Wishes or Illum cruise? Which is better?

[gopherit]

I was on the Illum thread, but it seems like it's fairly buried with requests of folks looking to share... I'm just curious which folks prefer, if getting the boat were not an issue (I know there are fewer Illum. cruises to be had).

I love both shows for different reasons - I'm just wondering if the viewing vantage points of each offers something I hadn't thought of? I'm going to try to reserve a cruise to celebrate DH/my anniversary, and thought either cruise would be fine, just can't figure out which one to "shoot for". Opinions welcomed!

 

[travelin' tigger]

While I can't comment on the Wishes cruise (will try it one of these days), I have done 3 Illum cruises in the past and loved every one of them. The advantage of this cruise is you're anchored under the bridge between England and France and have a great water-level view of Illum with no crowds!!!

Would do another one again in a heartbeat!!!

 

[Robo]

Wishes cruises are OUTSIDE the MK so the castle (which is really "part of the show") is (at least partially) obstructed. Its also much farther away so you can't really discern the "projections" on the castle (like when they turn the whole castle facade into Mickey's "Sorcerer's Apprentice" HAT).
Likewise, Tinkerbell's flight during the early part of the show is likely not visible from most boats.

The SOUND is very important to Wishes and some lower-priced cruises don't "supply" it. (Many times the boats that DO offer the sound will "share" it with other cruise-boats nearby).

But even WITH the sound "piped-in" it does not have the same IMPACT of how the show "SOUNDS" in the park. The power of the major sound-systems inside MK, offers a "surround" effect that is not "felt" from outside the park.

In contrast, the IllumiNations cruise boats are actually INSIDE Epcot and have the benefit of hearing the soundtrack directly from the Epcot audio systems... and THAT is a major PLUS.

There is ONE element of "Wishes" that CAN appear "better" when seen from outside the MK. The farther distance away you are from the fireworks, (say, between a half-mile up to 10 miles away) the LARGER they appear to be!

Wishes fireworks viewed from the beach (or Ohana) at the Poly, appear to be much, MUCH larger than they do when seen from near the hub in MK.
I have a side-by-side comparison on video tape... its almost UNBELIEVABLE the difference of apparent SIZE between the identical blasts.

FWIW:
On a SIDE NOTE about your Poll.
You added "to much information" (IMHO) to the simple "A or B" question.

I would have voted, but adding the "restaurants" part of the question (which I have NOT DONE) caused me not to be able to answer truthfully.
(The reason so many "real" polls results can be "skewed" is that the question was worded in a way that those responding may not have had a "clear and simple" choice to make.)
No biggie.

 

[canwegosoon]

We did an Illuminations Cruise...and brought friends, and we had a beautiful time. Close, can see and hear everything- Only way to go.

 

[Bay in TN]

I love both cruises, but I had to vote for Wishes in this case. The difference is that on the Illuminations Cruise, you see the same show that anyone inside the park sees. You just don't have to fight anyone for your spot on the pavement.

But on the Wishes cruise, not only do you forego the fighting-for-your-viewing-spot dance, you get the full outside-the-park appreciation for the spread of pyrotechnics. Tinker Bell is just a tiny, light, vaguely feminine shape from the Castle. And I certainly could see the Castle changing colors.

*And*. You get the cruise itself, boating around Bay Lake and Seven Seas Lagoon, which I think are more interesting and enjoyable than putting around between Epcot and MGM.

Both cruises are wonderful, but with the Wishes cruise, you get a more extensive boating experience and a better view of the fireworks.

I hope you enjoy whichever cruise you get to take!

--Bay