Anyone Been on a Illuminations Cruise??

[Ronferr80]

So I happened to stumble on information regarding an Illuminations Cruise that leaves from Yacht and Beach Club Marina and takes you out on the water and then setting up so we are able to view Illuminations. What I thought sounded pretty cool was while definitely pricey it was a set price and not per person and its your own personal Pontoon boat not shared with others. (Or I read people shared with other families and split the price).
This sounds like something different and a nice surprise for my family. Was just looking for anyone's information or opinion that may have taken this cruise. I booked it for one night in April when will be in Disney but I just love to hear from people who may have experienced it already.

Thanks in advance for any information!!!!

 

[pooch]

Sorry, in the minority here. Did not like the cruise at all. Especially the view for illuminations, like sitting in a tunnel I thought. And if the wind is blowing in that direction, nothing you can do about it.

 

[Ronferr80]

Sorry, in the minority here. Did not like the cruise at all. Especially the view for illuminations, like sitting in a tunnel I thought. And if the wind is blowing in that direction, nothing you can do about it.

thanks for responding? If you don't mind me asking what do you mean by tunnel?? Also was the view just not good for the show from where the boat was docked? Sorry so many questions but I just read a couple things on it but don't know too much so I appreciate this type of info

 

[pooch]

You dock under the bridge between the U.K. and France thus cannot really see all the way around World Showcase. I love the dancing lights on the countries and you don't get a good view of them.

 

[TAK]

On the other side, we loved it. We went just this past December 2016, as a treat to ourselves. But yes, you can have up to 10 people I believe, so that can be 10 people sharing the cost.

First, there was a good hour or so beforehand of just cruising around the water in between Boardwalk/Yacht/Beach Club, and over by the Swan & Dolphin. Nice and fun if you enjoy boat rides, as I do. Our boat captain was fun and friendly and the boat was comfortable.

Then, we docked between U.K. and France but I wouldn't describe it as *under* the bridge, we were in front of the bridge. Not a huge difference but maybe an important distinction in terms of view? It might depend on which slot your boat is in -- as many as five boats line up there. Maybe one spot is better than another? I don't know. I felt like I could see fine.

Our captain did mention that an unlucky wind can sometimes make the fireworks smoke and ash blow towards the boats and that's unfortunate, but it's a toss up, really, which direction the wind blows... it could be blowing towards wherever you're standing, I have to imagine, just as easily. I don't know, because it didn't happen on our night and we had a spectacular view of the fireworks. At the finale it felt like they were right on top of us, amazing.

Also, at the end, we were thrilled to be able to avoid the crowds entirely in our comfy boat with a nice quiet ride back to Yacht Club. (We weren't staying; for convenience that day we Ubered there and back from our resort. Cost less than ten bucks and was easy as anything.)

That's too bad that it's not always a great experience for everyone, because it *is* pricey, so if I'd had a bad time I would have been disappointed. But for what it's worth we loved it and I would recommend it.

 

[Ronferr80]

On the other side, we loved it. We went just this past December 2016, as a treat to ourselves. But yes, you can have up to 10 people I believe, so that can be 10 people sharing the cost.

First, there was a good hour or so beforehand of just cruising around the water in between Boardwalk/Yacht/Beach Club, and over by the Swan & Dolphin. Nice and fun if you enjoy boat rides, as I do. Our boat captain was fun and friendly and the boat was comfortable.

Then, we docked between U.K. and France but I wouldn't describe it as *under* the bridge, we were in front of the bridge. Not a huge difference but maybe an important distinction in terms of view? It might depend on which slot your boat is in -- as many as five boats line up there. Maybe one spot is better than another? I don't know. I felt like I could see fine.

Our captain did mention that an unlucky wind can sometimes make the fireworks smoke and ash blow towards the boats and that's unfortunate, but it's a toss up, really, which direction the wind blows... it could be blowing towards wherever you're standing, I have to imagine, just as easily. I don't know, because it didn't happen on our night and we had a spectacular view of the fireworks. At the finale it felt like they were right on top of us, amazing.

Also, at the end, we were thrilled to be able to avoid the crowds entirely in our comfy boat with a nice quiet ride back to Yacht Club. (We weren't staying; for convenience that day we Ubered there and back from our resort. Cost less than ten bucks and was easy as anything.)

That's too bad that it's not always a great experience for everyone, because it *is* pricey, so if I'd had a bad time I would have been disappointed. But for what it's worth we loved it and I would recommend it.

thank you for sharing your experience!!!

 

[nezy]

On the other side, we loved it. We went just this past December 2016, as a treat to ourselves. But yes, you can have up to 10 people I believe, so that can be 10 people sharing the cost.

First, there was a good hour or so beforehand of just cruising around the water in between Boardwalk/Yacht/Beach Club, and over by the Swan & Dolphin. Nice and fun if you enjoy boat rides, as I do. Our boat captain was fun and friendly and the boat was comfortable.

Then, we docked between U.K. and France but I wouldn't describe it as *under* the bridge, we were in front of the bridge. Not a huge difference but maybe an important distinction in terms of view? It might depend on which slot your boat is in -- as many as five boats line up there. Maybe one spot is better than another? I don't know. I felt like I could see fine.

Our captain did mention that an unlucky wind can sometimes make the fireworks smoke and ash blow towards the boats and that's unfortunate, but it's a toss up, really, which direction the wind blows... it could be blowing towards wherever you're standing, I have to imagine, just as easily. I don't know, because it didn't happen on our night and we had a spectacular view of the fireworks. At the finale it felt like they were right on top of us, amazing.

