Hi Lisa!
Thanks so much for writing to me with your great question!
I just
love the
Pirates & Pals Fireworks Voyage and have experienced it many times with my own family. The Voyage meet-up usually begins at either 8:00pm or 8:30pm during the month of October, although precise timing is always subject to change. The earlier start times occur generally when there is a Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party occurring, so you'll want to consult that schedule as it becomes available over the next few months. Do keep in mind that if you Voyage on a Party Evening, you'll be seeing the HalloWishes fireworks (and accompanying soundtrack piped into the boat's sound system) rather than the traditional Wishes show. Personally, I love HalloWishes from the Seven Seas Lagoon. It's quite spectacular given that it's a slightly 'larger' show than the usual Wishes.
The pre-voyage reception at a ballroom in Disney's Contemporary Resort begins 90 minutes prior to scheduled fireworks time. Once the reception, voyage and fireworks viewing are complete, you'll return to the Contemporary's Marina for a final, surprise Character Meet & Greet. The entire event takes about 2 hours, perhaps slightly longer including your character time following the voyage.
It's a simply spectacular way to spend an evening and I so highly recommend it!
To reserve your voyage, call (407) WDW-PLAY. Credit card payment is due in full at the time of your booking. Reservations are taken up to 180 days prior, so check back in late April or early May to confirm your October booking and times.
I hope this information is helpful to you Lisa!
Wishing you a simply Magical time as you plan your fall vacation to Walt Disney World!
Kirsten