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

[Lizzybear]

I have a Wishes cruise with music booked for 26th September and have one place left. I know it's perhaps a longshot but I thought i'd offer it up to any solo travellers who might be interested Cost is $32.50 including a tip for the captain, PM me if interested!

 

[Abby's Dad]

I have a Wishes cruise booked and sharing with another Dis member. The cost is $275 total. What is the going price to tip? I was figuring $25 but see others do $50. I don't have bucks abound but don't want to be cheap either!

It depends on how good your driver is, not on your pocketbook - sorry. The low end would be $25, if the driver is pretty minimal in help, commentary, and getting you a nice trip. However, a normal, good driver, gets the 20%, basically talking $50 here, and be thankful to give it, and look at the cost of this cruise as being $325, not $275. Can't afford $325, do it another time, or open it up to more DISers ($32.50 each is a good rate, and if you get the full 10 that's great, but even if you don't you got something). If we open ours up, I will be charging $32 (I have enough to weight me down without change) per person, even if we only take one extra (there are 3 of us now). That's a fair amount, and you don't have to keep refiguring as the number goes up or down. Just this mouseketeer's opinion.

 

[bigbabyblues]

I just wanted to share about our recent Illuminations Cruise, in case anyone's interested.

Our cruise was on Saturday, 5/26, and it was awesome! Our captain was Nicole, and she was so nice to us and our kids. She seemed interested in what they were telling her (they're 6 and just 4, mind you), and just really paid attention to them. Not everyone does that!

We left the YC dock about 8:15 or so and cruised over by MGM. It was really fun to see the park lit up from the outside, what we could see of it. We waved to the other boats and the boys loved it! We got to our spot in plenty of time and she told us the story behind Illuminations. We had chips and drinks for snacks, nothing major, but something at that.

When it was over, she dropped us off at the dock outside the IG, so we could catch a bus back to our resort.

Wonderful experience, I recommend it if you can get one!

 

[knelson]

I am trying to book a cruise for Christmas Week - I was debating the value since we own a boat and the entire family is used to boating, however the view maybe worth it.

If we are able to book one we will have extra space for 4 -

 

[Abby's Dad]

I am trying to book a cruise for Christmas Week - I was debating the value since we own a boat and the entire family is used to boating, however the view maybe worth it.

If we are able to book one we will have extra space for 4 -

We have spent a fair amount of time out on the Great Lakes on a boat considerably larger than this pontoon boat, so the boat experience itself isn't the huge part (though anytime on a boat is good times), but from my understanding, the view (in our case, of the Magic Kingdom, since we are taking the Wishes cruise in September) is incredible and not really obtainable otherwise. There are some good pictures from a Wishes cruises available in the Photos section (see menu at top of page). Add a desert or snack platter from like the Grand Floridian, and you've got yourself a truly magical evening (OK, so that's just my opinion - but it did get me excited enought to blow the dust and moths off a couple of dollars in my wallet to do it ). But like a lot of things, YMMV, but it seems to me that this is one to do.

 

[AmberLuvsWDW]

Cherbear013 and lonegungal17,
I PMed both of you. Let me know what you think.

 

[Cherbear013]

Hello! For some reason I'm not able to PM. We have not set up anything. I was going to call tomorrow and see if I could get lucky for a cruise (either Wishes or Illuminations). I was thinking the 16th or 17th. Maybe you could also call and see if you have any luck as some people cancel. If either of us gets anything we'll let the other know. I think if we get a reservation we won't have trouble filling it so it won't be as expensive.
Email me back at cherbear_013@yahoo.com. Talk to you soon!

 

[lonegungal17]

Hello! For some reason I'm not able to PM. We have not set up anything. I was going to call tomorrow and see if I could get lucky for a cruise (either Wishes or Illuminations). I was thinking the 16th or 17th. Maybe you could also call and see if you have any luck as some people cancel. If either of us gets anything we'll let the other know. I think if we get a reservation we won't have trouble filling it so it won't be as expensive.
Email me back at cherbear_013@yahoo.com. Talk to you soon!

