Tell Me About Illuminations Cruise

[iluvwdw_2002]

Hey, everyone!!!

Have any of you every done the Illuminations Cruise? I have received one recommendation that it is a must see, but just wanted to get a few other ideas and thoughts...

Thanks!! Have a great day!!!
It's almost the weekend!!!

 

[goofy4tink]

We did an IllumiNations Cruise this past August. We were able to share it with some others from these boards and some friends from home that happened to be there at the last moment. We took ours from the Yacht/Beach Club Marina. We had a very knowledgable captain. I believe it was Mike, but could be wrong. He took us down the canal, past Swan/Dolphin and to MGM. Then back up to Epcot. We docked underneath the bridge. THere was more than enough room for all of us on the boat. There were 6 adults, 3 teen-agers and a 10 y/o. That particular night, the wind was not blowing in the right direction for us. It was a little smokey and Mike was quite apologetic about it. But, it was still terrific. We felt quite grand as we stretched out on our pontoon boat while others on land jockeyed for good positions!!! Since my party was going back to the monorail after the show, Capt. Mike dropped us at the dock at the Int'l. Gateway. The others went back to Y/BC Marina. All in all, it was a great experience.
We recommend it to everyone!!!

 

[SamR]

While not a cheap option, the Illuminations Cruise is a lot of fun, and is a great way to see Illuminations. If you decide that you want to do one, be aware that this is one of the toughest reservations to get at Disney World (similar in difficulty to Cinderella's Round Table).

For more information, including detailed instructions on making reservations, please review this thread from the Theme Parks board: All About Illuminations Cruises
If you decide to try for one, Good Luck!

 

[AZKathy]

We have done it twice and it is truly a wonderful way to view Illuminations. The hardest thing with viewing Illuminations is the long walk back to the buses from the World Showcase! This is nice to take the boat back to the Yacht and Beach Club and avoiding the crowds.

The one we did this past summer was a regular cruise and it cost $125.00. We shared the cost with two other families. The birthday cruise we did in 2001 cost around $220 and they had streamers, balloons, and a birthday cake with sodas for the birthday festivities.

 

[inkkognito]

We have done this several times, and it has truly spoiled us! Since it is expensive, we typically put a post on the WDW DIS board to find people to share the boat with, since it is only hubby and I. You are so close to the action that you can feel the heat of the flames, and the view is perfect. Usually we board at Boardwalk and they take us for a spin down to MGM prior to the show. Once we got a late start, so we had the spin down to MGM after Illuminations rather than before.
Barb
Visit the Platinum Castaway Club at: www.castawayclub.com

 

[zurgswife]

i've loved the cruise we have done it 3 times and are going for our 4th during the Christmas holidays....

Personally I think it is one of the most resonable priced things to do at disney...12 people $120.....What else can you do for $10 per person....Not much....