Wishes vs Illuminations Cruise

[alexannelise]

Hi-
just found out about the "specialty cruises" thanks to this site, but could only get a Wishes Cruise during our stay. As background- we have kids aged 3 and 5, our European au pair age 21, DH and me, and then my parents joining us! This will be first Disney trip for kids and the au pair- her last vacation with us before returning home this summer, so we want to do something a little special since we haven't really taken any other trips this year.

Can anyone answer a few questions:

1) we have a pontoon lacking audio. Can you hear from other boats neaby or is lack of audio a major drawback?

2) we decided to get picked up at the contemporary, although we are staying near downtown disney. We will be at sea world most of the morning and then probably return to the hotel for R&R in the afternoon. How much time should we give ourselves to get from downtown disney to the contemporary? We have to be at the marina at contemporary by 8 pm.

3) I wanted to get the illuminations cruise, but with what I have heard here I am not sure it is so bad to do the wishes instead- has anyone done wishes, and was it worth it? Is it any better than just seeing the show in the park? If we can get a cancellation from Illuminations, would you recommend that over the Wishes cruise?

any other recommendations/advice would be appreciated!
thanks in advance!!

Melissa

 

[Belle1111]

Hi- I don't have any advice to offer so I thought I'd just offer a hello. I'm sure someone will be along soon that has done the cruises!

 

[wallyb]

Have not done the Wishes Cruise ... but LOVED Illuminations Cruise!

 

[alexannelise]

Thanks for the hello and any advice! Much appreciated!!

 

[Twigs]

We did the Wishes cruise last year and we loved it. We did have piped in music, but I have heard that you can hear the music even without that. If you are driving yourself, I would think that a half hour is enough time to get there with some to spare, but I can't help you with Disney transportation info.

 

[alexannelise]

Thanks-- that helps alot!

 

[CA Disney Fans]

We were lucky enough to do both cruises last trip. Both are great and have certain things about them that we like. Wishes - see the water show by the WL before seeing Wishes, nice view of Wishes over Main Street buildings and train station. IllumiNations - boat "docks" under the bridge by International Gateway, it's a great view, comfortable seats, can sit back and relax and see people crammed around the railings along the lagoon.

We were fortunate that the breeze was pushing the smoke in the opposite direction for IllumiNations.

DH likes Wishes one more. I think it's because Wishes was more private. And Illuminations you have other boats right next to you.

I prefer IllumiNations cruise because you're right there and I love the lighting of the different countries. It's quite loud though, so I'm not sure how your kids would feel about that.

 

[alexannelise]

Thanks- that helps a lot!

Especially because my DS is rather afraid of loud noises- I am hoping to bring him some earplugs or something to the parks to wear if it becomes a problem.

Sounds like Wishes may be better considering the ages of the kids, etc and perhaps we can try for Illuminations next year!

Any other thoughts?

 

[stopgo]

I proposed to my fiancee on a Wishes cruise last October so needless to say I'm a fan. The view is absolutely perfect and there's no chance of getting smoked out. You'll also probably get a *very* nice view of the water parade (we were less than 30 feet away from the floats at certain times). Bonus points for not having to fight the crowds as you leave.

The lack of audio won't be a big deal as you'll almost certainly be close enough to other boats that you'll be able to hear it. I'd suggest bringing a light jacket if anyone is prone to chills because you'll be on the water for quite a while. Ponchos are good, too, just in case.

You guys will have a blast!

 

[alexannelise]

great- thanks! keep the advice coming--
much appreciated-

 

[CA Disney Fans]

Thanks- that helps a lot!

Especially because my DS is rather afraid of loud noises- I am hoping to bring him some earplugs or something to the parks to wear if it becomes a problem.

Sounds like Wishes may be better considering the ages of the kids, etc and perhaps we can try for Illuminations next year!

Any other thoughts?

My DS loves watching fireworks but hates the noise, so the Wishes cruise was right up his alley. Even with earplugs, he still had his hands along with mine over his ears and complaining on the IllumiNations cruise.

 

[alexannelise]

Thanks- my DS now has his crocs (LOVES THEM!!!), earplugs, and mister fans- we are on our way in just 7 days!!

any more tips?

 

[PA Princess]

We have never experienced the Illuminations cruise, but last summer we did the Wishes cruise and it was a highlight of our trip. We were picked up at the GF and we had dinner at the resort prior to the cruise, so it was a very relaxing evening. It was me, dh, grandma, ds9, ds8, dd4, and dd 6 months. I second the poncho or jacket...cooler on the water and a few more bugs than on land was our experience.

 

[karen l]

We just did our 1st Wishes cruise on 4/14 & loved it. We had the audio piped in so this wasn't an issue for us. Our guide was fantastic - told us alot of info about Wilderness Lodge, the Contemporary, the old Discovery Island &
alligators! He also gave some info about the early days & Walt's planning.
We saw the water parade & then he maneuvered us into a great position for the fireworks. My 2 DS are still talking about this very special night. I'd definitely do it again, we learned alot & had a great time.

 

[alexannelise]

THANKS! We are getting so excited!