Wishes or Illuminations?

[UK bride WDW 06]

We are going to book one of these cruises at the 90 day mark but don't know which is best. Any ideas?

Also is there any way of booking earlier than 90 days? really worried we wont get on one

 

[Tinkerbelle14]

We booked Illuminations for a couple of reasons. 1. So many brides on here have said they've loved it. 2. You are closer to the show than Wishes (<-- you can obviously only go as close as the lake at the Grand Floridian, or so I hear). 3. I've heard that the smaller boats for Wishes do not have the music piped in, so you have to either get a bigger boat, or stay close to others! 4. Finally, we are getting married at the Yacht Club, having dinner at the Swan & Dolphin and the cruise leaves from the Yacht Club which are both within walking distance. It just didn't make sense for us to get extra transportation to take us to the Magic Kingdom area.

We booked at 9:00 am on the 90 day marker. We had accidentally called the day before thinking it was 90 days out and she said that she couldn't book us until exactly 90 days. She did tell us that if you want to make sure you have a cruise you should be on the phone at exactly 7:00 am Orlando time, however since our cruise is in May, she said that time of year didn't always book as quickly.

As long as you are on the phone early (I would suggest 7 if you are really worried) you shouldn't have a problem. No one else can book before the 90 day mark, just like with weddings no one can book before 12 months, therefore most cruises should still be available. Just to cover my own butt , there is always a chance that a lot of people will be calling, so be prepared to possibly have to book a Wishes cruise instead.

 

[WDWbride2007]

There is no way to book earlier than 90 days. You have to call at 6:58am eastern to get the cruises. I booked the Wishes cruise b/c I think it offers a truly unique perspective. You are on the lake overlooking MK. At Epcot, you are in the canal below the bridge. For me, it was a similar view to the UK terrace or French arm which I could do any day. Also, you can usually watch the Electrical parade from the Wishes boats. Finally, there is always a risk with the Illuminations cruise that the wind will blow the smoke and ashes in your direction. The decision is yours, but this is my perspective. I really gave it a lot of thought before I called to reserve. I wish you the best for securing the cruise!

Edit: We reserved the premium Wishes boat with the music piped in. It is the same price as the Illuminations cruise.

 

[UK bride WDW 06]

Thankyou for your help. I have found out that you need to have a big boat for the music for Wishes. Is there no music for Illuminations?

 

[UK bride WDW 06]

Does anyone know why my ticker is not working?

 

[hfehr1s]

What is the general time for Wishes/Illuminations to start in December? I know with wishes it might depend on MVMCP, but how about Illuminations???? If you were doing one of the cruises, what time would it start/end?

 

[Tinkerbelle14]

When I called for mine they gave me a general time of 9:00 (but it's in May), but you have to call 2 weeks prior to confirm a time.

 

[Laurafoster]

For Illuminations you are actually in the park so you have the music. In december i beleive it starts at 9:30pm at least it is for my wedding on the 5th December.

I have done both cruises and my favorite has to be Illuminations.

 

[JD3419]

Does anyone know what the capacity for the biggest boats for each cruise?

 

[goofygal1975]

Does anyone know what the capacity for the biggest boats for each cruise?

I THINK the most in one boat(the bigger of the pontoon boats that has the music piped in) is 13. We were on the smaller one (that does not have the music) and i think he said 8-10.

 

[woodstoforrest]

I swear, you people are psychic. I was wondering just yesterday (though I hadn't checked the boards) if anyone else had or was planning to go on a fireworks cruise after their wedding.

We LOVE Wishes - in fact it's engraved in my engagement ring - and want to treat our guests to Wishes after the wedding/reception/meal...

Can you tell me if park admission is required? Also, where exactly are you in relation to the MK on the cruise?

Thanks and have a great weekend, everyone!

Cheers,
Linda

 

[hfehr1s]

This is probably posted somewhere on here, but how much are the cruises ?? We would have 21 adults and 2 children so I guess we would need two boats?? What are the costs?? Thanks!

 

[UK bride WDW 06]

Thanks for all your replies. I will just have to be patient. Has anyone worn their dress on board the Wishes cruise? I am having a break in between but want to get the most wear out of my dress

 

[WDWINJUNE!]

Thanks for all your replies. I will just have to be patient. Has anyone worn their dress on board the Wishes cruise? I am having a break in between but want to get the most wear out of my dress

I also want to wear my dress as much as I can. We are having a Wishes cruise after our reception dinner and I plan to wear my dress. I don't see why you shouldn't

Laura
Only 19 more days!

 

[sarah_n_brian2006]

any one know the prices for either? Im considering doing away with my dessert party but need to decide before I sent the contract back in

 

[WDWbride2007]

The premium Wishes boat (with audio) is $250 per boat. The Illuminations boats are also $250 per boat. This already includes the tax. We went with the Wishes boats. Since we are 20, I reserved 2 boats. I will spend $500 in comparison to $2k for the dessert party. Since we are having dinner before the cruise, everyone will be full and happy. Good luck!