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

[HookdonWDW]

We have an Illuminations Cruise booked for Thanksgiving evening. I'd like to have "Thanksgiving-ish" desserts and non-alcoholic beverages on board.

I know that you have to go through Disney if you want food on your cruise, but all that I can see to order is tuxedo strawberries, alcohol, Level 1 food, Level 2 Food, and the Birthday package. To be honest, I was kinda picturing a pumpkin pie and a cheese plate or something.

The only way to order dessert though, seems to be with the Level 2 package, and after Thanksgiving dinner, I don't see us being hungry enough to make it worth the fee.

Has anyone out there already dealt with this? Thanks for your help!

 

[fan_of_wdw]

My daughter and I have reservation for the evening of Oct. 3rd to see the Illuminations fireworks/show at Epcot from a boat in the lake.

So far, there is the two of us, and two additional DisBoarders, so we have room for several more!

Please contact us at gerry@norvelldesigns.com for more information.

 

[Good Witch]

Hi HookdonWDW,

We also have booked an Illuminations cruise for Thanksgiving night. WE ARE EXCITED !

At the time of booking the CM told us to bring the DISNEY receipt if we brought any food on board. We were thinking the same thoughts as you, dessert. I don't really want to call and question again, we may not like the next answer.


Maybe we'll see you there. Just look for a gang of oldies chasing the wildest 2-year old around the area.

 

[HookdonWDW]

Good Witch,

Thank you for responding. Maybe I'll pick up dessert at the Boardwalk Bakery in the morning to take on board. I'll be sure to hold onto the receipt!

 

[nancyv58]

I love this board!! Thanks to it we are now sharing a cruise. I'm so excited since we have never done this before. Can't wait until Oct. 24.

 

[KathyFP]

We will be at Disney from 10/27 until November 5. With the except of Halloween (NSSMHP) we would love to experience a cruise.

There is DH & our almost 5 year old (who is very well behaved) any myself.

We are non drinkers and non smokers.

 

[nativetxn]

Welcome to the DIS KathyFP. You should post this request on the October Illuminations Cruise Central <b>HERE</b> and the November Illuminations Cruise Central <b>HERE</b>

Good luck finding a cruise to share

 

[dccnm]

There will be 6 of us on our boat--all adults. Can those of you who have gone in the past let me know what the tipping range should be for the captain?

TIA!

 

[SamanthaL]

We started out thinking the tip would be around 20% but our captain was soooo great we tipped more.

 

[suevee]

I am planning a Ill. cruise for my parents in Feb 2003. Both are in 70's, have problems walking, and one has a wheelchair. Both love fireworks and I felt a cruise would be better than the crowds.

Which would better The Breathless or the Pontoon Boats for easy access? (if I am lucky enough to get one!!)

Thanks

 

[nativetxn]

Since the Breathless is a restored speedboat I think it would be more difficult to access than a pontoon boat. Good luck getting your reservation.

 

[Crazy Hakim]

Originally posted by suevee
Which would better The Breathless or the Pontoon Boats for easy access? (if I am lucky enough to get one!!)

Pontoon Boat. Think of Breathless as a sports car, it sits low in the water, has deep seating area.
The Pontoon Boat sits almost level with the dock and is easy to step onto, and even is wheelchair accessable.

Breathless is not a restored boat, it is a rare replica. Chris Craft made only 12 (I think it's 12) boats off the original specs. Disney was lucky enough to buy one for our enjoyment!

 

[nativetxn]

You know, I actually knew that, Hakim. LOL thanks for the correction

 

[Crazy Hakim]

All,

OK, I actually went to Bayside Marina and got you this info tonight.

Breathless is a solid mahogany "Runabout"
A replica of a 1930 Model. Only 24 Boats were made in 1990. After the 24th hull was completed, the design was retired. It's 24 ft in length and powered by a 350 Cubic inch Mercruiser Marine Engine!

 

[suevee]

Thank you for your info. I knew I could get the correct info here. The CM, while very nice, did not seem to know what I was talking about when I was researching this. Thanks again.

 

[jojo7]

I'm a little confused....noticed in several messages that the boat's depart at 8:00pm for the illumanation crusises.
My husband was making a reservation for a resturant on site in time for the fireworks and was told that they started at 6:15pm during the week of November we will be there.
Does that mean that possible the fireworks at Magic Moutian and Epcot are at different times?
Also we'd like to share a boat if anyone has space Nov., 9,10, or 15th.
Thanks

 

[Crazy Hakim]

FYI,

Last night (10/31/02) attendance was so low that only 4 IllumiNations Pontoons departed! That means anybody could have booked a cruise on short notice last night.

 

[Crazy Hakim]

Originally posted by jojo7
I'm a little confused <snip> My husband was making a reservation <snip> was told that they started at 6:15pm during the week of November we will be there.
Does that mean that possible the fireworks at Magic KINGDOM and Epcot are at different times?

Yes, the Magic Kingdom Fireworks have nothing to do with the IllumiNations Fireworks. Magic Kingdom Fireworks are more seasonal, and start time varies throughout the year. IllumiNations Fireworks are always at 9pm, except for a few Holiday presentations.

 

[4our4kids]

I would like to try the specialty criuse at the MK. It looks like the hours for last Feb had the FiS fireworks at 7p (weekdays) and 8p(fri-Sun). Since the hours are not out yet for Feb 03 this is all I can go by. Do I ask to book the 7 or 8pm specialty criuse for MK or is there something more specific to ask?? Thanks

 

[Pinnochio]

Not worth the money you can see great from the countries and I don't see why you would want to get any closer. Also might scare lil kids