Fireworks cruise

[SnowWhite2]

Has anyone booked the DVC fireworks cruise? I did for Feb 26th. Hoping it is nice. I'll report back on how it worked.

 

[BirdsOfPreyDave]

Has anyone booked the DVC fireworks cruise? I did for Feb 26th. Hoping it is nice. I'll report back on how it worked.

I hadn't seen this new experience. You may have just cost me $181.

I can see it being a good deal for couples, but for anyone with a family, (champagne and strawberries aside) it becomes cheaper to rent a whole boat as soon as you've exceeded 3 people.

We've done Wishes Fireworks Cruises twice in the past. You certainly can't beat it as a great way to see the fireworks. Our experience has always been with having the entire boat for our group, though. I guess it would still be just as nice with a mixed group, so long as you're not stuck with "that" family. If nothing else, it's a new way (in addition to the hot tubs and Welcome Home Wednesdays) to meet other DVC owners.

 

[BirdsOfPreyDave]

Ka-ching!

Just booked for May 14th.

 

[vicki_c]

I hadn't seen that yet either. But I'm really only interested in an unshared boat (yes, I'm like that, sorry fellow DVCers). Loved the fireworks cruises we have done though, especially Illuminations.

 

[dbragas]

Any updates on this DVC Member Fireworks Cruise? We're looking to book it for an August trip and are looking for some firsthand reviews.

 

[disneynutz]

It seems like any other fireworks cruise with some available extras added. DVC books the boat, fills it with up to 10 DVC people for $850 and keeps over $400 profit. If they don't get a full boat, the cruise may be canceled.

You can book the same cruise direct for 1 to 10 people for less that $450.

Bill

 

[lah3hh]

We enjoyed this Membership Magic option on May 21st and LOVED it!!! I have never been on anything like this before so I cannot compare but it was great. We met at the marina over at the Contemporary and sat having champagne and chocolate dipped strawberries. Then they proceeded to divide out group of 19 up into 2 different groups to board the boats. They took us all around Fort Wilderness, the closed down Discovery Island, Wilderness Lodge, Poly and Grand Floridian.

As we made out way around the guide explained everything and had many great stories to share...he was fantastic!! Then we pulled up and stopped just in time to enjoy the beautiful Wishes Fireworks.

On the boat they had soda and water in a big cold cooler to enjoy along with baskets of snacks to much on during the show. I enjoyed this SO much I am hoping to do it again in October.

Hope that helps some of you decide if it is for you or not!

 

[Tink6666]

We just booked a wishes cruise for a Saturday night during our June trip. We get a private pontoon with the snacks, etc. to ourselves (family of 4) I think the max is 8 people for $360, including tax. We are celebrating our 25th anniversary while we are there so, I am hoping it will be great!

 

[disneynutz]

We just booked a wishes cruise for a Saturday night during our June trip. We get a private pontoon with the snacks, etc. to ourselves (family of 4) I think the max is 8 people for $360, including tax. We are celebrating our 25th anniversary while we are there so, I am hoping it will be great!

Just to be clear, did you book the Membership Magic cruise through MS or the public fireworks cruise through Disney?

Bill

 

[GDUL]

Is there information regarding this cruise on the DVC site? I looked for it and couldn't find any information. Does anyone have a link if the information exists? Thanks!

 

[disneynutz]

Is there information regarding this cruise on the DVC site? I looked for it and couldn't find any information. Does anyone have a link if the information exists? Thanks!

Check under Membership Magic from the home page.

Bill

 

[Tink6666]

Just to be clear, did you book the Membership Magic cruise through MS or the public fireworks cruise through Disney?

Bill

We booked the regular one through Disney. Better for us in the long run.

 

[disneynutz]

We booked the regular one through Disney. Better for us in the long run.

Just wanted to make sure that other readers know which cruise you went on. The Member Magic cruise wants to sail with 10 people so they would be sharing with other people.

Bill

 

[VrBchJ]

Two of us are doing the DVC Wishes Cruise on July 2. For those who've done it did you check in at the Contemporary marina where you check in for the regular Wishes cruise? MS told me to arrive at 8 for 10 PM Wishes. I suppose that's to have the champagne and strawberries before "cruising."

