Food/Drink on Illuminations Cruise?

[sharonk]

After calling at 6:59 for seven days, I was successful booking an Illuminations Cruise for our final night at WDW! I am so happy...my mother is in very poor health and she is joining us for this trip to WDW. It will likely be her last vacation with us and she just LOVES Illuminations, so I really, really wanted to take her on this cruise. She'll also enjoy Illuminations much more with a comfortable seat and without a long walk to worry about afterwards.

Also, my kids (2,5,7) have not seen Illuminations because I've always been afraid that we would lose one of them in the dark and in the huge crowd of people afterward, so I've avoided taking my kids to it. I know they're going to love it.

Does anyone know if you're allowed to bring your own cooler of snacks and drinks on the pontoon boat with you? I noticed you could add a food package to the cruise, but there are 10 of us, and the price for their food (per person) was pretty outrageous. I don't want to break any rules, but if we're allowed to bring our own food/drink on board, that would be so nice.

Does anyone have any tips/ideas for a first time Illuminations - cruiser?

Thanks!

Sharon

 

[sugermouse]

Hey... Umm Ive actually never done the cruze. I would call the main WDW number. They should be able to tell you. To me, it doesnt sound like something they would let you bring. I'm sorry i cant answer your question. Your best bet is to call. Good luck, and have an AWSOME time!

 

[lacool]

We brought along a couple of bottles of wine and some juice boxes for the kids. The CMs even kept them on ice for us until it was time to leave. They provided an ice bucket and cups as well. So I can assure you that bringing your own beverages is allowed. We didn't try food. It didn't seem long enough to have to eat.

 

[travelin' tigger]

The first cruise I went on we had bottled water/canned soda and cookies. I did one in Jan. for my DBF's birthday. We also had a small cooler with sodas and a birthday cake!!!

I suggest that if you want to bring drinks/snacks, keep it simple. There's not alot of extra room on the boats, especially with 10 people!!!

Hope this helps!!!!

 

[disneydiz]

Last Easter vacation, we brought on a couple cases of beer and some wine. No problems doing this!

 

[CRSNDSNY]

Just know that if you ask when making your reservation they'll tell you that food and drinks are not allowed unless you buy the food/beverage package add-on.

But many have reported bringing their own on without a problem. Be sure to ask your captain before boarding.

 

[HappyGramma]

When we booked our cruise for Illuminations we asked if we could bring food and drinks with us. We were told that you could as long as it was purchased on property. We brought along light snacks, soda and a few wine coolers. Captain never asked if we bought it on property or not. I doubt if they would give you any trouble with bringing stuff. Have fun it's a great way to view Illuminations.

 

[WDWMagicNic]

We were lucky in booking the Illuminations Cruise for our upcoming trip in March and are really looking forward to this. I guess we'll be getting chips and soft drinks on the cruise, but has anyone ordered additional food from the Yacht and Beach Club? If so, was it worth it?

Thanks for any info!