Question for someone who has been on an Illuminations Cruise...

[iwannabeminnie]

When you are viewing Illuminations, WHERE exactly are you viewing from and what kind of view do you have?

 

[goofyforlife]

You get on a boat from the Yacht/Beach club dock.

The boats (pontoon or breathless) are only allowed to moor under the bridge right after the international gateway entrance to the park.

The view is spectacular.

We took the "breathless yacht" out last year.

 

[mom2cinderella]

The view is wonderful and it is such a special experience!

Michele

 

[CRSNDSNY]

It is the most ideal and beautiful view to have! Underneath the bridge between France and England. Perfect!

 

[sammi]

The view is out of this world!

 

[TZMOM]

I'm always in the minority on this one. I didn't think it was that great and was glad we shared a boat w/a bunch of people so we didn't have to pay the full price. I enjoy the show much more by watching it from where everyone else does. It was nice to do it once, but I'll never pay to do it again.

Have fun & enjoy it!!

Jane

 

[Pig Pen]

It was a fun experience, but I felt like I was too low to really get the full effect of the show. I also felt like I was peering out from a cave.

 

[CRSNDSNY]

Wow TZ Mom and Pig Pen, this just shows you how much opinions can differ! LOL Our view of Illuminations from the ground was actually ruined by our enjoyment from the Illuminations Cruise. In fact, Illuminations isn't even a top priority night show because it just isn't the same to us anymore! LOL

Different strokes for different folks!

 

[kda]

We were with a group of 7 other friends and loved the cruise because it was SO relaxing. My GF felt like royalty, reclining on the seat of the boat and not having to stand/walk. Our driver was incredibly funny and I felt like we got two shows.

That said, the view had pros and cons. The boats line up side by side under the bridge. I was somehwat concerned that we might have smoke in our eyes if the wind was in the wrong direction --- which can happen --- but everything worked out OK. The view of the fireworks was fantastic, but we felt too far away to see the scenes projected on the globe on the lake. That part disappointed me because we missed some of the beauty and message of Illuminations.

Glad we did it, and not sure I'd spend the $$$ on it again.

 

[elgerber]

Originally posted by Pig Pen
It was a fun experience, but I felt like I was too low to really get the full effect of the show. I also felt like I was peering out from a cave.

I'm with you guys too. We liked the cruise, but I like the view better from the World Showcase instead of the boat.

 

[ZuZugal]

Our family took this cruise on the Breathless in October. It was a one-time thing for us, and even if the kids wanted to I don't know that we would do it again. I think some people are under the impression that you cruise around the lake at EPCOT before Illuminations which is not true. You cruise around by the YC/BC and towards MGM - then around again. The farthest you get into EPCOT is when you see Illuminations under the bridge.

It was enjoyable but we would not do it again.

 

[bjakmom]

You cannot see the images on the globe??!!!

Was that true for everyone? I have this booked - but to me the images on the globe are such a big part of the show and story! I'm taking friends who have never been to Epcot before and wanted them to enjoy Illuminations from the best vantage point - now I'm not so sure about this.

 

[Mich Mouse]

We did the cruise in August...and loved it!

You can definitely see the images on the globe. In fact, The Unofficial Guide to WDW reccomends the bridge between the UK and France as being a Prime viewing spot for the show....That is exactly where Illuminations Cruise boat docks......Right under the bridge.

 

[SnackyStacky]

Originally posted by bjakmom
You cannot see the images on the globe??!!!

Was that true for everyone? I have this booked - but to me the images on the globe are such a big part of the show and story! I'm taking friends who have never been to Epcot before and wanted them to enjoy Illuminations from the best vantage point - now I'm not so sure about this.

Go!!!!

I share the same point of view that there are better vantage points, but it's CERTAINLY something I'm glad I did!!! And anybody who asked, I would DEFINITELY tell them to do it!!!!

You need to try it and formulate your opinion. And if the people that you're taking have never been, they'll have nothing to compare it to, so they'll love it regardless!

 

[sters]

Originally posted by bjakmom
You cannot see the images on the globe??!!!

Was that true for everyone? I have this booked - but to me the images on the globe are such a big part of the show and story! I'm taking friends who have never been to Epcot before and wanted them to enjoy Illuminations from the best vantage point - now I'm not so sure about this.

If your schedule permits it, try and do it once by land and once by sea!

 

[shafke]

We did it on our last trip. It is nice to do once but we probably won't do it again. When you first leave the dock you go towards the Swan and Dolphin and then towards MGM. Then head back to Epcot. We had a great captain who played some trivia games with flash card while waiting for the show. The view is nice although you can probably get a better view by staking out a spot for an hour or so in Epcot. Another plus is that you don;t have to wade through the crowds after the show is over.

 

[sharon78]

We did this cruise 10 days ago and really enjoyed it,we shared the cruise with 2 other Dis familys,i dont think i would pay that amount of money for a cruise on our own,it is best to share.
We had a great view and i felt very privileged sitting there,it was great not having to get your spot an hour before and waiting for it to start then having to walk with the crowds afterwards to get out.The cruise made it a very nice end to a day.
But be warned...Dont wear shorts,like we did, we got bitten on our legs a number of times.
It's a fantastic experience that i think everyone should do at least once if they get the chance

 

[MiJo]

and thought it was fun but the view was just so-so. We actually did the cruise with some other DIS'ers, thanks to a post here on the boards, and that was neat. We did it on a rather blustery night and it was pretty interesting. Our pilot arrived late because he had apparently been sitting at the wrong dock. A couple phone calls straightened that out. We parked under the bridge and my DW and I were in the stern (back) of the boat. The pilot handed out blankets and hot chocolate because it was so cold (and windy) but he ran out of the drink before he got to us. The show was good despite our view being slightly obstructed. On the way back to the dock, the pilot lost his concentration and crashed the boat into a large wooden wall! He put a nice dent in the boat but no one was injured! All in all, I would recommend that you try it once. Try to hook up with a group of DIS'ers for your cruise. It's like being with family!
Mike

 

[Texowl2]

we did it several years ago. Think it's overrated and there are many better views from shore, not to mention it takes quite a bit of time out of your schedule. At a less crowded time of year, I wouldn't advise it. Other times, I dunno. Kinda expensive too....