Wishes fireworks cruise

[Laurajane]

We're flying to orlando, for the new year, from the uk and while we are out there it is my boyfriends parents anniversary. We want to do something really special for them and we're thinking about booking a boat.

Has anyone had any experience of booking the cruise and what is it like, google seems to have very little for me thank you!

 

[harryk]

Took the cruise many years ago and it was more than enjoyable. Our boat left from the Grand Floridian docks and included , along with the pilot, a great snack selection. Was glad that we brought along windbreakers to wear - turned a little cool on the water that evening. Looking forward to taking the cruise again in the future.
We also did the illuminations cruise at Epcot. Was disappointed due to where the boats tie up at the International Gateway - the view was less than expected..... WDW has a thing about trees being in the line of sight. -- They are always there it seems.....

 

[Master Yoda]

I have done both the Wishes and Illuminations cruises several times. They have really spoiled me and it is almost hard to watch the fireworks any other way now.

Both cruises are great, but I would give the edge to the Wishes cruise as you get a little more bang for your buck.

Both tours do a "tour" of the waterway they are on prior to the fireworks. For the Wishes cruise this includes going by Wilderness lodge, Ft Wilderness as well as the monorail resorts. You will also be able to view the Electrical Water Pageant from your boat.

The Illuminations cruise goes by the Yacht and Beach Club, Swan and Dolphin and Boardwalk followed by a short trip down the water way where you make a u turn in front of DHS.

The view from the Wishes cruise is from the 7 Seas Lagoon in front of the park. The audio can be heard from the park and it is also piped in on the boats radio.

For Illuminations, the boats are moored under the bridge between England and France. The view of the globe is slightly obscured when it starts its journey, but the view is completely clear once it is in the center of the lagoon.

Both cruises also include canned drinks and bagged chips. You can add everything from champagne to deserts for an additional fee.

Both cruises do tend to sell out almost every night so you will want to reserve in advance.

 

[Allygator]

I saw on FB that other forums have a thread for sharing cruises. I wish they had one on here.

 

[Laurajane]

Took the cruise many years ago and it was more than enjoyable. Our boat left from the Grand Floridian docks and included , along with the pilot, a great snack selection. Was glad that we brought along windbreakers to wear - turned a little cool on the water that evening. Looking forward to taking the cruise again in the future.
We also did the illuminations cruise at Epcot. Was disappointed due to where the boats tie up at the International Gateway - the view was less than expected..... WDW has a thing about trees being in the line of sight. -- They are always there it seems.....

I would love to leave from the Grand Floridian too as it is there favourite resort, even though it is close to MK do you still get a long time on the boat? I'd still love to see the other resorts from the water

 

[harryk]

At this time yes - but who knows what the 'management' decisions will be in the future. There was a nice tour around the 7 Seas Lagoon and Bay Lake --- timing is everything. The cast at the hotel desks should be able to give you more information or even try on-line connections with WDW.