Advice for booking an Illuminations Cruise?

[wheredreamsbegin]

Thursday will be 180 days from the day I would like to take our family on an Illuminations Cruise to celebrate my DH's 40th birthday. I have done some reading on the subject of scheduling a cruise. I have to say that I'm more than a little worried. Everything I've read has made booking a cruise seem as difficult as securing a dining reservation at BOG. (I suppose that I shouldn't be surprised given that there are only five boats!). I've read that it is absolutely essential to call at 7:00 a.m. at 180 days. Is that truly the case? Are there any other tips I should know prior to calling? Thank you!

 

[vicki_c]

If you're staying on site and your husbands birthday isn't on your check in day, I would be sure to use the 180+10 option just like ADRs. In my experience, we have done 3 cruises and booked them all on the first possible day and had no trouble. We even booked the Breathless one year and there was only one of them (doesn't exist any longer, sadly). I'm not sure if they are quite as in demand as years ago because they raised the prices quite a bit, but you are right, there are a limited number of boats so it's best to call as soon as possible.

 

[wheredreamsbegin]

If you're staying on site and your husbands birthday isn't on your check in day, I would be sure to use the 180+10 option just like ADRs. In my experience, we have done 3 cruises and booked them all on the first possible day and had no trouble. We even booked the Breathless one year and there was only one of them (doesn't exist any longer, sadly). I'm not sure if they are quite as in demand as years ago because they raised the prices quite a bit, but you are right, there are a limited number of boats so it's best to call as soon as possible.

Thank you so much! I didn't know it was possible to book when the 180 + 10 window opens. That means I can try calling tomorrow!

 

[Dan Murphy]

As Vicki said, even with the current high price, they can be difficult to book.

I would practice calling the booking number, and bypassing all the marketing questions by continuing to hit 0, regardless what the recording is asking about...how many trips have you taken, are in you FL now, etc. ON the day/s that you call, I would start calling a few minutes before 7 and use your redial button until you get through. When you do get through, immediately tell the CM you want to book a Illumination cruise on such and such day, no niceties. Save those for after you are told you have it booked.

And good luck.

 

[wheredreamsbegin]

Thank you! I'll be on the phone tomorrow before 7:00. I'll report back to let everyone know if I'm successful. I appreciate the advice!

 

[sethschroeder]

Did a booking for our honeymoon last July 7th and I didn't book until like 100 days out and still didn't have any issues.

I would still get on the phone right away but its a far cry from BOG I think.

Good Luck!

 

[patty57]

I booked one at less than 180 days for May 2013. I don't remember how far how it was...maybe 90 or so? I must have gotten lucky.

 

[Spoisal]

If you can't book the Illuminations Cruise - would you consider a Wishes Cruise? I just booked a Wishes Cruise for Easter week at less than 90 days with no problems. Good Luck!

 

[wheredreamsbegin]

Can someone please tell me the number to call? I have two different numbers and want to make sure that I call the right one at 7:00!

Thanks!

 

[Spoisal]

I got right through with 1-407-939-7529

 

[Dan Murphy]

Or, easy to remember acronym...(407) WDW-PLAY.

 

[wheredreamsbegin]

Thank you everyone! I booked the cruise!!! In spite of my intention to call right at 7:00, I chose to make another call first. At 7:00, I called to make appointments for our three DDs at BBB. (I was able to get appointments for all three at the time we wanted! ) After booking those appointments, I was transferred to the line for specialty cruises. I was able to book the date I wanted for the cruise with no problem! I was then able to book the rest of my dining with the recreation representative. It was a magical and productive morning!

 

[Dan Murphy]

Thank you everyone! I booked the cruise!!! In spite of my intention to call right at 7:00, I chose to make another call first. At 7:00, I called to make appointments for our three DDs at BBB. (I was able to get appointments for all three at the time we wanted! ) After booking those appointments, I was transferred to the line for specialty cruises. I was able to book the date I wanted for the cruise with no problem! I was then able to book the rest of my dining with the recreation representative. It was a magical and productive morning!

I guess so!!!! Congratulations. Enjoy all your new found WDW delights, have a great trip.

 

[wheredreamsbegin]

I guess so!!!! Congratulations. Enjoy all your new found WDW delights, have a great trip.

Thank you SO much! We're doing some special things things trip. I can't wait!

 

[patty57]

Thank you everyone! I booked the cruise!!! In spite of my intention to call right at 7:00, I chose to make another call first. At 7:00, I called to make appointments for our three DDs at BBB. (I was able to get appointments for all three at the time we wanted! ) After booking those appointments, I was transferred to the line for specialty cruises. I was able to book the date I wanted for the cruise with no problem! I was then able to book the rest of my dining with the recreation representative. It was a magical and productive morning!

Wow...good stuff. There were only two of us when I booked the cruise in May, but I will able to get eight more people to fill the boat from the Wishes & Illuminations Cruises Find One to Share thread here on the DIS.

 

[windchime]

My husband and I were two of the lucky ones that joined Patty57 after she reserved the Illuminations Cruise. She did an awesome job of organizing the event, which we really appreciated! Thanks again Patty57!