Illuminations cruise - Oct 2007!!!

[Lizzy Lemon]

On Wideeyes thread entitled Next October - a number of us seemed to be there at the same time. I'm thinking of doing the Illuminations speciality cruise. I know that probably most of you have visited WDW before may have done this cruise but with it being our first trip I want to surprise the family. If anyone will be interested in sharing with us (family of 4) we will have to organise it nearer the time. I know there is a thread on the Theme parks and strategies board, I'll have to put it up there.

 

[Minniespal]

Wendy ~ We have been on one before but certainly would be interested in going again. Would need to wait until I have booked the flights before I know for sure when we will be in Orlando.

 

[mushumadness]

if we drop the same time as you we would love to be on the cruise we are going from october 4th 2007 to october 18th 2007

 

[wideeyes]

hi, I am there from the 10th and it will be my first trip too, though I have not a clue what the Illuminations speciality cruise is, could some one explain for me please? it sounds interesting would love to know more.

 

[Girlsontour]

We would be interested also - there from the 11th to 21st October. 3 of us - myself, well behaved husband (loves Man United) and even better behaved daughter (aged 12)

 

[Lizzy Lemon]

The boat I was looking at only holds seven people so maybe I'll have the have a rethink and book the fleet Seriously though from what I've read you catch the boat at the Yacht Club and it takes you around to a viewing area to watch the Illuminations display in Epcot. Some people's reviews have said their pilot took them behind Fantasmic before making their way to Illuminations. I think you there is a possibility of being downwind of the smoke and not seeing much or the weather affecting things but I'm sure they do their best to make sure you get the best view possible (at least I hope so). I've also read they do Wishes cruises as well. Early days yet but something to think about. We're there 13th Oct to 27th Oct. 2007.

ps No. 1 son is MU mad as well, had to look up the new fixtures table the other day for Glen and then type it out for him with room for results and goalscorers. Things I do.

 

[jax100]

we are there from the 13-27th too. we were also looking at the 7seater one, when exactly do you have to book it. and we should just make it a dis lake!! lol and fill all the boats up.

 

[jowan]

Hi does anyone know which of the two cruises is better, wishes or illuminations?



Villa in formosa gardens - 2007
Holiday in international, international drive - 2003

 

[Frances999]

The boat I was looking at only holds seven people so maybe I'll have the have a rethink and book the fleet Seriously though from what I've read you catch the boat at the Yacht Club and it takes you around to a viewing area to watch the Illuminations display in Epcot. Some people's reviews have said their pilot took them behind Fantasmic before making their way to Illuminations. I think you there is a possibility of being downwind of the smoke and not seeing much or the weather affecting things but I'm sure they do their best to make sure you get the best view possible (at least I hope so). I've also read they do Wishes cruises as well. Early days yet but something to think about. We're there 13th Oct to 27th Oct. 2007.

ps No. 1 son is MU mad as well, had to look up the new fixtures table the other day for Glen and then type it out for him with room for results and goalscorers. Things I do.

Yes, that is correct. You catch the boat from the Yacht/Beach Club marina and it takes you on a tour of the waterways (up round by the Swan/Dolphin and back of the Boardwalk) before mooring up in EPCOT under the bridge.

I read about people who had an awful time with smoke blocking their view, but from our experience it was perfectly fine. No smoke at all - and the view is great. Just make sure you are on the telephone dead on 90 days out and as soon as the lines open. These sell out FAST!

 

[Frances999]

Hi does anyone know which of the two cruises is better, wishes or illuminations?



Villa in formosa gardens - 2007

People have different opinions. I've never done the WISHES cruise. This is because I feel that to properly enjoy WISHES you need to be inside the Magic Kingdom with a clear view of the castle and enjoying the atmosphere, seeing Tinker Bell etc. If I didn't want to be inside the MK I could enjoy the same view which the WISHES boats have from the GF marina or Polynesian Beach or Contemporary Resort.

The Illuminations Cruise is different because it takes you inside EPCOT. You're still a part of the atmosphere and crowd, enjoying close-up views of the show. You don't need to stake out a spot hours in advance, but enjoy a perfect view from the boat.

PS - Welcome to the DIS

 

[Lizzy Lemon]

we are there from the 13-27th too. we were also looking at the 7seater one, when exactly do you have to book it. and we should just make it a dis lake!! lol and fill all the boats up.

90 days out I believe and you have to be on the phone prompt at couple of minutes to 7am (12 noon our time). And yes lets make it a very elite dis lake.

 

[wideeyes]

sounds great, I think this is something that would make a first trip extra special, I think we may do this.

 

[castanea1985]

Has anyone got a link for the Illumination cruises - info and booking line???
How much are the 7 seater boats??
Tracy

 

[Lizzy Lemon]

Number is 001 407 939 7529 as for speciality cruise that enables you to see the illuminations firework display. Not sure about cost I've looked on a few sites that all seem to quote a different price, but the 7 seater seems to be around the $170 plus tax area. Tip for pilot also.

 

[CA_Stitch]

Here is what I posted on another board. It may be useful to you.

"An option for an IllumiNations cruise is a 24-foot pontoon boat, which seats 10 comfortably. The pontoon has a canopy, is roomier, and has some drink holders. When you rent either boat, it belongs to your party for the show; meaning the only people there will be the ones you've invited! The price for a pontoon IllumiNations Cruise starts at $234.74 + tax, for a maximum of 12 people (10 adults). Cost includes a driver, bagged snacks (pretzels, chips, popcorn), water and Coke products. Other food and beverage items are available through Yacht Club Private Dining at 407-934-3160. You may not bring your own food or beverages on board.

RESERVATIONS for all cruises are made by calling 1 407-WDW-PLAY, between 7 a.m. and 10 p.m., up to 90 days in advance. You must provide a credit card to hold the reservation. You must cancel at least 24 hours in advance or your card will be charged.

NOTE: The cruise has gotten very popular, so be sure to call ahead for the reservation at 90 days."

Make sure you call AT 90 days AT 7am Eastern Standard Time (US)

Hope that helps

Taz
CA_Stitch

 

[mushumadness]

OK firstly I arnt bragging

but apparently seeing as though we have booked concierge they have a better chance at getting one, so maybe I could try get one

 

[Lizzy Lemon]

I read somewhere that Disney say they have only 3 boats available but (wait for it) concierge have one available at 7 days notice and
the next step up from that!(can't remember what it was called) is available 3 days out. So if I can't get on a 90 day in advance one try 7 or 3 days out. Too close for comfort for me, I like things organised. Are you offering to book one for us all or just your family?

 

[Frances999]

OK firstly I arnt bragging

but apparently seeing as though we have booked concierge they have a better chance at getting one, so maybe I could try get one

Anna, of course you aren't bragging!

It is true that they have a much higher success rate. Obviously it isn't guaranteed but we managed to change dates just a few weeks before our trip - with no problem. This is despite the reservations centre telling me they were all full. Just e-mail the concierge pre-itinerary planning office and they will arrange it for you.

 

[mushumadness]

well theres two of us so leaves rooms for 5 (though I though some deated 12?))