Illuminations Cruise Worth It?

[schatterjee]

My search won't work - I"m sure there are older threads about this. I thought I had read it might not be worth the money but DH is showing an interest in it.

Any and all insight appreciated!

 

[Bete]

There was a huge increase in costs for this activity not too long ago. I went the very first month of the new increase. We had done at least a half dozen cruises before that one. I did the last one; because, it was the first time my MIL ever went to DW. I have always shared my cruises with others on a pay basis to keep expenses down. I expect money upfront from those who join my cruise. Many are now reluctant to pay upfront to share; because, the increase is too great. There aren't as many people as in the past who even want to share anymore at the new cost. This makes it harder to fill up a boat to spread the expenses. I don't like the hassles of coordinating a shared cruise anymore, either. Many feel they can spend the money better at Disney or somewheres else. If money is no object then by all means take an Illuminations cruise. It's a different way to see the show but I just don't think it's worth it anymore. If you want to do it once to say you did it; I suppose it's ok.

I won't go as far as to say I will never do it again, but I think I will be trying to share someone elses boat. If you are absolutely bored with Disney and need to do something different then I suppose this is as good as anything else. I think I would try a Disney tour instead of a fireworks cruise.

 

[disney junky]

We went last June, before the price increase. We had captain Ron, who was a blast, and I think I enjoyed the tour beforehand, down to MGM and back before we tied up under the bridge for the show. There were six of us and we made no real effort to split the cost. The price increase, or should I say, forced refreshments don't add any value for me. I'm on the cruise for the show, not to eat. Heck, it's only 45 minutes. We did have an unobstructed view of Illumination which was nice, but you do sit a great deal lower than if you are standing around the lake. And yes, the soot from the show did filter into our faces at the conclusion, not ruining it, but it was there. I don't think I would go through the effort of booking one again. It was a headache calling every morning. I don't regret doing it but I think I would try a Wishes cruise if I were to do another. For what it's worth.

 

[hankt10k]

Was planning to try to book an Illuminations Cruise for our later this year. Did a search an saw this thread. Now I'm not so sure. What was the price increase? We did the cruise several years ago but I don't remember the cost. And what are the refreshments that are included? Finally, is the Wishes Cruise the same price?

Thanks Much,
Hank T.

 

[disney junky]

I think we paid $150. The new price is $234+tax which includes soda and snacks.
Check this site.
http://allearsnet.com/btp/illum.htm

 

[LUVMICKEY]

We love this cruise. We've done it three times and all three times we had Capt. Ron. We really had a good time with him. The last time we did the cruise was last May before the price increase. I think we paid about $150 plus Ron's tip. I'm really glad we had a chance to do the cruise several times because I really don't think we would pay $234.00 for another one right now. I think it's going to have to be a really special occasion.

Michele

 

[BonnieA]

I've shared this cruise 3 times. All before the increase. I don't think I would do it again because of the cost.

 

[denecarter]

The drinks were canned sodas and bottled water. The snacks were bags of chips, pretzels, etc.

ETA... if you go during cold weather, they have blankets for you to use.

 

[wisbucky]

We had done the trip twice before the price increase and once after. It seems to me that the trips we had prior to the price increase were slightly longer. This last time we left around 8:30 p.m. DH and I will not be doing another illuminiations cruise at that price unless it is for a very special occassion. We have never done a wishes cruise and may give that a shot. But to be honest I am very dissapointed in Disney raising the price and trying to even it out by adding soda and chips.

 

[Russell]

We did it with the old price and allowed another family to join us. It was okay but not terrific. The view wasn't any better from the boat under the bridge. I certainly wouldn't pay the new price for it.

 

[jwann]

We did it once and enjoyed it. But I think once was enough for us.