Pontoon Rentals for Illuminations?

[cd&kids]

Has anyone rented a pontoon boat for an Illuminations show?
Wife and I are thinking of surprising our kids with it on our September trip and I haven't seen any detailed information on any websites, including Disney's.
A few questions....most importantly how much is it?! Where do you get the boat...and how long do you have? Do you ever face the possibility of having to leave the show early to get back on time?
Also...can you bring food/drink aboard? Lastly...is this different from the "Illuminations Cruise" thing I've heard about?
A lot of questions, I know...but thanks!!!

 

[Miscrapper]

You are referring to Illuminations cruise - so if you look at NativeTxn's post at the top of this page you will find lots of info. The boats leave from Yacht Club and cost $120 for the 1 hour cruise. They cannot guarantee you will see Illuminations. You need to call 90 days before the day you want to WDW PLAY at 7 am - it is a similar procedure to trying to get Castle breakfast.

I have never done it - thinking about trying for our October trip. I have heard it is best way to see Illuminations.

 

[TLinden16]

As Miscrapper said, you have to book the Illuminations Cruise exactly 90 days in advance, and you should start dialing the number a couple of minutes before 7:00am e.s.t. They sell out immediately, so it may take you a few days to get one (I tried for six days in a row, and finally got one for the last day of our trip in December).

The basic cruise costs $120, and they take you on a little tour of the Epcot and MGM resort areas before heading over to Epcot for Illuminations. You will be able to watch the entire show. I believe that the pontoon boats seat about 10 or 12 people. Yes, you can bring food and drink on the boat. You can also order food through Disney, but it's cheaper to do it on your own.

It's a lot of fun, and you have a great unobstructed view of the show.

Karen

 

[cd&kids]

I appreciate the responses, but I thought there was also a way where you, on your own, can rent a pontoon boat and go see Illuminations. The ones mentioned above are like hiring a captain. Are there any of what I'm thinking about...or am I mistaken??

 

[DISNEYBIGGDOGG]

BUMP

 

[4greatboys]

You can only rent the pontoons to drive yourself during the day. During Illuninations time you have to rent the pontoon with the captain or rent the Breathless.

 

[buzzlady]

Originally posted by cd&kids
I appreciate the responses, but I thought there was also a way where you, on your own, can rent a pontoon boat and go see Illuminations. The ones mentioned above are like hiring a captain. Are there any of what I'm thinking about...or am I mistaken??

If you are thinking of renting a recreational boat at a resort I believe that they close around 5:00 pm.

 

[disneyokw]

n September of 2000 I booked the Illuminations Fireworks cruise. It was abouit $120. I don't remember the exact amount. We had picked up our Patoon boat with driver from the Boardwalk. He had bought cookies for us beforehand from the bakery at the Boardwalk. After the cruise we got a certificate from him stating we did the Illuminations cruise. Also as a bonus with no extra money we left 1/2 earlier and he took us to see the Tapestry of Nations from the Lagoon.



He had told us that guests are not allowed to drive a boat and entire the lagoon on their own. Sorry.