Illuminations Cruise

[gdlover]

I know that there are two different boats, Breathless and the Pontoon boats. I am thinking about planning a cruise but don't know which one to choose. Has anyone ever done both? Which one do you like better?

 

[Crazy Hakim]

Breathless holds only 7 ppl max. All passengers face forward, like sitting in a car, and the middle and rear seats are separated by the huge engine compartment. You don't say how many on your list. Breathless is LOTS of fun, in addition to the cruise and IllumiNations, the driver will most likely treat you to a little of a thrill ride.
The pontoon boats are more like a floating living room. Nice big comfy couch/bench seats. Plenty of room for 10 ppl.
Remember, there are 5 pontoons, and only one Breathless, so if that suits you I would try to secure Breathless first, then if already booked, try to grab a pontoon.

 

[Goofy4]

I don't know where they put 5 pontoons, there were only 3 there for us. I remembered reading this (so yes, 3+2=5) : http://www.disneyworldtrivia.com/articleViewer.php?aid=242

Here's a photo and more on the Breathless: http://allearsnet.com/btp/illum.htm. Good luck!

 

[MAGGIED]

We had 10 with us a couple of years ago so we did the pontoon boat - we loved it - our captain was great...really a wonderful cruise- I am looking share on on Aug 7th if anyone has room for 4...........

 

[Crazy Hakim]

I don't know where they put 5 pontoons, there were only 3 there for us.

There is two sides to the bridge, there are 3 pontoon boats on the left side of the bridge, then the center support, then Breathless and two more pontoons on the right side of the bridge. It is quite possible that you did not notice the other boats due to the center support, but believe me, each night (aside from any last minute cancellations) there are 5 pontoon boats and Breathless parked to see IllumiNations.

 

[aengus]

I know that there are two different boats, Breathless and the Pontoon boats. I am thinking about planning a cruise but don't know which one to choose. Has anyone ever done both? Which one do you like better?

I have done both and like them both for different reasons.

The breathless is more "fun" as its a speed boat and they will zoom around before the show and after the show for you. Its a great boat and if you have kids they will really have a great time. The downside is your party feels seperated as the seats are all forward and the row in the back is very isolated.

Pontoon, much more comfortable. You can have a discussion with anyone in your party as you sit more 'around' the boat.

View doesn't matter, the boats are all in the same spot as a previous poster stated. Its all about wether or not you want to fly around before and after or have a comfortable cruise.

I have another illuminations cruise in a little more than a month, (pontoon) and the decision was easy for me because we are a party of 9, otherwise I would have a tough time deciding on which I would have preferred.

 

[mousette]

We had a fantastic time during our cruise in May, we were on the Breathless because when I called to book it was the last boat left.

It was just myself and my fiance and we loved it, very romantic and Illuminations was fantastic.