Illuminations vs MK fireworks cruise?

[kdibattista]

Can anyone who has been on both give me the differences? I was unable to book the Illuminations cruise this morning but was able to book the MK fireworks, which we have done on 2 other occassions and loved it. I guess I'm just curious about why Illuminations much more popular?

Thanks!!!

 

[Boardwalk Tigger]

Hi,

I have done both cruises and loved them. They are very different experiences. I think people pick the Illuminations cruise because they want to see Illuminations from a special area. It is exciting to be so close and a nice ending for a birthday etc. However if you stay in the Epcot resort area ( like we do ) the ride around around the lagoon is nothing special. Enjoy your reservations. I loved that cruise!

 

[Boardwalk Tigger]

BUMP

 

[Crazy Hakim]

Originally posted by kdibattista
1. Can anyone who has been on both give me the differences?

2. I guess I'm just curious about why Illuminations much more popular?

1. Magic Kingdom: Great cruise, lots for the driver to show you. All the resorts, the old Discovery Island, Wedding Chapel, can easily cruise around Bay Lake and Seven Seas Lagoon forever without getting bored. The fireworks look beautiful above the castle. Sometimes it is difficult to hear the music.

IllumiNations: Limited cruising area. Drive past Swan & Dolphin, down to MGM, turn around, back past BoardWalk and then to the parking area. Fireworks and show are more UPCLOSE and PERSONAL! You will feel the impact of the BOOMS! IllumNations is a wonderful presentation, there is SO much to see during the show that is easily missed while standing on World Showcase.

2. More Popular? I would say it is more "Supply and Demand" Remember, there are only 6 boats maximum available for IllumiNations each night! And one of these boats is set aside for Platinum Plan Guests. Remove Breathless from the mix and you only have 4 Pontoon Boats available each morning when you call 90 days in advance, just 4 boats! Meanwhile at the Magic Kingdom you have boats dispatched from Wilderness Lodge, The Grand Floridian, The Poly, and just recently announced from Fort Wilderness. That's a lot of available boats!

 

[kdibattista]

Thanks guys!!!! That's a good point Mike... I did not even think about that... I must have Disney on the brain