What’s better than ending a day at the Magic Kingdom or EPCOT with a viewing of each park’s respective fireworks show? How about watching them from a private boat while floating on the lagoon with snacks in hand and zero crowds?

Yes, it’s a real thing,  and yes, it’s a splurge. But if you’re looking for something special (REALLY special), this $499 experience might be one of Disney World’s best-kept secrets.

So, What Is a Fireworks Cruise at Disney World?

It’s exactly what it sounds like. You board a private pontoon boat with your group — up to 10 guests — for a jaw-dropping view of the fireworks.

The viewing of the Magic Kingdom’s Happily Ever After fireworks allows guests to sail the waters of the Seven Seas Lagoon and Bay Lake near Magic Kingdom park—with synchronized audio on board to immerse them in the magic fully. These cruises generally depart from the Boat Nook Marina at Disney’s Contemporary Resort to view Happily Ever After.

However, additional pickup locations may be available within the Magic Kingdom area by visiting your Resort concierge or calling (407) WDW-PLAY or (407) 939-7529 after booking your cruise.

The cruise to view EPCOT’s Luminous The Symphony of Us parks guests at the International Gateway near World Showcase Lagoon to watch the skies light up. These cruises depart from the Bayside Marina at Disney’s Yacht & Beach Club Resorts.

A captain accompanies each cruise and includes assorted snacks and soft drinks. You can book this through the My Disney Experience app or by calling (407) 939-7529. You’ll want to plan ahead: Bookings open 60 days out and tend to fill up fast, especially around holidays or peak vacation weeks.

Oh, and if you’re celebrating something — a birthday, anniversary, whatever — let them know! Your boat can be decked out for the occasion.

What You’re Paying For

Yes, it’s $499 (plus tax), but let’s break that down. The boat fits 10 people, so if you’re going with friends or family and splitting the cost, it comes out to about $50 per person. For a private boat, snacks, drinks, and an uninterrupted view of Disney fireworks — honestly, that’s not bad.

The Experience

You can bring drinks (just no glass), and the cruise includes water, sodas, and pre-packaged snacks — plus a cooler to keep everything chilled.

Each boat ride before the fireworks is a whole vibe. You cruise around Bay Lake and the Seven Seas Lagoon, passing by old-school Disney landmarks like the abandoned Discovery Island.

If you want, you can even connect your phone and play music via Bluetooth during the ride. When it’s showtime, your captain anchors in a perfect viewing spot where you can see the castle and the fireworks. They even pipe in the show’s soundtrack so you get the full experience. And yes — Tinker Bell’s flight is totally visible from the water. It’s magic, plain and simple.

Depending on timing, you might also catch the Electrical Water Pageant float by during the Magic Kingdom-area tour, which is a treat for fans of Disney nostalgia. Let your captain know you’d love to see it, and they’ll do their best to make it happen.

If you’re considering one of the fireworks cruise experiences, Disney does have a series of rules for both the Magic Kingdom and EPCOT cruises, including:

• Full payment is due at the time of booking.
• In rare instances, fireworks shows may be rescheduled or cancelled. Please refer to the entertainment schedule or the My Disney Experience app to reconfirm the fireworks showtimes 2 weeks before your reservation and again on the day of your reservation. Fireworks are subject to change and not guaranteed.
• Guests ages 17 and younger must be accompanied by a paying adult.
• Experiences may be cancelled due to inclement weather, but will still occur in rain and cold. Umbrellas, ponchos, and sunscreen are not provided.
• Guests ages 12 and younger are required to wear a Disney-provided life vest, and Guests older than 12 years of age are required to have a Disney-issued life vest on board.
• Reservations are nontransferable and may not be sold or bartered.
• Allow up to 1 hour and 30 minutes to travel to your destination when traveling within Walt Disney World Resort.
• You should arrive 1 hour and 15 minutes before the fireworks start time.
• Guests in wheelchairs/ECVs must walk aboard unassisted.
• There is a 24-hour cancellation policy. Full price will be charged/forfeited if the Guest cancels within 24 hours or fails to show up for the reservation.

While $499 is quite the splurge, it’s undeniable that these fireworks experiences are certainly something unique. No crowds, no stress, no camping out for a fireworks spot. Just a quiet boat, a drink in hand, and a sky full of magic. Whether you’re celebrating something big or just want to end your trip on a high note, this is one Disney extra you’ll want to keep coming back to. Stay tuned to DFB for more Disney World Experiences.

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Have you ever done a fireworks cruise at Disney World? Let us know in the comments below.