Need some Firework cruise tips

[Jim from Jersey]

Does anyone have any inside tips/suggestions as to which firework cruise to book, Illuminations or Fantasy in the sky? Which one is better? Any tips would be apprciated...Thanks...J from J

Jim from Jersey
1984 Off Site
1986 Off Site
1998 Beach Club
1999 Dixie Landings &
Disney Cruise Line
2000 Board Walk Inn
2001 WDW Dolphin

 

[clkelley]

My suggestion would be Illuminations. You can always see Fantasy in the Sky with the music piped in from either California Grill or the Contemporary. Getting a good seat for Illuminations is hard because there are only a few tables at Rose & Crown that have lagoon seating.

Also with the Illuminations cruise, you are "in" Epcot so the music and all the effects are there. I don't the the music is quite as noticeable on the Fantasy in the Sky cruise.

FYI I have experienced the following:
Illuminations from the boat and Illuminations from Rose & Crown lagoon seating.

Fantasy in the Sky from California Grill and Ohanna's at the Polynesian.

MSEP from the porch of Tony's Town Square.

Have a Great Disney Day!

Carol
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[Balgeman]

I have done both, and I like Fantasy in the sky better. With Illuminations, you're under the bridge, so you don't feel that your in a wide open area and boats are right next to each other. The view is good, but if the wind is coming from the wrong direction you get smoked.

On the other hand, we were out in the open for Fantasy in the Sky, no boats next to us. We were able to make out the flickering light as Tinkerbell. The music wasn't as loud, but I enjoyed it anyway. We are doing this one again this June.

I am glad that we did both of them, I did like Illuminations, but wouldn't do it again.

Robin

 

[Jim from Jersey]

Thank you both for your opinions, however, my decision was made easy by finding out the illuminations cruises were sold out for the duration of my vac. I booked the Fantasy in the Sky cruise leaving from the Poly. Thanks again for your time.....J from J

Jim from Jersey
1984 Off Site
1986 Off Site
1998 Beach Club
1999 Dixie Landings &
Disney Cruise Line
2000 Board Walk Inn
2001 WDW Dolphin

 

[Balgeman]

Jim,

Don't forget the "sand bucket" of Mai Tai's. They are wonderful.

Robin

 

[Cyndy]

Robin:
We have the "surprise" Birthday Illuminations Cruise booked for DH, now where do we order the Sandbucket?

 

[Balgeman]

Cyndy:
Last May when we took the fireworks cruise, we left from the polynesian and at the outside bar, by the marina they sold small green sand buckets w/attached shovels full of mai tai's. I don't know if they still have them, but they were quite tasty. I don't know if any other marina has them either.

Robin

 

[Cyndy]

We are departing from Boardwalk for the Illuminations-Birthday Cruise, but I like your suggestion, guess we will have to check it out another trip!

 

[LoriKutchey]

How do you book these cruises? We're staying at AKL will the polynesian let us book through them if we're not staying there? Any info would be appreciated.
Thanks, lori

 

[Jim from Jersey]

You can book these cruises 90 days in advance by calling 407-824-2621. They are very popular - as you can see, the illuminations cruises were sold out for june already. Thanks for the advice on the Mai Tai's....We will get our bucket!

Jim from Jersey
1984 Off Site
1986 Off Site
1998 Beach Club
1999 Dixie Landings &
Disney Cruise Line
2000 Board Walk Inn
2001 WDW Dolphin

 

[LoriKutchey]

Thanks Jim,
for posting the info along with the phone #
So sweet of you!!!