Please Help.Illumniations Cruise?

[snyderla]

I was fortunate enough to book one of the Oct.11
Illuminations Specialty Cruises. After doing so I read a report from someone who had gone and said they were very disappointed because the smoke was so bad they did not have the wonderful view they expected. Has anyone else had this experience...more importantly has anyone else had a wonderful, clear view of the show and a magical experience? I am taking 9 other people, 5 of which have never seen Illuminations. 2 of which have asthma. It is going to be our first night, first event of the trip. We will be arriving a few hours before we are to meet the driver. I don't want their first night to be a smokey nightmare that cost me $120 +tip. Can I hear from any of you who have taken the Cruise and know someone who has? Thank you so much.

Lori

 

[SuzanneSLO]

Lori: I do not have any personal experience with the Illuminations cruises, but from what I read the smoke problem is the exception rather than the rule.

I sent you a PM with what I know and a request for a favor.

-- Suzanne

 

[Stimpy]

I have asthma also and we've done the Illuminations cruise about 6-7 times. 2 of those times the smoke headed our direction. I didn't have any problems breathing, but my asthma isn't that bad. We were still able to view the fireworks and enjoy the cruise, although it was harder to see them.

Unfortunately, it's hard to tell if you will have any problems since it really depends on the weather and wind direction.

 

[donna in Oz]

I worried about this, too, before our cruise. We didn't have any problem at all with smoke, but I did discover that I actually preferred the view from the area near Morocco.

We enjoyed the cruise and had a great time, but if what you really want is a great view and want to avoid the possibility of smoke, you may want to consider other options.

 

[nativetxn]

<b>snyderla</b> The wind direction will determine whether or not you have a problem with smoke and ash.

During my illuminations cruise it was perfect, no smoke no ash just a beautiful display.

During an Illuminations dessert in Epcot--the wind was blowing in the wrong direction--we were all covered with ash from the fireworks and the smoke was thick.

You must be prepared for smoke or ash whether or not you are on the land or a pontoon boat. Could you carry a mask with you just in case, or would that not be helpful?

Katholyn

 

[Crazy Hakim]

As everybody has already said, it is the luck of the draw, if the wind is blowing your way, you may get smoke and or ash.
As a safety precaution, all boats are now supplied with safety goggles. They are stored under the pilots seat and any guest can request them if they are so inclined.

 

[donna in Oz]

Although the smoke & ash can certainly blow towards the folks lined up around the railings, at least you can pick your location up-wind before it starts.

On the pontoons, you're stuck with it, no matter which way the wind is blowing.

 

[Crazy Hakim]

I would never NOT plan an IllumiNations Cruise on the chance that you may get smoke and ash blown towards you.

That's like saying "it might rain."

 

[cinmell]

We've done the Illuminations Specialty Cruise twice (most recently in May) and didn't have problem with smoke either time. Both times we cruised around YC/BC, Boardwalk, S/D, down to Studios and back to Epcot. It was one of the highlights of our vacation and we will definitely do it again. It was wonderful not having to scope out a spot along WS and wait. Our boat pulled up approx. 5-10 minutes before Illuminations started.