Our Illuminations Cruise - wouldn't do it again

[Antonia]

We shared an Illuminations cruise with another nice DIS family. The pontoon was nice and roomy. We met at 8 pm and cruised around the waters for awhile before getting into position at the bridge for the fireworks.
The night had a light breeze blowing and as the fireworks started smoke and ash blew our way continuously. Sometimes the smoke nearly obscured our vision of the fireworks and the smoke made a few people cough. It was pretty dense smoke at times. It was a fluke that the wind just happened to be blowing our way, but that's the way it happened. Personally, while it was enjoyable overall, I would not do the cruise again. I would be just as happy watching from around the World Showcase lagoon - at least there you can run from the smoke. In the boat you are trapped. Even our captain was coughing. Just thought I'd share our experience for anyone thinking about doing a fireworks cruise. You read do many great reviews, but I think it is also helpful to hear other experiences - the good and the bad.

 

[disneytraveler]

Sorry you did not enjoy the cruise that night. I went on it last month and thought it ws great. Maybe because you had the wind blowing in your direction and i can understand that. For my night the smoke was going in the other direction.

 

[MareSINY]

I had a similar experience when I did an Illuminations cruise a few years ago. Although I still enjoyed the show, the smoke was pretty thick. Maybe that's why I've never been interested in doing it again. I'd do a Wishes cruise again in a heartbeat though! If you haven't tried that one, I would highly suggest it!