Speciality Cruises - Wishes or Illuminations?

[Camac]

This is a question to all the lucky people who have already done a speciality cruise. Which one would you recommend - Wishes or Illuminations and why?

I am hoping to book a surprise cruise, to clebrate my DH 50th birthday during our Christmas 2006 trip and would welcome any advice you care to give.

Thanks.

Camac

 

[Frances999]

I've never done a Wishes Cruise - so I am biased - but I personally wouldn't do one anyway.

Firstly, I think that Wishes is best enjoyed inside the Magic Kingdom - with the atmosphere, music and clear view of the castle. Secondly, if I wanted to watch Wishes outside of the park I could go to the Polynesian Beach, GF marina or have a meal at Narcoossee's or California Grill. All of these places are excellent vantage points to enjoy Wishes with an equally good view as from the Wishes boat.

The Illuminations Cruise is different because it actually takes you in to EPCOT. You are still a part of the crowd - not outside of the park observing, but right inside enjoying a wonderful view and the same music and atmosphere as the rest of the the guests. Furthermore, there is no need to stake out at a place an hour or two before the show - and you don't have to join the crowds of people leaving when the show is over.

The Illuminations Cruise was the highlight of our last trip. I would highly recommend it.

 

[mushumadness]

I have done both, I prefer wishes

though I dont know if we will do another

 

[AlanUK]

Having done both I would probably say that the Illumanations cruise comes out slightly ahead of the Wishes cruise IMO

I say this mainly because I feel part of both of these displays is the music to which they are set. The Illuminations cruise takes you right into EPCOT and you can see and hear the whole show clearly, whilst on the Wishes cruise you remain outside of the MK and can only view the show. That is unless you hire the Grand 1 which I believe you can get the music piped in to

 

[Frances999]

That is unless you hire the Grand 1 which I believe you can get the music piped in to

Alan, I believe that you can arrange for the music to be piped into the regular pontoon boats for a $50 supplement.

 

[AlanUK]

Alan, I believe that you can arrange for the music to be piped into the regular pontoon boats for a $50 supplement.

That's interesting It wasn't an option last year when we went but we certainly would have added it on if it had been as it would really improve the whole experience

Just another note that depending on which time of year you go it is probably worth taking some warm clothing with you when doing one of the cruises. We have done them in both late October and Early May when we have had to pull on long sleeved tops as we were being driven about in the pontoon boat.

 

[Miffy2003]

We absolutely loved the Wishes cruise we did - having done it in December though I have to say it was absolutely perishing out there on the lake

Have not done the Illuminations cruise, so I can't compare unfortunately!

 

[mikki.young]

Another vote for the Wishes cruise.

For me the Illuminations cruise didn't give you any better view (and perhaps worse) than if you were standing on the bridge above and if the wind is in the wrong direction you get a lot of smoke.

Wishes gave a completely different perspective where you could see all the fireworks at once. True you could not see the Castle in the same way but it was a wonderful experience. We were lucky enough to be floating by Grand 1 so could hear the music from them. I do agree that hearing the music makes a big difference.

 

[Camac]

Thanks for your replies.

I think I will try for IllumiNations and ask for bunting, cake and champagne to be taken on board to celebrate the 50th birthday of DH.

Camac