I thought I would reply here as well. I tried calling about a week ago and had no luck but hopefully something will open up soon. If either of you have any spots to fill (it's just my hubby and me) please let me know. If you could get one for the 16th or the 17th that would be amazing as the 17th is my birthday. ::crosses fingers::

 

[AmberLuvsWDW]

Hi!

I'm guessing you can't get PMs because you don't have enough posts(maybe?) Anyway, the 16th would probably work better for us, but the 17th would be ok too. I would think we would be able to get others to fill the cruise. If we can't find them on here, I think Disney can try to fill it for us. It may, however be too late to even try because from what I understand these fill up way in advance.

 

[knelson]

We have spent a fair amount of time out on the Great Lakes on a boat considerably larger than this pontoon boat, so the boat experience itself isn't the huge part (though anytime on a boat is good times), but from my understanding, the view (in our case, of the Magic Kingdom, since we are taking the Wishes cruise in September) is incredible and not really obtainable otherwise. There are some good pictures from a Wishes cruises available in the Photos section (see menu at top of page). Add a desert or snack platter from like the Grand Floridian, and you've got yourself a truly magical evening (OK, so that's just my opinion - but it did get me excited enought to blow the dust and moths off a couple of dollars in my wallet to do it ). But like a lot of things, YMMV, but it seems to me that this is one to do.

Thanks - I asked our planner to book it for us and arrainge a desert tray + drinks. We are staying at the Grand Floridian.

 

[jamounger]

I set my alarm and got up at 6:30 on the first day of my vacation and was able to book an Illuminations cruise for Sept 26 at 8PM. It is myself, DH and DD13 so we have room for 7 more if someone is interested in sharing. I think chips and drinks(non alcohol) are included in the 275 price and the tip should be around 50 dollars. They gave me a number for the Yacht club private dining if we wanted extras. I have always wanted to do this cruise but have never been lucky enough to get it. Yeah!!! Email me at jamounger911@aol.com or send me a PM if interested.

 

[geomacey]

OMG OMG OMG

I got ILLUMINATIONS!!!!

We are going on Sunday, 9/30 from the Yacht/Beach Club.

OMG OMG OMG

Breathe!!!!!

 

[schaery]

Congrats on getting your cruise. I can't even schedule mine until 9/15 (for Dec.) and I can hardly wait. I was on the phone at 6 a.m. (CDT) today to get my ressie in for the Candlelight Processional. Had to redial for 15 minutes and hold for 30 before I got in. I hope I don't have any trouble getting the Wishes Cruise. Hope you have a wonderful time.

 

[therealgoofy]

The price of $150 needs to be updated on the first post of this thread. They are now $250.

 

[Cherbear013]

I just booked a Wishes cruise this morning for August 17th. It was my first try so I don't know why everyone is making a big deal about not getting it - maybe it was just luck! There are already three couples sharing so there is room for one more couple...or two singles. Let me know if anyone is interested!

 

[Mom21]

Still have space for 2 adults (or 1 adult and a child over 12) for Wishes Sept 19 if anyone is interested.

 

[Abby's Dad]

I just booked a Wishes cruise this morning for August 17th. It was my first try so I don't know why everyone is making a big deal about not getting it - maybe it was just luck!

From one bear to another, congrats on getting your Wishes cruise. I believe the Wishes cruises are a little easier to book because there are a lot more pontoon boats available over on that side. Which is interesting, because in my opinion, this is the more desirable cruise (and you get a close up of the electrical water pageant too). But to each their own - optimally it would be nice to do both, but glad that I am getting to do one. Again, congrats!

 

[GrumpySteve]

I still have room for 6 people on our illuminations cruise on sept 27. email or PM me if intrested
STEVERL44@COMCAST.NET

 

[knelson]

What time does the cruise start and what time do they end?

 

[GrumpySteve]

What time does the cruise start and what time do they end?

The illuminsations crusie starts abotu 830 but you have to be at the dock no later than 8:00pm. Last about an hour will after teh fireworks are finished.