Since their introduction in Disneyland 60 years ago, fireworks have been as much a part of a Disney vacation as favorite attractions and photos with Mickey. While there are amazing views available across the parks, few experiences are as unique as watching one of the nightly spectaculars from the water. Whether it’s the unique vantage points, the beauty of the reflections on the water, or avoiding the cramped quarters inside the parks, it’s an amazing and unforgettable experience. Walt Disney World offers a wide array of fireworks cruises, from pirate themed adventures to dessert parties, but the specialty cruises for Wishes and Illuminations are perfect if you’re looking for a little something extra on your next trip. If you’ve already booked a specialty cruise or are thinking about adding one to your next vacation, here are a few tips to help you enjoy the experience to its fullest.
Book your cruise early. If you want to book a cruise that best fits your vacation schedule, you’ll want to secure it as quickly as possible. They can be booked 90 days in advance and can fill up quickly, especially during busier times of the year. You should also bear in mind that your cruise won’t show up on My Disney Experience. This makes these cruises an ideal surprise for someone celebrating a special occasion in the park, even if they’re logging into My Disney Experience on their own. You can even have the boat decorated to help celebrate the event for an additional charge.
Give yourself plenty of time to get there. You can choose to depart from the Polynesian, Contemporary, Grand Floridian and Wilderness Lodge for Wishes cruises, while you’ll leave from the Yacht Club for Illuminations cruises. The cruises depart half an hour before the respective shows start, so it’s a good idea to plan for a little buffer time for your trip, especially if you’re not spending the day at the Magic Kingdom or Epcot.
Consider your dining options. One way to make sure you’re on time for your cruise is to reserve a table at one of the restaurants in the resort you’re departing from (and if you’re making the cruise a surprise, this also gives you a great excuse to be at the resort). You might also consider contacting private dining to have food delivered and served on the boat. You can pick anything from a small dessert or a customized birthday cake to an entire meal, complete with butler service. Menus and reservations for these additional options are handled through the private dining department at the resort you’re departing from.
Don’t make photos a priority. The privacy and one of a kind view make taking photos tempting. However, taking good fireworks photos can be tricky in the best conditions, and the motion of the boat can make it an even more difficult prospect. You don’t have to go as far as to leave the camera behind, as there will be wonderful memories and the captains are often more than happy to take a photo of your group, but these trips are best enjoyed without being behind a lens.
Take an extra bag. The ships come outfitted with enough snacks to feed the boat’s full capacity of eight to ten people (depending on the size of the boat you’ve booked), no matter how many people are in your party. You might also have leftovers if you opted for private dining. Having an extra bag to carry all that back to your room at the end of the night makes carrying all that food a lot easier, and it can make great park snacks during the rest of your trip.
Bear in mind there’s a possibility you might not see the fireworks. Though it’s rare, there are times when the show might be rescheduled or canceled outright, and Disney says up front that fireworks aren’t guaranteed. However, the captains on this ship are a wealth of knowledge about the park and resorts, and your cruise will also include views of resorts and even closed areas like Discovery Island and River Country. Wishes cruises may also offer a viewing of the Electrical Water Pageant, a staple of Walt Disney World since its opening year.
Treat your captains with respect. While the sights of the cruise are the star, the knowledge and friendliness of the cast members who pilot the boats can make the trip even more enjoyable. Most captains will let you dictate whether you want to enjoy the trip in silence or would prefer them to narrate and share facts and trivia about Walt Disney World. They can’t control the weather, however, so if you don’t see fireworks, don’t take it out on them. Also, make sure to carry extra cash to tip them once you’re returned to the marina. Gratuities aren’t included in the price and you don’t have the ability to add them to your credit card.
Anticipate a wait for the trip back to your resort. If you’re staying in the resort you’ve departed from, then getting back to your room is easy. But if you’re staying elsewhere on Disney property, expect lines at the bus stops or monorail stations since the cruises end at the same time most people are leaving the parks and restaurants. The buses to Disney Springs can be especially crowded, as it’s both a transfer point to other resorts and a popular destination after the parks close. Taking the monorail to the Transportation and Ticket Center can save you a little time, but either way, expect at least some wait time at the end of the evening.
