Hi Christina, and welcome back to planDisney!
Renting a motorized boat is one of my favorite hidden gem activities at Disney World. It’s such a relaxing way to take a midday break away from the hustle and bustle of the theme parks.
The boat rental hours are currently 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the marinas located at
Grand Floridian Resort,
Contemporary Resort, and
Beach and
Yacht Club Resorts (be sure to check the recreation schedule when you get there in case the hours have changed). The first two are my favorites because you get to explore the waterways around
Magic Kingdom, and you can even see the top of Cinderella Castle in the distance! One of the coolest parts is the water bridge that goes over World Drive. You’ll get to sail over it as you head towards
Wilderness Lodge.
The pontoon boats are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Since there are no reservations for this activity, you may need to wait if all of the boats are out. For the best chance at a shorter queue, you may want to try arriving about 30 minutes before opening, or I've also had luck later in the afternoon (but not too close to closing!). If there’s a wait, you can pass the time by browsing the resort gift shops or picking up snacks or non-alcoholic drinks for your voyage. When my friends and I rented a boat from the Grand Floridian Marina, we stopped by
Gasparilla Island Grill before leaving.
A few other things to keep in mind as you plan your excursion! The pontoon boats seat up to 10 people, and drivers must be at least 18 years of age or older and show a valid driver’s license, state-issued ID, or military ID to rent. The boats also have a Bluetooth speaker on board, so start getting your playlist together! If Disney movies have taught us anything, it’s that every adventure needs an inspirational soundtrack. And finally, remember to pack sunscreen and stay hydrated.
I’m wishing you a magical time on the water this December! And if you have any other questions, you’re always welcome at planDisney.
JoAnna