Illuminations Cruise or Wishes Cruise, which do you prefer?

[luvdzny]

We have a Wishes cruise booked for June, but AKL concierge staff is going to try to get an Illuminations Cruise because that is what I originally asked for. If you have done both, which do you prefer? In all our trips to WDW we have never seen Illuminations, we have seen the MK fireworks, but not Wishes.

 

[WDSearcher]

I prefer IllumiNations. Wishes, to me, is a show that is best viewed straight-on, standing on Main Street and looking at the Castle. It seems to not have the same impact watching from the cruise vantage point. IllumiNations, on the other hand, is great from the boat!

 

[NCombs]

My TA just recommended the Wishes cruise over Illuminations. So, it just goes to show, everyone has different preferences. I'm sure you would enjoy either one so don't worry about it too much. Have fun.

 

[ILoveWDW2003]

We preferred the Wishes Cruise - thought we had a perfect view.

I was in awe of Wishes from the Seven Seas Lagoon.

 

[SamanthaL]

I like Illuminations. From the boat we could feel the heat from the fire during the globe part of the show. ( don't know what that is called) It was the most amazing view!

 

[ms.ojo]

If you have never seen Illuminations you simply must. By land or water! It's a great show.

I agree w/ the other poster that Wishes is best from Main Street w/ the music. To be honest, and I think I'm probably in the minority although I honestly haven't seen a poll on it to know for sure....but I think Wishes is not nearly as good as its predecesor "Fantasy in the Sky" FW! I never had a dry eye when that show hit its finale!! It was just so beautiful. imho

 

[Badger Brent]

We've done both twice. The touring of Bay Lake and Seven Seas Lagoon is what I enjoyed also. Depending on wind direction, you may get stuck with the smoke for RoE. I say wishes was better. It would be perfect if they had the music with the fireworks piped in on the pontoon. Either way, you will surely enjoy both. By the way, RoE is my personal favorite night show.

 

[Bracho]

Hard choice.. I've done both several times but if push comes to shove.. I'd pick Wishes I guess... for some reason seeing the castle with the fireworks going is beautiful..

 

[Mickeyfaniam]

Now I thought that the music from Wishes IS somehow heard in the boat. Is this incorrect? I can't remember where I read that.

I have done Illuminations cruise and it was smokey. I did the MK firework cruise but it was before Wishes. I have to say I enjoyed it more though I think because boating around Seven Seas Lagoon was better!

I'm going to be trying to book a Wishes Cruise next week when I get to my 90 day mark

 

[lorileer]

I was fortunate enough to experience both last December! I enjoyed both. But Illuminations cannot be matched! It was absolutely amazing. I felt like I was actually part of the show. However, if you can't get the Illuminations cruise, you need to see it from inside the Park. Don't miss it. Also, if you can't get the Illuminations Cruise, go ahead and do the Wishes Cruise. You will enjoy it. It's a nice, relaxing way to see the fireworks. It's a totally different perspective from inside the Park. I recommend seeing the show from inside the Park as well -- in front of the Castle just to the right. It's AMAZING! As far as the music, only the Grand Gatherings boats have the music. If the wind is blowing the right direction or your boat sits by one of the Grand Gathering boats, you will faintly hear the music. Enjoy!