Specialty Boat Cruises

[NicTom1211]

Hi Everyone,

We are starting to plan our November trip and we are thinking of doing one of the boat cruises.

We were looking at the fireworks cruise, but then we saw that there one for the VIP Cruise. We are a party of 9 and we are a boating family so I don’t want to book a boat we aren’t going to enjoy.

Any help is greatly appreciated!

Thanks!!!

Nic

 

[DisneyJoe]

What is your question?

 

[Pooh Lover]

We have done both the Illuminations and Wishes cruises on the pontoon boats and have enjoyed it every time. They allow for a party of 10 and are just a shade under $350 (tip not included.) They are quite popular so I would recommend making a reservation at your 180 day mark, if possible by calling (407)WDW-PLAY.

 

[polymissy]

Your family of 9 would be able to do the fireworks cruise at either Epcot or Magic Kingdom. Keep in mind that at Epcot, the display is actually being set off on the same body of water that you are sailing in. If you have young children that may be frightened by being that up close with the show, MK might be the better option for you. Both cruises will have the music played on the boat speakers. You can also add decorations and snacks(and super yummy desserts!) to your package if you'd like.

Have fun!

 

[PhilharMagician]

Your family of 9 would be able to do the fireworks cruise at either Epcot or Magic Kingdom. Keep in mind that at Epcot, the display is actually being set off on the same body of water that you are sailing in. If you have young children that may be frightened by being that up close with the show, MK might be the better option for you. Both cruises will have the music played on the boat speakers. You can also add decorations and snacks(and super yummy desserts!) to your package if you'd like.

Have fun!

For the illuminations cruise the boat is right next to the bridge for the International Gateway. It is not moving around lagoon at all. Now before the Illuminations you get a tour around the resorts and near DHS before the boats comes to rest by the International Gateway.

For the Wishes Cruise you get a tour around Seven Seas Lagoon and Bay Lake. Depending on your tour guide you could get a really nice tour and history of all the resorts on the two bodies of water. We have done this many time and have really enjoyed it. Once we did a birthday cruise for our daughter and they decked the boat out with streamers and balloons and some special treats for us and the cost was like $25.00 extra. It was well worth it to see her so embarrassed. In the end she was sooooo happy.

 

[polymissy]

For the illuminations cruise the boat is right next to the bridge for the International Gateway. It is not moving around lagoon at all. Now before the Illuminations you get a tour around the resorts and near DHS before the boats comes to rest by the International Gateway.

For the Wishes Cruise you get a tour around Seven Seas Lagoon and Bay Lake. Depending on your tour guide you could get a really nice tour and history of all the resorts on the two bodies of water. We have done this many time and have really enjoyed it. Once we did a birthday cruise for our daughter and they decked the boat out with streamers and balloons and some special treats for us and the cost was like $25.00 extra. It was well worth it to see her so embarrassed. In the end she was sooooo happy.

Exactly. You aren't cruising around in the lagoon as the show is going on, but you're much closer to the action than being outside of MK on the Seven Seas Lagoon. Both sailings are great, just different experiences in my opinion.

 

[PhilharMagician]

Hi Everyone,

We are starting to plan our November trip and we are thinking of doing one of the boat cruises.

We were looking at the fireworks cruise, but then we saw that there one for the VIP Cruise. We are a party of 9 and we are a boating family so I don’t want to book a boat we aren’t going to enjoy.

Any help is greatly appreciated!

Thanks!!!

Nic

The VIP Cruise I believe is on the Grand 1 located @ the GF and starts at about $500.00 per hour. You can add dining beverages and even butler service if you would like. All for a cost of course.

Fireworks cruises can accommodate up to 10 people and you can rent the entire boat or I believe you can now pay per person.

I would suggest you call 407-WDW-PLAY (before you hit the 180 day mark) and ask them for complete pricing. They have many options and not all of them are available on the net.

 

[NicTom1211]

The reason we were looking towards the VIP one was becuase my father has a sea ray himself so my mother and i thought it would be a nice touch. I know it costs more, plus then you'd add food on top so that may very well take it out of the price range. But with a party of 9 the dinner bill could be just as much so it may be nice to do this instead of a full sit down meal. Has anyone done this one?
No young kids yet (we are hoping this will be the last one without kids) but its good to know that the Illuminations is more intense so to speak.
I definately like that we can add balloons and small touches to make it more personalized.

Disney Joe, I was just really looking to see what peoples opnions were on these two boat cruises. I have never been on either so I was interested to see what people thought. I guess I should of been more specific.

Thank you everyone for the information. We are just about at the 180 mark so we have to make a decision soon.