Fireworks Cruise at Walt Disney World

If you are looking for an incredible “Enchanting Extra” to add to your Disney trip that won’t be forgotten anytime soon, you need to learn more about the Fireworks Cruise! Available at two locations at Walt Disney World, to view either the Magic Kingdom fireworks or EPCOT fireworks, this is an amazing way to end your day at Disney!

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As one of Disney’s most memorable splurge experiences, the Fireworks Cruise will help your group feel like you are getting a VIP experience. I’ve now done both versions of this cruise (Magic Kingdom and EPCOT) and today I’m going to share more about them, which one was my favorite, and how you can get one of these cruises added to your own Disney trip!

What Is the Fireworks Cruise at Walt Disney World?

Disney offers private specialty cruises for fireworks viewing as part of its Enchanting Extras Collection. During these cruises, you can charter a private boat for up to 10 guests. The cruise includes a captain, snacks, and soft drinks.

It is a great option for celebrations, multigenerational families, or a special evening trip!

Which Disney World Parks Offer Fireworks Cruises?

Both Magic Kingdom and EPCOT offer a fireworks cruise option. Here’s a little more about each of them and their features.

Magic Kingdom Fireworks Cruise

• You will have views of Happily Ever After fireworks or seasonal fireworks from the water.
• The cruise sails around Seven Seas Lagoon and Bay Lake.
• Synchronized audio is played on board during your ride.
• The main departure is Boat Nook Marina at Disney’s Contemporary Resort.

EPCOT Fireworks Cruise

• You will have views of Luminous The Symphony of Us from the water.
• This cruise heads toward the International Gateway near World Showcase Lagoon.
• Departure is Bayside Marina at Disney’s Yacht & Beach Club Resorts.
• This version feels especially amazing because the boat pulls right into EPCOT for a spectacular view.

How Much Does a Disney World Fireworks Cruise Cost?

Pricing starts at $499 plus tax and varies by date for the Disney Fireworks Cruise. That price covers the whole group, not each person on your boat. (Up to 10 people per boat.)

Annual Passholder discounts may also be available when booking.

Do You Need a Park Ticket for a Fireworks Cruise?

No theme park admission is required to book a Fireworks Cruise! That makes it perfect for: arrival day, a resort day, a celebration night, or a non-park evening.

What Is Included on a Disney Fireworks Cruise?

The price of the Fireworks Cruise includes the private chartered boat, a captain, plus assorted snacks and soft drinks.

There’s a great assortment of items like chips, cookies, and soft drinks. You can also purchase your own alcohol or other treats to bring on the boat with you as well.

How to Book a Fireworks Cruise at Disney World

Reservations can be made up to 60 days before your visit, and you can book your reservation in the My Disney Experience app or by phone.

Disney does not accept bookings after noon the day before the cruise, so make sure you make your plan in advance! Also note that the full payment is due at booking.

Important Things to Know Before You Go

As per Disney’s instructions, you’ll need to arrive 1 hour and 15 minutes before fireworks time. Also, be aware that fireworks can be changed, rescheduled, or canceled, and there is a 24-hour cancellation policy.

Cruises may be canceled for severe weather, though they still operate in rain and cold.

Children 12 and under must wear a Disney-provided life vest, and older guests must have one on board as well. Guests in wheelchairs must board unassisted.

Is a Disney World Fireworks Cruise Worth It?

Based on my experience, the Fireworks Cruise is best for:

• anniversaries
• birthdays
• multigenerational trips
• girls’ trips
• families wanting a low-stress fireworks experience

The Fireworks Cruise offers a unique view of the fireworks in a private setting so that you can avoid packed fireworks crowds, and there’s no park ticket required! It feels like a VIP experience.

However, the Fireworks Cruise can be expensive for smaller groups, weather can impact the experience, and it’s not something most families would do every trip.

Magic Kingdom vs. EPCOT Fireworks Cruise

Both fireworks cruises are an incredible experience, and I would do both again!

That being said, they are two distinct experiences. A few considerations to determine which option may be the best fit for your group:

• Which fireworks show is your favorite? Use that as a consideration of which one to book.
• Is a specific resort easier to get to on your preferred booking date? If so, take the launch point resort into account.

The Magic Kingdom fireworks cruise sails around Seven Seas Lagoon and Bay Lake. You’ll get some great views of the resorts in this area. You’ll also get a special viewing of the Electrical Water Pageant on the water. Fireworks shows will typically be Happily Ever After, however on holiday party nights you may have either the special Halloween or Christmas fireworks shows.

Over at EPCOT, the fireworks cruise sails around Crescent Lake, giving you a great view of the resorts over there. You sail to Hollywood Studios and then head over to EPCOT under the International Gateway bridge to park right inside the theme park! This is a unique view of the show and one of the closest views you’ll get from anywhere in the park.

Watch our videos on the Magic Kingdom Fireworks Cruise and EPCOT Fireworks Cruise to decide which one is right for you!

Tips for Making the Most of Your Disney Fireworks Cruise

• Be sure to book as early as possible so you get the dates you want.
• You can split the cost with friends or extended family since the boat fits 10.
• Be sure to confirm the fireworks time before your cruise so you arrive ahead of schedule.
• Bring an extra light layer along in case it gets chilly.
• Plan dinner at a nearby resort before boarding so that you are already nearby.
• Use it for an arrival or rest day since you don’t need a park admission ticket.

Would We Book the Fireworks Cruise Experience Again?

We love this as a special experience! It isn’t something you would do on every trip, but it is a unique view of the fireworks and you absolutely feel like a VIP when you’re on one of these boats!

We love both versions of these and I would do both again! EPCOT was my favorite, because the boat pulls right into the theme park, and you have a spectacular view of the fireworks!