Fireworks Cruise Question

[IGetAKickOutOfFlik]

Some pixie dust just came my way - I just stumbled into an Illuminations Cruise for the first night of my upcoming vacation on Friday, June 17th.

Here's my question - I chose the basic package and then grossly overpaid to have a bottle of wine on board. According to the rep I spoke to, there was no way to have just a couple additional beverages on board for the kids other than upgrading to what she called "Level 1". This costs about $60+ extra and includes sandwiches, sodas, water and snacks for our entire party. But we'll just have finished dinner, so essentially I end up paying $60 for a couple bottles of water. Anyone know of a better way to just have a couple sodas or juices on board for the kids? Thanks.

 

[travelin' tigger]

Some pixie dust just came my way - I just stumbled into an Illuminations Cruise for the first night of my upcoming vacation on Friday, June 17th.

Here's my question - I chose the basic package and then grossly overpaid to have a bottle of wine on board. According to the rep I spoke to, there was no way to have just a couple additional beverages on board for the kids other than upgrading to what she called "Level 1". This costs about $60+ extra and includes sandwiches, sodas, water and snacks for our entire party. But we'll just have finished dinner, so essentially I end up paying $60 for a couple bottles of water. Anyone know of a better way to just have a couple sodas or juices on board for the kids? Thanks.

You've come to the right place!!! Anyway, I've done 3 Illuminations cruises and each time we brought our own sodas/water on board. Once we brought a birthday cake, plates, napkins, drinks, etc. If I were you, I'd cancel the extras and bring your own wine, cups and a small cooler with sodas/juices for the kids.

HTH!!!!!

 

[IGetAKickOutOfFlik]

I'm surprised by that answer, because the customer rep was pretty specific with me on the phone (cannot bring your own refreshments), and I've seen that rule cited elsewhere as well. Anyone else have thoughts on this? Thanks.

 

[goofy4tink]

When we did an IllumiNations Cruise, we had water bottles with us and it was no problem.

 

[travelin' tigger]

I'm surprised by that answer, because the customer rep was pretty specific with me on the phone (cannot bring your own refreshments), and I've seen that rule cited elsewhere as well. Anyone else have thoughts on this? Thanks.

One of the cruises I was on was w/RADP and they brought waters, sodas and cookies on theirs.

I suppose it's one of those things when WDW wants to make the money for supplying the food/drinks, but if it's just a snack, etc. they let it slide. I just wouldn't bring along a case of beer, full meal, etc.

HTH!!!!

 

[aengus]

The reps will tell you, you can't. If you ask the captain nicely they will tell you that you can. I am sure it has something to do with the fact they want a nice tip LOL.

 

[married@wdw]

I'm surprised by that answer, because the customer rep was pretty specific with me on the phone (cannot bring your own refreshments), and I've seen that rule cited elsewhere as well. Anyone else have thoughts on this? Thanks.

In February, we did a Wishes cruise with my family of 7 adults and 4 kids. The plan was to have dinner at Grand Floridian Cafe, then get the mini desserts as take out for the boat. We'd grab drinks from Gasparilla and go to the boat.

Then, I read about the dreaded RULE! I called WDW-Play and they confirmed it and gave me the number for Grand Floridian In-Room dining, who handles food for the boats from GF. They in turn told me that, while they handle the food, for something as simple as coffee and cookies / individual dessrets, they much prefer for us to bring our own. I quoted the dreaded RULE and In-Room dining put me through to the marina manager, who said "Bring whatever you like! I'll even note it on your reservation."

We went ahead with our plan and it was the BEST night of our trip!!!

So, maybe double-check with the marina where you're getting the boat to be sure??? But I'm guessing they're going to say the same thing. Enjoy!!!