For those that have actually taken the Illuminations cruise

[Twinprincesses]

I wanted to start a new thread for the Illumination cruise to get actual reviews of your cruise you went on. Also wondering if anyone has pictures from their cruise they would mind sharing.

Do you feel it was worth it???

 

[MareSINY]

I went on an Illuminations cruise back in September 2004 with my entire family. We were picked up on the Boardwalk (a place I had never visited before, but loved!) and our boat driver took us on a tour of the area. He told us little tidbits of Disney trivia that we didn't know, told jokes and just chatted with us. We parked under a bridge to watch Illuminations. It was a great show, I had never seen it before and hadn't heard about it, so it was a surprise to me. We were so close to the fire, it was amazing. The only down side was that the smoke was blowing in our direction, but other than that it was great.

 

[Robo]

You cruise first to the Studios area, then back and tie-off under the bridge in Epcot that goes between UK and France.

You can see the show "almost" as well as being ON TOP of the bridge.

But its nice to SIT and watch the show (light refreshments are now "included" with the cruise).

Its not a "luxurious" thing to do, but it is so difficult to book, it makes it "special".

We really had a fun "Captain" who joked with us about our trip and his "driving".

As far as seeing IllumiNations, (as I said earlier) you are not going to see it any BETTER than if you just find a great viewing spot IN EPCOT around the WS lagoon.

BTW, right AFTER the show, the boats usually venture into the actual WS lagoon for a minute or two (about 100' or so into the lagoon), then return you to the loading dock where you first boarded.
(The whole round-trip, including viewing IllumiNations, lasts nearly exactly ONE HOUR.)

If you can spare the funds required, and get lucky with your booking, its a nice "extra" that most guests never get to do (or even KNOW ABOUT).

 

[paladin]

We did this for the first time on our December trip and just loved it! It was very worth it for us and we plan on booking this for all future trips (or at least trying to!). Depending on how many are in your group, you may be able to get others to join your cruise and split the cost.

 

[Claudia Kellenberger]

I loved my Illuminations Cruise ! I got the cruise with a group of strangers, and we all split the cost. It was so good to actually sit while watching. The very best part was not having to fight through massive crowds when it was over.
It was well worth my share of the cost.

 

[donnab2005]

How much does the cruise cost???

 

[Crazy4mandms]

If you do the cruise, try to get Captain Ron! He was so entertaining and so far that has been by far THE BEST memory we've had at WDW....We went with extended family and Capt Ron is the one thing that we talk about over and over again more than any other fun we had on our vacations to the World. It is very pricey but very worth it. Wish I had the $$ to do it again!

 

[Robo]

How much does the cruise cost???

Click and read.

http://www.wdwinfo.com/recreation/fireworks.htm

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

EVERYTHING you NEED to know.