How many people REALLY fit on the pontoon?

[Aisling]

The Illuminations Cruise pontoons hold 12 people, according to what I've read. Is this 12 people comfortably? I have a group of 8..... 5 adults and 3 pre-teens. I'm thinking of inviting another family of 3 adults. Would this be a good idea? I really want to help them get on an Illuminations Cruise, but I don't want to make it uncomfortably crowded.

For those of you who've done the pontoons, any advice?
Thanks!

 

[4greatboys]

I can let you know when we get back. We have a cruise sch and there are 11 of us (thats just our party ).

 

[disneyjunkie]

I booked an Illuminations Cruise during our trip last month that I was able to share with several DISers.

There were 12 of us, 5 adults, 2 12 year olds, and 5 teens. We all had a great time. We had plenty of room and blankets for everyone.

It was great to watch the fireworks without having to hold a spot an hour in advance.

I'm looking forward to doing it again during our Christmas trip.

 

[maine_jennifer]

In January - we had 7 adults & 2 young kids.

In the front were 5 adults and 1 child, age 4 but we could have easily fit another adult in her spot.

In the back were 2 adults and the other child, who fell asleep and had the whole back bench to herself.

Yes, I think you're group will be fine with the extra 3 adults.

 

[slp87]

We had 12 on our cruise and there was plenty of room!

 

[WhispyPixie]

We have had 11 one one, with 4 adults and 2 older teens, the rest children. We had NO issues whatsoever! There was plenty of room and tons of space.

 

[jimmiej]

Originally posted by slp87
We had 12 on our cruise and there was plenty of room!

Ditto for me two years ago.

 

[SamanthaL]

Our group of 8 had tons of room to spare. 11 will be no problem.

 

[Bete]

most of the people we travel with are the same. Anyway, if you are adults in the 150 to 225 weight range I think 8 people will be it. From there it will depend on whether you have children who are younger or everyone is normal weight or skinny. I really feel 6 to 8 adults are manageable with some children if you are a well balanced group with weight. If it comes down to it you may have to lap it with a kid or two.

Another consideration is the taking of pictures or video. In reality, there are probably three good spots to do it. The front left and right and by the boat captain when the boat is docked, if you are willing to stand for the show. Based on this, it could be a factor on how many fit in the boat because there will not be room enough for everyone to do video, etc. It has to be understood upfront some have to just view it.

 

[coinkc]

When I booked my cruise for June they told me that there could be 12 people but two had to be under 12. I even called Disney to confirm because we almost had a group of 11 adults and one child and they told me we couldn't do that.

 

[Aisling]

Anyway, if you are adults in the 150 to 225 weight range I think 8 people will be it.

Another consideration is the taking of pictures or video

Thanks for these considerations. I didn't even think about weights/sizes!

 

[Bob NC]

We've had 11, (8 adults/3 kids). PLENTY of space.

 

[goofy4tink]

Last summer we did the cruise and we had 6 adults, 2 of which may be considered 'larger sized'. There were 3 teens, 1 somewhat larger preteen and two 'normal sized' preteens. We had plenty of room.