Disney World Fireworks Cruises: The Ultimate Guide

Looking for a way to celebrate a special occasion with a group? Don’t care to be sandwiched in with thousands of other people to watch the nighttime shows at Magic Kingdom or Epcot? Then a Disney World fireworks cruise is a fantastic option.

Here’s all you need to know about the private specialty fireworks cruises.

What is a private fireworks cruise?

Private fireworks cruises are essentially a pontoon boat rental with a Disney captain to navigate you and your party to a special spot to watch the nighttime spectaculars at either Magic Kingdom or Epcot.

They are a pay-one-price outing, so if you have a larger group (maximum is 10 guests) they are economical on a per-person basis.

We love using these chartered private specialty cruises to have a relaxing evening after a big park day or to celebrate a successful trip.

Epcot Fireworks Cruise

What to expect on your cruise

Epcot Fireworks cruises set sail from the marina dock at Disney’s Yacht Club. From there, your Disney captain will drive your private group around Crescent Lake for about 45 minutes.

Weather permitting, they typically take you up by Hollywood Studios before making their way back towards Epcot.

Before the fireworks begin, your boat will join the other private charters and dock near the International Gateway at Epcot. You’ll have a prime view for Luminous The Symphony of Us (which is the current fireworks show at Epcot).

When the nighttime spectacular is finished, your captain will drive the boat back to the dock at the Yacht Club.

Cost

Prices range from $449 to $499 (they vary by date). You’ll need to also factor in tax and a tip for the boat driver.

Pros

• Very good view of the fireworks
• If you have a big group, the per-person cost is less than other specialty fireworks viewing options
• Private (except for the Disney captain)
• Relaxing way to spend an evening
• Feels like an exclusive, intimate experience

Cons

• If you have a small party, the per-person cost is on the expensive side
• Weather can influence how enjoyable the experience is
• The snacks and drinks provided are not very robust
• If you are prone to motion sickness, a small pontoon may not be the most fun
• There is limited availability, so booking in advance is important

What is the view like?

The view from the docking station just past the International Gateway bridge is unobstructed. You are close enough to see all the elements of Luminous The Symphony of Us.

The only downside is that if you aren’t in the front row, you may have other boats in front of you, but even when that happens the view is still pretty fantastic.

Where and when do you meet your captain and board the boat?

Arrive at the Yacht Club marina an hour and 15 minutes before the start time of the fireworks.

How long is the cruise?

The cruise, including the actual fireworks, lasts about an hour and 45 minutes.

What are the amenities on board?

Disney provides soft drinks and a few packaged snacks (think cans of Diet Coke and Sprite and a few bags of pretzels or chips).

Banners announcing a birthday or anniversary are available at no extra cost, but you must mention which, if any, you would like when making your reservation.

If you or someone in your party uses a wheelchair or ECV, a transfer is necessary.

Magic Kingdom Fireworks Cruise

What to expect on your cruise

Magic Kingdom Fireworks cruises set sail from the marina docks at the Contemporary, Polynesian, Grand Floridian, Fort Wilderness, and Wilderness Lodge. From there, your Disney captain will drive your private group around Seven Seas Lagoon or Bay Lake for about 45 minutes.

Before the fireworks begin, your boat will dock and enable the synchronized audio onboard so that you can enjoy Happily Ever After.

When the nighttime spectacular is finished, your captain will drive the boat back to the dock from where you originally boarded.

Cost

Prices range from $449 to $499 (they vary by date). You’ll need to also factor in tax and a tip for the boat driver.

Pros

• If you have a big group, the per-person cost is less than other specialty fireworks viewing options
• Private (except for the Disney captain)
• Relaxing way to spend an evening
• Feels like an exclusive, intimate experience
• Sound of the fireworks is not as loud as seeing the show in the park
• Can catch a glimpse of the Electrical Water Pageant, as well

Cons

• The projections on the castle are not clearly visible
• If you have a small party, the per-person cost is on the expensive side
• Weather can influence how enjoyable the experience is
• The snacks and drinks provided are not very robust
• If you are prone to motion sickness, a small pontoon may not be the most fun
• There is limited availability, so booking in advance is important

What is the view like?

The view of the fireworks is quite pretty, but the full show loses something without the projections on the castle being fully visible.

Where and when do you meet your captain and board the boat?

Arrive at the marina you were assigned to when you booked an hour and 15 minutes prior to the start time of the fireworks.

How long is the cruise?

The cruise, including the actual fireworks, lasts about an hour and 45 minutes.

What are the amenities on board?

Disney provides soft drinks and a few packaged snacks (think cans of Diet Coke and Sprite and a few bags of pretzels or chips).

Banners announcing a birthday or anniversary are available at no extra cost, but you must mention which, if any, you would like when making your reservation.

If you or someone in your party uses a wheelchair or ECV, a transfer is necessary.

How do you book a Disney World specialty fireworks cruise?

You can begin booking the specialty fireworks cruises up to 60 days in advance by calling (407) WDW-PLAY or (407) 939-7529. Unfortunately, these are not available to book online. Phone lines open at 6 a.m. Eastern time.

With limited availability, booking these as soon as your booking window opens is advisable.

There is a one-day cancellation policy, meaning the full price will be charged/forfeited if you don’t cancel within one-day or are a “no-show.”

Other important details

What can I bring on board?

We suggest bringing your own snacks and drinks on board if you would like more than the standard offerings. You are allowed to bring whatever food and beverage (including alcohol) you would like.

Also, watch the weather and dress appropriately. Remember that it is often chillier out on a boat than in a park. If appropriate, you might want blankets or umbrellas.

What happens if there is bad weather?

The Private Fireworks cruise will still occur in inclement weather, but may be modified or canceled due to extreme weather conditions.

Fireworks at Magic Kingdom or Epcot may be changed or canceled without prior notice due to inclement weather.

Are there restrooms on board?

No, these are pontoon boats. Be sure to use the restroom at the nearby resorts before boarding.

Do you need theme park tickets?

No, theme park admission is not required for this experience.

Is there an alternative on-the-water option?

The Ferrytale Fireworks cruise is an option for those interested in viewing Happily Ever After from the waters surrounding Magic Kingdom. We review our experience on that cruise here: All About the Ferrytale Fireworks cruise. There is not a similar offering for Epcot.

---

Have you embarked on a private fireworks cruise? Tell us about your experience in the comments below.