**Illuminations Cruises-what they are-how to book-FIND ONE TO SHARE**

[nativetxn]

I'm just going to have to scold some webmasters, aren't I?

<i>Sure</i> I will

I'm pretty sure it's the same situation but I will get an official answer from the webbies and get back to you.

Fantasmic is wonderful. I love it. I love Illuminations more, though. If I had to choose between the two I would choose Illuminations (just a question of personal taste).

I'll be back

Katholyn

 

[nativetxn]

Looks like the schedule has been updated and you will have the opportunity to enjoy both Illuminations and Fantasmic in September

Katholyn

 

[disneysteve]

Well, in just a few days it will be time to attempt to book an Illuminations Cruise for the first week of November. If I'm successful, I'll post a message looking for some folks to share the boat and defray the costs. If I'm not successful, I'll be looking for some kind soul who might do the same - there will be 4 of us, 3 adults and our 8 yo daughter. Wish me luck.

Steve

 

[pnmbn]

Disneysteve-

When are you going in November? We are loking to book a cruise the evening of November 22 or 23rd. There are 5 of us (4 adults and one 5 year old). We, too, are looking for someone with which to share an Illuminations cruise.

 

[disneysteve]

Originally posted by pnmbn
Disneysteve-

When are you going in November? We are loking to book a cruise the evening of November 22 or 23rd. There are 5 of us (4 adults and one 5 year old). We, too, are looking for someone with which to share an Illuminations cruise.

Sorry - we're going for Jersey Week. We'll be there from Nov. 2-8. Thanks anyway.

Steve

 

[disneysteve]

I got up bright and early today and followed the excellent instructions at the start of this thread and succeeded in booking a cruise for November 3rd. There are 4 of us and I've already been in touch with a fellow DIS person to share 2 seats on our boat. I don't want to pack the boat, but I think 8 people would be a nice round number so I'm looking for 2 more. Let me know if you are interested.

A couple of sharing questions for those who have done it...

Do you split the cost evenly between everyone or have the sharing people payed a smaller (or larger) share of the total?

Do you ask the sharing people to pay some or all of their share in advance to avoid being stuck with a half-empty boat?

Just curious how others have handled this since this is a first for us.

Thanks,
Steve

 

[Shannon G]

I have not done it before, but I would think that it would be fair to split the cost on a per person basis. For example, if there are 10 people total, 6 in your group and 4 in another, I would say you pay 60% and the other group pays 40%.

As for when to collect the cost, I'd say you'd have to agree on an arrangement all parties are comfortable with. I understand youer concern about others not showing and getting stuck with the full cost, but, on the flip side, if I were sharing a boat someone else had reserved, I would worry about paying them in advance, because they could cancel the reservation, or keep it completely to themselves, when they already have my money. To be honest, though, in all likelihood, I doubt either of those things would actually happen - I think most people will carry through on their end of the bargain, whether they are the person booking the boat, or the person agreeing to share it.

 

[nativetxn]

<b>disneysteve</b> Congratulations on getting that reservation. You're going to love this experience.

Due to an illness in the family I was late posting the Illuminations Cruise Central for November but it is all ready to go now and you should go ahead and post your offer to share a cruise on the <b>ILLUMINATIONS CRUISE CENTRAL FOR NOVEMBER</b>.

I have never shared a cruise but personally, I would divide the cost evenly among the number of passengers. So if there are two in your party and six in another party you would each pay 1/8 (whether child or adult). That seems to be the most fair method to me.

I would be reluctant to pay for part of a cruise in advance but you would have to work that out with the parties you share the cruise with. You are ultimately responsible for paying for the cost of the pontoon boat since the reservation is in your name. If it is mandatory that you share the cost of the cruise--you may want to consider cancelling your reservation and finding someone else to share their cruise with <i>you</i>. That way you won't have to worry about having a "half full" boat.

Am I rambling? I think I just confused <i>myself</i>



Katholyn

<b>Shannon</b> We must have been posting at the same time, GMTA

 

[Gette88]

I'm going to try an book an Illuminations cruise in April and I was just wondering what happens if it rains? Also can you pay for the cruise in advance or is that a bad idea?

