Whether it’s your first trip to Disney World or your 75th (I might be getting close), the fireworks at the end of the night are a must see.
I don’t care how jaded you are, when Jiminy Cricket says “”Pretty huh? I’ll bet a lot of you folks don’t believe that… about a wish coming true. Do ya? Well, I didn’t either. ‘Course I’m just a cricket. But let me tell ya what really changed my mind. You see the most fantasic magical things can happen… and it all starts with a wish!”; if you don’t cry…your heart is a frozen cutlet
The “Wishes” nighttime spectacular is more than just a fireworks show. Tinkerbell flies down from Cinderella’s castle, there’s a light show, a soundtrack of your favorite Disney songs and pyrotechnics set to music.
If only your kids weren’t tired and crabby by the time it started. Oh and everyone else who staked a claim to a “great spot to see the fireworks” is also cranky and likely to hurt you if you so much as lean in front of them.
Wouldn’t it be nice to have a private fireworks show? Maybe on a boat? With some wine? Didn’t know that was possible? Many Disney guests don’t and it’s my most often given advice when asked for “insider tips” on Disney.
You can charter your own boat, with Captain, snacks and sodas. The best way to do it is to call 407-WDW-TOURS, it really can’t be done online. You can also book with itinerary specialists once you are already at Disney but there are no guarantees of availability.
There are a few choices for private boat fireworks tours:
- The Grand 1 Yacht – It seats up to 18 guests, leaves from the Grand Floridian and can be stocked with whatever your heart desires through private dining. All this luxury will run you about $550 per hour/1 hour minimum.
- Sun Tracker – This pontoon boat seats up to 10 guests, will be stocked with snacks and sodas, but just like the big daddy yacht, you can order a spread from private dining. There are several of these boats and they depart from various deluxe properties around the resort. This smaller boat will cost around $350 per hour/1 hour minimum
- Pirates and Pals – This is not a private tour, I haven’t experienced it, but it sounds fab. You get to meet Capt. Hook and Mr. Smee, you sail around the lake singing pirate songs and then enjoy the fireworks show. When you return to the Contemporary Hotel they tell me there is a “surprise guest” waiting for you. If only it were Johnny Depp
All of the boats have synchronized sound systems on board so you don’t miss a bit of Jiminy’s speech or the timeless music. You also often get to see the Electrical Parade that happens on the lake just prior to the fireworks show. If you’ve not been near the water at this time, you probably didn’t even know it existed.
Not only is this a great way to see the fireworks, it’s a relaxing way to end your evening. After a day at the Disney Parks with little ones a little relaxation (and maybe some wine) is good for everyone. The pricing on the Disney World Fireworks Cruise is constantly changing, call 407-WDW-PLAY for the most up to date costs.