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

[nativetxn]

4our4kids, when you make the reservation tell them you want a cruise that will allow you to see the MK fireworks. I'm unsure what time to tell you to request.

Pinocchio, I loved my Illuminations Cruise. That's the wonderful thing about WDW, there is something for everyone.

 

[dan4747]

We have a family of 5 for the fireworks cruise November 30. I was unable to book a boat for Illuminations, but I just made (cancellable) reservations for the cruise to see the Magic Kingdom fireworks on November 30. The boat holds 12 people or 10 adults, and since we are 5 we are looking to join with another group for either cruise.

 

[Belle12]

We just returned from our Illuminations cruise on 12/1. Although the cruise is enjoyable due to the fact that Illuminations is spectacular, I was a bit disappointed in the cruise itself. From past posters, as recently as May-June, I had read that the cruise takes you around the world showcase before it docked under the bridge for the Illuminations show. Our cruise last week just went from the YC marina past Swan-Dolphin and along the canal to MGM. Although viewing these resorts is pretty, it did not compare to my expectation for being in the WS lagoon. Other pontoon boats that evening followed the same path. Does anyone know when the route changed?

Our captain provided blankets....which was very kind considering it was quite chilly that night (high 50s), but he was not particularly chatty either. He offered no info on anything that we didn't ask about. And he barely knew the story behind the Osborne lights!

So although I am not disappointed that we tried something new, I'm not sure I would do this again. Getting an excellent viewing spot for Illuminations might be just as rewarding as the cruise.

 

[dan4747]

We recently enjoyed the Magic Kingdom fireworks cruise, on November 30. We left from the Contemporary Resort marina, and we were given a tour, both before and after the fireworks, of the Bay Lake and seven Seas Lagoon. The guide was very friendly and talkative, mostly with Disney trivia and information. We had fun, and he even let my 14 year old steer the boat for a few moments. The fireworks were beautiful and we had a totally unobstructed view. I have since heard that this cruise is better than the Illuminations cruise, because the boat at Epcot stops behind a bridge were pedestrians have the superior view.

 

[Mufasa]

IT'S ALSO PRETTY COOL TO HAVE EVERYONE LOOKING AT YOU IN THE BOAT AND WONDER WHO THE "VIPS" IN THE PRIVATE BOATS ARE!

 

[Crazy Hakim]

..., because the boat at Epcot stops behind a bridge were pedestrians have the superior view. [/B]

No, that's not correct. The pontoon boats are parked UNDERNEATH the bridge. The pedestrians may have a slightly better view, but only those who are are "on the rail" and closest to the lake, not those who are behind others. The view from the boat is great, and most importantly relaxing! You don't have any distractions from the boat, no last minute spot crashers, no strollers or crying babies......
Until you experience it, it's hard to fully understand.

 

[BluOrchid2]

I can back up Hakim's statement about where the boats park. In fact, we took the Illuminations cruise last week, and our driver was one of the drivers for the Breathless which is being restored. We were in a pontoon, but since he is a driver for the Breathless, he parked us in what he called the #1 spot, which is usually Breathless's spot. Our pontoon sat slightly in front of the other boats parked at the front edge of the bridge. We could look back up and behind us to see the people standing on the bridge.

I agree it is well worth the money. As our driver told us, once you see Illuminations from the boats, you'll never see them any other way.

 

[SamR]

Thanks to the very helpful instructions in this topic I was able to reserve an Illuminations Cruise for our trip in mid-March. One thing that I had not read previously in this thread: The CM booking my cruise told me to call back 5 days prior to the cruise to confirm the departure time. I believe that she said that this was due to the schedules for Illuminations not being known this far in advance.

This should be a lot of fun. As an added twist, I've "neglected" to tell the rest of the family about it...I've booked it as a surprise for our last night.

Merry Christmas to All!

 

[Redbeard52]

I've a question about food on the cruises.

First of all, about two years ago, I took my mother, sister, and friends on a one of these cruises, and it was awesome. Really neat.

Secondly, I was able to score 'Breathless' for my upcoming March trip. My question is this: what is the deal with food on the boat? Does Disney have a catering menu that can be supplemented with the cruise? What does it entail?

I'm looking for maybe some wine and cheese during our Breathless Illuminations cruse. Is that do-able?

Thanks!

 

[pewing]

I am so glad I found this post. I may have to try this for our upcoming trip

 

[kimmie]

Thanks to everyone here I was able to get the Illuminations Cruise this morning for our trip in April. Had to get up early on a Saturday, but it was worth it! Called a few times and they were closed . Then when I got through I was put on hold . But thought I'd hang in there and hope for the best. Well, I got through and made no small talk, just told him what I wanted and *BOOM*, I got one!! I was soooo excited! My family will be thrilled!!

Thanks to everyone here!!

 

[DisneyFreak43]

Been lurking long enough (about a year now!) and thought it was time to start sharing! Thanks to the wonderful people on this board, we have the Illuminations Cruise booked for Easter Sunday. We will be sharing it with some wonderful friends who invited us to join them on their 4th trip to "The World" (our 6th). Has anyone requested a certain captain, from what I have read some are better than others? Thanks for your help!

 

[pewing]

Originally posted by DisneyFreak43
Been lurking long enough (about a year now!) and thought it was time to start sharing!

Welcome in from the shadows

 

[nativetxn]

Captain Derrell was wonderful on our March, 2000 Illuminations Cruise. I don't know if he is still there or not.

 

[DisneyFreak43]

Thanks for the reply nativetxn. Anyone else out there have any recommendations? We are so excited about this cruise! I also should add, I got through to make my reservation at 6:57! I was so surprised I almost dropped the phone!

 

[ivanova]

Belle12 - we did the cruise in April 2002 and we did not enter the WS lagoon - for safety reasons (all the pyrotechnic stuff under water) I don't believe they can take the pontoon boats into the worldshowcase lagoon. Our cruise went around the waterways by MGM, the Swan, Dolphin, Boardwalk, Yacht & Beachclub.

When we did our cruise in April 2002 we actually did it as a bday cruise with an AWESOME cake that they provide (total of 5 in our group) and had some folks from the boards here join us (brining our boat total to 11). We had a blast!!

 

[Belle12]

Wow, that's interesting. I wonder if another poster/cruiser was exaggerating
her route, making it sound too good to be true. Your explanation makes sense, but the two friendship boats do cross the WS lagoon, so some boat
traffic must be allowed.

Thanks. Glad your cruise was great.

 

[ivanova]

not sure but the friendship boats could be on tracks - that or they have preapproved (clear) paths to follow - I've never seen one deviate from their path, and I'm not sure there's a "clear path" all the way around the lagoon from where the pontoon boats could enter (under the bridge)

 

[KarenNY]

Kath, we had Derrell as our captain on our Feb 4 cruise. He was great and said to say "hi" to you. It was my first Illuminations cruise and was Fantastic!

 

[nativetxn]

I can't believe he remembered me. He was terrific as a pilot for that illuminations cruise, too. We loved ours. I'm glad you enjoyed your cruise, Karen.