Wishes Fireworks Cruise-Where Family Dreams Come True

With family coming to Walt Disney World _® Resort over the Labor Day weekend, I so wanted to plan something special as a surprise. And what better surprise than a Wishes Fireworks Cruise! Not a word was mentioned to the children beforehand so we could all relish the looks on their faces when they stepped onboard and sailed away.

First dinner at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge before catching the Blue Flag Launch to Disney’s Contemporary Resort where our pontoon boat awaited. A heavy rain was coming down and we didn’t know what to expect, but were told by Cast Members on arrival that the only time the boats do not go out is when there is heavy wind and/or lightning. So we checked in at 8:45 pm with Captain Demetreaus who promptly escorted us to a large bin of life jackets and fitted the two children who needed them (ages 12 and under). Boats seat up to 10 passengers and snacks and non-alcoholic beverages are a welcome inclusion. For special occasions consider decorating the boats with balloons and a banner for an additional charge.

Although we were not scheduled to set sail until 9:30pm, Demetreaus had us on the boat and off we went thirty minutes early. A special treat was a close-up look at Discovery Island—up until 1999 guests could actually visit there and walk the trails. Using a high power flashlight, our captain showed us birds loudly singing in the trees—real ones, not Audio-Animatronics_®! Then over to Disney’s Fort Wilderness Campground where we glided past the old River Country water park. There is still a dock there and our captain told us that the area is now sadly used as storage. We saw the Shoe Tree where retiring cast members leave their footwear hanging on their last day on the ‘job’ as well as a ‘gator’ just hangin’ out.

As we rounded the curve to Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, Demetreaus pointed out that the windows on the front of resort were configured to look like a bear’s face. Unfortunately there wasn’t enough light to grab a picture, but they truly did. Then back out on Bay Lake the Electric Water Parade began it’s procession. We all love this parade and to be so close to it was absolutely wonderful!

On to the Magic Kingdom_® where we ‘parked’ directly in front of the railroad station amongst 15 to 20 surrounding boats, but lucky us . . . we were in front of the pack with no one to block our view. We saw the last burst of fireworks from Celebrate the Magic and then the Wishes fireworks show began with the background music and narration piped into the boat’s sound system. When it was over there was a deafening applause from all the boats in the area. Truly one of the most magical experiences EVER at Walt Disney World Resort!

For prices and availability, call 1-407-WDW-PLAY and hit option 1 for boat rentals. Your credit card is held to guarantee the reservation and is not actually charged until you board the boat.

Marlene Patrick designs dream vacations as a travel planner with Glass Slipper Concierge®.