Are we crazy taking a 2 year old on the Illuminations Cruise?

[D L and K's Mom]

Are we nuts thinking we can take a 2 year old on the illuminations cruise? We have not even tried to make ressies yet (too early) but even if we get one are we NUTS? DD is well behaved but is still 2 are we nuts? Are there seat blets? Anyone ever done this???

 

[soccer mom]

It really depends on the two year old. I don't remeber seat belts. It's not going to be as enjoyable for you if you can't listen to all the information, facts, and trivia that the driver shares. Also, you are three abreast under the bridge with other boats during Illuminations. A child crying or complaining may take away from the show.

On the other side of this, it is a party atmosphere and if you are few among many it probably will be fine as long a you have a somewhat patient child. If she can sit through Illuminations on the sidewalk, she will probably do fine on the boat. If she is a mover and a shaker you might want to wait until next time.

 

[VoiceofReason]

Since we think people are nuts to take 2 year olds to WDW period, I think it's safe to assume we feel the same about an Illuminations cruise!
My favorite quote from Jurassic Park: "Just because we can do something doesn't mean we should!"

 

[Tiger Fan]

You will not need seatbelts as the boats are pontoon boats. My dad has always had a pontoon just so the grandkids (even as young as 2 and under) could enjoy the lake. Your DD will love the boat and even the fireworks. The boats hold 12 people comfortably and you can easily hold DD on your lap and once the boat stops for the fireworks she can even walk around a little (the boats have a big open space in the middle, easily allowing you to walk from the front to rear, etc. We’ve done the Illuminations Cruise several times (DD was 4 the first time) and she’s always enjoyed it. I think you will be fine and your DD will enjoy this. Have a great time and good luck when you call.
Lisa
Tiger Fan

 

[DisneyMomInMN]

We did the illuminations cruise when my youngest ds was 2 1/2. He had no problems. He sat on my lap for most of the cruise, but did go and see Daddy sometimes too. I brought some little snacks for him to eat - and he enjoyed the whole thing so much that there was no problem! We did make sure that he had a nap that day - in fact we didn't do the parks the day of our illumination cruise - so he wasn't quite so tired that day. HTH! I think they'll do just fine!

 

[shelly3girls]

My DD was 2.5 when we took her. She was asleep from the movement/noise of the boat by the time we were 10 minutes into the trip. We had a very pleasant evening with her on my DH's lap and my 4.5 year old DD on my lap. Even the noise of the fireworks did not bother her. I would go and enjoy it if you think your DD will follow the rules.

 

[D L and K's Mom]

Thank you all for the advice. I think we will try it. I was more worried about "Space" than her crying...I doubt she will cry as she is a pretty good girl. My bet is she falls asleep. She falls asleep in the car as soon as we buckle her in....the motion will probably do the trick! Thanks again.

 

[MichiganMomto4]

Since we think people are nuts to take 2 year olds to WDW period, I think it's safe to assume we feel the same about an Illuminations cruise!

That's so sad. WDW through the eyes of a 2 year old is an amazing and wonderous experience

To the original poster: Have a great time on the cruise!

 

[D L and K's Mom]

We took other DD when she was 2 1/2......she loved it!! It was so magical to se her with Mickey and Minnie...so full of happiness and love...she jsut wanted to hug Mickey! I am so excited to see new little DD with the characters....I think Disney is for all ages 1 month to 100 years!!! It is great for all!!!!!

 

[DebIreland]

Hiya,
I've booked a Wishes cruise for our family including our (by the time we go) 15mth old daughter. I'm a tad worried about the noise, it's hard to gauge how she'll be until we do it. We might even use little ear plugs - of course assuming she'll keep them in. Either way, I'm really looking forward to it. Hope you have a great time too.

 

[mhochman]

Since we think people are nuts to take 2 year olds to WDW period, I think it's safe to assume we feel the same about an Illuminations cruise!
My favorite quote from Jurassic Park: "Just because we can do something doesn't mean we should!"

Not to change the direction of the thread, but we took our two year old last summer to WDW for 9 days. He had the time of his life, still talks about it, and can't wait to go again. He makes us watch either the DVD of our trip or look at the photos nearly every day. I think it depends on the two year old. Ours is mellow and easy going. He didn't have one meltdown the entire trip, and did great with a babysitter (first time ever with a non-family member) the two nights we went off on our own.

Incidentally, we may be nuts, but not for that reason. Back to the original question, I think our son would have done beautifully on an Illuminations cruise.

 

[katallo]

We took our first Illuminations cruise last week. It was a wonderful experience. While there were no small kids on our boat several of the boats had youngsters. I think as long as noise isn't a problem, they'll be fine. The fireworks are extremely loud. I can honestly say that the kids seemed to truly enjoy it. We have seen Illuminations more times than we can count, but never like the cruise!

 

[D L and K's Mom]

I don't think I would even consider it if it wasnt just our family on the cruise. I would feel terrible if we shared the cruise with someone and DD cried the entire time. We will be there with my sister-in-law and brother thier kids and our family so we will need the whole boat. I doubtI will even be able to get on as it is 4th of july wekk. But you never know! I am going to try!