Fireworks Cruise and Wishes

[Bella2000]

Has anyone taken the MK Fireworks cruise recently? I am looking for feedback on general cruise, how does the view of Wishes compare and since I am going in a couple of weeks - how cold is it? Thanks!

 

[WANNABE@WDW]

We did the Wishes fireworks cruise Jan 1, 2004. We were celebrating dd's 7th birthday. We left from the Contemporary. Our captain was Shannon, she was great. We have done both Mk and Illuminations cruises (celebrated other dd's birthday back in June). I think I liked the Wishes cruise better because you can really see the fireworks better than if you were in the park. Illuminations is awsome, but you can find really great viewing spots from around the world showcase. We will be trying to get a new cruise in 2 days ( the 90 day mark!). I've got my fingers crossed.

 

[Bella2000]

Thank you for the feedback - Last question - Was it cold on the water? Did you have on heavy clothes, gloves etc?

 

[WANNABE@WDW]

They have plenty of blankets to snuggle under. When we went it was extremely warm for that time of year. We weren't wearing any jackets and the blankets kept us warm. You'll have a great time, whichever cruise you choose!

 

[Skylarr29]

Does anyone Know if they charge you card then for the cruise or do they take a deposit, etc.?

 

[wdwstar]

i just booked the wish cruise and they take a credit card but its not charged until you get to the marina and check in for your cruise. but if you cancel less the time your suppose to or dont show up, your credit card gets charge the day of the cruise .

and i was also told its my responibilty to check if the cruise is cancel for weather conditions or if the fireworks time was changed.

 

[CRSNDSNY]

Originally posted by wdwstar
and i was also told its my responibilty to check if the cruise is cancel for weather conditions or if the fireworks time was changed.

Do you call the same number you used to reserve the cruise to check on this?

 

[crz4mm2]

HOw do you book this cruise? Is it only available with 'plans'? Or if you stay at certain resort? I would love to do this but there are only 2 of us so would need to share.
Thanks.
Cathy

 

[wdwstar]

yes, you could call the 1-407-wdw-play # and check the statis on your cruise the night before, or call the marina were your boat is leaving from that day.

the cm gives you all the info when you call the 1-407-wdw-play #
and press the key when they mention fishing /cruises and ask for the wishes cruise, they have several that leave from different resorts that are connected at the seven seas lagoon, i think that is what the lagoon is called.

the cm also said that by calling, you will no for sure the time for fireworks, just in case they change the time, you still go on your cruise, the only time disney will cancel a cruise if its lighting and the fireworks is cancel for that evening, but its your responiblity to check that out.

this cruise is to watch the mk fireworks, its a 50 min. ride around the lagoon and the firework show, 12 people the max, $120.

this cruise is new and i think alot of people are unaware of it, i tried for the Illumination cruise and did not get it at the 90 days, i just booked this one 60 days out. they still had a few pontoon boats left for april 12-17. those were the dates i had asked about,

you just call, no need to buy a package deal, im not sure if they require you to be staying on disney property or not, i just know they asked me which disney resort was i staying at, and it actually was perfect because we are staying at the poly for that time frame, and taking the pontoon from the poly for the fireworks and was hoping for the illuminations since we will be
staying at the bcv the first part of the week.


hope this info helped!

 

[crz4mm2]

thanks WDWstar.

Do you want to share your cruise?

I will call and see what they have available.

Thanks again.

Cathy

 

[bethbuchall]

Just the information I was looking for, too! Thanks!

Do they give you an approximate time when you book or do they just tell you to call in? I need to call in a couple of days!!! It's hard to do all this planning without knowing park hours. I am getting so excited!!!!

Beth

 

[wdwstar]

crz4mm2 im waiting answer from dh, if he doesnt mind. otherwise like i post before they still one or two boats left during that week. let me know if you get one or not.


dont forget to try to book at least 90 days out from the day you want to cruise, i have a feeling these cruises will go just as fast as the illuminations ones.

and they only need a cc to secure the boat, then they charge the cc when you check in for the cruise, and dont forget the cancelation policies.

 

[Bella2000]

We LOVED the cruise. I am being selfish because I don't want it to be as difficult to get before our next visit. Let me know whether anyone has specific questions.

 

[kadaten]

Originally posted by Bella2000
We LOVED the cruise. I am being selfish because I don't want it to be as difficult to get before our next visit. Let me know whether anyone has specific questions.

Was this a regular Wishes cruise or Grand Gatherings one? If regular...that's what I want to ask about....is the music piped in on the boats? I just love the soundtrack for Wishes and would hate to miss it. (I know the Grand Gatherings ones have the music, but we're not a group this time.)

Thanks for the info!
Katie

 

[Erika'smom]

Question about the cost. Is there tax on the $120.00??
Thanks

 

[Bella2000]

Was this a regular Wishes cruise or Grand Gatherings one? If regular...that's what I want to ask about....is the music piped in on the boats?

kadaten, it was the regular speciality cruise not the Grand Gathering one. No, the music is not piped in - you can hear some of it across water - jiminy crickets voice and the starlight star bright song for example. What you lose in the music you become amazed seeing the whole fireworks presentation. We saw it in the park on Friday and then on the boat Sunday. I agree the music is wonderful and I think hearing/seeing it in the park enhances what you see from the boat since you know what fireworks goes with what. There are also some locations in the park where you cannot hear the music nor jiminy speaking well

Question about the cost. Is there tax on the $120.00??

Erika'smom, I paid $120. which included the tax

 

[KBFinFan]

I know there is an Illuminations thread regarding sharing cruises... but is there one for Wishes?

I'm going 3/11-3/16 and would like to have my parents go on one.. or maybe the other 3 of us too..

 

[bethbuchall]

I just got the last boat for Tuesday, May 11!!! She said that they have to book it as if there are no fireworks that night since the schedule is not out yet. I was told to call back at the beginning of March to check times.

I want to make dinner PS's at Ohana's before this cruise. Right now my time to be at the dock is between 7:30 and 7:45 pm. Do you think that it would be any earlier than that? What would be a good time for PS's? I would rather be done a little early and spend some time checking out the resorts than feel like I have to hurry, hurry, hurry.

I think I'm going to leave the cruise part a total surprise!

Thanks for all of the information!

Beth

 

[WANNABE@WDW]

No the music is not piped in on the regular specialty cruises. We still thought the view of wishes was awsome and the whole cruise was great! The $120 includes tax, but not the tip. I can't wait to our next Wishes Cruise in April!!!!

 

[wdwstar]

bethbuchall we are going in april and i booked ohana for 6:30 because i have read that ohana is popular and just because you have ps doesnt mean you will be seated at 6:30, so i gave myself an extra 30 mins. for delays for seating and 2 hours to enjoy that wonderful buffet and the view of the lagoon. the boat will pick us up at 9:30, but have to be at the poly marina at 9:15 to pay.

this way even if we eat and still have time we can enjoy the slow walk down to the gift shop and then down to the marina. or even taking a walk along the lagoon until 9:15.

good luck and give yourself at least 2 1/2 hours before the cruise, especially if you love to eat and take your time enjoying evrything