While most visitors to Walt Disney World pack their itineraries with rides, fireworks, and character meet-and-greets, there’s a quieter, lesser-known experience that deserves a spot on your Disney bucket list: the resort boat ride from Magic Kingdom to Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort and the Grand Floridian Resort & Spa.
During our last trip, we took a break from the midday crowds by hopping aboard one of the charming resort launches at the Magic Kingdom dock. These smaller boats provide water transportation to several nearby resorts and are often overlooked in favor of the more direct monorail or bus routes.
The boat we boarded took us first to the Grand Floridian and then on to the Polynesian Village Resort two of Disney’s most iconic and luxurious properties. The ride itself was a breath of fresh air literally. A calm breeze, gentle waves on the Seven Seas Lagoon, and spectacular views of Cinderella Castle, the Contemporary, and the resorts themselves made for a relaxing and scenic escape.
A Midday Retreat from the Parks
During our last trip, we took a break from the midday crowds and heat by hopping aboard one of the charming resort launches at the Magic Kingdom dock. These smaller boats provide water transportation to several nearby resorts and are often overlooked in favor of the more direct monorail or bus routes.
The boat we boarded took us first to the Grand Floridian and then on to the Polynesian Village Resort—two of Disney’s most iconic and luxurious properties. The ride itself was a breath of fresh air—literally. A calm breeze, gentle waves on the Seven Seas Lagoon, and spectacular views of Cinderella Castle, the Contemporary, and the resorts themselves made for a relaxing and scenic escape.
A Bit of History on the Water
This scenic water route is part of the original 1971 transportation system developed for Walt Disney World. Disney’s focus on immersive, guest-friendly experiences extended even to how visitors got around, and the Seven Seas Lagoon boat launches were designed as both functional and magical. The lagoon itself is manmade, and its creation required rerouting natural waterways and reshaping swampland a massive engineering feat that helped set the tone for Disney’s attention to detail.
The Polynesian Village Resort and Grand Floridian have long been flagships of the Disney hotel experience, with the Polynesian opening alongside Magic Kingdom in 1971 and the Grand Floridian joining the monorail loop in 1988.
Lunch and Leisure: Resort Hopping Done Right
After a brief stop at the Grand Floridian, we continued to the Polynesian where we grabbed a bite at the new Wailulu Bar & Grill, a laid-back quick service spot. The pulled Musubi, Sticky Pork Ribs, and Teriyaki Chicken Sliders didn’t disappoint.
After lunch, We walked back to the Grand Floridian and wandered through the elegant lobby to view their stunning Easter Egg Exhibit an annual tradition featuring intricate, hand-crafted chocolate eggs decorated by Disney pastry artists. The level of artistry was impressive and made the stop feel like a bonus attraction all its own.
A Simple, Magical Recommendation
If you’re looking for a calm, crowd-free Disney experience that costs nothing extra, I highly recommend taking the Magic Kingdom resort boat loop. It’s more than just transportation—it’s a mini attraction, a sightseeing cruise, and a way to explore two of Disney’s most beautiful resorts all in one smooth trip.
Whether you’re planning to grab lunch, snap photos, or just give your feet a break, this is one of the most charming and underrated experiences Walt Disney World has to offer.
