Illuminations Cruise questions

[BambiNDavid]

Hello all!

We are planning a trip to Disney in January. It worked out that we are going to be there for my son's birthday (he'll be 3 and we also have a 5 yrold). We were thinking of doing the Illuminations Cruise that evening, but wanted to get some details...
How long does it last?
Anywhere for a kid to "relax"?
I know we'll have to pay extra for food, but is it worth it?
Any info or tips would be extremely helpful!!

Thank you!

 

[Pumbaa_]

The Illuminations cruise is $319 including tax and tip

You will board your pontoon boat and take a short cruise around the lake and head to the studios and back. you will then head to epcot and tie up under the Bridge btw UK abnd France with the other pontoon boats

Your kids will need to wear life jackets

The cruise is approx an hour. Keep in mind in January, it can be anywhere from 30's to 60's in the evening. There are soft drinks, water and snacks (chips, pretzels) on board. Anything additional you woul dneed to arrange ahead of time

We have done this a few times. Only once since the price went so high (my family of 9 did it for my parents 45th anniversary). Years ago it was either $120 or $150ish

 

[BambiNDavid]

Thank you Jody!!

 

[Pakey]

We've done the Illuminations Cruise twice, both in January. Last year the weather was gorgeous and we enjoyed it; the time before, it was in the mid 30's and positively miserable. At least we have been lucky both times and that the wind was blowing in the right direction and we were able to see the show; I have read reviews of people saying all they could see was the smoke.

Maybe because we didn't bring any extra food, but I found it difficult (and cold) to hold the soda and the bags of chips at the same time. The boats hold 10 (I think) but our first time, it was just my husband and I and the second time it was our best friends along with us for 6 total. There are 6 spots up front and then a seat behind the captain's spot for 4 more.

The pricing must have changed recently because the boat captain tip was not included the last time we went. In fact, there was a large sign right when you got onto the boat about tips being appreciated.

Also, these boats are hard to get. Make sure you are up and on the phone on the very day you can call; all boats will be gone within 5 minutes of the phone lines opening.

 

[ccaliri]

We did the Wishes cruise last
December and it was wonderful. Worth every penny!