 

[nativetxn]

These cruises are cancelled usually only for lightening that strikes within something like 6 miles of EPCOT.

They will take your credit card number to guarantee your reservation but they will not charge it until the day of the cruise, just in case it <i>is</i> cancelled. I don't know if they will accept advance payment or not.

I suppose you would have to call and ask them about that, I'd be very interested in knowing if they will accept advance payment.

Katholyn

 

[Gette88]

Thanks for the info Nativetxn, I have another question. If the Illuminations show is cancelled is the cruise cancelled? If not what would you see instead of Illuminations?

 

[nativetxn]

If Illuminations is cancelled the cruise is cancelled. There is no other planned alternative. Illuminations has not been cancelled more than once or twice that I know of.

 

[Gette88]

That's good news.
Thank you.

 

[mickeycw]

Does anyone have a cruise to share for September 15th, 17th or 19th?

Two adults (late 30's and early 40's) looking to share a cruise on the above dates.....we're going do disney for our anniversary and would love a cruise to see the great laser show.

We're more than willing to pay our share

Let me know if you can help!

Thanks,
Michelle

 

[betterlatethannever]

Originally posted by mickeycw
Does anyone have a cruise to share for September 15th, 17th or 19th?

Two adults (late 30's and early 40's) looking to share a cruise on the above dates.....we're going do disney for our anniversary and would love a cruise to see the great laser show.

We're more than willing to pay our share

Let me know if you can help!

Thanks,
Michelle

Did you post your request over on the September Illuminations thread. You will have better luck there.

Here is a link



Ed

 

[ivanova]

Okay folks, I need some help here.

We did the Illuminations Cruise in April 2002 for my daughter's 12th birthday. It was a raging success, and everyone LOVED it.

We're going back in November, and I want to book another cruise.

This time one of my friends is hesitating (and she went in April 2002 and loved it).

Here's the concern: the 8pm cruise is technically only 45 minutes long, Illuminations does not start until 9pm and lasts about 15 minutes. I know they don't guarantee squat, but how can I convince her we will probably see Illuminations and that the $120 won't be a waste???????????

 

[nativetxn]

When you make your reservation and tell them that you want to see Illuminations, they will tell you to be at the marina at 8:20 or so. You will see Illuminations if there is not too much lightening

 

[ctag]

I just booked an Illuminations Cruise as a surprise for my family. It will be leaving from The Boardwalk. And I have a few questions that I was hoping you could answer.

1ST: If we spend the day at Epcot and then head to the marina, can I stop and get snacks & maybe even a bottle of wine someplace? I could pack a cooler and leave it in the car all day but then they would know something was up.

2ND: How long will it take us to get from EPCOT to the boardwalk by car?

Thanks.
Chris

 

[nativetxn]

Welcome to the DIS, Chris. Congratulations on getting that reservation. You and your family are going to enjoy this experience.

You can purchase snacks and beverages at the Screen Door on the Boardwalk, it is right at the dock, too. Very convenient.

I did a search of our transportation data base, here on the DIS and I found this information for you:

<i>From: Epcot To: Boardwalk Resort
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Using Disney Transportation:
Take boat launch to Resort
Approximate Travel Time:
30 minutes
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Driving/Walking:
Follow signs out of Main parking lot, proceed on World Drive to Buena Vista Drive. Proceed east on Buena Vista Drive. Turn Left at second traffic light on Epcot Resort Blvd you will follow Epcot Resort Blvd and follow signs to resort. Resort is on the left.
Approximate Travel Time:
15 minutes </i>

What a great surprise for your family

Katholyn

 

[ctag]

Katholyn


Thanks so much for your help. I really apreciate you doing the research for me. I didn't know about the transportation thread. I guess I should visit.

I am so glad that I found this board, it has so many wonderful people with information that I haven't been able to find anyplace on the web.

Thanks again! You have been a great help.

Chris

BTW.....I lucked into this cruise. I tried to book one at 90 out with no luck. Then I read here that someone had booked two planning on cancelling one. So...on day about 45 I decided to try it again and a cruise had just been cancelled. I feel very lucky!!!