If you’re like me and love experiencing that magical moment of holding your child close while watching their eyes light up at the fireworks and projections on the castle, you’re in the right place.
There’s a lot to know about watching fireworks at Magic Kingdom, and if you don’t plan properly you could find yourself stuck being rerouted by Disney cast members behind the Main Street shops towards the park exit. (And instead of heading towards the fireworks, you’re being directed away, ending up behind an overhang that fully blocks your view of the castle… Don’t ask me how I know, I’m still emotionally recovering.)
To ensure you have a great view of the castle projections and fireworks it will come at a cost. You will either give up precious park time staking out and guarding the perfect spot long before the fireworks start or you can give up some extra cash for a VIP firework experience. I recently had the opportunity to try two Enchanting Extras fireworks experiences, and let me tell you, they did not disappoint!
Fireworks Dessert Parties
If you’re looking for a truly magical way to enjoy the fireworks, look no further than the fireworks dessert parties. Included with the dessert parties is a VIP viewing area with unlimited drinks and desserts. You can enjoy the refreshments during a pre- or post-fireworks party, or if you decide you want your treats during the fireworks, you can opt for the Treats and Seats party.
I had the opportunity to try the Treats and Seats party, and it was a great experience. One hour before the fireworks started we checked in at the Tomorrowland Terrace and enjoyed drinks and desserts with beautiful views of the castle (it looks so pretty at night!). It was just what we needed after a busy day in the parks to relax in our own space. There was no stress of guarding our spot and trying to make sure no one stole our seats when someone went to the bathroom.
Once the fireworks started we moved our chairs to the rail and had a front-row view of the fireworks and castle projections. The music was perfect, the projections were clearly seen, and the fireworks were flawless. Unfortunately, the magic faded just a bit when midway through the show the weather didn’t cooperate and it started pouring down rain (That’s Florida weather for you! Welcome to the “Sunshine State”). People everywhere were retreating to find cover but thankfully we were nice and dry under the overhang of the Tomorrowland Terrace.
If you’ve ever considered a Magic Kingdom firework dessert party I highly recommend it. It’s not cheap, costing roughly $114 per adult and $67 per child, but it does give you that extra special magical experience you might be looking for. If you’re traveling with a larger group and this price point doesn’t work in your budget, this next option might be right for you!
Fireworks Cruises
If relaxing on a pontoon boat with 9 other friends or family members at sunset is your way to end the day, the fireworks cruises are calling your name! For $400 (+ gratuity) up to 10 people will board a private chartered pontoon boat and cruise around the Seven Seas Lagoon or World Showcase Lagoon (your choice) while you wait for the fireworks show you choose to begin. When our group did the fireworks cruise we split the price 10 ways making it only a little over $40 each. Your captain will pick you up at the boat dock of your choice, and because we were staying at Wilderness Lodge we opted to be picked up there. Most deluxe resorts have boat docking options so you could get picked up right from your resort. For more information on the perks of Deluxe Resorts (and how to afford them on a budget!) head over here to learn how to get the most bang for your buck at Deluxe resorts.
Once we were picked up, we cruised around and enjoyed the views and the electrical water pageant. We opted to make a pit stop for Dole Whip at the Polynesian Resort before getting back in our boat and heading to the viewing area for the Magic Kingdom fireworks. The music during the fireworks show is piped into the boat, and the view is beautiful. Even though you can’t clearly see the projections on the castle from the water, you get to enjoy a unique view of the fireworks from the water surrounded by friends and family. Included in the cruise were snacks and drinks, but you are also welcome to bring your own.
I really enjoyed both of the Enchanting Extras fireworks options, but of the two, I think the fireworks cruise is my top choice. It was more affordable for our larger group and allowed us to totally skip the post-fireworks crowds. But please hear me, these fireworks experiences aren’t a necessity to have a magical experience at Disney with the people you love! If your budget is already spread thin don’t believe the lie that the only way to enjoy Disney World is by spending lots of extra money. You’ll experience Disney magic without all the bells and whistles of the VIP treatment. However, these enchanting extras are two of my favorite ways to add a special memoy to your vacation.
Most Disney Enchanting Extras (dessert parties, firework cruises, special tours, Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, etc.) reservations can be made 60 days before you check into your resort. Be sure to check with your travel agent to see what is available for your trip.
And if you aren’t already working with an agent, I would love to help plan your family’s vacation. I truly enjoy helping families create magical vacations and passing along all of the tips and tricks I’ve gathered over the years, like finding the right fireworks viewing spot! Go here to contact me so we can get started planning your dream Disney vacation (totally free to you!). If you’re already working with an agent from our sister company, Smart Moms Travel, you’re in great hands. Our agents have been trained to help you create the Disney vacation of your dreams!
