New aerial photos show a second deck now under construction for the fourth Magic Kingdom ferryboat. The vessel has grown from a flat, single-level structure into a two-story build, matching the shape of the existing fleet. Here’s a closer look!
Second Deck Construction Begins on Magic Kingdom’s Fourth Ferryboat
IN THIS ARTICLE:
- A look at the newly built second deck, and where construction currently stands compared to last month
- The full story so far, from approval to assembly
The Second Deck Takes Shape
New aerial photos from friend of the site Bioreconstruct show the fourth Magic Kingdom ferryboat with a second deck now built on top of last month’s hull. A large metal deck spans nearly the full length of the vessel. Crews still have to complete the ends of either side of the deck.
The new deck has a couple of rectangular cutouts along its centerline. These sit in a similar spot to the openings we saw on the first deck below, and align with where the staircases are on the current fleet.
A yellow mobile crane remains staged in the adjacent parking lot, with a boom lift and a telehandler sitting nearby. The vessel still rests on cradle supports outside the same large assembly building, with its bow facing out into the lot.
The vessel was built off-site, and is being assembled in a marina near Magic Kingdom.
Compared to Last Month
We reported last month that crews had only finished the first deck. That formed the flat lower level of the hull. At the time, we noted the fleet’s existing boats stand two levels tall. The upper deck that gives them their familiar look had not yet been added.
These new photos confirm the second level is now underway. The addition brings the Meg Gilbert Crofton much closer in appearance to the Admiral Joe Fowler, the General Joe Potter, and the Richard F. Irvine. The vessel remains unpainted as assembly continues. We’ve heard the Crofton will carry a purple scheme, though Disney hasn’t confirmed that yet.
The Story So Far
- Walt Disney World received approval for the Magic Kingdom ferryboat expansion project in March 2026.
- Disney then announced the fourth ferryboat would debut in 2027, naming it the Meg Gilbert Crofton after the resort’s fourth president.
- We exclusively reported that assembly had begun on the new vessel in May 2026.
- Aerial photos soon confirmed that assembly was underway near the Seven Seas Lagoon.
- We reported last month that the vessel’s first deck had been fully assembled, forming the flat lower level of the hull.
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!