Fireworks cruises

[ChristyJ]

I'm thinking about surprising my DH, & 2 DDs (ages 7 & 9)with a fireworks cruise for our next trip-I have another family who may be interested in splitting this with us. I haven't met the other family, but they're also Dissers, so I have confidence that they're good people!

Anyway, which fireworks cruise would you recommend? How would you recommend going about something like this with another family? (We're staying at WL, other family at Poly, so the Wishes cruise could be from either-or we could do Illuminations)

I'd love to hear about previous experiences with these & if they're worth it! We'd be going next Dec.
Thanks!!

 

[Goofy4]

If you can get the cruise, you'll never be short of DISers willing to join you.

From what I understand, Illuminations is by far harder to book (more demand, fewer boats). You'll need to follow the guidelines in a sticky post (PM me if you can't find the thread) to have a reasonable chance to book it.

We just got back and did the Wishes Grand Gathering cruise and the Illuminations cruise. The GG cruise has the Wishes sound track piped in. The regular cruises may not -- and that would make huge difference.

I would shoot for the Illuminations cruise first, but YMMV. I can provide more details later via PM or this thread.

 

[ChristyJ]

Thanks so much-I would love to hear more! We have a TA for this trip-I wonder if she would be more likely to book it than we would?

I'm excited!! This could be a great surprise!!

 

[Goofy4]

You TA would need to be on the phone at 6:58 AM ET 90 days out. I'll get back with you later.

 

[Goofy4]

OK.. Here's some links to more information, mostly on the Wishes cruise:

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=888160
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=937625
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=560160

Note the "Similar Threads" link at the bottom of the thread. You may see more interesting links.

The second link above will point you towards http://www.ourmedia.org/node/74900 where you can watch a video of the cruise (spoiler). It's seems as though all the cruises now have audio piped in, but you may want to inquire further about that.

You probably can't go wrong either way. I would go with Illuminations to avoid having to hold a reasonable spot to watch the show. Children have a more difficult time seeing through the crowd (unless dad's shoulders are an option) as the show is not-so-much overhead -- you need to see out into the lake, especially to see "Earth". The Illuminations anchor location is under the gateway bridge, where "Earth" is perfectly framed straight ahead for you.

Obviously, Illuminations is more convenient if you're at an Epcot resort, but you still avoid the huge rush out if you have to travel. Our captain volunteered to take as for another spin around the lake, over to MGM, and then directly back to the BoardWalk. The pickup is at YC/BC. Let me know if you have other questions.

 

[ChristyJ]

Thanks so much!!

We're going to do it! My DH LOVES fireworks, and when we went to EPCOT last Dec., we watched Illuminations twice-both times with an obstructed view.

Now we'll just have to cross our fingers that we can get this!!

 

[Goofy4]

Keep in mind that you don't need park admission. So, you could keep trying for another night if your first choice doesn's work out. Good luck!

If all else fails, this may help: http://www.disneyworldtrivia.com/articleViewer.php?aid=242