Illuminations cruise About This Page:

[Belle of Ohio]

I am thinking about booking an Illuminations cruise for my next trip. I would appreciate honest opinions from people who have been on one. Did you find it worth the cost? Did you think it was a truly special thing? Any tips on booking the cruise? I would appreciate absolutely any bit of information you would care to share!! [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]

[bradk]

i had the breathless to myself when it was the most expensive option.

was it special? sure. i was absolutely not crazy about the view for illuminations however. also, i guess i lucked out, but every now and then you'll hear about complaints from people who had the smoke blown in their direction.

i don't think i'd do it again. i'd still consider a wishes deluxe cruise though.

[chezp]

It's definitely worth the cost. [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/082502yes_prv.gif[/img] I've never managed to book one - I've always relied on others managing to do it, but if you can get one, definitely go for it, it's a superb experience. [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/waytogo.gif[/img]

[ladyt]

You need to call at exactly 7:00 am, 90 days before the date you want the cruise. They book up very fast and are rarely cancelled. I tried for one last year, of course that was during MouseFest, and they were all booked by 7:03. We did Wishes and it was very magical, although it was about 40 degrees, so also very chilly! But, we had a great time with fellow PassPorters and other MouseFesters. I would definatly recommend it, especially if you can fill the boat and split the cost.

[DebbieG]

Is it still booked at 90 days, or is it 180 now?

Debbie

[lauren-roxy]

The cruises are booked at 90 days. Start calling about 2 minutes before 7am. The number to call is 407-WDW-PLAY. We have gone on Wishes and really enjoy it, infact we are going again this summer!!

[Joy J]

We did the Illuminations cruise and really loved it. It was so special to be able to watch it from the water without any crowds. It almost felt like we were in our own special little world. As others have already mentioned, it's imperative to call right at 7 a.m. EST 90 days out because the Illuminations cruises are exceptionally popular.

Joy

[Belle of Ohio]

Thanks for all the replies. I have marked on my calendar the 90 day mark. I am usually on the road at 7:00 AM, but will plan on being late that day. I want to do something special for my DH and sons, and I am going to try to keep this a secret. I think I can from my boys, but not my DH. [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/thanx.gif[/img] again for all your input.

[ladyt]

It will show up on your credit card statement, but it doesn't say anything about what it's for I don't think. So you might be able to surprise your dh if you can keep the secret (I couldn't keep the secret!).

[rescuesk]

Also, call the day before (before they open) and write down all the voice prompts (phone number, how many times you've stayed at WDW, etc.) you need. You need to FLY through the voice prompts, or you will miss your opportunity. There are only four pontoon cruises and they go fast!

[Belle of Ohio]

[ QUOTE ]
Also, call the day before (before they open) and write down all the voice prompts (phone number, how many times you've stayed at WDW, etc.) you need. You need to FLY through the voice prompts, or you will miss your opportunity. There are only four pontoon cruises and they go fast!

[/ QUOTE ]

That is a great tip. I will definitely do that. [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/thanx.gif[/img]

[Belle of Ohio]

[ QUOTE ]
It will show up on your credit card statement, but it doesn't say anything about what it's for I don't think. So you might be able to surprise your dh if you can keep the secret (I couldn't keep the secret!).

[/ QUOTE ]

No problem on it showing up on the statement. I can't remember the last time my DH even looked at a bill. [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img] Do they charge at the time of booking for the cruise or when you actually take it?

[bradk]

unless they changed it, they actually charge when you take it.

[RyansBride]

If you aren't able to book it at the 90-day mark, keep trying! You *may* get lucky and find that someone has cancelled. DH and I went with another couple last year, and we tried to book an Illuminations cruise, but couldn't get one at 90 days. I kept calling back every so often, to see if maybe someone had cancelled, and sure enough, one day, we got lucky! [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img] We were able to book the Breathless for an Illuminations cruise. It was awesome! [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/082502yes_prv.gif[/img] [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/announce.gif[/img] The driver sped around the lake several times before parking the boat to see the show. Everyone kept looking at us and waving, like we were celebrities or something. A couple of of them even took our picture as we went by! [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/Flash.gif[/img] The boat parked underneath one of the bridges, and I did enjoy the view--very unique, although we did have to kind of stand up in order to see everything. Once the show was over, the driver sped around the lake a few more times, then dropped us off at the dock at MGM...again, people stared at us like we were famous or something. So, we really enjoyed our Breathless Illuminations cruise! [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/love.gif[/img] We felt it was worth the money we paid, although we did split it with another couple, and it was before they raised the prices.

So, in a nutshell, we loved our cruise, and be sure to keep trying if you aren't able to book yours at first. [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/fairy2.gif[/img] for you that everything works out!