Now is a wonderful time to be planning for the future and the good times ahead. If you have booked a Walt Disney World vacation for the future, there are so many wonderful ways to make your vacation to Walt Disney World that much more special by adding on a fun or magical enhancement to your vacation.
For my 30th Birthday last year, I wanted to do something fun and different with some of my family and friends. I love Walt Disney World, and what better way than putting 2 wonderful celebrations together. I decided to plan a fireworks cruise, which would give everyone the opportunity to watch Happily Ever After, right from the water on our own private boat! Not only can you pick from Happily Ever at Magic Kingdom to watch, but if you prefer Epcot, you can catch Epcot Forever right from the water as well!
Departure Locations:
You will depart from Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Resort if you are planning to watch Epcot Forever, or if you plan to watch Happily Ever After at Magic Kingdom, you would sail from one of the marinas to view the fireworks show:
Contemporary Marina
Polynesian Marina
Grand Floridian Marina
Fort Wilderness Marina
Wilderness Lodge Marina
We departed from Contemporary Marina. While Grand Floridian Resort is actually my favorite resort, I knew Contemporary Resort would actually have the longest boat ride to the Seven Seas Lagoon. We got to ride over the bridge, all around Contemporary and go the “back” way out to Seven Seas Lagoon, so we didn’t have a short ride into the lagoon, which made it more fun and the time passed quickly while waiting for the fireworks since we had a longer ride to the lagoon. This also made it fun after we finished the fireworks show to go up to the lounge at California Grill and have drinks with everyone after the boat ride with views of Magic Kingdom. That really did make it more special and a fun way to end the night.
What’s Included:
Each cruise comes with a captain and includes snacks and soft drinks. (I’m talking good snacks, like Mickey Rice Krispy treats, chips, Chex Mix, etc!) Banners and balloons are also included in the cost and can be requested at the time of booking if you are celebrating a birthday like I was. If you want to add in alcohol or other fun goodies, those are a separate charge and are not included in the charter cost. I did add on alcohol so that we had some drinks to have during our charter. There are many other options to choose from for private dining that can be added on to your private cruise like personalized cakes, hors d’oeuvres, miniature desserts, chocolate-covered strawberries, champagne, etc! If you decide you want to add on more than what is already included with your private cruise as I did, you would call the Private Dining line at the resort you plan to depart from in order to add on anything extra.
Fireworks:
The music from either Happily Ever After or Epoct Forever is audio synchronized right into the boat. You get a great view, fun experience, and a different perspective when you see the fireworks show from the boat in the water. In rare circumstances, fireworks shows may be rescheduled or canceled. Guests are encouraged to call and confirm the schedule at least 2 weeks prior to arrival.
Pricing:
There are a couple of different options to pick from for your charter depending on the number of guests you plan to have on your boat. Pricing can vary based on the time of day and the season and can always change at any time.
The 21-foot pontoon starts at $299 plus tax (seats 8 Guests)
The 25-foot boat starts at $349 plus tax (seats 10 Guests)
The Grand 1 Yacht starts at $399 per hour, plus tax (seats 18 Guests—or 17 if traveling with a butler)
Reservations:
To reserve a cruise, definitely do it as soon as you have your date in mind. This way you are guaranteed your date and availability won’t be an issue for you.
Important Details:
Before you book, please make sure to know:
Please arrive 1 hour and 15 minutes prior to fireworks start time in order to check in and get to your boat with plenty of time to get out on the water and to your destination before the show starts. Usually, you check in 1 hour and 15 minutes before the start of the fireworks show (this time varies depending on the night). You will then get to your boat, spend time doing a safety briefing and then take off to cruise the water for a bit before the fireworks start. Then, you spend about 10-15 minutes after the show in order to get back to the resort you departed from.
Boats are not equipped with full-size dining tables—food is served on cocktail tables.
For guests with limited mobility, wheelchair/ECV transfer is necessary.
Other Walt Disney World Cruise Options:
If you’re looking for something that may not be as expensive, Disney does have some other options for you to pick from.
Day Cruise Around the World
Enjoy a 25 foot pontoon boat. You will depart from Bayside Marina at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort and spend time riding around Crescent Lake and the World Showcase Lagoon at Epcot. You can spend your time relaxing and seeing Epcot from an entirely different perspective. This boat holds up to 10 guests and includes a captain, snacks, and soft drinks. Private Dining can be arranged for an additional charge and if you are wanting to make it a lunch sailing, you can also do that with the help of Private Dining. You would need to contact Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Resort to enhance your cruise. The Day Cruise Around the World is $149 plus tax and this price is for a party of up to 10. Of course, pricing is subject to change at any time. I always suggest as soon as you have a date in mind you are interested in this experience to call and book so that way you are guaranteed the best availability.
“Ferrytale” Fireworks Dessert Cruise
This cruise is definitely far less private than renting a boat from one of the resorts, but gives you a different experience and has a much different price. You will climb aboard one of the ferryboats at Ticket and Transportation Center. You will enjoy a selection of treats and specialty drinks with or without alcohol. You will enjoy the fireworks over Magic Kingdom and you can even wear “Mickey Vision” glasses that will be given to you and transform your view into an entirely different experience of these fireworks. “Ferrytale” Fireworks: A Sparkling Dessert Cruise takes place on select nights. Admission is $99 for adults and $69 for children ages 3 to 9 (tax and gratuity included), and even includes a special surprise you can take home with you. Advance reservations are highly recommended and can be made on this page up to 180 days prior to your visit. Same-day reservations can be made on a limited basis and are subject to availability. This is a great cruise that is offered, but is open many more guests than just your family, so keep that in mind that it would be less intimate than just renting a boat for your family.
Pirates & Pals Fireworks Voyage
This voyage starts at Disney’s Contemporary Resort where you will start with snacks including cookies, cupcakes, pretzels, ice cream, etc. along with hot and cold beverages. Captain Hook and Mr. Smee will also be onsite to meet people before you board your ship. You will then dock the boat and enjoy Disney trivia and sing Disney songs. Then, you will watch Happily Ever After fireworks all from the water. Pricing is $83.83 per adult (ages 10 and up); $49.87 per child (ages 3 to 9), tax and gratuity included. This is much cheaper than the other events but I find it less intimate with more people. It is still something fun and different to do, but I still recommend the experience that I had above. :)
If you have any questions about any of the specialty fireworks cruises that I mentioned above or need help planning a Walt Disney World Vacation, please contact me! I would love to help you and your family create new and exciting memories in the future!
Love and Travel Dust,
Molly
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