Unforgettable Specialty Boating Excursions At Walt Disney World

POSTED: Fri, 03/25/2016 - 05:06 | POSTED BY: Kristen Kirk

The Walt Disney World Resort is home to some beautiful Florida lakes where guests can enjoy a variety of water sports and adventures. Amongst the intriguing options available for booking are a few private & semi-private boating excursions that stand out above the rest. These four options take a lake cruise and turn it up a notch to create some truly unforgettable experiences.

Pirates & Pals Fireworks Voyage

The experience starts with a gathering at Disney's Contemporary Resort that includes a selection of goodies like popcorn and ice cream novelties and assorted beverages. Meet Captain Hook and Mr. Smee before joining a pirate parade to the boat dock. Shove off on adventure that tests your knowledge of Disney trivia, has you singing sea chanteys, and experiences an incredible view of Wishes Fireworks as they light up Cinderella Castle, then journeys home for one final surprise.

Set Sail For Swashbuckling Adventure

The Boathouse Italian Water Taxi

A brand new option in Disney boating, this experience departs from the Boathouse marina at Disney Springs. The Venezia, is a breathtaking 40-foot Italian Water Taxi, that guests can book a 30 or 60 minute Captain's Guided Tour of Disney Springs. Chocolate-covered strawberries and a champagne toast set an atmosphere of decadence and romance. This exquisite vessel can also be booked for private events for up to 16 people, call The Boathouse for pricing.

The Boathouse Italian Water Taxi Docked

IllumiNations Fireworks Cruise

Take in Epcot's breathtaking nighttime experience of IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth aboard a private pontoon boat as it floats beneath the bridge from England to France on World Showcase Lagoon. The Pontoon Boats used for this excursion leave from the Yacht Club Resort Harbor and hold up to 10 people. The IllumiNations cruise is a favorite of many Walt Disney World for Grown-up forum members.

Sun Tracker Party Barge

The Grand 1

The luxurious 52-foot Sea Ray Sedan Bridge Yacht that makes it's home on the Seven Seas Lagoon can be chartered for the enjoyment of up to 18 guests. An experienced Captain and Deckhand with do all the work as you relax for an evening of breathtaking Magic Kingdom views including the Wishes fireworks show, with synchronized audio from the onboard speakers. This elegant cruiser makes for a stunning location to mark a special time with someone you love. The Grand 1 docks at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort and Spa, but you can be picked up at any of the Magic Kingdom area resorts.

Grand 1 Yacht at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa

BONUSES! Disney's Specialty Cruises Can Be Enhanced with Private Dining

Have Disney chefs from Private Dining create a custom menu for you and your companions. Choose and intimate brunch or reception-style dinner, or maybe just order up a birthday cakes and beverages. Balloons and banners can also be ordered to decorate all private vessels for a special occasion. On the Grand 1 Yacht, Butler service is available for an additional cost.

Thanks to Jeff Kern for the great lead image from his Wishes Fireworks Cruise on Creative Commons. Have you been on a specialty boating excursion at the Walt Disney World Resort? Share your story in the comments below, I would love to heard about it.

In:

MrHub wrote on Sun, 03/27/2016 - 19:19:

We have been on both the Wishes fireworks cruise and Illuminations Fireworks cruise on the Boston boats many times. We have also done the Wishes Fireworks cruise on The Grand 1 a few times also.

Just so people know, the music is piped in on all the boats, not just the Grand 1. Also, if you do the pontoon boats, the total price includes the Captain, drinks (including water & sodas) and bagged snacks such as Cheetos, pretzels, potatoe chips and such. It is also customary to tip your captain ( and deckhand if on the Grand 1). You are not allowed to BYOB.