boats accommodate a large number of guests.
Most of the seating is inside the boat, but there are several seats outside/uncovered, too.
Takes about 10-15 minutes, once boarded and underway.

D. Zero point in driving to FtW, as all guests must then take a bus to/from anywhere in the complex (as is the case for the Hoop's Pioneer Hall.)

E. Yup. (They are cautious of lightning.)

Boat Dock for FtW shuttle boats at #3 below.

 

[ghtx]

If you are out of the park 45-60 minutes before the HDDR starts, you should be fine.

The boat ride is basically just a boat ride. It will run rain or shine, but I think if there is lightning they will stop the boats (and replace them with buses).

 

[AngiTN]

For what it's worth (not sure of when you are going) we have been there when they docked the boats due to high winds, so that is a possibility too. As PP said, they do add in additional buses when this happens.

Something else to point out, there are 2 different boats used. 1 is larger with a true inside with walls/windows and an outdoor area (strollers can roll on this one) The other is smaller, open on all sides (strollers must be folded on this one). They tend to alternate most of the time so if you happened to get there and found a Dingy (smaller of the 2) you do have the option of waiting for the next boat since most likely it's the larger version. This would only be an issue for me if it were raining since you stand to get wet on the open air boat.