ILLUMINATIONS CRUISES-What they are--How to book--FIND ONE TO SHARE

[Twinprincesses]

I just wanted to celebrate that today was exactly my 90 day marker. I slept in 30 minutes past 7:30 (missed the alarm ) and I was so worried I would miss it. I called and they had a boat for 10 left. I was so excited. This is our big thank you for my dad paying for all 10 of us to go to Disneyworld.

 

[desertbloom]

Does anyone have room for 3 on a cruise some night between April 23rd and 27th? It's dd B-day and we would like to take her on a cruise but it's just too much expense to rent the boat ourselves after splurging for the WL.

 

[disneynewman]

Forgive me if these questions have already been asked but I have 2...
1. I am a few weeks away from being able to book but I had called Disney a month or so back and asked how many people could fit on a boat. They said there were boats that could hold 12 if some were children, does anyone know if this is true? I am trying to book for 12 people including 3 kids.
2. Also is the procedure for payment still that they take CC info over the phone but do not charge until that day?

Thanks in advance!

 

[Crazy Hakim]

1. I am a few weeks away from being able to book but I had called Disney a month or so back and asked how many people could fit on a boat. They said there were boats that could hold 12 if some were children, does anyone know if this is true? I am trying to book for 12 people including 3 kids.

No, when you call WDW-PLAY they will tell you the maximum is 10ppl (including all adults and children regardless of age or size). Book you boat for 10. At the marina the driver can make the ultimate decision if more than 10 can safely board the boat. The important issue is safety! Every guest must be able to be properly seated, nobody sitting on laps, nobody sitting on floor. If it cannot be done safely, you will not be able to squeeze more than 10 on the boat.

2. Also is the procedure for payment still that they take CC info over the phone but do not charge until that day?

Yes, just like when you rent a car, you give the credit card as a holder, it is not charged until the night of the cruise. In fact, you must bring a credit card or room key to the marina, since it is at that point that the charges are accessed.

 

[court4short]

I know that this is extremely last minute, but I'm hoping that I can get some luck with this.

Would anyone happen to have room for 4 (myself, DM, and two DA) for a Wishes cruise on January 25th? Just PM me!

Thanks!

 

[Twinprincesses]

Forgive me if these questions have already been asked but I have 2...
1. I am a few weeks away from being able to book but I had called Disney a month or so back and asked how many people could fit on a boat. They said there were boats that could hold 12 if some were children, does anyone know if this is true? I am trying to book for 12 people including 3 kids.
2. Also is the procedure for payment still that they take CC info over the phone but do not charge until that day?

Thanks in advance!

No If you say you have over 10 they will not book it. Last year we had 12 and 2 were children and they would not book it for us.

 

[toonjie]

Just back from Illuminations cruise on Breathless and it was fantastic! This may have been mentioned somewhere before, but I didn't want to go through the 100 odd pages of this thread, the new Breathless boat holds 6 adults, not 7 like the old one. We were able to book for 7 since we had kids, but one adult was sick so we had no problem. (I don't know if they are allowing you to book 7 adults anymore.) The seating is as follows: back seat: 2 kids or 2 really small adults or an adult and kid max. Middle seat: 3 adults. Front seat: 1 adult. It was definitely one of our favorite Disney experiences ever!

 

[garris3404]

I'm looking if anyone has room for 5 (2 adults & 3 kids) on a Wishes Cruise. If you have room, don't mind some fun company, and want to save some money, please PM me. I'm especially interested in Feb 4 (wife's birthday). Thanks!

 

[NHTikiBeckie]

Im looking for an Illuminations cruise anywhere from May 14th-18th...anyone have room for two adult 26 year old gals?

 

[TotalSnowWhite]

We're considering a cruise on May 28, 29 or 30, 2008. There are 6 of us (4 adults, 2y/o, 5y/o). We thought we might reserve the smallest boat and have room to stretch, but if anyone wants to split a bigger boat, let us know. This is an anniversary and birthday gift for the kids and my grandparents, so if anyone is also celebrating, we could plan decorations or something. Thanks!

 

[Crazy Hakim]

We're considering a cruise on May 28, 29 or 30, 2008. There are 6 of us (4 adults, 2y/o, 5y/o). We thought we might reserve the smallest boat and have room to stretch, but if anyone wants to split a bigger boat, let us know. This is an anniversary and birthday gift for the kids and my grandparents, so if anyone is also celebrating, we could plan decorations or something. Thanks!

I assume your talking about a Wishes Cruise? Because there are no "smaller" boats at IllumiNations, all 5 pontoons are 25 footers.

 

[TotalSnowWhite]

I assume your talking about a Wishes Cruise? Because there are no "smaller" boats at IllumiNations, all 5 pontoons are 25 footers.

We don't really have a preference on which show we see. If we did it ourselves, we'd go for the smallest boat possible (which, yes, is for Wishes), but if someone wanted to share, we could go either way.

Of course, we'd have no problem on the pontoon, either!! Haha!! We have one at our lake house that sometimes two drift around in, and REALLY stretch out. Great place to take a little nap! Haha!!

 

[jstevens]

My husband and I will at Disney from March 10th - March 15th. Anyone have room on a Illuminations Cruise for us?

 

[wildviper]

It has been almost one year since we experienced a wonderful night on our boat cruise followed by the spectacular Illuminations show. Our family has been captivated by the joy and wonder of Walt Disney World since our first 2 day visit in 2003. The boat cruise solidified our decision to make a WDW trip a family tradition.

