For the first time since 1976, Walt Disney World is expanding its fleet of ferryboats, which provide free transportation to Magic Kingdom.
Currently under construction at a marina in Florida, Disney World's new ferryboat will set sail next year, expanding the fleet from three to four ferries.
"This new vessel will fit seamlessly alongside our existing ferryboats, with a similar capacity, look and feel," Disney said in a blog post.
Disney World is preparing to ship the new ferryboat, in pieces, over the next couple of weeks. When it arrives at the resort, the team will have to assemble the pieces and paint the vessel, which will take around a year.
The existing three ferryboats – the Admiral Joe Fowler, General Joe Potter and Richard F. Irvine – are named after three people who played a key role in the creation of Disney World.
The new addition will be called the Meg Gilbert Crofton, paying tribute to Disney World's fourth president, Meg Crofton.
"I was humbled to learn that my name would be on this new ferryboat," Crofton said. "It means so much to be recognized by the cast members I had the privilege of working with for so many years."
Meg Crofton at Disney World
Crofton started her Disney career in 1977 as a marketing manager. After holding several roles in the company, she served as president of Walt Disney World between 2006 and 2013.
The new ferryboat is part of Magic Kingdom's largest-ever expansion, with Disney "also investing in our experiences that get you to the park", it said in the blog post.
The project includes a new Cars -themed area in Magic Kingdom's Frontierland, as well as the first-ever land inspired by Disney villains.
Images courtesy of Disney
