Fireworks cruise in MK = Illuminations?

[babybeag]

Okay I am a dork. Are they the same thing??? lol I just reserved a specialty cruise on June 15th from the Contemporary resort at 9:15 pm. The CM asked me if I wanted MK or Epcot - I said "I dunno...how about you tell me what is available" That was it. One cruise. So I took it. IS it the same as the Illuminations cruise everyone talks about? Is it worth it?

Thanks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[InstImpres]

They are definetly not the same. You are going to see Wishes, you will not hear the music. The other cruise (which usually books faster but has been known for cancellations) is the Illuminations cruise (it leaves from Beach Club) and takes you into the back of Epcot.

I have done both and think Illuminations is much better but if you do a search, you'll see there is a split on how good each one is.

Enjoy

 

[WANNABE@WDW]

No, the Wishes cruise leaves from the Magic Kingdom resorts and you view the Magic Kingdom fireworks called, "Wishes". The Illuminations cruise is leaves from the Yacht/Beach Club resorts and you view the Epcot fireworks called, "Illuminations". Both cruises are wonderful, but I prefer the Wishes cruise. The view is wonderful, it is totally unobstructed. The Illuminations fireworks are great too, but when you do the cruise you have to park under a bridge with the other boats and some of your view is blocked.

 

[MrShiny]

Actually, if you are lucky enough to get on the Breathless, you park in front of the bridge and have a great view (and the coolest boat!)

 

[Eeyore'sthebest]

They are definetly not the same. You are going to see Wishes, you will not hear the music.

We took the Wishes cruise on Sunday, April 24th. It was wonderful and the music is now piped onto the boat so you don't miss a thing. They also bring blankets in case you get cold - which we did!
It was wonderful and I woulc try to book it again in a heart beat. Enjoy.

 

[allie5]

Weve done both and enjoyed them equally. I prefer the Wishes fireworks, but the view of the Illuminations was specatular! If you do Wishes, then you get a tour of both lakes afterwards. You see the Wilderness Lodge lit up (it is designed to look like a bear with the lighted windows shaped just right!) and round past the old Discovery Island.

Definately take blankets! We did Wishes last December and it was so cold, I swear there were ice bergs out on that lake!

Even when we did Illuminations in June, it still got a little nippy coming back.

Either one, you will have a great night out!

Allie

PS..when we did Wishes, only SOME of the boats had the music piped in. CM said they were working on it for all the boats, but it is not guaranteed. Fortunately, they all "park" quite close during the show and you can hear the music from the boats that DO have it!

 

[smilie]

How much is the Wishes Cruise?

 

[babybeag]

Thanks so much for all your opinions. I think we will go ahead and keep the reservation. DDs will love the idea of being on a boat!!

Smilie - The basic cruise is $150 (with tax) + tip and you can add the birthday package on, which I think we will, for an additional $56.

Thanks again!

Kelly