Specialty Cruises for Magic Kingdom & Epcot

[McManus]

Does anyone have an opinion on which Specialty Cruise is better? In the past the one at Epcot we are out in the water under the bridge right in front of the show. Is the one in Magic Kingdom the same or are we viewing the fireworks from Magic Kingdom Park which is a long distance?

 

[PalmettoPath]

Magic Kingdom is much further away (on Seven Seas Lagoon) simply because of the logistics of the show being primarily in and around the castle (not on the water) vs the EPCOT experience. For the boat viewing, I prefer EPCOT, even though I don't enjoy their shows as much.

 

[McManus]

Magic Kingdom is much further away (on Seven Seas Lagoon) simply because of the logistics of the show being primarily in and around the castle (not on the water) vs the EPCOT experience. For the boat viewing, I prefer EPCOT, even though I don't enjoy their shows as much.

Thanks for your input! We have done EPCOT 's Illuminations and loved the show. We'll probably do EPCOT again but we are unsure about the show. We do prefer the show displayed right on the water!
We are staying at Bay Lake Tower so Magic Kingdom is right there but not thrilled with watching the fireworks coming from the castle as the view is not a full view. My hubby agrees with you, thanks!

 

[PalmettoPath]

Thanks for your input! We have done EPCOT 's Illuminations and loved the show. We'll probably do EPCOT again but we are unsure about the show. We do prefer the show displayed right on the water!
We are staying at Bay Lake Tower so Magic Kingdom is right there but not thrilled with watching the fireworks coming from the castle as the view is not a full view. My hubby agrees with you, thanks!

The only time we do that is with the Grand 1 yacht, because it's an experience all its own But I'm not sure if it's even coming back to the Grand Floridian (forgot to ask them when we were there in March -- back next month so I'll inquire then).

 

[McManus]

The only time we do that is with the Grand 1 yacht, because it's an experience all its own But I'm not sure if it's even coming back to the Grand Floridian (forgot to ask them when we were there in March -- back next month so I'll inquire then).

I've not heard of the Grand 1 yacht. Are the people in your group the only persons on the boat?

 

[PalmettoPath]

I've not heard of the Grand 1 yacht. Are the people in your group the only persons on the boat?

Yes. You private charter the yacht. You can have I believe up to 18 in total for the cruise. You can fully cater as you like from the resort. We do desserts, wine, beer, soda and snacks.

 

[nw6675]

Yes. You private charter the yacht. You can have I believe up to 18 in total for the cruise. You can fully cater as you like from the resort. We do desserts, wine, beer, soda and snacks.

Do you recall the historical price difference between the pontoon and the Yacht cruises?

 

[PalmettoPath]

Do you recall the historical price difference between the pontoon and the Yacht cruises?

It's significant as they are different experiences. Our Grand 1 cruises were always at night for fireworks (which costs more). Cruise was around $800/hr and our food bill was also around $800 (Grand Floridian caters). So with Captain tip etc. they tended to be around $1800.00 - $2,000. We would do an hour cruise, but they usually made it around 90 mins which was always nice.

 

[nw6675]

It's significant as they are different experiences. Our Grand 1 cruises were always at night for fireworks (which costs more). Cruise was around $800/hr and our food bill was also around $800 (Grand Floridian caters). So with Captain tip etc. they tended to be around $1800.00 - $2,000. We would do an hour cruise, but they usually made it around 90 mins which was always nice.

Suddenly goldfish crackers and water sound really good!

Seriously though, thanks for the info. We like the regular private cruise fine, but was curious.

 

[PalmettoPath]

Suddenly goldfish crackers and water sound really good!

Seriously though, thanks for the info. We like the regular private cruise fine, but was curious.

If you don't order food, they do supply water bottles and snacks (like chips and so on).

 

[McManus]

Yes. You private charter the yacht. You can have I believe up to 18 in total for the cruise. You can fully cater as you like from the resort. We do desserts, wine, beer, soda and snacks.

Sounds wonderful! But we only have 4 adults so I'll stick to the pontoon.

Yes. You private charter the yacht. You can have I believe up to 18 in total for the cruise. You can fully cater as you like from the resort. We do desserts, wine, beer, soda and snacks.

 

[PalmettoPath]

Sounds wonderful! But we only have 4 adults so I'll stick to the pontoon.

Good call. Though you'd certainly have a lot of space with four adults, lol (it's two bedrooms and two baths!)

 

[McManus]

Good call. Though you'd certainly have a lot of space with four adults, lol (it's two bedrooms and two baths!)

Oh wow! I'll definitely keep this in mind for a future trip! Thanks for your much appreciated input!