Wishes cruise vs Illumination cruise vs no cruise - The DIS Discussion Forums

krisleee · 02-03-2009, 02:45 PM

Hi! I am a newbie - this is my first post - and I am trying to decide whether or not to do a private boat viewing of the fireworks during our trip.

My whole family is going including a 5yo girl. Would the wishes cruise be better or would it be better to watch the parade and the fireworks from the MK? I have the cruise booked but I am leaning toward canceling because we would have to check in at 7 and miss the SpectroMagic parade. Plus I wonder if we would get to see Tinkerbell from the cruise....

If we watch the parade/fireworks in the MK, where is the best place to watch each? Is it feasible to change locations if the parade is at 7 and the fireworks are at 8?

What about illuminations? Is it worth it to try to get a cruise to watch or would it be just as good watching it from land at Epcot? (Not sure there are any illumination cruises avail - we are traveling Mar 1-8 but I just booked the Wishes cruise last night.)

Thanks in advance! I did a forum search but it mostly turned up trip reports when I searched wishes....

Robo · 02-03-2009, 02:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by krisleee

If we watch the parade/fireworks in the MK, where is the best place to watch each?

For the SpectroMagic Parade:
Main Street is a great spot, but very crowded.
Near Hall of Presidents and deep in Frontierland are good places to view, too.

A look at the Parade Route.
SpectroMagic starts at Town Square and exits at the end of Frontierland.
The other parades go the opposite direction.
http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c2...te-041008a.jpg

Below is a rough estimate of the Fireworks viewing spots
based on other posters' info on the boards and personal experience.
http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c2...es_BE_4-14.jpg

Quote:

Originally Posted by krisleee

Is it feasible to change locations if the parade is at 7 and the fireworks are at 8?

Yes. Plenty of time.

to the DISboards, krisleee!

Robo · 02-03-2009, 02:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by krisleee

Would the wishes cruise be better or would it be better to watch the parade and the fireworks from the MK? I have the cruise booked but I am leaning toward canceling because we would have to check in at 7 and miss the SpectroMagic parade. Plus I wonder if we would get to see Tinkerbell from the cruise....

You can see a little bit of Tink (mostly just lights) from outside MK, if you are at the right angle.

IMO, Wishes is just BETTER inside the MK from one of the areas I outlined on the map in the previous post.
And, to me, getting to see SpectroMagic would outweigh seeing Wishes from the boat cruise, especially for first-time viewers.

Robo · 02-03-2009, 03:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by krisleee

What about illuminations? Is it worth it to try to get a cruise to watch or would it be just as good watching it from land at Epcot? (Not sure there are any illumination cruises avail - we are traveling Mar 1-8 but I just booked the Wishes cruise last night.)

I doubt that you could get an IllumiNations Cruise by now.

There are only 4-5 boats available.

I like the IllumiNations Cruise... but you can get the virtually same view from
atop the bridge between UK and France (the Cruise boats tie off directly below that bridge for the show.)

MAPS of the AREA of the IllumiNations Cruise position>

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c2...Bus-042508.jpg

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c2...e-E-042508.jpg

krisleee · 02-03-2009, 03:32 PM

thank you so much for your help!

Dannnn · 02-03-2009, 04:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Robo

I doubt that you could get an IllumiNations Cruise by now.

There are only 4-5 boats available.

I booked illuminations today for 3/19. You never know 'til you try. We're still hoping for breakfast or lunch at CRT to open up 3/16-3/22, optimists aren't we

AverysMommy · 02-03-2009, 04:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Robo

I doubt that you could get an IllumiNations Cruise by now.

There are only 4-5 boats available.

I like the IllumiNations Cruise... but you can get the virtually same view from
atop the bridge between UK and France (the Cruise boats tie off directly below that bridge for the show.)

MAPS of the AREA of the IllumiNations Cruise position>

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c2...Bus-042508.jpg

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c2...e-E-042508.jpg

Dont forget that some of us are trying to share cruises - for example - I still have 4 spots available on my March 6th Illuminations Cruise - if you are interested - you can just PM me. Really helps to bring the costs down.

krisleee · 02-14-2009, 08:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AverysMommy

Dont forget that some of us are trying to share cruises - for example - I still have 4 spots available on my March 6th Illuminations Cruise - if you are interested - you can just PM me. Really helps to bring the costs down.

Thanks for the offer! I would like to share, but we are a big party and will take the whole boat. I was able to cancel the wishes cruise and book the illuminations cruise.

Thanks anyway!

