Changes to Illuminations Cruises

[CatLady]

There have already been tests of Illuminations cruises using a friendship boat (the ones that ferry you from Epcot to MGM and resorts between). I can't imagine how half the boat actually saw anything, but rumor has it that the Epcot brass was happy with the results. The revenue stream on a per-seat basis is probably better than selling the pontoon boat rides individually for groups of up to 12.

If this does happen, there may still be pontoon boats for Illuminations. If there are, there will be fewer available than there are today.

 

[Crazy Hakim]

Originally posted by CatLady
There have already been tests of Illuminations cruises using a friendship boat (the ones that ferry you from Epcot to MGM and resorts between). I can't imagine how half the boat actually saw anything, but rumor has it that the Epcot brass was happy with the results. The revenue stream on a per-seat basis is probably better than selling the pontoon boat rides individually for groups of up to 12. If this does happen, there may still be pontoon boats for Illuminations. If there are, there will be fewer available than there are today.

Wow, where did you hear this???????
Not true, they have a larger boat called "Fantasea" (you can see it parked by France across from the Epcot Friendship loading area) that is available at a much higher cost than the pontoons or Breathless. It departs from the Swan & Dolphin Dock. It is currently out "occasionally" and it is usually hired by Corporate Brass Types, or celebrities. It can be furnished with a full bar and food. When it is out, they park BEHIND the center pontoon parked on the right side between Breathless and BoardWalk boats.
It does not directly affect the 5 Pontoons and Breathless.
There is no way a Friendship boat could park beneath the bridge and offer any favorable view.

 

[CatLady]

Originally posted by Crazy Hakim
Wow, where did you hear this???????

I know it's an answer you're tired of hearing on the boards, but from a CM (at Y&B).

I'm aware of Fantasea, though I've never seen it. The pontoons and Breathless have a separate "parking" pattern/order dictated for the nights that Fantasea is out.

CM speculation is that they want to tie the friendship boat crossways (tied front and back) across the channel in front of the bridge, near where the torch stands. Of course, this explanation devolved into a discussion about not being able to do such a thing without bow thursters, etc., which I sort of tuned out.

Personally, I think it's a bad idea. Friendship boats have a roof, so no matter which way you turn the thing, it's going to make an obstructed view for at least half of the passnegers. What good is it to go on a fireworks cruise when you can't see "up"?

I'm also curious about the height of Friendship boats and whether they will fit under the bridge. I guess they must be able to in order to be taken in/out of the water, since there are no boat ramps in view of the guests.

 

[Crazy Hakim]

I will ask around, I have a few good friends who work at Bayside Marina. I would also think a Friendship boat would not fit sideways under the bridge, just judging by the 3 pontoon, side-by-side just barely fits and the Friendship boat has to be much longer than three pontoons are wide........
I will let you know what I find out.

 

[manning]

How the heck do you see anything from a friendship boat? Are they going to take the top off??

 

[Crazy Hakim]

Originally posted by manning
How the heck do you see anything from a friendship boat? Are they going to take the top off??

Can you go topless in WDW? LOL!