Are you looking to add a little splurge to your next Disney World vacation? A private fireworks cruise at Magic Kingdom may be just the ticket! Departing from a variety of marinas around Bay Lake and the Seven Seas Lagoon, this cruise is available nightly all year long. My family recently enjoyed our very first private fireworks cruise and I can guarantee it won’t be our last! Read on to learn more about what makes this splurge worth the price.
When booking your nighttime cruise, you will first be asked which marina you would like to depart from. The available options are:
- Contemporary Marina
- Fort Wilderness Marina
- Grand Floridian Marina
- Polynesian Marina
- Wilderness Lodge Marina
We chose to depart from the Wilderness Lodge Marina on the recommendation of the cast member who assisted me when booking. It is a nice distance away from the Seven Seas Lagoon so we would have plenty of time to navigate around Bay Lake prior to viewing Happily Ever After fireworks show. Upon our arrival at Wilderness Lodge Marina, we were met by helpful marina staff as well as our private boat captain.
Our group of 7 boarded a lovely 21-foot pontoon boat. Per Disney’s impeccable standards, the boat looked brand new and absolutely spotless. Towels were laid out neatly on every seating surface and there was plenty of room for our crew to sit comfortably, including two lounge-type seats in the way back that were perfect for the older teens in our party.
The captain got everyone settled and offered us all a variety of drinks that were included in the voyage including water and soda. There were also a variety of snacks available, including chips, candy bars, rice cereal treats and more. They were very accommodating of the member of our party who has a nut allergy with options available for her as well. We had chosen to add a private dining option to our voyage and were very pleased with the champagne, wine and chocolate covered strawberries that we had ordered.
Once everyone had a beverage in hand and was happily snacking, we embarked on a fascinating tour of Bay Lake. Our captain took us around the lake and pointed out the former Discovery Island attraction where guests were able to visit live animals in a small park up until it closed in 1999. We also were able to see the site of the former River Country waterpark which was open to guests until 2001. A new resort is currently planned for the former River Country site.
After completing our tour of Bay Lake, we crossed the amazingly cool water bridge from Bay Lake to the Seven Seas Lagoon. We first did a quick tour past the Contemporary, Polynesian and Grand Floridian resorts and then pulled up directly in front of the entrance to the Magic Kingdom. I’ve seen many a fireworks show at Magic Kingdom but this was by far the most spectacular vantage point. The score for Happily Ever After was piped into our boat, even accounting for the slight time difference because we were further back from the park itself. Everyone in our group was blown away by the view and the whole experience.
Our cruise was in mid-February, and even though the temperature in the daytime had been in the mid-80s, the night was chilly and we were glad to have dressed warmly. The cruises are offered year-round, so I would be sure to dress in layers and if you are going during the winter, be sure to bundle up.
Pricing and Booking Details
Prices for the private fireworks cruises start as follows:
- 21-foot pontoon seats 8 guests and starts at $299 plus tax
- 25-foot boat seats 10 guests and starts at $349 plus tax
- Grand 1 Yacht starts at $399 per hour, plus tax, and seats 18 Guests (or 17 if traveling with a butler)
Reservations can be made up to 60 days in advance by calling (407) WDW-PLAY or (407) 939-7529. Guests under 18 years of age must have parent or guardian permission to call. The cruise must be paid in full at time of booking. If you choose to add private dining options to your voyage, the agent who assists you with booking your cruise will provide the phone number to the private dining area associated with the resort from which you are departing.
If you are celebrating a special event, or just looking for a fun splurge for your next Walt Disney World vacation, adding a nighttime fireworks cruise to your trip could be just the ticket!
Ready to experience your next Walt Disney World vacation? As an agent with Chip & Co’s official travel partner, Key to the World Travel, I would love to help with your first, or next, Walt Disney World, Disney Cruise Line or Disneyland vacation! Email me at missy.graner@keytotheworldtravel.com or simply fill out the quote request below. And be sure to follow me on Facebook and Instagram.
Let our friends at Destinations to Travel help you book your next Disney Vacation. They are the preferred Travel Agency of Chip and Company and Disney Addicts, and who we use ourselves.
Get started Now for your FREE No Obligation Quote.
Book With our friends at Destinations to Travel
- Food Allergies and Dietary Restrictions at Walt Disney World - June 15, 2019
- Best Attractions at Animal Kingdom with Little to No Wait - June 9, 2019
- Best Attractions at Magic Kingdom with Little to No Wait - June 2, 2019