CaliforniaDreamer · 02-14-2009, 09:36 PM

We just did the Illuminations cruise and it was perfect for my DH who doesn't like to stand for long periods. Also, the ride around the Boardwalk before and after was really special.

silverhaze269 · 02-14-2009, 09:55 PM

I did the Illuminations cruse, and I think it was totally worth it. It's true you can get a better view from other places in Epcot, but you get some cool behind-the-scenes info and free snacks (or at least we did). I'd say if you can do it, you should.

snowdrift7 · 02-15-2009, 12:39 AM

I highly recommend the illuminations cruise

- the view is great and because you're in a boat, you can feel the impact of the fireworks on the water and the fireworks seem to jump right out at you. Makes you feel like you're part of it. Outstanding experience you shouldn't miss!!

We've also done the Wishes cruise but all agree that Illuminations was much better. Don't get me wrong, lots of people love the Wishes cruise - we just prefer to watch Wishes up close - right at the hub. No matter which you choose, enjoy!!

subtchr · 02-15-2009, 07:26 AM

We have done the Breathless Illuminations cruise, and it was an amazing experience. As others have noted, the view of Illuminations is not any better than many spots around the WS, but the total experience is a memory our family will cherish.

One note about being close enough to see Tink fly -- a friend and I were at MK a few weeks ago, and we watched Wishes from the bridge between Tomorrowland and the Hub, directly under her "flight path". While it was cool to be that close in some ways, we both came to the conclusion that even as "jaded" adults, seeing the wire so well, hearing the "whirr" as she rode past, and seeing the electric lights on her wings were, how can I say it, kinda unmagical. Better to see it from a bit of a distance and keep the illusion of a flying fairy!

Also, thanks to Robo. As a detail-oriented person myself, not to mention a map dork, your resources and responses are invaluable, admired, and appreciated!

krisleee · 04-13-2009, 05:37 PM

I'm back from my trip and I thought I would post a quick follow up:

I surprised my family and took them on the Illuminations cruise. We went Mar 4 and it was FREEZING!!!!! I think there were good things and bad things about the cruise.

Positives:
After a LONG day of walking at Epcot, it was so nice to stroll from the lobby of the Yacht Club down to the docks and hop on the pontoon boat. It was also nice to have such a short stroll back to the car and not to fight any crowds on the way out.
There were blankets for us all on the boat to cuddle up under.
There were 8 in our family, so we got the whole boat to ourselves.
Free snacks, soda, water.
We also got a water tour around the Boardwalk, Swan and Dolphin, etc. We were able to hear some of Fantasmic.
We didn't have to arrive hours early to save our viewing spot.

Negatives:
We watched Illuminations from under the bridge (I think it was beside Canada). It wasn't the best view. There was an island blocking a large part of the view and it was very difficult to see the countries lighting up from so low on the water.
It was so windy that we had soot and debris from the fireworks blowing in our faces a large part of the time.

All in all, it was a good purchase and the positives outweighed the negatives. The whole family agreed that it was a good time and we really felt like VIP's on our boat tour.

I'm glad we did it but I don't necessarily think I would do it again. It might be better in the summer when the weather is warmer, the days are longer and the crowds are worse.

We did not take the Wishes cruise. We ended up watching from main street in front of the castle. Our viewing spot was perfect except I wish I had been at the "crest" of the hill so the people in front of us would have been lower in our line of vision. It would have made for better pictures. Tinkerbell flew and it was a magical night for all of us.

Thank you to everyone who gave me their input. I really appreciate your help. The trip was magical!

saratogadreamin09 · 04-13-2009, 05:46 PM

repost

02-03-2009, 02:45 PM	#1
krisleee Earning My Ears Join Date: Feb 2009 Posts: 23	Wishes cruise vs Illumination cruise vs no cruise Hi! I am a newbie - this is my first post - and I am trying to decide whether or not to do a private boat viewing of the fireworks during our trip. My whole family is going including a 5yo girl. Would the wishes cruise be better or would it be better to watch the parade and the fireworks from the MK? I have the cruise booked but I am leaning toward canceling because we would have to check in at 7 and miss the SpectroMagic parade. Plus I wonder if we would get to see Tinkerbell from the cruise.... If we watch the parade/fireworks in the MK, where is the best place to watch each? Is it feasible to change locations if the parade is at 7 and the fireworks are at 8? What about illuminations? Is it worth it to try to get a cruise to watch or would it be just as good watching it from land at Epcot? (Not sure there are any illumination cruises avail - we are traveling Mar 1-8 but I just booked the Wishes cruise last night.) Thanks in advance! I did a forum search but it mostly turned up trip reports when I searched wishes....

