speciality cruises

[jbcs]

Has anyone gone on the speciality cruises for the MK fireworks from contempary resort? Please, describe it and is it worth the money? we are thinking about the 23rd of Dec., do they have the fireworks every night at MK? Is it better to watch it from the boat or on land? any help on this would be great. Thanks a bunch.

 

[Goofy4]

We did both in October. I think one of these links will point you to a video, if that helps (might be a spoiler).

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=942805
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=946785

Based on past comments, some enjoy Wishes by sea, others by land. Wishes is "launched" from several points around the park, and that is a very unique experience. Wishes from the water provides a nice "picture perfect" view of the castle, surrounded by the show.

My opinion on the cost is that if it provides a lasting memory, then it is worth it. We also had "grandma and grandpa" along with us on the Grand Gathering version of the cruise and not having to fight the crowds was definitely worth something. Hope that helps.

 

[Skylarr29]

Youd better call asap if you are considoring it. They book cruises like 90 days in advance and that is such a busy time!!!! You can also find the thread on here about shring cruises with people that already have one booked.

 

[jbcs]

thanks for your help. How much do they usually cost? I was told $250, that seems high and the only thing they mentioned extra was the audio. Does that seems right?

 

[Goofy4]

There was a big increase this year that took it up to 200 and something. If the cruise is the same as the Illuminations cruise, they'll provide chips, popcorn and soda.

As mentioned, I would think they're probably all booked by now. If you keep calling, you may catch a cancellation. Good luck.

 

[Eeyore'sthebest]

I caught a cancellation for my trip. Booked the whole trip less than 90 days out. Kept calling and calling. One day was a particularly bad day for the family so I thought that it was my turn for good luck. I called that silly 800 number and the CM, checked, double checked and then triple checked because she couldn't believe there was a boat available. Good end to a bad day.
Cruise was wonderful. We had grandparents, great grandmom, DH on an ECV and 2 little ones. I can't tell you how wonderful it was that we all got to share the experience and not fight any crowds.
We paid about $150 and then gave the guy a $25 tip. He was wonderful.
But I would recommend bringing sweatshirts or jackets depending on the year. We went the last week in April and it was very cold on the boat, even with the blankets they gave you.

 

[MareSINY]

It really is an amazing experience. My family has done two cruises, the first one was for Illuminations in September 2004. We left from the Boardwalk Inn and cruised around the area before parking under the bridge and watching the fireworks. We were all in awe. In March 2005 we did the Wishes cruise leaving from the Polynesian. It was my nieces 4th birthday so they had a giant cake, soda (they would have supplied alcohol as well but we declined), party hats, noise makers and they decorated the boat with balloons and a birthday banner. After touring the area we parked right outside of the castle and watched the fireworks from there. Afterwards we went and watched the electrical water parade before heading back to the Polynesian.

If you can get a cruise I would suggest taking it. You wont be disappointed!

 

[bicker]

These are special services, and are priced that way. There is very limited availability, so that drives the price up. Folks who are seeking, specifically, unique experiences that most guests don't have an opportunity to encounter will get the most out of these cruises.

 

[wdwfan1]

The first Illuminations cruise we took cost about $60. Times sure have changed!