Talk to me about Illuminations Cruise

[rainboots]

My parents are treating us to our upcoming trip. I am trying to think of a thank you of sorts. We are a party of 10, 3 kids(8, 5, 3). My parents are 68 & 71. A 'treat' to them would include all of us, not something special for he two of them.

- We've never seen Illuminations or Epcot (this is our 2nd trip to WDW)

- We are all avid boaters - my parents have a pontoon & live on a lake, we have a cabin cruiser that we are on every weekend all summer.

- how would we return to the Poly?

-how did you rate the experience?

 

[houseofmouse5]

We did this cruise several years ago and loved it! It is a very nice relaxing way to watch the show. I would rate it a 10

As far as returning to the Poly, we rent a car most times we visit so we parked at Y&B (if I remember correctly that is where you get on the boat). I guess if you are using their transportation I think you would take the MK bus from Y&B and then the monorail from MK to Poly. Unless the MK buses have stopped running by that time? I would look at MK hours for that night to be sure.
Maybe someone else will come along with a better transportation idea.

 

[monorailmom]

We just did this a few weeks ago, and it was the highlight of our trip. Our kids gave this to us as our 25th wedding anniversary gift. The boat departs from the Yacht Club, and takes you on a cruise down by the Studios, then back. By the time you are back by BW, the lights are all on. It was beautiful! We were then parked just in front of the bridge by France, directly next to one of the torches. We had the most *amazing* view! The fireworks were right in front of us, and we had a perfect view of what is actually shown on the globe! I teared up before Illuminations was over. Well worth the price....easily a 10 in my opinion.

We were staying at AKV, but my older DD's and I were going to visit Jellyrolls. (they just turned 21 the week before our trip) We walked over there, and my DH and DS just went over to BW and took a cab back to the resort.

 

[pooch]

Always a dissenting opinion! DD and I took the cruise a few years ago and thought it was totally not worth it. The ride to/from DHS was little more than the Friendship boat trip with some not all that interesting narration. I thought the view of illuminations was not good as you could not see to either side and I love the dancing countries. Very tunnel vision-ish.

 

[bluezy]

We did the Illuminations cruise in 2013 and thought it was wonderful! Our captain was great and did trivia questions with us throughout the pre-fireworks portion of the cruise and also gave us a narrated tour as we boated over to DHS and then to Epcot to dock at the bridge. We thought the view was great and the kids were in heaven with all the snacks and drinks on the boat. We happened to do the cruise on an EMH night at Epcot so our plan was to just go through the International Gateway and mosey through Epcot to eventually take a bus back to AoA, but we were kind of tired and didn't feel like doing that much walking. I wanted to just get a cab back to AoA, but my husband didn't think it was worth the cost. So instead, we decided to catch a bus from Yacht Club to DTD and then to AoA....which ended up taking over an hour. We waited about 30 minutes for a bus at YC (which was kind of creepy because it was dark and deserted -- we were the only ones there) which then stopped at all the other EP resorts (where not one single person boarded the bus) before finally heading to DTD. Then we waited about 10 minutes for a bus there. Next time we'll take a cab.

 

[daae3]

Loved it-did it as a special event for my birthday. Great option to include everyone in the celebration and the price is the same with 2 people or 8. So I found the price worth it to have a semi private viewing area without having to fight the crowds. Illuminations looks different depending on where you are sitting because of the differing lights in the countries, but being able to see the globe and the fireworks on the water was amazing and the best view I have ever had for illuminations. Other things I did to make it special-had wine and a birthday cake delivered to the boat from the Yacht Club-everything was on the boat and we had way more than we needed so we shared with the other boats. The boats are pontoons so easy to get on and off... the ride to DHS is just a quick trip, but also not the point of the evening. I would love to do it again-though the price would limit it to special occasions. Getting back to the resort was not that bad. We grabbed a bus from Yacht Club to MK. We then walked to our resort (Contemporary), but you could take the monorail to Poly. Or get a cab depending on your level of patience...10 out of 10 for me for the experience.

 

[heidijanesmith]

We did the Illuminations cruise for DD's 16th b-day and thought it was totally worth it! Loved the view and had some specialty cupcakes delivered from YC.

We took a cab from the Poly to YC and then a cab back. It was easy and not that much.

 

[MomForFrozenAddicts]

I took one on 2014. It was AMAZING!!! Got a little Disney history lesson from the captain. It was during Frozen Summer Fun, so we were able to view Illumnation and the Frozen Firework. The night scene from Broadwalk is also very pretty. For your party of 10, I think it is totally worth it. Just make sure you book early--I believe it is 6 boats a night.

For transportation, I would recommend to the ferry to the Hollywood Studios then bus back to Poly if you're interested in Disney Transportation. Or else, cab or Uber is the quickest way to go.

 

[rainboots]

Wow, awesome reviews! I may have to call to book today!

I would like to get a cake I think so something says 'Thank You!'

We are limited to WDW transportation, as we would need car seats. And even if we were allowed by cabs to NOT have car seats, BIL would never ever allow DNiece3 to ride in a vehicle without proper restraints (understandably so, it is safest).

Thank you all, this was wonderful!

 

[missbrooke06]

I just was thinking about this too as a combo thank you/happy 35th anniversary/happy bday Dad gift.

One of the 8 guests is an 11 month old. Is there an age limit?

Also, while I don't think a cake is needed (we'reon the dining plan) I would like some beers or wine. Is the BC/YC Catering pretty flexible or are the options defined?

 

[DekrRini]

Can you tell me how to find out about the Illuminations cruise? I've been searching the official website and can't find it.

Never mind. I just found it.

 

[Bete]

We liked our Illuminations cruise. It really feels special to be in your own boat viewing it. I do agree you won't have a perfect view, but that did not bother us.

I think in your case I would dine for your evening meal later at the Y & B Club; so, you would already be there for the cruise. The trek getting back to the Poly will not be fun. Be prepared for a time consuming trip.

Also, with the little ones this is getting to be pretty late to be out and about. They could become very tired on the way back and crabby. Hopefully, there will be a nap that day; so, the little ones will be able to cope.