Which one: Upgrade to DxDDP or do Illuminations Cruise?

[MinnieMom]

DH and I are going to WDW in September for our 10th anniversary. I'm trying to make this trip as special as possible - partly because he is just so wonderful (sorry for being so "mushy" as my kids would say!) and has put up with me and my Disney love for the last 10 years, but also because this is our first DW trip without the kids. I want to do things that are too difficult with the kids and also keep myself busy so I'm not missing them quite so much! LOL!

When we have the kids with us we rarely do TS other than character meals, so I do have booked some signature ressies like Narcoossee's and CA Grill, but if I upgrade to DxDDP I figure we can do a lot more TS restaurants - Kona & GFC for BF, Tutto Italia for lunch, etc, etc.

But, I'm also trying to do this on somewhat of a budget. We had a 30% off code for the room, so we are staying at the Poly and I originally added the basic DDP. I also have an Illuminations cruise booked, but the more I think about it the cruise for just one night will cost almost the same (a little more really) as upgrading to the DxDDP ~ $300 (since we're only going for 5 nights).

The cruise will only last 1 night - I know we'll have the memories, but it's one night while we're there. Plus, we've never seen Illuminations before so maybe it would be best to see it from the park first? The DxDDP would give us several experiences throughout the trip - at least that's what I'm thinking! LOL!

So, (if you've read this far since I seem to have gotten so long winded!), what do you think? Which would you choose?
Thanks!

 

[bonzarella]

Just an FYI, Illuminations is going thru a rehab soon. Starting late Aug (if my mind has not failed) the globe will not be a part of show. I too have a cruise booked for Sept. This is one of the best "extras" we've ever done, but for the $$$ I think I am going to cancel. It is hard to put out that money for a scaled down version. JMIO
We did the DxDDP in June, it was fun but alot of time spent eating

 

[MagiKitty]

I voted for the cruise. We shared one with some other guests last year, it cost the two of us $80 dollars total and it was the highlight of our trip (we saw Wishes though). It just was so special to have the personal boat and attention. No fighting for a good spot, just a really relaxed evening. And the view was amazing! We felt like celebrities. In fact, we're doing it again this September!

In terms of food, we have the free basic dining plan, and already its looking like too much food for us. But if you're going to have special moments and are foodies, I think the deluxe plan may work for you. Like the PP, I don't think I could dedicate that much time to TS every day. As a compromise, we have 11 TS ADRs on our 8 day trip--we'll just pay OOP for the extra three.

 

[MinnieMom]

Wow! I'm shocked so far. Given that this is the 'restaurant board' I thought for sure everyone would say hands down DxDDP.

Any other opinions out there?

 

[Lamandpercy]

I would go with DxDDP. As you say you'll be able to enjoy lots of time together with special meals rather than just the one night. We have the DxDDP booked for our trip in 2 weeks and I can't wait!

 

[CRSNDSNY]

Althought the Illuminations Cruise is fun and memorable, I'd choose to put extra money into eating!!!

 

[MinnieMom]

Well, it looks like DxDDP won! Thanks for all the input!