Disney has filed a permit application to expand the North Service Area (NSA) Marina on Bay Lake. The filing was made with the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD). It proposes new floating dock sections, replacement and relocation of dozens of pilings, and dredging along the marina’s shoreline. Here’s a look at what’s happening and why Disney World is interested in a backstage marina expansion right now.
Disney World Files for Backstage Marina Expansion Near Magic Kingdom
IN THIS ARTICLE:
- What Disney is proposing at the North Service Area Marina and why
- Dredging, piling, and dock details from the permit filing
The NSA Marina sits along the northern edge of Bay Lake, between Disney University and Magic Kingdom. The marina functions as a backstage, operational facility for Disney to perform maintenance and store watercraft.
The application describes the project’s basic purpose as adding new docks to the existing marina. Slip count at the marina would rise from 9 to 11. As we’ll explore later in this article, that addition of two slips could prove insightful.
Dredging and Piling Work
The proposed work covers 38,605 square feet, or about 0.89 acres, along the Bay Lake shoreline. Dredging accounts for roughly 723 cubic yards, with 5 cubic yards of fill also planned within surface waters. Site plans show a dredge footprint extending along the marina’s edge. Proposed grading brings the lakebed down to an elevation of 86.5 feet in that area.
Piling work makes up a large share of the proposal. Plans call for replacing 9 existing 12-inch round piles, relocating 4 more, and adding 8 new ones, a net gain of 8 piles overall. Disney’s compensating storage calculations account for as many as 12 additional piles, giving the project some flexibility in final placement. The dock area itself would grow from about 3,400 square feet to roughly 4,800 square feet, an increase of about 1,400 square feet. Slip count at the marina would rise from 9 to 11.
Dock Layout and Construction
Site plans group the proposed work around the marina’s existing dock rows. New floating dock sections include a 20-foot extension and a 40-foot finger addition near the southern end of the site.
The facility’s operations won’t change as part of the expansion, according to the application, and the scope doesn’t include additional fueling infrastructure. The work appears to be about simply creating more space.
Why the Expansion May Be Happening Now
Nothing in the permit filing explains the added capacity beyond the basic project description. Timing lines up with other watercraft activity already underway on Bay Lake, though, including construction of a fourth Magic Kingdom ferryboat.
Watercraft Cast Members have indicated that two additional vessels are slated to serve the new Disney’s Lakeshore Lodge resort once it opens. Disney hasn’t officially announced any vessel additions tied to that project. A larger active fleet would need somewhere to dock and stage when not carrying guests. The marina’s added slips and piles would give Disney more room for a fleet expansion.
Currently, the permit application says that Disney has a fleet of 12 relevant vessels: six 66′ cruisers and six 38′ launches
As of this filing, the SFWMD and CFTOD still have the application under review. Disney hasn’t received approval yet. We’ll continue watching this permit as it moves through the process and will report on developments as they become available.
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