WISHES cruise question

[tamu91]

I called this morning to book the Illumination cruise but all the boats were booked by the time I got through, no surprise there but then the operator asked if I'd like to book the Wishes cruise instead. I said SIGN ME UP in a heartbeat but I thought you had to sign up for the Grand Gathering to do this. We have 6 adults and 2 children but we are not doing the GG. Has anyone done this cruise and if so, can you please clue me in on what I signed up for?
BTW, she told me the price, type of boat, limit on people, etc. is exactly the same as the Illumination cruise. Is this correct? I think she charged me $140 + tax.

 

[aladdinsgirl]

We did the Wishes cruise in December and it was wonderful. There was 5 people in our group, so you will be okay with your group of 8. I believe there is a cruise for the Magical Gatherings, but it's on a different type of boat.

You can picked up at any Magic Kingdom dock (Poly, WL, Grand Floridian, Contemporary, Fort Wilderness) and you'll be on a pontoon boat. I think you get picked up like 45 minutes before Wishes starts, our driver just drove us around the Seven Seas Lagoon until it was time to start.

You will truly enjoy this cruise, we pulled up right in front of the train station and the Wishes music was piped in. After the fireworks, our driver took us back to the Wilderness Lodge.

I can't remember how much we paid for the cruise, but $140 sounds about right. Hope you enjoy!!

Krista

 

[civileng68]

Am I correct in stating that the only downfall is that there is no music to be heard as you are out on the water?

 

[NCRedding]

On our WISHES cruise last week, we could hear the music while on the water. I have done both Illuminations and Wishes cruises, and think they are both great.

 

[drumflower]

We are going our first wishes cruise on Feb. 11 with my family of 4 and 8 other Disers! I am so looking forward to this new experience plus I get to meet new friends! I will let you know how it all goes!

 

[marypopfan]

Does anone know how many total people you can have on the boat?

 

[drumflower]

Does anone know how many total people you can have on the boat?

You can have 10 adults or 2 kids and 10 other people. We are going to have 8 adults and 4 kids!

 

[marypopfan]

Thanks for the quick reply. I am going with a group of 15, we won't fit.

 

[Corryn]

Hello,
Okay, I thought I was seasoned.....But what is the Wishes Cruise? :space:
We've got 66 people going on the Disney Cruise and wanted to try the Illuminations Cruise....But what is the Wishes Cruise?
Thanks in advance


Okay, I called this morning and booked 4 boats for this Wishes cruise. Now that I spoke with the cast member and read your posts, I know what it is.
Thanks

 

[rlyrehc]

The wishes cruise is a pontoon type boat that picks you up from a marina and takes you around 7 seas lagoon and then parks you in a good location to view the fireworks. Some of the boats seem to have music piped into them and some don't. We took one once and had 12 people on it. This time we have 10. The cost is 140 + tax (i think) and you tip your captain. It's a great way to see the electric water parade and the fireworks. The captain can tell you all sorts of stuff about WDW. After the first time, we try not to miss it.

 

[JudithM]

Could someone please post the phone number to call for a Wishes cruise? Thank you.

 

[rngrblu9]

the phone # to book a wishes cruise is 407-939-7529...

 

[JudithM]

Thank you. I called WDW Recreation yesterday & did not end up booking a cruise - the CM was not helpful. She could not give me specifics like where to pick up the cruise, the final total, an estimation of time, etc.

 

[FigmentGuy]

We did a birthday cruise this past december and it was absolutely great! We did have the best boat, so that was a perk. But we had a cooler w/our beverages and a large cake. Our captain took us on a tour and then we viewed WISHES. All and all it was wonderful, and we are hoping to take the cruise on our return this fall.

 

[barb45]

Did you book something specific for this "birthday" cruise. We will be celebrating my daughters birthday on our arrival day and would like to do something special. Is it the same price as the other Wishes cruises? Why are the grand gathering cruises so much more than these other ones that anyone can book? I am more confused than ever. That's why we need these disboards!!!

 

[Twigs]

When you call to book a Wishes Cruise, tell them you would like to make it a Birthday Cruise, it does cost more that the reg. Wishes cruise because you are getting a cake, water and soft drinks and they decorate the boat. Ours came to 207.57 plus tax.

 

[Tinkaroo]

I was told by a CM (when booking my IllumiNations cruise) that all Wishes cruises are to have the music piped in. (I told her that was one of the reasons I wanted to do the IN cruise over Wishes). She said they all have the speakers to have that, but sometimes they are broken. I guess you could always call the dock beforehand and make sure the speakers are working....

Of course, maybe this was the case of a CM not knowing what she was talking about - but I hope not for those going on the Wishes cruise!