a few questions about the fireworks cruises

[loriandmatt]

i have been seeing posts about the wishes cruise and the illuminations cruise for some time now. i get the concept and understand that they are as hard to come by as hens teeth and/or CRT breakfast ressies.

What i don't get is......so what is involved in them that make them such a hot ticket? Is the view that much better of the "show"? Is there more to them than loading on a boat a half hour or so before the fireworks - tooling to a spot on the water with a good view - seeing the show just like the rest of us on land - returning to the dock and getting off?

Not trying to be a smarty pants here - honestly want to know what the big deal is and if this is something worth considering for our next trip.

- lori

 

[Ted and Holly]

The specialty cruises are a 1 hour cruise on a pontoon boat.

When we went on an "Illuminations Cruise" a couple years ago, we boarded at the Boardwalk at 8:30 and our Captain toured us around thaT area and towards MGM. There were some small children on board with which the Captain did some Disney trivia with. Just before the show, we joined 3 other boats under a bridge into the World Showcase lagoon and tied off. The view was decent, with a small island to the right side.

I have had much better views of the show from the Roase and Crown, the Cantina in mexico, and the last-minute rope drop area at the front of the World Showcase Lagoon.

The good points of the cruise are the nice night-time cruise around the waterways, with some interesting and sometimes funny commentary from the Captain. And a pretty nice spot to watch the fireworks. Where you don't have to fight to save your spot.

Like many of the "Disney Secrets" these are becoming hard to get. If you have a large enough group, I think they are worth it.

Ted

 

[CatLady]

I've been on several Illuminations cruises. As Ted and Holly described, you're onboard for about an hour (provided you get there on time... if you are running late and get there at the last minute, you don't necessarily get extra time afterward when the CMs are obligated to be helping each other unload, etc.). You get a ride from the marina at Y&B over to MGM and back before they drive the boat up under the bridge between France & England. The boats stick out in front of the bridge a bit so the aft part of the boat is under the bridge, so it's a clearer view from the front. I have also had a pacifier dropped on me from the bridge above when I was sitting near the bow, but I think that's rare.

The big deal to me is the Captains, who are fantastic, and the effortlessness of it. You don't have to stake out a place to watch an hour (or more) ahead of time. At the end of the fireworks, you don't have to walk all the way to the main entrance of Epcot if you're tired. And, best of all, at the end, you don't have to face the crowds headed for the exit.

It's especially worth it on holidays. I have watched Illuminations from inside the World Showcase in front of France for July 4, and i have watched it from a boat on New Year's Eve, and there's no comparison! I believe there is an additional fee for New Year's Eve cruises.

 

[wld]

We did the cruise for magic kingdom fireworks a couple of years ago for my DH's birthday and really enjoyed it . We cruised around bay lake on a beautiful night. It was so quiet and the stars were beautiful. Then we cruised around 7 seas lagoon and got a spot for the fireworks (they weren't wishes then). WE could hear the music and it felt like our own private fireworks. Our captain was great and my DH really enjoyed his birthday suprise. I wouldn't do it every time but will certainly do it again