Tell me about fireworks cruises, please

[mrsltg]

Hi All-

I'm currently planning two WDW vacations (I've died and gone to heaven!). The vacation in December is to celebrate DH's 40th birthday. I was thinking of doing a "specialty" cruise to celebrate. Can anyone tell me about them? Is there one that is preferrable? What have your experiences been?

Thanks in advance!

 

[nhmomx2]

Is it just the two of you? My DH surprised me with the Breathless Cruise for our 15th Anniversary last fall. He had a bottle of Cristal waiting in the boat too! It was very romantic, wonderful, and memorable. We have also done the pontoon boat for Wishes. We actually had 2 boats. They were really great about keeping us near each other when sailing around and tied us together to watch the fireworks. My vote...if it's just the two of you try for the Breathless - expensive, but worth it!. Otherwise, any of the others are fine..,

 

[mrsltg]

It is just the two of us on this trip. How much is Breathless, if you don't mind my asking? Also is it for Illuminations or Wishes?

Thanks!

 

[eebuckeye]

What is the difference between Breathless and Wishes cruises? I know Illuminations is for Epcot.

 

[nhmomx2]

Gosh, I can't remember. Maybe $180 (that didn't include the $200 champagne ). The Breathless leaves from the Y/BC and views the Illuminations Fireworks...you get front row seating infront of the pontoon boats. The Wishes is over in Bay Lake, I believe you can leave from any of the MK resorts. You'll view the MK fireworks from an area near the boat launches. On both you cruise the water prior to 'anchoring' for the fireworks.

There should be some pricing info somewhere here on the DIS.

 

[eebuckeye]

Thanks! They told me to be at the Contemporary dock for the Wishes cruise - hope that is right!

 

[nhmomx2]

When we did the Wishes we left from the Contemporary also. Have fun...

 

[pooh2001]

I just called 1-407-WDW-PLAY
They said to call exactly at 7 AM @ your 90 day mark to get a cruise.

For a pontoon boat for IllumiNations it costs $250 and for a celebration add $25 more for balloons. To get a cake you have to call Yacht Club Private Dining at 407-934-3160 (more $$'s)

Check out.... http://allearsnet.com/btp/illum.htm
Below is from the web-site....
Breathless is the motor boat named after the Dick Tracy character. It is a 24-foot ChrisCraft reproduction of a 1930 runabout powered by MerCruiser 350 cubic inch engine, reaching speeds of 50 mph! It has bench seats and can accommodate 6 people. The boat is not covered.


Pontoon Boats -- Another option for an IllumiNations cruise is a 24-foot pontoon boat, which seats 10 comfortably. The pontoon has a canopy, is roomier, and has some drink holders. When you rent either boat, it belongs to your party for the show; meaning the only people there will be the ones you've invited! The pontoon IllumiNations Cruise holds a maximum of 12 people (10 adults). Includes a driver, bagged snacks (pretzels, chips, popcorn), water and Coke products. Other food and beverage items are available through Yacht Club Private Dining at 407-934-3160. You may not bring your own food or beverages on board

 

[mousette]

I would go with the Breathless if you can book it, nhmomx2 says it is very romantic,
If its chilly you even get blankets to snuggle up.

 

[nhmomx2]

Holy Cow $250 for the Illuminations Cruise! Wow! When we did Wishes (of course that was in 2001) it was $120 + tip for each boat AND the drivers let us bring on coolers!! That's a lot of money. Of course, if you have a group of 12 it's not too bad splitting up the cost, but for 2, I'd still take the Breathless!!!