Wishes fireworks cruise; Any reviews?

[JustUsAndJellybean]

Hey all! We just booked a fireworks cruise for the Fourth of July and I am hoping someone can talk me into keeping the reservation. We are celebrating my husband's birthday and I thought this would be a great way to surprise him while simultaneously avoiding the craziness of MK during showtime. The "issue" I am having is this: The show on the 4th costs a bit over 2 1/2 times the cost of the same show on almost any other night. And although I was excited to be able to secure this reservation, I'm having a little bit of anxiety about spending the extra money when I have no idea if the experience is even worth it. Has anyone done this cruise? If you have, would you have paid this much more to do it on the 4th?

I am also wondering about tipping the Captain. Is there a "typical" amount or am I to tip a percentage? Tipping 20% on the Fourth of July price seems so steep, although I will definitely do it if that is what is customary. If someone could let me know what is expected, that would be great!

Thanks in advance!

 

[Dan Murphy]

We have done it several times, but not at a price like that. I doubt we would do it for that price. Actually, I know we would not. It is a very nice experience however, but at a much lower price. If you do take it, I think I would base the tip on the regular price. The captain's position is not a tip necessary position, like wait staff in a restaurant or valet car parkers. They receive a 'reasonable' wage, however tipping is generally done and customary. At something around $800 dollars, that is pretty stiff.

 

[JustUsAndJellybean]

We have done it several times, but not at a price like that. I doubt we would do it for that price. Actually, I know we would not. It is a very nice experience however, but at a much lower price. If you do take it, I think I would base the tip on the regular price. The captain's position is not a tip necessary position, like wait staff in a restaurant or valet car parkers. They receive a 'reasonable' wage, however tipping is generally done and customary. At something around $800 dollars, that is pretty stiff.

I had a feeling it wasn't quite worth the price. I feel so conflicted! The price feels crazy but I wonder if I will regret cancelling when we are struggling to find a spot to see the fireworks. We are bringing our five year old and it's a tempting way to guarantee a great view for her.

I am so glad to hear your advice on tipping. That was my initial thought as well and I'm glad it's a reasonable thing to do. I appreciate your help!

 

[Dan Murphy]

Not sure if Pirates and Pals is on for the 4th, or if it is and they jack the price on a similar basis, but that is sure a fun cruise, with a great time before and after the cruise.

http://www.kennythepirate.com/2013/01/29/pirates-and-pals-fireworks-voyage/

 

[bobbiwoz]

I've paid extra for a December 30th and 31st cruise because of the crowds and the special fireworks. The 30th was less than the 31st and that worked out to be $100 per person (including tip), for the 10 person boat. For the 30th we posted on the Disboard and got the 10 people and with the tip that worked out to be about $75pp.

We enjoyed both experiences as well as the Pirates and Pals that Dan mentions.

 

[Norton figment]

I loved our cruise. Our boat driver said the 4th are something to see as they set of fireworks in the lake as well. Not sure if that makes up for the extra cost though.

 

[bushdianee]

I second the Pirates and Pals Cruise! Especially with a 5 year old. They did ask if anybody was celebrating anything and when one couple said their engagement the Pirate in charge spent quite a bit of time giving them attention and he even asked for the longest married couple to get up and give them advice! It was a lot of fun for my DNiece9 and myself. It was right around $100 total for both of us.

 

[TeamH5]

We did the Pirates and Pals when my son was 5 and girls were 6... The next night we watched it from Main Street. They ALL enjoyed watching it from the park better than the cruise. We couldn't see the Castle show for one, which for them apparently was a must see.. But from the boat they piped in the whole show so while we could hear what was going on with Tinkerbell and the whole show, we couldn't see it. and to me the fireworks were just to far out, I enjoyed them more watching from MK than from the boat.
We wouldn't do it again just based on our family's experience, especially if it's that expensive.
On a side note, my kids did receive some undivided attention and special treatment from Peter Pan himself for being the first kids off the boat after the cruise, so that was pretty magical.

 

[JustUsAndJellybean]

Thanks for suggesting Pirates and Pals!! It is booked for the 3rd, 4th(those are special shows) but I was able to get a regular reservation at the end of our trip. I am so excited to take my daughter!! But we are still holding the 4th of July reservation because I am so worried about the craziness in the parks. We once did NYE at Disneyland and it was madness. I'm hoping MK will be less congested since the park is bigger.

Aside from the value of the cruise itself, would anyone pay extra to avoid the crowd?

 

[tseitel]

We have done this cruise, but on Hallowishes, not the 4th. Our Captain also said the 4th fireworks were something special. He rated the 4th as number one, followed by Christmas and then the Hallowishes. It was pretty awesome cause you can see the fireworks that are set off on the sides of the castle, along the lake, that are only used in these special dates ( you can't see them from inside the park)
If this isn't breaking the bank, I would keep your reservation. If only to avoid the masses and insanity of the crush heading out after.
I got the kids glow necklaces, and we had such a nice, relaxing family cruise.
I have not done the Pirates cruise, but have read on here that you may not get a good view of the castle if you are in the other side of the boat
On a side note, our captain absolutely refused our tip. I tried and tried, then got my husband to try.
I felt really bad, but he said he was not allowed to take tips (?). It was just this past October, so not sure if this was something new, or maybe something they don't always enforce.
He was an older guy, said he had been doing this for years, and had personally trained almost all the guys and gals out on the lake now
Whatever you decide, have a great time !

 

[DisneyWishes14]

If anything is available, have you considered a Narcoosee's or Cali Grill reservation on July 3 or 4? You'll see the fireworks and, while not cheap, at least you get a meal out of it!

 

[Really_Goofy_Daddy]

I split the July 4th fireworks cruise with another family (which I met on this forum) about 5 years ago. If that is something you may consider, drop me a PM, me and my 2 kids (13DD and 12DS) will be in WDW over the 4th.

 

[Babydollol]

Hey all! We just booked a fireworks cruise for the Fourth of July and I am hoping someone can talk me into keeping the reservation. We are celebrating my husband's birthday and I thought this would be a great way to surprise him while simultaneously avoiding the craziness of MK during showtime. The "issue" I am having is this: The show on the 4th costs a bit over 2 1/2 times the cost of the same show on almost any other night. And although I was excited to be able to secure this reservation, I'm having a little bit of anxiety about spending the extra money when I have no idea if the experience is even worth it. Has anyone done this cruise? If you have, would you have paid this much more to do it on the 4th?

I am also wondering about tipping the Captain. Is there a "typical" amount or am I to tip a percentage? Tipping 20% on the Fourth of July price seems so steep, although I will definitely do it if that is what is customary. If someone could let me know what is expected, that would be great!

Thanks in advance!

I have the same problem. I have one scheduled as well, let me know if you want to split one maybe. I have 5 on board. 2 adults 17, 16 and 8 year old. I actually have it booked for the 4th and the 5th. The 5th is a ton cheaper. I just cant choose which one to keep.