Compare/Contrast Illum and Wishes Cruises for me...

[kerri0616]

Hello all:

I'm considering a specialty cruise for our late July trip. Having trouble deciding between Illuminations cruise and Wishes cruise. I read quite a bit of the above thread, but I'd like to hear some reviews...

First of all, is there a price difference? If you've done both, which do you prefer and why? If you've done one or the other, please give your review.

Thanks to all!

Kerri

 

[California Mom]

I don't believe that there is not a price difference. $140.84 per cruise (basic)

I just booked Wishes Cruise this morning for July. We did Illimunations in 2000, and enjoyed it, but going to try Wishes this time...and would also like to know of any differences.

 

[matt&jakesmom]

I have not done either, but booked Wishes for our June 25 trip. Illuminations was already booked for our entire stay. I do suggest that you call at the 90 day mark, unless they let you book sooner, or you may not get Illuminations. I was told that both are the same price.

 

[Lizzybee]

I just did a Wishes Cruise on Easter and it was amazing. It was so beautiful and relaxing. We didn't have the music on our boat, but the boats around us did so it was the perfect volume for my son who has sensitive ears. The captain took us on a tour of the surrounding resorts and we got to see the Electric Water Pagent from the boat. Very cute. When we saw the fireworks for Wishes it was like pixie dust falling on the castle and reflecting on the water. Truly spectacular and magical . I originally wanted an Illuminations cruise, but took this because none were available...and I'm so glad I did! From the descriptions of the Illuminations cruise you are "right there" with the smoke and the noises. It's probably a very exciting show but I think with my daughter's sensitive nose and my son's ears, this was probably ultimately a better experience for us. With tax and all it was $150 and I tipped the captain. I'd do it again it was well worth it. Hope that helps. Illuminations is more popular, there must be a reason, but I think the Wishes Cruise is one of WDW's best kept secrets. Happy sailing

 

[Alaska Catdog]

DH and I have differing opinions on this one. I really loved the Wishes Cruise and he liked Illuminations. In the Illuminations cruise all the boats tie up under a bridge near France and you watch from there. The boats are tied up right next to each other, you could jump into the boat next to you if you wanted too. You're under a bridge, if fireworks go off above, which they do, it's not the best place. If the smoke from the display drifts toward you, you sit through it (as opposed to walking away, if you are on land). Don't get me wrong, I do think Illuminations is wonderful but on the Wishes Cruise, they take you out to the 7 Seas Lagoon and tie up to a bouy. You can see that there are other folks out there enjoying the fireworks from boats but they aren't in your space. The view is fabulous. The Wishes display reminds me of when I was a kid and I watched "The Wonderful World Of Disney" on television. From the water it really took me back. There is some question about music availability. DH says we didn't have music on our boat, I insist that we did. Both were great but I would have to agree with Lizzybee Wishes Cruise is one of WDW's best kept secrets.

 

[California Mom]

Thanks, Alaska Catdog....can't wait for our July Wishes Cruise!