Breathless vs. pontoon

[GUNER]

We have both booked for illuminations and I have not decided which one to cancel. There are six of us. Which one is better??

 

[debbiedoo]

Definitely the breathless

 

[Crazy Hakim]

We have both booked for illuminations and I have not decided which one to cancel. There are six of us. Which one is better??

Big difference in seating arrangements!

In Breathless, you sit like in a station wagon. One seat next to driver, a bench seat directly behind driver (seats 3) and another bench seat behind the motor area (seats 3) this is about 4 feet behind the middle bench seat. Everybody faces forward. It's nice, but not conducive for conversation.
Breathless photos:
http://www.amazon.ofoto.com/PhotoView.jsp?&collid=988041955103&photoid=909041955103

On the pontoons (Party Boats), the seats basically face each other, sofa style. You could fit 6 adults comfortably in the front area, and another 4 near the driver. For the fireworks all can move up to the front for a better view.
Pontoon Photos:
http://www.amazon.ofoto.com/PhotoView.jsp?&collid=466357466103&photoid=366357466103

Enjoy!

 

[senecabeach]

The Breathless is a speedboat and they wisk around at a good clip...down the waterway passed the Boardwalk Villa's toward MGM, then turn around, passed the Boardwalk then cruise down to the Gateway by EPCOT.
The seats are seperated by the inboard engine and guests must stay seated!!

At the bridge..you can see only whats in front of you and yes the fireworks and view of the world are great..but you're at water level..dont get to see around the World Showcase, as you do on top of the bridge, the sides block you and dont get to see all the countries doing their thing.
If you must go...take the pontoon boats.
IMHO...this is NOT worth $175. !!

 

[Leota]

I have done the Breathless Illuminatiosn Cruise 2x - Once in 1998 & once in 2001. In 1998, I felt it was worth it, but more for the post-fireworks activities than anything. It used to include a lengthy high-speed, acrobatic "Burst" throughout the lakes & canals from IG to MGM. We loved that part so much, we booked for another special occasion in 2001.

Because of legal issues, no more "Bursts" at night. It was definately NOT worth the money AT ALL. It is really about the only time I have ever felt completely ripped off at WDW. I was extremely disappointed & angry. As posted above, the viewing area isn't the best, you can't see that much, it's crowded with boats now & you are at water level & can get quite overwhelmed with smoke. I've had much better views of Illuminations from WS for free.

Now I watch Illuminations from WS walkways & take a Breathless Burst from Y&C marina for 20 something dollars during the day. A much better use of my time & money.

 

[padkas]

go with the pontton! the breathless doesn't seat as many comfortably as they suggest. we took this cruise for the y2k illuminations show and were disappointed with it. we took a leisurely cruise through the waterways and then pulled in between the pontoons for the show. they had a fabulous view and we could hardly see anything! i think you get more of your money's worth with the pontoon boat.
-pam

 

[DVC Jen]

with that many people i would definately go with a pontoon. LOTS more room. With the Breathless you would be sitting on each other.


BUT.. the Breathless is awesome.. for a romantic fireworks cruise

 

[wisbucky]

IMHO the cost of the breathless is certainly not worth it. The pontoon is much for enjoyable and more relaxing. The view of Illuminations from a pontoon in no way can compare to the view from the breathless. TAKE THE PONTOON!

 

[Mymatisse]

I've never been on the Breathless but we went just my husband and myself on the pontoon boat and had a great time! I personally don't think I would pay the extra money.