Illuminations Cruise

[wakim]

Hi Again - My family and I are considering and Illuminations Cruise (pontoon boat). I would appreciate hearing from anyone who has taken one in the past. Is the view as good as/better than the best land location. We are considering the cruise because we want a great view and want to avoid having to scope out a great land spot up to two hours in advance. This is our first trip to WDW and I want my kids to get the most out of what I have heard is a fantastic show. I have also read something about a lot of smoke from the fireworks bothering those in a boat.

Any advise/ comments would be very much appreciated.

Thanks as always for your input.

[Mickeymac]

We've really enjoyed the pontoon ride. We asked for (and got) Scott as our driver - he did a great job with the night. I think it's more than just the show, it's the entire evening. He took us on a 'tour' of the bay, then up to MGM studios and told us bits and stories about the area. Then, he went into detail the signifigance of Illuminations, and the story that it tells. you won't hear that over the PA system. :D The view is different from most land versions as you're not fighting the crowds for a good view... no one knocking over the kids, and the only people around you are those in the boat, cuddled under blankets, with you.

We really enjoyed it.

We didn't have any smoke that night. It really depends on which way the winds are blowing. I will also add that you can get a great view over by Mexico, or right behind the gift shops at the entrance of World Showcase, right as it connects with Future World as well, if you don't want to book the cruise (that last location, if it's available and isn't booked by a party, I'm told opens up 15 minutes prior to the show starting)

Another *fabulous* evening, is booking a dinner at the Rose and Crown, and requesting at the podium for a waterside table. You don't have to fight the crowds, and can enjoy a leisurely dinner and drink while enjoying the show.

[OKWTink]

Whitequeen, a moderator here is one person who has done this cruise. I'm sure she'll have much info for you as will anyone else who has done the cruise.

First, unless it is a highly attended holiday like Christmas or Fourth of July, you really shouldn't have to hold a good spot for Illuminations two hours ahead of time.

The smoke and fumes from the display follow the path of the wind, so you'll want to know which way the wind is blowing! It may obscure the view from the boat, if the wind is blowing in that direction. There isn't much of a way to know about that ahead of time.

From what I've seen the view is very nice. The boats pull up right under the bridge between the UK and France.

I'm sure those who have actually experienced this cruise will have much more useful info for you.

[Ilovetink]

We went on one last December and loved it. You leave from the Yacht club and tour the lagoon around the boardwalk area and over near MGM. Then they cruise back over and park under the bridge between France and the UK in the World Showcase. The view is great and the convenience of not having to find a spot early is nice. It is also nice not to have to fight the crowds out of Epcot. We just went back to Yacht Club, caught a bus to Downtown Disney and transferred from there to our hotel (Polynesian). It was well worth it to us. You do have to call right on the nose at 7am on 90 days out or it will be booked. Let me know if you have any other questions.

[Tammi]

We did the cruise just last month and it was wonderful. We drove to the YC, parked, walked out to the marina and got on the boat. The cruise around the lake was relaxing and I believe we had Scott as well. He was very personable and were able to ask a lot of questions and get insider info about the workings of WDW. Then we parked under the bridge and watched Illuminations. The view was great. When it was over we turned around and left, got off the boat and drove back to the resort. No crowds or standing around. I think the benefit to us what that we had 2 small children with us and we didn't have to fight crowds and do all that walking at 10PM at night when they were exhausted. Plus we had the car which made it even easier to get to the YC, no waiting for buses or anything.

[dcfromva]

I have also read something about a lot of smoke from the fireworks bothering those in a boat.

Any advise/ comments would be very much appreciated.

Thanks as always for your input.


wakim,
We have gone on the Illuminations cruises several times over the years. I am sure that when the winds are blowing in the wrong direction this could happen, but it has never been a problem for us. We don't always get a reservation for every trip because there are a lot of people trying to book just a few boats.

Even though we have done it several times, I never get tired of it--it is always a very special experience.

-DC :ears: