Bad changes to Illuminations Cruises

[Nickymouse]

I just called to inquire about the Illuminations Cruise prices that will go into effect after 10/1 and I'm very disappointed. The cheapest price is now called the Basic and it comes with some lame snacks for $187.79. This price is only for up to 8 people. If you want to add up to 10 people, it is $234.74! It seems that 10 is the new limit, so you can no longer have 12 on the boat, according to the CM who I spoke to. Of course, many times I've been given wrong information, so I'm hoping for some positive news from those of you who've booked after 10/1. We have a tradition of doing this cruise every time we're in Disney and now our group of 12 can't do this anymore.

 

[NCombs]

I don't know about the maximum group size but I do know the pricing went up and now includes snacks. That information was correct at least.

 

[Nickymouse]

Anyone else know about the maximum group size?

 

[TZMOM]

Hi Nick - I did the cruise once and just don't understand the big deal about it. Got better views by standing around the World. Don't sweat it if you can't get on it.

 

[Nickymouse]

We do the cruise every year (Illuminations) and for us it's very special. I think the view of the fireworks is awesome from the boat. Part of what makes it special I guess is that it's a tradition that we do with the same families. That's why I'm upset about the new restriction on the amount of people.

 

[cobbler]

The size is depending on where you are going. If you are doing a Wishes cruise that is the 187 because it will hold 8 people, IF you are doing Illuminations that is the 234 because it will hold up to 10 adults.

Also know that there are now only 2 pontoon boats and the breathless for Illuminations so fewer boats then there were before.

 

[Nickymouse]

Wow! The CM really was confused. She thought those prices were for both Illuminations and Wishes. So there are only 2 boats for Illuminations instead of 4? What happened to all of the boats?

 

[DVCconvert]

"10" has always been the limit for guests per boat. The price change doesn't surprise me, as it's been a very popular option for guests. Even with only 2 gurests, we've gotten hot chocolate & cookies during the Nove-march timeframe.

It's a wonderful experience, and I'm not suprised the price has gone up, as it hasn't over the last 3-4 years.

I don't think anything has changed as to the number of boats available. As in the past WDW-PLAY has so many boats, and the Epcot area concierge has it's own number to assign to guests.

 

[mking624]

"10" has always been the limit for guests per boat.

I believe it was 10 per boat if all the guests were adults, but it was 12 per boat if some of the guests were children. At least, that's what I've read on various websites and have been told by a few riders.

 

[katallo]

Gosh, I'm glad we went in March. It was 117.00+tax for 6 of us and there were 4 pontoons and breathless.

That is quite a rate increase! We really don't care about snacks.

I hope they don't price all of their special events off the charts.

 

[Tinkerchele]

Is there a minimum party size? Or do they automatically combine 2 parties on one cruise?

 

[katallo]

There were six of us and we didn't have the share with anyone.

 

[Stimpy]

Is there a minimum party size? Or do they automatically combine 2 parties on one cruise?

We've done it with just 2 of us and they didn't combine cruises. Basically you are hiring the boat and driver for the cruise.....it's yours whether you have 1 person or 10.

 

[Tinkerchele]

We've done it with just 2 of us and they didn't combine cruises. Basically you are hiring the boat and driver for the cruise.....it's yours whether you have 1 person or 10.

Thanks for the info!