was is the Illumination cruise like?

[drumflower]

Is it worth it? How much does it normally cost? Thanks!

 

[drumflower]

I meant to say Illumination cruise, not wishes, sorry. ANy experineces?

 

[daisylove]

Hi there
We just took the Illumination cruise in Dec. In the slow process of writing a trip report. Here is the link for our cruise if it helps.
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=704504
We did it with Mousefest so it was only $15/pp I think in general it runs around $130-150? The prices just went up if I remember right. Check out www.allearsnet.com. I think that is where I saw the new prices. Good luck. It was really wonderful.

 

[Mich Mouse]

We did the Illuminations cruise and the Wishes cruise last August. Both were fun, but the Illuminations experience was better...You were just immersed in the experience (on the water, listening to the musical score) rather than far removed as in Wishes. (You can't hear the soundtrack on the Wishes cruise, and you are father from the presentation.)

We shared both cruises with other Dis folks, and it was well worth the $ and the days of getting up and calling at exactly 7:00 am EST.

If you can book either cruise, go and enjoy it !

There is always something new to do at Disney!

 

[drumflower]

Hi there
We just took the Illumination cruise in Dec. In the slow process of writing a trip report. Here is the link for our cruise if it helps.
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=704504
We did it with Mousefest so it was only $15/pp I think in general it runs around $130-150? The prices just went up if I remember right. Check out www.allearsnet.com. I think that is where I saw the new prices. Good luck. It was really wonderful.

That was a nice report! I want to surprise the family but since I just found out about this, I will probably be too late. I am going to try. I hear reservations are hard to get!

 

[Liz]

I'm considering this too (Illuminations). Thanks for the info!

 

[mareed]

Well, I may be the only person to feel this way, but we did not think that the Illuminations Cruise was worth it. We were disappointed with the view and felt that we were too far isolated from the show. Our usual way to view Illuminations is to stake out a spot 1-2 hours ahead of time where we're right next to the rail, and often have fireworks being shot off from directly in front of us. The boats have to stay under the bridge which is just too far back to me. Also, we were sharing with another DIS family, and we were seated at the back of the boat. That might have had just a bit to do with it, but I don't think the view from the front of the boat would have been THAT much better.

I can think of 2 reasons why I'd recommend an Illuminations Cruise.
#1 If you're travelling with a large group (10-12) people, this would give you a semi-private way to view the show and make sure you have adequate space for all of your group.
#2 If you're viewing Illuminations on a night that you're not going in to a park and using up a day on your pass, this can be a pretty good deal to be able to view the show for around $10 - $15 per person (may be more with the price increase), assuming you're sharing with others and the boat is full.

I have not been on a Wishes Cruise, but from what I can tell, I would not recommend this because you're not guaranteed to be able to hear the music, which is such an important part of this show. Also, it seems to me that you'd just really be too far away here, too, but I can't speak from first-hand experience.

 

[slp87]

We did an Illuminations cruise a few years ago and while we enjoyed it, I don't think we'll ever do it again. We too felt like there were areas of the show we couldn't see well from being that low. It was my DH's first time to see it and once he saw it again from land it thought it was much better. We also unfortunately had the wind blowing toward us that night and we got some soot in our eyes. I'm glad we did it once, but we just don't feel the urge to do it again.

 

[Simba's Mom]

Well, put me on the side of the people who love the Illuminations Cruise. I've been fortunate enough to do it 3 times, each time with someone who hadn't done it before, and I'd do it again any time I had the opportunity. So was it worth it? Most definitely!

 

[travelin' tigger]

And every single one of them was magical and special.

Will be doing my first Wishes cruise in a few weeks and I'm soooooo excited!!!!

 

[drumflower]

And every single one of them was magical and special.

Will be doing my first Wishes cruise in a few weeks and I'm soooooo excited!!!!

Hi Travelin' Tigger, do you have more room on the cruise? I am looking for a cruise . I have me, DH, DD9, and DD8. Just taking a chance since it is so last minute. Thanks!

 

[travelin' tigger]

Another DISer saw my post on the Feb. Illumination cruise thread where I was looking for space on a Wishes cruise and invited me to join her.

As of now I think she has a full boat...sorry!!!