Fireworks Cruises

[FreeTime]

Can someone please tell me which Fireworks Cruise is the best? Illuminations or Fantasy in the Sky? Also, where exactly does each one go? How many people can it accomoddate?
Thanks!

 

[2MuchOhana]

Illuminations is more highly sought after. There are a lot fewer boats and more difficult to get. We haven't seen it yet; but will be sharing was fortunate enough to be offered to share a cruise with a fellow DIS Board Member in December. Thanks Bete! Our boat will leave from the BW the others leave from the B/Y marinas.

We did see Fantasy in the Sky; but they are now doing Wishes. We had a great time. Perfect view of the Castle and a wonderful driver. There was no danger of obstruction from smoke or falling shells. I hear that can be a problem depending on the wind for Illuminations. We left from the Poly, they also leave from, GF, Contempory, WL and FW marinas.

The boats can hold up to ten to twelve people. The cost is $120 plus tip for driver per cruise and it can be upgraded for special events for additional fee. A birthday boat will cost $220 plus tip. We found that it was worth every penny.

The MK boat you will cruise the Seven Seas Lagoon and Bay Lake. I believe you cruise around Cresent Lake and adjacent waterways for Illuminations. Cruise last about an hour. You will learn a lot of facts and be sure to ask plenty of questions.

Hope this helps at least a little bit.

 

[FreeTime]

Thanks for the info! Has anyone else that has experienced it have any suggestions? Do you think it is worth it? There will be 11 of us and I thought that this would be a good Christmas present for all of them that everyone would like. How much do you usually tip? Can you bring beverages and snacks or order them? Also, what is the weight capacity?
Thanks again!

 

[awatt]

We did the Illuminations cruise in June and LOVED it. Can't recommend it strongly enough.

I asked our captain if the MK fireworks cruise was as good and she stated in her opinion not quite as good because the boat stays outside of the MK,so the view is not as close.

 

[awatt]

I believe we tipped the captain $40.

You are not officially allowed to bring bevrages on,but some captains will let you. Remember its only an hour cruise,probably not worth lugging a cooler around. Snacks I believe are also at the discretion of teh driver. The boats are immaculate.

 

[katerkat]

I brought champagne on our Illuminations cruise - the driver gave us plastic flutes and asked me to leave the glass flutes in the dock office. Not a problem! We did have problems with the wind blowing smoke and ash into our faces on the Illuminations cruise. I'm trying the Wishes cruise this December! (as long as the Air Force lets us go...)

 

[snyderla]

We did Illuminations Specialty Cruise Oct. 11th. It was raining, started to have lightening at about 7:45, and we were to leave at 8pm or so. Our driver told us they were watching the weather and we could take off 30 minutes after the last lightening flash. We took off just after 8:30, maybe closer to 8:45? Anyway, we had a wonderful view and driver and it was a fabulous experience! We had no problem with the smoke coming our way, but because of the humidity and rain it stayed pretty close to the boat where the fireworks are set off, so view was a little obstructed from that. also, there ARE better spots to watch Illuminations from around World Showcase, but the entire cruise experience make it something I definetly recommend people try at least once. We learned a lot from the cast member. I feel terrible now though about what we tipped him. I didn't know what the going amount was and we only tipped $20.

It was my birthday gift to my mother in law. I think she enjoyed it.

Lori

 

[ES0412]

Aaah, I remember Oct 11...we were mini-golfing at Fantasia Gardens! Thanksfully we were there until the 19th and that was the only rain we had.

Anyways, we also did the Illuminations Cruise and there were only the 5 of us and it was well worth the $120! Ooops, we only tipped her $20 but I didn't think it was too cheap. We lucked out on the weather, I didn't even think about the smoke or ash from the shells. In my opinion, it's the only way to see Illuminations and FYI - you don't need park admission.

 

[FreeTime]

Thanks again, everyone!. It looks like I will see if the Illuninations one is available!

 

[snowwhitemom]

FreeTime, Do you already have your cruise booked for your trip this Christmas?? I have a cruise scheduled for this December and may be canceling it , if you don't have one ...let me know.

 

[FreeTime]

Thanks snowwhitemom!Actually we are going in early January, but I appreciate the offer!

 

[snowwhitemom]

Oh I love early Jan. One of my favorite times to be there Oh and you are very welcome.