The Walt Disney World ferryboat fleet is, once again, operating at 100% after the Richard F. Irvine ferryboat returned to service following a dry dock refurbishment. We first noticed that the Irvine was missing in February, and it returned to service either earlier this month or late last month. We recently hopped aboard to take a look at the changes!
Richard F. Irvine Ferryboat Refresh Includes New Paint
In our February article, we anticipated the Irvine to return to service in late March or early April. That has proven to be the case. The photos above were taken more than a week ago, with the photos below captured more recently as our travels aligned with taking the Richard F. Irvine from Magic Kingdom back to the Transportation & Ticket Center.
Our February article also included some speculation that the scope of the work would include new paint and work on the engines. While we were not able to confirm if the engines received work, it would stand to reason that maintenance would be happy to roll up their sleeves and get to work with the vessel on dry land.
On the paint front, the Richard F. Irvine enjoys a new, darker color for the trim. Beyond that, we’re told that teams repainted a lot of other surfaces, including refinishing a lot of the wood found on board. Here’s a look!
Back in early February, Walt Disney World filed a permit for the construction of a dock and the expansion of the Magic Kingdom ferryboat queue. In late March, that permit was approved.
In our March coverage of the permit approval, we speculated that Magic Kingdom could receive a fourth ferryboat to the fleet in the coming years. With Piston Peak National Park and Villains Land set to drive a significant increase in attendance to Magic Kingdom, Walt Disney World will likely be looking to expand ferryboat service across the Seven Seas Lagoon, connecting the Magic Kingdom parking lot to the theme park proper.
Check out our article below for the latest on the dock, ferryboat queue expansion, and why a fourth ferryboat looks likely.
As always, keep checking back with us here at BlogMickey.com as we continue to bring you the latest news, photos, and info from around the Disney Parks!