BTW- I called in February last year and was still able to secure a boat for 5 in late March. I did it early in the day but was well past the 90 day mark. Never give up!

 

[Shelly888]

Hello all,
We have a reservation for an Illuminations cruise March 1 st 2008 and are looking for some new Disney friends to share the fun and the cost. Currently there are 3 of us. Me(Michelle 34) My DH(Ben 33) and our DS(Benjamin 3.5). The boat holds 10 people so there is plenty of room for a family to join us. If interested please PM me or email me at Scubashelly@cox.net. Thanks--Shelly

 

[KimsCandid]

Hi! I will be going March 15-20th and would like to go on the cruise if we can fill up a boat..there are 3 of us..2 adults and 1 5 yr old child..if there are any with openings that is..this will be our first time going so I am not sure how it works Thanks Kim

 

[ellenec]

I have an Illumination Cruise for April 12th that I am going to cancel. I booked a second date that works better for my family. Send me a pm if you are interested....

 

[gabbyrosebud]

Hello everyone! I haven't read through this entire thread, so I know this has probably been asked before. My family and I are going in Dec. and we've been thinking of booking the Illuminations cruise. It sounds Fantastic! It is still 90 days out to book right? Also, do they provide snacks or drinks, or can we bring some? Thank you so much for your help.

 

[Crazy Hakim]

>I haven't read through this entire thread, so I know this has probably been asked before.

That's OK, every now and then we need to recap and update the info.

>My family and I are going in Dec. and we've been thinking of booking the Illuminations cruise. It sounds Fantastic!

December is a wonderful time of year to visit Walt Disney World. All the parks and resorts are decorated, many additional things are added, like story-tellers, and IllumiNations has a special Holiday Tag added (about 6 additional minutes of "Peace on Earth").

>It is still 90 days out to book right?

Yes, but remember the lines open at 7am Eastern Time and by 5 minutes after all of the available boats (5 pontoons and Breathless II) are usually booked.

>Also, do they provide snacks or drinks, or can we bring some?

Currently, all boats have Snacks (Smart Popcorn, Potato Chips (Plain and BBQ), Doretos, and pretzels) and a cooler of Water, Coke, Diet Coke and Sprite.

Can you bring some? By the letter of the law, No. But, as long as you don't get carried away (rolling a Keg to the boat), you could purchase some minor items at the Gift Shops and bring them along. The drivers will usually allow this. Be aware, if you were to bring, like a couple dessert snacks, advise the driver before you depart from Bayside Marina, so if you require some additional napkins, or plates and forks, they will make sure the boat has sufficient items. Also, be aware, Breathless II cannot have any additional foods. The seating on the speedboat is not conducive to plates or any foods aside the snacks provided.

Final note about food, you can call Private Dining at The Yacht Club and order just about anything for the Pontoon Boats. Cheese & Crackers, Dip & Chips, Salsa, Sandwiches, Cakes, Hot Wings, even Pizza. This is handled between you and Private Dining, and again I suggest you advise your driver upon arrival at Bayside Marina that an arrangement was made. Don't assume that the Marina knows about this ahead of time, don't wait until your boarding the boat to ask "Where's my Chocolate Covered Strawberries?"

Good Luck securing the cruise! And most importantly, have a great time at Walt Disney World.

 

[gabbyrosebud]

>I haven't read through this entire thread, so I know this has probably been asked before.

That's OK, every now and then we need to recap and update the info.

>My family and I are going in Dec. and we've been thinking of booking the Illuminations cruise. It sounds Fantastic!

December is a wonderful time of year to visit Walt Disney World. All the parks and resorts are decorated, many additional things are added, like story-tellers, and IllumiNations has a special Holiday Tag added (about 6 additional minutes of "Peace on Earth").

>It is still 90 days out to book right?

Yes, but remember the lines open at 7am Eastern Time and by 5 minutes after all of the available boats (5 pontoons and Breathless II) are usually booked.

>Also, do they provide snacks or drinks, or can we bring some?

Currently, all boats have Snacks (Smart Popcorn, Potato Chips (Plain and BBQ), Doretos, and pretzels) and a cooler of Water, Coke, Diet Coke and Sprite.

Can you bring some? By the letter of the law, No. But, as long as you don't get carried away (rolling a Keg to the boat), you could purchase some minor items at the Gift Shops and bring them along. The drivers will usually allow this. Be aware, if you were to bring, like a couple dessert snacks, advise the driver before you depart from Bayside Marina, so if you require some additional napkins, or plates and forks, they will make sure the boat has sufficient items. Also, be aware, Breathless II cannot have any additional foods. The seating on the speedboat is not conducive to plates or any foods aside the snacks provided.

Final note about food, you can call Private Dining at The Yacht Club and order just about anything for the Pontoon Boats. Cheese & Crackers, Dip & Chips, Salsa, Sandwiches, Cakes, Hot Wings, even Pizza. This is handled between you and Private Dining, and again I suggest you advise your driver upon arrival at Bayside Marina that an arrangement was made. Don't assume that the Marina knows about this ahead of time, don't wait until your boarding the boat to ask "Where's my Chocolate Covered Strawberries?"

Good Luck securing the cruise! And most importantly, have a great time at Walt Disney World.

Thank you so much for all the wonderful information. I think that booking this cruise will definately make our first holiday trip to the world extra magical.