ANyone out there been on the Breathless?

[karebear1]

Lucky us! Thanks to a thread I just read, I called and was able to reserve the Breathless for our January trip! But I'm wondering if it sails the same pattern as the pontoons for Illuminations? They told us the boat would pick us up at 8:30- and that Illuminations was at 9- so that's only a half an hour for a ride- what exactly do they do and is this worth my money? Is it a roomy boat? PLEASE shaare your Breathless experience with me- ANy info you could give me I would appreciate. Thank you!
Karen

 

[Scotfan]

We went on Breathless in 2002, it was fantastic. It followed the same route as the pontoons and tied up to the left of them under the bridge between UK and France. My mum said she felt like royalty. Myself DH and DS1 sat in the 1st row, DD DM and DS2 sat in the back. If we wanted to talk we had to shout as there is about 4' between the rows. The view of the fireworks was incredible.
Angelo(Ithink that was the drivers name) said if we went back the following day he would take us out for 10 mins(complimentary) and show us what the boat could do! we didnt have time but I regret that now.

Enjoy.

 

[Leota]

They changed the Breathless Fireworks cruise alot & not for the better. The first time we did it (1998), you left the dock at 8:00 & took her out & the captain took a nice tour of the lakes. You docked under the International Gateway Bridge, saw the show & then the fun REALLY started - Breathless would leave the bridge last & slowly cruise the lakes until they were all clear - Then the Captain would LET HER RIP! You flew across the lake, heading straight at the wall at 60 mph & the captain would crank the wheel, stand her up on her side & spin it on a dime & off you'd race again & again. Often times, it was around 11:00 before you hit the dock again.
Due to the Legal Dept, they changed all that - no more night-time fun. If you want to fully enjoy Breathless - Take the Breathless Burst (which is usually a little longer than the time they post) It is worth every penny & has become a tradition for us on every trip. I won't do the Breathless fireworks cruise anymore, to us - it's not worth it after they took the speed part out but kept charging the same amount.....

 

[Puffy2]

i've done the burst thing - and when we did (last Feb.) they didn't actually advertise the burst option (10 minute ride for about $20.00 or so - ride ended up being more like 20 - 25 min. - probably depends on your driver.) Also, they let me do it because I knew about it and asked. Also, they were confused, as they said usually a "burst" is a summer thing and the driver will drive the boat as to get you all wet (to cool off) but in winter this isn't a good thing.... they asked if I wanted "that"... I said "no, just a boat ride - perhaps riding fast" Anyway, they are happy to do what ever you want - just make sure there are no misunderstandings or you might end up soaked. Boat is really suited for 2 - possibly 4 but the 2 in the very back might get wet.

 

[Crazy Hakim]

Originally posted by karebear1
They told us the boat would pick us up at 8:30- and that Illuminations was at 9- so that's only a half an hour for a ride- what exactly do they do and is this worth my money? Is it a roomy boat? Karen

Karen,

Most of the drivers leave between 8:10 and 8:20, extremely rare to depart 8:30 or later, unless the group had arrived late.
The drivers arrive at 7pm and spend an hour prepping the boats. At 8:00 pm most of them are milling around Bayside Marina to Meet and Greet the parties.
Don't arrive at 8:30!

Boat can seat 7, and the driver.
There are three rows of seats
Driver and passenger
Middle Row (seats three, directly behind driver)
Back Row (seats three)

I would like to mention that the back row is about 4-5 feet behind the middle row, since the engine compartment separates the two.
The boat is low to the water and sort of sports car like.

I hope this info helps,
Mike

 

[luvpooh]

I booked the Breathless in December, when Illuminations begins at 9:30. The rep told me that we should arrive at the docks 15 minutes before! I said that I thought it was at least 1/2 hr early and she said no, 15 minutes. I was planning on getting to the dock between 8:45 and 9, should this be enough time?

 

[karebear1]

I'd call back to confirm my ressie and ask again about the time you should be at the dock- and check for that Illuminations time too- that sounds rather odd to me. Even if the parks are open later, don't they usually always show Illuminations at 9:00? OH! ANd THANKS luvpooh- you're the person that gave me the heads up on the Breathless being available!

 

[luvpooh]

karebear, glad to help
in December every year, Epcot's World Showcase is open until 9:30 instead of 9 and Illuminations is shown at 9:30. I think it may be because of the Candlelight Processional, or perhaps because MK closes earlier a lot of nights because of MVMCP. So the time is right, but I'm not sure about the time to get to the marina. I will call when it's closer to the time of our trip.

 

[cdamico]

Luvpooh, thanks for letting us know about the Breathless!

When I read your post, I called and got my ressie for Dec. 20! My family is looking forward to our first Christmas visit!


Karebbear1,

I checked by ressie and we are to be at the marina at 8:45. We'll depart around 9:00 and Illuminations will be at 9:30. I always show up early for things.

I hope that helps!

 

[anotherboardnposter]

While I've never been on an Epcot boat, the Breathless Burst sounds like it could be interesting.

I'd have to do it in the Summer, though, if you end up getting really wet.

Sincerely,

John "anotherboardnposter" Kilduff