How strict with max passengers on illum/wishes cruises?

[fidldidi]

For the Illuminations and Wishes cruises that say they hold 10 passengers, how strict is this exactly? We'll have 8 adults, and kids the following ages: 7, 7, 4, 2, 1. We're not huge people... I suppose it's a matter of having enough life vests, but I figure they must have 10 adult size, and at least 5 kid size on hand anyway... I haven't called yet to ask, but thought I'd check here first to see if anyone had experience with this.

Thanks!

 

[bicker]

It is a safety issue. The boat has an occupancy limit and that isn't something Disney can legitimately waive.

 

[SueM in MN]

I would agree that they would be strict.
We were renting a pontoon board at the marina at OKW to take out for an hour. You could have gotten more than 10 people on that boat, and we could have taken as many life jackets as we wanted out of the box on the dock, but when we got on we had 12 people. They told us the maximum was 10 and 2 would have to get off.
So, we en ded up renting a seond boat.

 

[madalex]

It is a safety issue. It's not a question of the number of life vests, but rather the ability of the boat to handle that weight and the likelihood of the boat becoming unstable (e.g., capsizing) due to that many people on board.

In addition, 13 people on a boat with an occupancy of 10 is not going to be very comfortable for a couple hour cruise (even if some of the 13 are children).

 

[fidldidi]

I understand the safety concern. My point was just that 10 200+lb people would weigh a lot more than the total weight we will have on board. And I'm sure the kids won't take up the same seating space as a couple of larger adults, especially since a few of them are babies that can go on laps. So, I was just curious if they were really strict about the number of people or would more look at the make-up of your group. Sounds like the former.

Thanks.

 

[jcemom]

You might consider a Grand Gathering Magical Fireworks Voyage. It would cost more since it's a per person charge, but it's also a different, longer, experience.

"Magical Fireworks Voyage" -- After bidding farewell to Captain Hook and Mr. Smee on shore, your group will sail with Patch the pirate along Seven Seas Lagoon by Magic Kingdom. This memorable evening includes ideal "seaward" viewing of the "Electrical Water Pageant" and the spectacular new "Wishes" fireworks extravaganza over Cinderella Castle. The voyage features group trivia and song activities and a celebration for special occasions like birthdays, reunions or anniversaries. The irrepressible Patch regales you with tales of Peter Pan on the trip back to shore. Speaking of Peter Pan, he awaits your return to pose for photos and sign autographs. Ages 10 and older, $29.99; ages 3-9, $14.99.

 

[momof2inPA]

We were each handed a life vest for the Wishes cruise. Of our ten, only four were adults, and there was plenty of extra room, but there didn't seem to be any way to sneak extra people on the boat. We originally had twelve in our party, but two were voted off the boat and had to go back to the room.

Why don't you just rent two boats?