Also, at the end, we were thrilled to be able to avoid the crowds entirely in our comfy boat with a nice quiet ride back to Yacht Club. (We weren't staying; for convenience that day we Ubered there and back from our resort. Cost less than ten bucks and was easy as anything.)

That's too bad that it's not always a great experience for everyone, because it *is* pricey, so if I'd had a bad time I would have been disappointed. But for what it's worth we loved it and I would recommend it.

We went a few years ago for DD Sweet 16. We had a few friends..we had 10 on the boat and they even got her a small cake. We really enjoyed the experience as far as riding on the boat between hollywood to swan/dolphinthen around in front of boardwalk finally to epcot. The boat is parked a little bit back but it was a great experience and the kids loved it. I probably wouldn't do it again but I am glad we did it for that experience. I always wanted to try the pirates boat ride from contemporary to MK.

 

[Bete]

I think it's worth doing once. In the past we have shared the boat with others to keep costs down. We would get 8 to 10 people on the boat. I liked being in the water. It's a different perspective being on the same level as the globe.

Just so you know, you are expected to give a gratuity to the driver.

Also, you can do this for the MK fireworks, too.

 

[Ronferr80]

We went a few years ago for DD Sweet 16. We had a few friends..we had 10 on the boat and they even got her a small cake. We really enjoyed the experience as far as riding on the boat between hollywood to swan/dolphinthen around in front of boardwalk finally to epcot. The boat is parked a little bit back but it was a great experience and the kids loved it. I probably wouldn't do it again but I am glad we did it for that experience. I always wanted to try the pirates boat ride from contemporary to MK.

We took our kids (4,2) at the time on the Pirates and Pals firework Cruise from the Contemporary and I highly recommend it!!! One of the only places I believe where the kids got to meet Mr. Smee (and captain hook), and I thought the view of the fireworks were great!! definitely recommend it!! Thanks for sharing your experience!!!

 

[Ronferr80]

I think it's worth doing once. In the past we have shared the boat with others to keep costs down. We would get 8 to 10 people on the boat. I liked being in the water. It's a different perspective being on the same level as the globe.

Just so you know, you are expected to give a gratuity to the driver.

Also, you can do this for the MK fireworks, too.

That's a great idea!! There will be 7 of us and I kind of like the idea of it being "our boat" but if I really enjoyed it and wanted to do it again I would definitely look into sharing boat

 

[eastendlights]

We have done it quite a few times and think it is a great experience. We have done it with 6 people and with just 2. In fact, due to a snowstorm one year, my husband and daughter had to fly home a few days earlier than planned and we had already booked it so my son and I invited a random family with young children that we ran into on the boardwalk to come with us. They had never been before and they thought it was such a treat-their kids were so excited it was fun just watching them enjoy it. I highly recommend it. Nothing like being comfortable with blankets and snacks in your own space to enjoy the show and not having anyone stepping on you or pushing to stand in front of you or elbowing you in the back!

Some of the captains have really interesting stories to tell about the area. We almost always stay at BC and even though we know the Epcot resort area pretty well, we always learn something new on these cruises. Well worth it.

 

[CJN]

We did it with six of us. We really enjoyed both the ride and the view of Illuminations. Our captain was good, too, perfectly walking the fine line between narrating stories and yet also giving us some peaceful quiet time on the water. We've never thought about doing it a second time, though, just because there are so many other ways to spend that money.

 

[PrincessBelle39]

We did it a few years ago and did enjoy it. We were sitting just in front of the bridge. I wouldn't call it the best view. I did enjoy the show itself more from being front on than where the pontoon docks. But it was a great experience and I'm glad we did it. Following the show, we were given the option of being dropped off at DHS which made it easier to get back to our resort.

 

[Aliceacc]

For what it's worth, we loved the Pirates and Pals cruise!!

 

[PSUGuy]

Did it once back when it 'only' cost $125, just our family and GF/BF. It was a chilly March night and when we were parked under the bridge I looked up and there was plenty of room along the railing, could've seen the show better from there.

Bill From PA

 

[recmouse]

We did it several years ago and although it was nice - not worth the price. You can stand by the landing over the bridge from England on your way to France. At that point you can see all the pontoon boats lined up and we were actually further into the lagoon than they were. The last time I was in Epcot there were like 5 boats all squished next to each other. But to do it once... go for it!

 

[lpizzuro123]

We have not done the IllumiNations cruise but there is also a Wishes Cruise that we have done. We were picked up from the Poly marina after dinner at 'Ohana. This was a surprise for my DH and our bridal party while we were down in Disney celebrating our fifth anniversary of our Disney wedding. We all loved it. It was November so it was a little cool but they provided us with blankets. You can also get food, but as were coming from dinner I did not, but you are provided with bags of chips and cans of soda included in the price.

Our boat held 10 people (we were 9). First we cruised all around the lake, past GF, Contemporary and even Ft. Wilderness and the Wilderness Lodge. Our captain supplied us with some Disney history. We even got to watch the Electrical Water Pageant. We parked our boat right in front of the castle and watched Wishes (the music was piped in to our boat). As it was a night of MVMCP, it was the special Holiday Wishes. There were a few other boats out there also but it felt very special with just our close friends.

We are heading down in May and I am going to try to book this again.

Linda

 

[heidijanesmith]

I thought the Illuminations cruise was fantastic. A very special treat for DD's 16th B-day. We thought it was really fun to cruise around the lake prior to Illuminations. We got to go down to the DS area as well.

We ordered some B-day cup cakes to be delivered from Yatcht Club private dining. You can have food/drinks and deserts delivered.

We had great views of the show and really like having a spot just for us. It was very crowded, Sat during F&W, so a comfy spot with food and no crowds was perfect!