Anyone take the "new" Illuminations Cruises that began on Oct. 1st?

[mmcguire]

$250 ! For a boat ride and chips and soda???

I've done this "cruise" folks, it's not worth the money.

Playing devil's advocate here to give "fair and balanced" perspective. We've done the Illuminations Cruise and do think it's worth it. Yes, it is expensive, but it was one of the most magical times we've ever had at WDW, and our only really decadent splurge for our upcoming Dec trip was booking a Wishes cruise.

To us, the sum is greater than the parts; we don't view it as a simple equation of a short pontoon boat ride + fireworks + snacks + drinks. It's difficult to assign a monetary value to the uniqueness and rarity of being able to share a slice of Disney magic privately with just a few family members or friends.

The Chef's Table at V&A could be viewed in the same way, but we all know how difficult that is to get also! To some, a single meal is not worth the price -- a burger and fries can be had for $5.00, and at the end of the day, you're belly's still full.

 

[WDWguru]

We're on the Breathless in a couple of weeks. We've done it before, but pre-snacks. We were told it includes chocolate covered strawberries and champagne and/or sparkling juice. I was given a number to call but this thread just now reminded me of it. I'm assuming the lack of space is why the Breathless menu is quite different.

* UPDATE *

Okay, I just called and talked to Tanya in catering. I was told that the food is NOT included and is an additional charge even though the cruise booking folks indicated that was not the case. They also only have a party of two listed, and there are six of us going, so I'm calling to see what's going on.

* UPDATE 2 *

All cleared up now. They did have the six of us on the booking, so not sure what was up there. As for the food, the Breathless includes "bagged snacks" (popcorn, chips, etc), soft drinks and water. So it does sound like the same assortment as the pontoons get. If you want anything in addition to or instead of that, then you call the number I was given to order it.

 

[eblondie]

We had a cruise booked but were told that as theres only 2 people there will only be enough snacks for two people. Thats something I dont understand. I mean we're paying the same price a those on a full boat

 

[WDWguru]

Good point, eblondie. I suppose they prefer it not to go to waste, but if it's all prepackaged items anyway, what's the difference? It's not like something is going to spoil or can't be put back.

 

[welovewdw]

If you want anything in addition to or instead of that, then you call the number I was given to order it.

What number? Disney dining? Thanks for the info!

 

[Puffy2]

Is that why it's Sold Out every night?

My theory is that people want something "spectacular", "magical"...something special just for them at Disney and they are willing to pay for it and Disney knows it. There will always be people willing to fill these boats, and the $400 plus conicerge rooms (and I've done them all ) and it's not worth it. It is just a pontoon boat ride, some snacks and a view of illuminations from under the bridge at Epcot. It lasts about 45 min to a hour or so. Everyone stares at you as you pull into Epcot... perhaps that is worth the $ just to feel like some sort of VIP for a brief moment, but it's not that big of a deal. The view is better of Illuminations from the shore and the food could be 100 X better if you picked up a fancy dessert yourself from one of the restaurants.

I don't mean to spoil your fun. It is pleasant. But I also don't want people to think that their trip is ruined because they didn't get the "magic boat", or weren't able to snag a Cinderalla breakfast reservation, or can't afford concierge. Sometimes running from "special event" to "special event" - taking time away from regular touring or moments to relax, - takes away from the pleasure of the trip rather than adding to it. Just something to keep in mind.

 

[erikthewise]

It didn't go up $100, it went up $130. It used to be $120. I remember because we were very fortunate (in retrospect) to be able to do this last Dec. We had 10 in our boat and paid $15 per person in order to include a tip (and tax?).

 

[WDWguru]

What number? Disney dining? Thanks for the info!

Oops! Sorry, I guess I should've posted that, huh? The number is 407-934-3160 and the person who handles the cruise catering is Tanya.

 

[heathriel]

One question I have -

They took my credit card to reserve it, but never charged it.

They also attached it to my resort reservation.

Will this come up as a room charge or will it show up on my credit card bill? Don't care either way. Just curious.

 

[welovewdw]

If it works like dining reservations, you can pay however you wish when you show up - you can choose then to charge to card or room (or even cash! I think they still take that! )

 

[disneytraveler]

These cruises must be the same ones that are also featured on the Platium
plan. Am i correct? Good thing i booked the plan.

 

[Crazy Hakim]

These cruises must be the same ones that are also featured on the Platinum plan. Am i correct? Good thing i booked the plan.

Yes, you are correct there is one 25' Pontoon set aside for The Platinum Plan each night, up to 10 ppl, so you may have another group/party/family on the boat with you.

 

[Crazy Hakim]

One question I have -
They took my credit card to reserve it, but never charged it.
They also attached it to my resort reservation.
Will this come up as a room charge or will it show up on my credit card bill? Don't care either way. Just curious.

The Credit Card is just to HOLD the reservation (just like a rental car) upon arrival at the dock they will actually ring-up the sale, at that time you could opt to pay cash, put on a different credit card, or put on your Disney Room. Regardless, the staff will not have access to your original credit card and require some sort of payment the night of the cruise.

 

[diswedwish]

These cruises must be the same ones that are also featured on the Platium
plan. Am i correct? Good thing i booked the plan.

Yes, that's the way we got our Illuminations Cruise We went last November - the cruise was arranged through our planner and we did end up with another family of 5 - with DH and I we ended up with 7. We were very happy we were able to try it through the plan, it was very neat, but I don't think we'd do it again. Enjoy the plan

 

[disneytraveler]

I am glad i decided on the platium plan then. The cruises sound great!