02-14-2009, 09:55 PM	#10
silverhaze269 DIS Veteran Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Nova Scotia, Canada Posts: 859	I did the Illuminations cruse, and I think it was totally worth it. It's true you can get a better view from other places in Epcot, but you get some cool behind-the-scenes info and free snacks (or at least we did). I'd say if you can do it, you should. __________________ Happy Together http://www.disboards.com/showthread....7#post46864647 Our Not So Scary, Very Merry, Honeymoon - An Oct/Nov 2012 PTR http://www.disboards.com/showthread....1#post44281398 Expect the Unexpected: A May/June 2011 Trip Report http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2737115 May 27-June 4 2011 - Disney/CSR, April 20-27 2008 - Disney/POP, Dec 18-27 2007 - Disney/POFQ, Dec 10-15 2006 - USO/HRH, May 15-20 2005 - USO/ HRH, Aug 20-27 2004 - Disney/DTD Hotels, Aug 28 - Sept 2 2003 - USO/HRH, April 14-26 2002 - WDW, USO, SW, BG/Off-site

02-15-2009, 12:39 AM	#11
snowdrift7 DIS Veteran Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Elberon, NJ Posts: 500	I highly recommend the illuminations cruise - the view is great and because you're in a boat, you can feel the impact of the fireworks on the water and the fireworks seem to jump right out at you. Makes you feel like you're part of it. Outstanding experience you shouldn't miss!! We've also done the Wishes cruise but all agree that Illuminations was much better. Don't get me wrong, lots of people love the Wishes cruise - we just prefer to watch Wishes up close - right at the hub. No matter which you choose, enjoy!! __________________ Cyn

02-15-2009, 07:26 AM	#12
subtchr DIS Veteran Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Ohio Posts: 793	We have done the Breathless Illuminations cruise, and it was an amazing experience. As others have noted, the view of Illuminations is not any better than many spots around the WS, but the total experience is a memory our family will cherish. One note about being close enough to see Tink fly -- a friend and I were at MK a few weeks ago, and we watched Wishes from the bridge between Tomorrowland and the Hub, directly under her "flight path". While it was cool to be that close in some ways, we both came to the conclusion that even as "jaded" adults, seeing the wire so well, hearing the "whirr" as she rode past, and seeing the electric lights on her wings were, how can I say it, kinda unmagical. Better to see it from a bit of a distance and keep the illusion of a flying fairy! Also, thanks to Robo. As a detail-oriented person myself, not to mention a map dork, your resources and responses are invaluable, admired, and appreciated! __________________ Sue Ft. Wilderness Campground '77, Offsite '81, '83, Dixie Landings '97, Shades of Green '00, DL/DCA Offsite '02, Contemporary '03, AKL '04, SoG/HRH '06, PPH, DL/DCA '06, ASMu 2/09, Beach Club 12/09, Numerous trips as a group tour guide (best job ever!), GC DL/DCA 6/12 My June '06 trip report December 09 Beach Club trip report

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02-03-2009, 03:32 PM	#5
krisleee Earning My Ears Join Date: Feb 2009 Posts: 23	thank you so much for your help!

02-14-2009, 09:36 PM	#9
CaliforniaDreamer DIS Veteran Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: SoCal Posts: 1,605	We just did the Illuminations cruise and it was perfect for my DH who doesn't like to stand for long periods. Also, the ride around the Boardwalk before and after was really special.

04-13-2009, 05:37 PM	#13
krisleee Earning My Ears Join Date: Feb 2009 Posts: 23	I'm back from my trip and I thought I would post a quick follow up: I surprised my family and took them on the Illuminations cruise. We went Mar 4 and it was FREEZING!!!!! I think there were good things and bad things about the cruise. Positives: After a LONG day of walking at Epcot, it was so nice to stroll from the lobby of the Yacht Club down to the docks and hop on the pontoon boat. It was also nice to have such a short stroll back to the car and not to fight any crowds on the way out. There were blankets for us all on the boat to cuddle up under. There were 8 in our family, so we got the whole boat to ourselves. Free snacks, soda, water. We also got a water tour around the Boardwalk, Swan and Dolphin, etc. We were able to hear some of Fantasmic. We didn't have to arrive hours early to save our viewing spot. Negatives: We watched Illuminations from under the bridge (I think it was beside Canada). It wasn't the best view. There was an island blocking a large part of the view and it was very difficult to see the countries lighting up from so low on the water. It was so windy that we had soot and debris from the fireworks blowing in our faces a large part of the time. All in all, it was a good purchase and the positives outweighed the negatives. The whole family agreed that it was a good time and we really felt like VIP's on our boat tour. I'm glad we did it but I don't necessarily think I would do it again. It might be better in the summer when the weather is warmer, the days are longer and the crowds are worse. We did not take the Wishes cruise. We ended up watching from main street in front of the castle. Our viewing spot was perfect except I wish I had been at the "crest" of the hill so the people in front of us would have been lower in our line of vision. It would have made for better pictures. Tinkerbell flew and it was a magical night for all of us. Thank you to everyone who gave me their input. I really appreciate your help. The trip was magical!

04-13-2009, 05:46 PM	#14
saratogadreamin09 Derek Jeter = <33333333 Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: watching the yankees (its baseball season :D) Posts: 2,155	repost