How can you be faster than a Disney ferry boat? Well, if you're in the mood for a walk, you can often beat the ferry boat's back to your resort, in some cases.
The best example of this is the one that takes guests from Disney's Hollywood Studios to the boardwalk area resorts -- Boardwalk, Beach Club, and Yacht Club. There's also a beautiful walking path that you can use to get from Disney's Hollywood Studios to the boardwalk area resorts.
The walk is a bit of a hike, especially if you're staying at Disney's Beach Club Resort, but due to the various stops, loading, and unloading on the ferry boats, you almost always beat them back to your resort.
I know you're not usually feeling like walking much more after a day in Hollywood Studios, but it can be very nice, especially in the cooler months of the year. No crowds, nice scenery and back to your room more quickly.