Illuminations Cruise - Pontoon or Breathless ?

[cinmell]

If you have been on the Illuminations Cruise, which type of boat did you have, the pontoon or the breathless? If you have done both, which would you recommend. It will be my husband, my mother, my 2 year old daughter and me. Is the difference just the type of boat or something else?? Thank you!

 

[Crazy Hakim]

Originally posted by cinmell
the pontoon or the breathless? - Is the difference just the type of boat or something else?

Pontoon: Large seating area, boat can fit 12 plus driver. Canopy roof over rear. Wheelchair & Stroller accessable. Lots of room to move around, can have two tables set up.
Photo:
http://images.mouseplanet.com/wdw/compressed/Resorts/OKWR/trumbo_ferry_holland.jpg


Breathless: Three bench seats, fits 7 plus driver. All passengers face forward, third bench seat is way in the back of the boat, 7th passenger would have to sit with the driver. Boat sits very low in the water, much like a sports car.
Photo (thanks Deb):
http://www.wdwig.com/keith.jpg

 

[ivanova]

also, you cannot arrange for food on the Breathless, but can with the pontoon.

We did the birthday package on the pontoon (include sodas, bottled water, chips, and AWESOME cake).

There are also other food packages that they can arrange for you on the pontoons.

 

[bjakmom]

What would you think of taking a 5 month old baby out on one of the boats? Do they get so close that the noise would be unbearable for the baby - or do you think it would feel unsafe in any way? - will have my brand new grandchild on the next trip and would love to do this with my family for my birthday celebration - do I remember reading that they let you have a little extra time on the boat after Illuminations? Thanks.

 

[Crazy Hakim]

Originally posted by bjakmom
What would you think of taking a 5 month old baby out on one of the boats? Do they get so close that the noise would be unbearable for the baby - or do you think it would feel unsafe in any way?
- do I remember reading that they let you have a little extra time on the boat after Illuminations? Thanks.

Some babies sleep right thru the show, some cry.
You must remember, the fireworks are very close at IllumiNations and the BOOMS are loud. So, this is a question we really can't answer with knowing your grandchild.

After IllumiNations, most of the boats head back to the drop-off area. The extra time is before the fireworks, since the boats usually leave aboiut 45 minutes prior. You must remember the the drivers have to clean up the boat, secure it for the night, and get all this done before their schedule shift is over. There is not a lot of time after the show.

 

[ivanova]

when we did our b-day cruise our driver took his time leaving Illuminations (letting all the other boats leave first), then leisurely making his way back to the dock (offering to drop some of our passengers at Boardwalk before return to Y&BC). So although there isn't official "extra" time afterwards, some drivers may milk it for you.