Illuminations Viewing Via the Cruises

[VelvetGloves]

Good evening,
I've been researching the Illuminations Cruises that you can do on the Breathless or the pontoon boats. I read a few comments saying that they were quite smokey. Have many of you experienced this problem? Also, I know you can do a birthday cruise, where they decorate the boat, for an additional fee. Will they decorate the boat for other occasions?

Thanks in advance,
VelvetGloves

 

[off2disney]

Don't know about the birthday cruises but I did the "Breathless" Illuminations cruise on Dec 20th and did not find it smoky on the boat at all - of course, I could see the smoke drifting across the water towards the land so it could be a problem if the wind is blowing the right way. It was chilly (about 30 degrees) and they issued blankets for everyone to get under. The Breathless sits lower in the water than the pontoon boats, so we were right up front just under the bridge between Epcot and the World. It was absolutely beautiful and a great view.

 

[Bete]

land-lovers. There has to be smoke with fireworks and the wind is the big factor for this one. The boat cruises are not at any higher risk of smoke then any other location, perse. I've been on alot of cruises and it's never been a factor for us to date. In fact, once the smoke did bother us on land by Italy, not on the water.

The party cruises can be for non-birthday situations as long as you are willing to spend the extra $100 above and beyond the cruise charge. There are even higher packages for snack and liquor, etc. By calling the cruise number they can fill you in on the tier costs.

I absolutely look forward to taking at least one cruise each trip, now for fireworks.

Please be aware that it's not easy to get these cruises most of the time even if you are willing to pay especially for Illuminations. There can be as little as 4 boats and I've never seen more then 6 for Illuminations. There are times conventions, etc. will snag up all the boats for a night.

Good luck.

 

[Eeyore1954]

My DW and I did an Illuminations cruise for our 25th anniversary. It was great. Captain Kim decorated the boat with balloons and streamers. She also brought soft drinks and desserts on board. We watched Illuminations and then scurried over to watch the fireworks ending of Fantasmic!

As for smoke -- there was a little, but fortunately, the wind was blowing away from us for most of Illuminations. It'd probably be hit or miss depending on the direction of the wind on the night of your cruise.

I'd recommend booking as early as possible.

 

[VelvetGloves]

You can make ressies 90 days out for the cruises, right?

Thanks,

VelvetGloves

 

[ncbyrne]

DH and I did the Illuminations Cruise with 10 other DISers. Awesome fireworks and great company made for a wonderful evening. There was a little bit of smoke towards the end of the show. There's just never any way to know which way the wind will blow.

 

[cinmell]

My family and I have done the Illluminations cruise twice and smoke wasn't a problem either time. The cruise was a highlight of the vacation each time. The captains were fabulous both times and we will definitely do this again.

 

[HappyGramma]

We did the Illuminations cruise last Feb and it was great. Our Captain, Ian was nice and very informative about the WDW. The boat was parked under the bridge betweem The United Kingdom and France. The view was great and had no problem with smoke. I am hoping to be able to book the cruise next Dec when I take my granddaughter to WDW.

 

[dgaston]

We've done the Illuminations Cruise twice now. On the first occasion there was no issue with smoke at all. On 1/2/04, the wind was blowing in the direction of the International Bridge, and I was concerned that smoke might interfere with our view. I didn't want that to happen because it was our last night in the World, and I wanted to end our family vacation on a high note. As it turned out the fireworks were clearly visible about the smoke, we could see the water fountains very well, and the smoke actually enhanced the lasers! All's well that ends well.

One side note: seeing DS15's grin as he drove the boat will be a memory I cherish forever. Definitely one of those magical moments they'll never give a certificate for that is truly priceless.