Fireworks cruise...Wishes? or Illuminations? About This Page:

[Princess_Wantabe]

So, for our trip in April, DD will be turning 16...I thought it would be very nice to book a birthday/fireworks cruise on one of the nights. Question is which one should I go for??
Has anyone done both? or either? and what are your thoughts

Any suggestions/advise will be welcomed

(P.S.: Kristen if you are reading this you are NOT to tell Amanda what I'm planning...or else )

[Teresa]

I've done both many, many times.
Personally, I prefer Illuminations. but, that has to do with the fact that EVERY time we've ever done it, no matter what the weather has been like in the last day or two - it ALWAYS rains!!
SO, either we're on 7 Seas Lagoon, in the open, in the wet and cold (oh, did I mention that the temps always plummet?) just waiting for those fireworks to be over - or, we're at EPCOT, UNDER the bridge that goes to France. That's where the boats all tie up at.

For a 16 year old? I don't know - The globe at Illuminations is really cool from the boat - you get an unobstructed view. And, as a bonus, since all of the tour boats tie up right there, you can talk to the people in those boats - AND we got all of them (I think there were 5 other boats) AND all of the people on the bridge over us to sing Happy B-Day to DH once!!

[cherylf]

I've done both and love them both. The Wishes cruise doesn't tie up, so the boat floats freely and can move around quite a bit. We were on it on a windy night and the driver had to keep moving it back into position. The Illuminations one ties up under the bridge and gives a great view of the fireworks and the globe. This would be a really hard choice for me to make, but I'd probably go with Illuminations.

[chezp]

We've done both and we loved both. I'd personally go with whichever display is your favourite. Ours is Illuminations, so that's the one that I'd probably rate as our favourite, although it's a close call.

[mattnkatsmum]

I've only ever done the Wishes cruise (which was excellent).

My slight reservation about the Illuminations cruise is that the viewing location is one which you can enjoy on foot by standing on the bridge above, whereas the Wishes view is a bit more unique. Also, I'd be worried about not being in the front boat as some seem to have a better view than others.

No doubt those who have actually done the Illuminations cruise can shed more light on this - I can't say I've ever heard anyone complain.

[Princess_Wantabe]

Originally Posted by mattnkatsmum

I'd be worried about not being in the front boat as some seem to have a better view than others.

I've never seen the boats tied up for the cruises...I'm picturing wall-to-wall boats crammed under a bridge...how far off the mark am I?

I've also read complaints about the smoke from the Illuminiation fireworks...is this really a problem

Amanda loves both fireworks, so for me I can't lose by picking either one...I just want the best experience since this will be our first

[rescuesk]

Originally Posted by Princess_Wantabe

I've never seen the boats tied up for the cruises...I'm picturing wall-to-wall boats crammed under a bridge...how far off the mark am I?

I've also read complaints about the smoke from the Illuminiation fireworks...is this really a problem

Amanda loves both fireworks, so for me I can't lose by picking either one...I just want the best experience since this will be our first

It's 4 boats under the bridge, not crammed in, but they are next to each other. That sort of adds to the magic, though, as the captains all joke around with each other.

We have had smoky experiences, it depends on which way the wind is blowing. But it's never been enough to complain about.

The front of the boat is the best spot for photos or videos, so we usually let the photographers sit up front (although in our groups, it always seems like EVERYONE is taking photos or videos! ) But you get a decent view from everywhere.

Also, when you book the cruise, you will be the only one booking it. So if you just want it as a private boat for your family, it's all yours. So it's not like you'd be fighting strangers for the front of the boat.

The cost is $275. Disney justified the increase from 2 years ago when it was $175 by saying they added refreshments. Your "refreshments" are a cooler of water and soda and some bags of chips. That cost does not include the tip for your captain.

Illuminations cruises are very difficult to get, since there are only 4 of them each night. You need to get up early 90 days from the day you want one and start to call at a few minutes before 7. Call the day before and memorize the prompts, so you can get through quickly. When a live person answers the phone, immediately say "Illuminations Cruise". If they are sold out, ask about a Wishes cruise. There are more of them, and a little easier to book.

[Teresa]

The crowding of Illuminations cruises is not bad at all. We've never had any trouble seeing. Yes, you can see the show from anywhere nearby - but you are standing in the middle of a crush and have a hard time seeing around everyone else's heads, kids, cameras, etc.
We've even had people from other boats hop onto ours and we've gone to theirs so that everyone can get a good view.

It really does come down to which fireworks are your favorite.

[doombuggy]

We just did the Wishes cruise last Saturday night and I loved it. I have also down the Magical Voyage (2x) and saw Wishes from the Grand1. I have never done an Illuminations cruise, but I guess i would if given the opportunity. I do like Wishes better.

Either way, good luck and have a great time!