Wishes or Illuminations Fireworks Cruise?

[Rogue21]

I'll be traveling with my parents to the WDW resort this Spring. Whenever we go, we try to do new things -- last trip in 2012, we saw LaNouba and did the Wishes Fireworks Cruise. My parents, both in their mid-70's, loved it.

I'm tempted to try the Illuminations Cruise for this trip, but have a few reservations. The Wishes Cruise included a nice "tour" of Bay Lake and Seven Seas Lagoon, will the Illumination Cruise include a little extra time like this? Will the view of Illuminations be worth the expense -- I thought Wishes was worth every penny. And, finally, will the boat sit under the bridge? One of my folks is claustrophobic.

Any extra info on this cruise would be helpful.

Thanks!

 

[SDisney90]

Unfortunately I have done either but personally for myself, I would try the Illuminations. Seeing that you have done the wishes fireworks cruise, why not try something new? Last year I noticed the boats for illuminations they seemed to be under the bridge so that may be a problem for the person in your party.

Searched online and found this review..
Deb's Mini-Review: Boats sit under the International Gateway bridge for viewing IllumiNations, but not right next to each other, so you feel like you're having a private viewing. You have a wonderful view of the water fountains, laser ball, and fireworks. From what I can remember, there is a partial view of France (behind you on the right) and the UK (on your left). There are also partial views of Mexico, Germany, Italy, China and the US. Canada and Japan are not visible.

 

[RKSteel]

My family did this for my Dad's 70th. The driver cruises around for a bit before docking by the bridge. You are not under the bridge, but right in front so you can view the fireworks.
Since it was his birthday, we also had a cake. I was actually thinking of doing this again when we go for my DD's 16th birthday, but since there is a Wishes cruise we may do that instead.

 

[Rogue21]

Thanks RKSteel, that's exactly what I was looking for.

Everyone loved the Wishes Cruise. My Dad especially because we got pretty close for the Electric Water Pageant too and that is his favorite. The trip is not complete unless he sees it several times.

 

[Rogue21]

OK, another question to go along with the Illuminations Cruise . . . the plan was to go to DHS in the a.m., have dinner at Flying Fish and then walk over to the Yacht Club for the cruise. My question is would it be easier to drive over to the Boardwalk or take a boat from the Studios? Will the boats be running back to the Studios after Illuminations? I think we can walk back, but I just want to know all possibilities.

We can also skip the Studios that day and just head to the Boardwalk a bit before our ADRs.

Thanks in advance!

 

[Hakunamatata]

We have done both. The Wishes Cruise was a better experience. Did not care for the boat position under the bridge for Illuminations, and yes it felt a bit cramped.

 

[Rogue21]

We have done both. The Wishes Cruise was a better experience. Did not care for the boat position under the bridge for Illuminations, and yes it felt a bit cramped.

The Wishes Cruise was a great experience. The only reason I'm thinking of Illuminations this time is it's my Mom's favorite night time show. Gotta be fair since the Electric Water Pageant was Dads. Although they are both creatures of habit -- refuse to stay anywhere but the WL. Definitely something to ponder. Thanks!

 

[docdebbi]

for the Illuminations cruise, originally, the boat always sat under the bridge. the next time I went, we were allowed out beyond it, the Captain said that it depended which way the wind was blowing, due to falling embers, whether you could be outside or not. then last time I went, the captain informed us that Disney had decided that it was safe for the boat to be out from under the bridge no matter the wind direction.
I find this one more exciting than the Wishes one because you are really basically sitting next to the show. you can feel the heat of the fire, it really is an incredible experience. I recommend it highly
As far as getting home, I find it easier to get my car and leave it at YC before the cruise. It avoids the mass exodus after the show ends, home in a jif !!

 

[SnarkyMonkey]

The IllumiNations cruise gives you a much closer view than Wishes and therefore you feel like you are really part of the action. That would be what I would choose...but I am a big IllumiNations fan. Although I love Wishes too. The good thing is no matter which you choose, it will be fantastic.

 

[Rogue21]

As far as getting home, I find it easier to get my car and leave it at YC before the cruise. It avoids the mass exodus after the show ends, home in a jif !!

Thanks! Since the cruise leaves from the Yacht Club -- and our ADRs are at Flying Fish, I think we'll be good parking at the Boardwalk. Might even stop at Jellyrolls on the way out.

 

[SusanAnne]

We have done both of these cruises and I honestly think Illuminations is the better one. You will get a great spot to view the fireworks and it is a very fun night.

 

[pobutre]

Along this same theme...has anybody booked a cruise with birthday decorations? I booked a cruise for March 1 six months ago and I called private dining to get some desserts last week. All of that went smoothly, but I thought I would call today and confirm (since you don't get an email confirmation, just a number over the phone) and ask about cancellations due to weather and about adding decorations. They are telling me they don't know anything about decorations and I could call the cruise line! OMG...the actual disney cruise line number for, ya know, the BIG boats on the ocean. I called back and they told me to call private dining. Private dining is telling me they only handle food, which I believe. This is turning into a pain.

 

[Rogue21]

I'm not sure if this will help, but before our Wishes Cruise I wanted to make a last minute change. I talked to one of the Cast Members at the concierge desk and they put me in touch with the right person. Might be easier than repeated calls to WDW-DINE in the hopes you finally get the right person.

Please let me know how you make out. Good luck!

 

[pobutre]

I'm not sure if this will help, but before our Wishes Cruise I wanted to make a last minute change. I talked to one of the Cast Members at the concierge desk and they put me in touch with the right person. Might be easier than repeated calls to WDW-DINE in the hopes you finally get the right person.

Please let me know how you make out. Good luck!

ALL FIXED. Turns out the first person I spoke to (and his manager) had absolutely no clue. After calling WDW-PLAY back and sitting on hold for 45 minutes I got a lovely young lady who literally said all she had to do was click a button and a note would be in the system to add the birthday banner. They charge $25 extra for the banner. She admitted that they have many new people working the phone and in management positions. So, after 3 hours on the phone, my husband will have a banner on the front of the boat. Worth it? I don't know

 

[Rogue21]

Glad you got it straightened out. Ironically, I tried to cancel the balloons and get the champagne instead. A bit of a mix up later and we ended up with both. Champagne was worth the $. The banner and balloons? Nice touch, but would have been fine without. Still, overall, it was wonderful.