Firework Cruises at WDW ?????

[fireside1868]

Has anyone taken the fireworks cruise at WDW. Is it worth it??? Did your family enjoy it???
Also she said that you must meet at your docking area at 8:00 pm we have ressies at Ohana at 6:45 do u think we could eat at Ohana and be ready by 8:00 at our pick up at the Poly.

Thanks for your help

 

[goldilocks_63]

I've done both MK and Epcot cruises...

It can be cold on the water, so bring a jacket. Also, children have to wear life preservers, so have them wear a comfy shirt so perserver can go over, and a sweat top.

That being said, Ohana can be really slow, and check in can take forever (30 minutes), so I think you won't have enough time.... Can you move the dinning reservation up to 5:45 - 6 p.m., or after cruise, or do it another night.

The 8 p.m. time is to check in, pay for the boat, etc, so you won't really leave until 8:30 a.m..... but if you can get there early, and get your captain ready, then you will have more time to leasurely have a boat ride and enjoy the scenary before the show starts.... If your late, they just race the boat into position, either way it's the same price, so I say relax and enjoy.

Boat is expensive, and fits 10 people, so you may want to post on this board and see if anyone wants to share and pay half. Also, captains expect tips, like $20ish???

It's nice. Some of the newer / bigger boats can also play the music while the FW goes on (ask you captain and you may be lucky).

The best part is boating home, instead of hoofing it out with the hoards of guests.

Enjoy, GOldi

 

[bobbiwoz]

We went in June. We left from WL and shared the cruise with another family. We "met" the other family via the Dis, and shared the cost of the refreshments, chocolate covered strawberries and some wine. "Regular snacks" like chips and pop are included in the price.

I loved it, the music was piped in, not in sync with the action, however. DH didn't enjoy it, he likes being closer to the fireworks. I would do it again.

It is so wonderful to be able to see the fireworks and not have to deal with crowds at all.

Bobbi

 

[thelobstershanty]

We have never done the Wishes cruise but have done the Illuminations cruise many times including the Breathless Illuminations Cruise. We have also given a Illuminations/Breathless Cruise as a wedding gift to fellow Disney nuts.
All the cruises are something special and different from the regular park guest's experience. Do we think they are worth the money--not really. But what at Disney, is worth the total dollar value?? As with many things Disney, you are paying for the magical experience. The more up close and personal you wish to be to the magic is your decision; and your dollar. The fireworks cruises are something special and unique. The Illuminations cruise is mostly under the bridge leading to WS from the International Gateway--but it is as close as it can be, considering the safety issues. The fieworks cruises are something that is special. You definitely do not have to do them every trip. We have done more than our fair share of Illumination cruises, but we very often have friends staying at BWV with us, so we end up booking the cruises. For WDW newbies, the firework cruises are often their favorite part of the trip. The firework cruises are very nice and part of vacation expenses--but when you figure out the cost per min--you are on the boat a little shy of an hour---it is pricey. Very nice, but very pricey.

 

[fireside1868]

shared the cost of the refreshments, chocolate covered strawberries and some wine.

Did you bring your own wine and strawberrys or did you purchase that thru MS?? Can you bring on a drink or food???

 

[thelobstershanty]

Did you bring your own wine and strawberrys or did you purchase that thru MS?? Can you bring on a drink or food???

Years ago you could bring your own beverages and snacks but that stopped at least 4 years ago, if not more. Currently, beverages/snacks can only be provided by the food & beverage/room service/concierge service at YC/BC.
The cost of this service is not cheap and really not worht it. A WDW fireworks cruise is approx an hour.

 

[bobbiwoz]

Did you bring your own wine and strawberrys or did you purchase that thru MS?? Can you bring on a drink or food???

We bought the wine/strawberries through room service at WL. These were delivered to the boat before boarding. They were pricey, but the strawberries were delicious, and we would do them again. The other couple wanted the wine for their special occasion, and so chipping in for that was no bother, we enjoy it, but could do without.

You come away with lots of chips, pop and water if you want. They provide more than our group of 7 could consume.

Bobbi

 

[beachblanket]

Years ago you could bring your own beverages and snacks but that stopped at least 4 years ago, if not more. Currently, beverages/snacks can only be provided by the food & beverage/room service/concierge service at YC/BC.

This rule isn't always enforced. Our Captain for our Illuminations cruise last summer actually asked us before we boarded if we wanted to skip over to Beaches and Cream before embarking to pick up some "snacks."

Took him up on the offer, and gave him a nice tip for it afterwards!