IllumiNations Cruise ?

[Befferk]

Ideally, I was looking to go on May 15, but I'm flexible. And, yes, I was going to check out the cruise share thread as it got closer and things were a little more definite. But thanks for the tip!

The 15th is ideal for us as well. That's our first full day in Florida, but we aren't planning a park day because we need to recover from the long drive. I was looking for a way to incorporate a little Disney magic that day though, so this was my idea. (Plus it's my parents' first time to Florida/Disney.) But we can't swing the cost of the whole cruise ourselves, and since we've shared with DISers before, I thought that would be a good idea this time too. How many people do you have?

 

[njprincess601]

The 15th is ideal for us as well. That's our first full day in Florida, but we aren't planning a park day because we need to recover from the long drive. I was looking for a way to incorporate a little Disney magic that day though, so this was my idea. (Plus it's my parents' first time to Florida/Disney.) But we can't swing the cost of the whole cruise ourselves, and since we've shared with DISers before, I thought that would be a good idea this time too. How many people do you have?

I only have 2 people. My mom and I. And I definitely could not justify the cost for just two people lol

 

[Befferk]

I only have 2 people. My mom and I. And I definitely could not justify the cost for just two people lol

There are 5 of us: Me (33), DH (35), DS (8 and very well behaved ) and my parents (both 64 and also very well behaved ). So if we luck out and can get a boat, we'd love to share. Could even invite another couple/family of 3 to join to bring the cost down. I'll do my best to snag one.

 

[njprincess601]

There are 5 of us: Me (33), DH (35), DS (8 and very well behaved ) and my parents (both 64 and also very well behaved ). So if we luck out and can get a boat, we'd love to share. Could even invite another couple/family of 3 to join to bring the cost down. I'll do my best to snag one.

That would be great! I'll be almost 19 when May rolls around and DM is 52... although she probably wouldn't like me telling you that
I'll definitely try and call too. With the ADRs being pushed back to 180 days, I assume that holds true for the cruises as well? Or will they still be 90 days?

 

[Befferk]

That would be great! I'll be almost 19 when May rolls around and DM is 52... although she probably wouldn't like me telling you that
I'll definitely try and call too. With the ADRs being pushed back to 180 days, I assume that holds true for the cruises as well? Or will they still be 90 days?

I'm not sure if that will change to 180 days or not. Hopefully someone else who knows can chime in!

 

[njprincess601]

I'm not sure if that will change to 180 days or not. Hopefully someone else who knows can chime in!

I know when we went in 2008, the ADR date was at 180 days, as were the cruises. But hopefully someone else knows about this year!

 

[henrylovespooh]

I have another question if experienced cruisers don't mind answering. We haven't been to Illuminations yet - kids were too young and went to bed early. We're going in January and I'd like to go this time. My daughter doesn't like loud noise, and so I always bring ear plugs. She loves Wishes.

Do you think it's less loud on the cruise than watching it at the World Showcase?

 

[Pakey]

It is not any quieter on the cruise than at the World Showcase. With the Illuminations Cruise you are as close to the fireworks as you can be.

We have done Illuminations twice and Wishes once and we much prefer Illuminations for the very reason that you have front row seats. If your main reason for doing it is a good view of the fireworks, Illuminations gives you that. For Wishes, your view is not near as good as the one you get standing on Main Street.

We tip minimum 20% of cruise cost. We have never went full boat, the most people we have had is 6 and the least is 2 (just DH and I). No matter how many people, I top based on cruise cost not per person. There is no set rules though.

Another thing to keep in mind for January cruises (we've done 2 in January) is that the weather can be downright miserable. It can be very cold on that water after dark in January.