Illuminations cruise...worth it or no?

[mapa2smjn]

My parents are traveling wit us this year and I want to do something special...is this a good option? Is it worth the time/money? For those who have been on it...what is it like?
Thanks
Kelly

 

[davandflav]

Hi! I did the Illuminations Cruise in Sept. 03. DBF and I LOVED it! It is such and relaxing and special experience. You really feel like a VIP.
We ended up sharing our cruise with a family from The DIS, and meeting them was a real treat.

On the cruise, they take you out on the water, past Boardwalk, Swan, and Dolphin, and then double back to get to EPCOT. This part was beautiful, and it was just getting dark and everything was lit up. Like I said, SO relaxing. The pontoon boats are very comfortable, and our captain was a hoot. I've heard that most of them are very personable and know lots of Disney trivia. Mine sure did!

For Illuminations, you are moored up next to a couple other boats, just at the edge of the lagoon. The view was nothing short of amazing, and it was great not to be in the park holding a spot for an hour!

Although we opted not to because of cost, I do know that you can add on a bunch of food and beverage options to the cruise. In fact, I think I read recently that Disney is going to start making you at least purchase a basic refreshment package. You might need to look into this before you book.

Hope This Helps!

Chrissy

 

[cobbler]

Yes the basic package now for the cruise is 237 and some change (thats with tax). It comes with some snacks like pretzles, popcorn, etc and pop (coke, diet, sprite).

I have one booked for my October trip for my family and I am anxious to try it.

 

[Laurajean1014]

Worth it.

 

[zurgswife]

It was definately worth it at $120 but since they have upped the cost almost double I won't be doing it every trip like I used to.....

 

[jkovick]

Definately worth it if it won't put a strain on your budget. We did in January for our Anniversary and have another one booked for early October.

 

[crjack]

I thought for sure that this time I could answer this question but once again our Illuminations cruise was cancelled! We are 0 for 2 with this cruise due to bad weather (lightning specifically) We had one booked in April 2003 and it was cancelled. We were booked for this past Monday (7/11) and unfortunately the same thing happened. We were less surprised this past week since we were told to expect this weather in the summer. We are determined to do one yet but we will have to wait until our next visit! Good luck and enjoy it if you are able!

 

[mareed]

Well I'll offer a different opinion and state that I don't think it's worth it. We joined another DIS family on the cruise. We were at the back of the boat, and thought the view was pretty lousy. We definitely get a better view when we pick our spot when we're in the park. Maybe the view is a bit better from the front of the boat, but I still just don't think the spot is that great.

 

[yogibigdog]

Did it once would probably would not do it again. I too did not think the view was good. You are under bridge and if the smoke is blowing your way watch out! We went in December and it was cold. Even under the blankets they gave us it was very chilly cruising around before the show.
There was baby in the boat next to us that cried they whole time. Glad I did it once but I don't think it is that great to try it again.

 

[mareed]

Did it once would probably would not do it again. I too did not think the view was good.

Glad to see someone else thought this, too. I sort of felt like I was in the twilight zone!

 

[pirateparrot]

My parents are traveling wit us this year and I want to do something special...is this a good option? Is it worth the time/money? For those who have been on it...what is it like?
Thanks
Kelly

We did the Illumination's cruise last summer with a bunch of my relatives and friends of my grandmother who are long time Orlando area residents who have done just about everything Disney offers and they said that the cruise was the best thing they had ever done.

I enjoyed it and the family was really happy and had lots of fun.

 

[umaangel00]

Where do you go to get more information on this cruise?

 

[LAWalz23]

Well worth it! Even my father who is not a WDW fan enjoys this.

 

[HARRYC]

hi there ,

we did it in july 2000 and it was magical , we shared the experience with a family we met through these boards , both to share the costs and also and this made it even more magical in that the lady concerned did all the legwork in that she had to do the phoning to secure the booking..very hard to get a booking with the time difference etc etc etc phoning from scotland ....

we met before the cruise for dinner in cape may and it added to the lovely evening.

so much so that when we return july 2006 its amust do for us

go for it you will love it

cheers the noo

harry

 

[jackskellingtonsgirl]

After some debate DH and I got up before dawn again today (had to get up yesterday for Dining) and called to get an Illuminations cruise. We'll be going on October 17. Luckily I have heard more good than bad, so I hope it will be a good experience!

Umaangel00-
You can go on the Disney site and search "specialty cruises" or you can check out the thread at the top of the forum called "Illuminations cruises". There is also a page about them in the Birnbaum guide book. I'm sure there is info in the other guide books as well! If you can't find the answers you need then call Disney at 407-WDW-PLAY and they can help you.

 

[Danthesand]

The price change to $237 doesn't go into effect until October. I have an Illuminations cruise reserved for our mid August trip, and it will run $140.84. Frankly, the increase to $237 is a ripoff, given I could add not just snacks but also sandwiches to our cruise and it would still only total $187.79.

By the way, al the pontoon boats were replaced with shiny new models back in June.