Illuminations Cruise Questions

[jhaig]

We are a family of 3 and considering an Illuminations cruise at Epcot for our trip in September. The price seems a bit high but will be worth it to do it once. I have been reading up on info about the cruise and was wondering:

1) For three people, will we be sharing a boat with other parties or is there a minimum number of guests required to book a cruise?

2) With a dinner that night at Garden Grill where would we go to pick up the boat?

3) Is it customary to tip your captain?

 

[kaytieeldr]

It's your boat. If you want to share the ride (and cost) with others, that's up to you. There may be a thread here somewhere for that.

Cruises are very popular. You can try for any of the three Disney-owned resorts; the reservationist will be helpful. Plan to be done with dinner an hour/45 minutes before your reservation time.

Yes.

 

[heidijanesmith]

We are a family of 3 and considering an Illuminations cruise at Epcot for our trip in September. The price seems a bit high but will be worth it to do it once. I have been reading up on info about the cruise and was wondering:

1) For three people, will we be sharing a boat with other parties or is there a minimum number of guests required to book a cruise?

2) With a dinner that night at Garden Grill where would we go to pick up the boat?

3) Is it customary to tip your captain?

We went on our first Illuminations cruise for DD 16th B-day, Oct 5th 2013. It was awesome!! There was only three of us on the boat and our captain. It is a steep price for 3, but totally worth it for us.

We arrived at the YC marine an 15 ahead of our cruise, paid for it at the Marina and set off about one hour prior to Illuminations (10:00 PM illuminations, we left at 9:00)

We ate at Cape May ahead of time and then just explored the Boardwalk prior to our cruise time. I would make sure you plan on being at the YC marina 15 min prior to your cruise time.

We tipped our captain 18%, he was awesome! His name is Robert and I will try and request him for next time.

Book exactly 180 days prior to your trip date, these are very popular cruises and there are limited number of pontoon boats available. You can order food, drinks or deserts from YC private dining. We ordered 3 chocolate cupcakes with Halloween decorated fondant to be delivered on the boat for DD's birthday. The cupcakes were huge and amazingly decorated.

 

[jhaig]

Should we reserve at 180 days out like we do with dining?

 

[heidijanesmith]

Should we reserve at 180 days out like we do with dining?

Yep, reserve as soon as possible, calling the tours number. Ask for a specialty cruise.

 

[Dan Murphy]

And call first thing in the morning when the phone center opens. Best to start your dialing and redialing a few minutes before. And skip through the marketing questions with hitting your zero.

 

[AlixaLock]

And call first thing in the morning when the phone center opens. Best to start your dialing and redialing a few minutes before. And skip through the marketing questions with hitting your zero.

Thanks in advance ... would somebody clarify the number to call to book is it the 407-WDW-PLAY or 407-560-4033? something else??

 

[lala3291]

Thanks in advance ... would somebody clarify the number to call to book is it the 407-WDW-PLAY or 407-560-4033? something else??

Yes- we used 407-WDW-PLAY when booking our Illuminations cruise. It was a wonderful experience, enjoy!

 

[AlixaLock]

Yes- we used 407-WDW-PLAY when booking our Illuminations cruise. It was a wonderful experience, enjoy!

Thank you! I've heard that it's become much easier to book, but I want to be right in there on the 180-day mark with the right information!

 

[Dan Murphy]

I think it has become easier to book as the price has escalated so high.
Also, I have seen reports of AP discounts, if you have one. Not sure of the accuracy of that, but have seen several postings of such a discount. Always good to ask, if you have an AP.

 

[AlixaLock]

I think it has become easier to book as the price has escalated so high.
Also, I have seen reports of AP discounts, if you have one. Not sure of the accuracy of that, but have seen several postings of such a discount. Always good to ask, if you have an AP.

Will do! Thanks!