Family on dock at Yacht and Beach Club; Mickey and Minnie Plush
  • On Aug 11, 2024
    Cynthia from NJ Asked Please note that experiences, policies, pricing and other offerings are subject to change and may have changed since the date of this answer.

    What time does the pontoon boat leave the yacht Club for the Epcot fireworks?

    Ahoy there Cynthia and welcome aboard planDisney!

    There's nothing quite like embarking on your own private pontoon boat and setting sail at sunset, and it's still so shocking to me how many fellow Walt Disney World Resort guests might not be aware of this hidden gem at the Disney Resort Hotels. Not only did our planDisney Panelist class of 2023 commandeer a fleet of boats for a Speciality Cruise to watch fireworks together (purely in the interest of research), my husband and I recently had the chance to enjoy the experience so I'm happy to help you navigate your way to a great night on the water:

    • Our meetup time was set for 7:45 P.M. (the recommended hour and fifteen minutes prior to the fireworks start time, which you'll want to confirm on the Hours & Events Calendar), and upon our arrival at the Bayside Marina at Disney's Yacht Club Resort the Cast Members spent a bit of time confirming reservations and organizing everyone into their boats as the sun began to set.
    • In our experience, we didn't begin boarding our vessel until after 8:00 P.M. - to avoid any delays it might be helpful to note that guests were being redirected to the restrooms adjacent to Disney's Yacht Club Resort Lobby as there wasn't a closer one available to use. This also prompted some folks to dash away to The Market at Ale & Compass for some last minute snacks and beverages (that were permitted as long as they weren't in glass containers), but we found that the complimentary treats and drinks on board were already more than enough! From here, our talented crew captained us out along the waterways over to Disney's Hollywood Studios where we even heard a bit of the finale of Fantasmic! before returning to glide back across Crescent Lake past Disney's BoardWalk.
    • We had a bit of time to enjoy the ambience at World Showcase prior to the fireworks starting, with crowds of EPCOT guests gazing out at our group of boats with our front-row view. As a personal tip, if you'd like to be seated closer to the fireworks, the seats closest to where we embarked the pontoon boat had the least-obstructed view, so this might be something to plan for! (The added bonus of being in the very front is that no one could see you sobbing to some of the most heartbreakingly touching parts of Luminous The Symphony of Us.)
    Bear in mind that timings can never be guaranteed and can always be subject to change without prior notice, but I hope that our experience can help you gain a better idea of what to expect on the night of your fireworks cruise! Don't hesitate to come back to us again here at planDisney for any other tips or tricks before you head down here for your Walt Disney World Resort trip!

    Wishing you all the best as you sail into the sunset!
    Prince
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Meet the Panelist: Prince, Ontario

Hello, Bonjour, Aloha and Ahoy there! As a performer and world explorer who's been to all of the Disney theme parks around the globe, I'm always happy to provide my best adventuring advice and knowledge to navigate your way to all of the greatest snacks, attractions and entertainment on land and at sea. Find me featured on the planDisney Podcast and on the Disney Parks Blog, discussing Disney Eats at festivals and beyond, holiday events at Walt Disney World Resort and planning my Disney Fairy Tale Wedding! Learn More About Prince

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