Disney is expanding its North Service Area Marina on Bay Lake at Walt Disney World, according to a newly filed permit. The project involves upgrading the backstage facility used to store and service Disney’s fleet of boats, which guests do not typically see. Plans include extending the floating dock by 20 feet, adding new docks with 40-foot fingers, and increasing total dock space from approximately 3,400 to 4,800 square feet. The construction will involve replacing nine existing pilings, relocating four others, and installing eight new ones. Disney also intends to dredge the outer edge of the marina to remove about 718 cubic yards of material for proper vessel depth. A floating turbidity barrier will be used during construction to contain sediment in the water. The expanded marina will have space for six 66-foot cruisers and six 38-foot launches, highlighting the scale of Disney’s watercraft operations. This project is part of broader investments in water transportation upgrades at Walt Disney World, including a new ferry boat expected in 2027 and expanded guest queues at Seven Seas Lagoon docks.
Key Points:
- A newly filed permit reveals plans to expand the North Service Area Marina on Bay Lake at Walt Disney World.
- The backstage marina is located at the northern end of Bay Lake and is used to store and service Disney’s fleet of boats.
- The permit application covers approximately 0.89 acres and calls for several upgrades to the existing marina.
- Plans include a 20-foot floating dock extension, a new floating dock with 40-foot fingers, and an increase in total dock space from roughly 3,400 square feet to about 4,800 square feet.
- Nine existing pilings would be replaced, four would be relocated, and eight new pilings would be added during the project.
- Disney plans to dredge along the outer edge of the marina, removing approximately 718 cubic yards of material to provide necessary depth for vessels.
- The permit lists space for six 66-foot cruisers and six 38-foot launches at the expanded marina.
- A fourth Magic Kingdom ferry boat is currently being built and is expected to enter service sometime in 2027.
- Disney is also expanding the guest queue at the Seven Seas Lagoon ferry docks near Magic Kingdom.