Illuminations Cruise - any recent reviews?

[cobbler]

We went on 10/2 and had a great time. It was very much worth it. We didn't have any problems with the views of the globe. We were docked on the left hand side of the bridge. We have a great driver and she took us on a little round a bout tour around the waterways of all the boardwalk resorts and to MGM and such. She gave us some great trivia about how tall the structures on the dolphin are. We were there just after the price hike (total was 250 with tax) and we had chips and pop. She served us and allowed us to take what we wanted when we left.

We had a great view and it was so nice being able to sit down and not have an obstructed view. We usually watch it in that area where you have to sit down to view between the two giftshops that look exactly alike just after entereing the world showcase. So we are usually looking through the fence.

The only weird thing is this seemed more of a side view to us (on the boat) then a front view from where we normally see it. Of course this is all perspective because its what we are used to.

Would I do it again? Yes but not every trip because it is a bit of $$. Maybe every other trip. It was fantastic and we had a blast!

 

[disneyjunkie]

What types of snacks are included with the cruise?

My son and I shared an IC with several disers in 2004. We all loved it!

The only way I'd do another one was if I could share the cost with a few other families.

 

[funshipm174]

Great, thanks for all the quick responses. It is interesting to hear these, as someone said, I think because it is so hard to get (and so expensive) that expectations are VERY high. I am thinking maybe we might skip it, but I will discuss it with my husband and see. Do please keep those reviews coming, I love reading them all - good, bad or indifferent! Thanks!

Paladin,
I agree with you. I think it's the expectations. I have one booked for November, but the reponse was not over whelming for boat sharing. I intend to do it, but I think a LOT of hype is made over these. Granted, I have not done one yet, but the so-so opinions are from people who have done them.

 

[paladin]

It's great to see some very positive responses from folks who really enjoyed it. Obviously, one big factor is the price. I imagine if the cost were low (say $50) then the responses would all be more positive. It is indeed a lot of money, so expectations are obviously very, very high. As I said, I love reading them all, no matter what the opinion. Thanks and keep 'em coming.

 

[KristineN]

Paladin,
I agree with you. I think it's the expectations. I have one booked for November, but the reponse was not over whelming for boat sharing. I intend to do it, but I think a LOT of hype is made over these. Granted, I have not done one yet, but the so-so opinions are from people who have done them.

Hi...

Did you post over at the Illuminations thread to share? I am surprised you don't have any takers? Since it's so hard to get...usually people jump at the chance.

 

[funshipm174]

Hi...

Did you post over at the Illuminations thread to share? I am surprised you don't have any takers? Since it's so hard to get...usually people jump at the chance.

Actually I was lucky enough to get others to come on, about two weeks ago, and a couple of others just e-mailed me these last few days.I guess from what everyone said about responses to these things, I thought my in box would be overflowing...LOL.

 

[KristineN]

Actually I was lucky enough to get others to come on, about two weeks ago, and a couple of others just e-mailed me these last few days.I guess from what everyone said about responses to these things, I thought my in box would be overflowing...LOL.

Good...glad it worked out! I got poeple at the last minute as well. Have fun!!!!

 

[mgkkgdm]

We just went on 10/17. There were 8 of us total - me, DH, DS9, and 5 other DISers, all adults. We ate just before the cruise so nobody was really interested in the snacks - a few folks had sodas. Our captain, Chris, was really nice and we enjoyed the cruise around the property before the fireworks. We got all settled at the bridge and the fireworks were good EXCEPT we weren't prepared for debris to fall on us. I had read about smoke, but I don't remember anyone saying that ash etc. can fall on you or blow in your eyes. That was mildly unpleasant.

We enjoyed the cruise but I can't say for sure that we would do it again. We have never seen Illuminations from World Showcase so we can't really compare the views. We had a BLAST meeting the other people in our group but I just can't say for sure that the cruise was worth every penny. On our next trip we would be likely to try something else instead of doing the Illuminations cruise again.

We too did the cruise on the 10/17, this was our third Illuminations Cruise and the first on Breathless. We have never experienced the smoke or ash before, but Scott our guide said the wind was coming in differently due to Wilma. IMO the cruise is buy far worth every penny, especially Breathless. You have a great view of the entire show(including the Globe.)

My only disappointment with Illuminations was the missing fire barge, it exploded about 2 weeks ago and still is not operational yet.

 

[Crazy4mandms]

I also have to put my 2 cents in for Captian Ron! He was so totally awesome on our cruise last year!! From the moment we stepped onto the dock until the moment we returned he kept us happy and well-entertained! He was so funny and entertaining we called him Recreation Ron. We would have paid the increased price just to ride with him and not even care about seeing the fireworks! My 13 yr old DS had to write an article about a favorite memory for school, he choose our cruise with Captain Ron. While chatting during the cruise, Ron found out how much I enjoy Disney Trivia and took my home addy...about a week later I received about 15 printed pages of Disney trivia from him!! If you get Ron as a captain, the fireworks won't be the most memorable part.

 

[WDWorBUST]

Hmmm.....well we had 12 people on our cruise so I felt like it was a great bargain - so I don't think the price effected my review. I don't know why we couldn't see the globe well - but from where we were (tied under the bridge) all we could really see was Australia (maybe?? - my recollection of the globe isn't the best - and at the time I was trying to see - not paying attention to why I couldn't see). I did enjoy that vantage point for the fireworks - and I have never walked through Epcot with it so empty. I was actually surprised that no one had mentioned that about the globe before - and I missed that part of the show. Am I glad we did it? Yep - especially with 12 people which made the price really reasonable. Would I do it again - with a full boat maybe. I would like to try the Wishes one now though.

 

[Crazy Hakim]

I don't know why we couldn't see the globe well - but from where we were (tied under the bridge) all we could really see was Australia (maybe?? - my recollection of the globe isn't the best - and at the time I was trying to see - not paying attention to why I couldn't see).

Hmmmm, it sounds like you experienced a not-so-common occurrence when the globe is not rotating. It doesn't happen often, but every once in a while the globe stays in a fixed position, this may explain why you only say Australia rather than the entire world.

 

[WDWorBUST]

I still enjoyed the cruise - and now I would probably reconsider one quicker knowing that not seeing the globe is not the norm.

 

[Goofy4]

oh and also-- we had no trouble seeing the globe.

Did the cruise on 10/26. Ditto -- the globe was straight ahead. And yes, we would do it again.

 

[Camping Griswalds]

I may be in the minority here, and although we booked a cruise, we have not gone on it yet, BUT 250 (approx) for 10 people is only $25 each . I didn't think that was too bad!