 

[BirdsOfPreyDave]

Yes, same area near the marina. There are four tables near the dock. These will be roped off with a sign that says it's for the DVC cruise. Shortly before 8:00, a cast member with a clipboard will begin checking off names. A waiter then comes out with a large cart, and they set up a table with the champagne and strawberries. After everyone goes through the line, the waiter comes around topping off glasses. They also ask you if you want any of the leftover strawberries to take with you in Chinese-restaurant-style-take-out containers.

Then they'll tell you which boat you'll be in. There were two boats on the night we did it. I was surprised, as both were at the 10-person capacity. All adults, the night we were there.

From there, it's essentially the same cruise as if you'd rented the whole boat. Tour of Bay Lake and Seven Seas Lagoon followed by the fireworks. Complimentary snacks, sodas, and water on board.

We actually found it very pleasant to socialize and chat with other members, both at the tables before the cruise and on the boat.

 

[VrBchJ]

Thank you for the information. I've done the regular Wishes Cruise a couple of times but thought this might be fun to party with some DVC people. I was hoping they'd be doing the July 4 fireworks on the 2nd like they did last year but no such luck. But as you said, it will be a great opportunity to meet some fellow DVCers.

 

[BirdsOfPreyDave]

Wishes Fireworks Cruise Options with Price breakdown

Private 21' Pontoon Boat Rental: $292.88 per boat

• Book by calling (407) WDW-PLAY
• Accommodates up to 8 people
• Private boat for just your group
• Departs from your choice of Grand Floridian, Polynesian, Wilderness Lodge or Contemporary
• Luxurious, comfortable seating with plenty of room for each person
• Includes snacks, sodas, and water on the boat
• Additional food can be arranged with the resort's private dining
• Includes a guided tour of Bay Lake and the Seven Seas Lagoon prior to the fireworks
• Wishes soundtrack played on speakers in the boat during the fireworks
• Available for any night Wishes is held

Private 25' Pontoon Boat Rental: $346.13 per boat

• Book by calling (407) WDW-PLAY
• Accommodates up to 10 people
• Private boat for just your group
• Departs from your choice of Grand Floridian, Polynesian, Wilderness Lodge or Contemporary
• Luxurious, comfortable seating with plenty of room for each person
• Includes snacks, sodas, and water on the boat
• Additional food can be arranged with the resort's private dining
• Includes a guided tour of Bay Lake and the Seven Seas Lagoon prior to the fireworks
• Wishes soundtrack played on speakers in the boat during the fireworks
• Available for any night Wishes is held

DVC Membership Magic Fireworks Cruise: $90.53 per person

• Available to DVC members only
• Book through DVC Member Services
• Limited to 2 25' pontoon boats for a maximum of 20 total participants
• You will be seated with other guests on the boat
• Departs from the Contemporary only
• Luxurious, comfortable seating with plenty of room for each person
• Includes champagne and chocolate-covered strawberries on the dock prior to boarding
• Includes snacks, sodas, and water on the boat
• Includes a guided tour of Bay Lake and the Seven Seas Lagoon prior to the fireworks
• Wishes soundtrack played on speakers in the boat during the fireworks
• Available Wednesday nights only

Pirates and Pals Cruise: $57.50 adult / $33.01 child

• Book by calling (407) WDW-PLAY
• Uses large boats specifically for these cruises. Each boat holds up to 60 people.
• Seating is on wooden seats that are similar to park benches
• You will be seated on the boat with many other families.
• Boat has a roof. The fireworks are low enough to the horizon that you can see them, but the stanchions holding up the roof may be in your line of sight.
• Includes pirate-themed pre-cruise reception inside the Contemporary that has snacks and non-alcoholic drinks. There are activity tables for kids, and organized games.
• Includes a souvenir pirate bandanna and collector's card
• Character meet & greet with Capt Hook and Mr. Smee during the pre-cruise event. Peter Pan will meet your boat after the cruise.
• Includes singing, trivia games, and prizes on the boat prior to the fireworks
• Wishes soundtrack played on speakers in the boat during the fireworks
• Available Friday through Monday