Fireworks Specialty Cruise - MK or IllumiNations?

[maine_jennifer]

In January, I'll be taking my parents on their first trip to WDW as a gift for their 40th Wedding Anniversary. Actually, we're going to be celebrating their 40 year and 5 month anniversary while we're there and on that day, I'd like to do the a fireworks cruise. I was thinking of paying the extra for the one with a cake, decorations, etc., and inviting some friends that we haven't seen in a long time to join us.

Now here's where I need your help. I'm not sure which one I should choose:

Magic Kingdom Fireworks Cruise

or

IllumiNations Cruise


If you've done either one of these, would you please share your thoughts on them?

Also, if you did a birthday or specialty cruise, would you share some details? Was it worth the extra money?

Thanks,

 

[RubySlippers]

We just did the Birthday Illuminations Cruise on the 20th of Sept. It was for my Moms 50th B-day. We had Captain Ron and he was amazing! The extras were well worth the money. The boat was decorated with a Happy Birthday banner and balloons , there was snacks and drinks as well as a yummy chocolate cake, which was wonderfully decorated with fresh berries and lacey white chocolate. We headed over to MGM first and caught the end of Fantasmic and then Captain Ron let my four year old son drive the boat!!! He LOVED it! Then it was off to Illuminations, we parked under the bridge near the International Gateway and the View was just spectacular!!! 5 stars!!!

I hope this helps you.

Ruby

 

[maine_jennifer]

Thanks for the info. I'll definitely spend the extra $$ to make it special.

Actually, I have been on the Illuminations cruise. It was great and our captain was wonderful, too.

Hopefully, somone else will share their memories of the MK Fireworks cruise so I can make an informed decision.

Thanks again!