Birthday illuminations cruise question

[dorisdvu]

When making reservations for Illuminations Cruises, I read on the boards that book up quickly. Do the Birthday Cruises book just as quickly? Can you and do people share birthday cruises? What's the difference between the pontoon cruises and resort cruises?

 

[Nickymouse]

I'm pretty sure that a Birthday Illuminations Cruise can take place on any of the boats that go out for Illuminations. If you are lucky enough to book any of the boats, simply tell the CM that you would like it for a Birthday Cruise and they will charge you the birthday price instead of the regular price.

 

[kdibattista]

Illuminations cruises (birthday or regular) are extrememly hard to get... I called everyday at 6:58 and they were sold out by 7:02 !!!! Good news is that you can book MK fireworks cruises and get the same birthday package (decorated boat, cake). I had no trouble booking that (and never have.... even just a few days before). I keep telling myself that I will get to go an Illuminations cruise.... one of these days

 

[LJC1861]

Kim,

If you are interested, PM me and I will walk you through what I do when booking an illuminations cruise. I have done lots of them and have never missed getting one when using this method.

Linda

 

[dorisdvu]

Originally posted by kdibattista
Illuminations cruises (birthday or regular) are extrememly hard to get... I called everyday at 6:58 and they were sold out by 7:02 !!!! Good news is that you can book MK fireworks cruises and get the same birthday package (decorated boat, cake). I had no trouble booking that (and never have.... even just a few days before). I keep telling myself that I will get to go an Illuminations cruise.... one of these days

What's the difference between an Illuminations cruise and a MK fireworks cruise?

 

[katerkat]

Originally posted by dorisdvu
What's the difference between an Illuminations cruise and a MK fireworks cruise?

Well, the Illuminations cruises get a prime viewing for Illuminations at EPCOT, while the MK fireworks cruise views the Magic Kingdom fireworks from the lake. Basically two different parks, two different shows. I would book an Illuminations or fireworks cruise, then once it's been confirmed, ask for the birthday package. You can always do a sailing in the middle of the day with the birthday package, if you don't want to see the show. It's the cruises with the shows that book fast.

Also, I don't know if it's possible based on your transportation, but you are allowed to bring your own food on the cruises. We took champagne on our Illuminations cruise last year - our captain even gave us glasses! (Plastic ones - he wasn't too keen on my glass wine glasses.) So if you can buy your own cake and such, it might be cheaper.

Good luck! I had a lovely time on our Illuminations cruise, even though it was a bit chilly. Also to keep in mind - depending on how the wind is blowing, you can get ash and smoke from the fireworks at Illuminations. I think with the MK Fireworks, you're far enough away so it won't matter. But I don't know how the new firework show (starts this Thursday) will work with the cruise - I'm hoping it'll still be magical!