Illuminations Cruise

Originally Posted By Jhawk

Has anyone ever taken the Illuminations cruise? Was it worth the $300?

 

Originally Posted By nbodyhome

Is it now up to $300? I knew it doubled in price or so, it was $120 a few years back.

I don't consider it worth $300.00.

 

Originally Posted By Jhawk

It is $275, but with tax it is $292. I talked to them at (407)wdw-play and they said that you get bagged snacks, soda and water. That it is not really a cruise, but that the boat takes you just past the bridge, so you get a front row seat for the show. Would you agree?

 

Originally Posted By nbodyhome

You do get a bit of a cruise (not in Epcot, though). Then they dock under the bridge - hopefully noone spills anything or spits on you - and you watch the show. For $120 I always thought it was very nice (splitting with friends). For $292 I can think of a lot of better ways to spend the money.

Whether it's worth it is up to you. $300 to me is very overpriced. I'd take the same money, have a nice dinner at Epcot, and then find a spot for the show.

 

Originally Posted By Jhawk

Thanks for your input. I think that I will take your advice. Did I notice in another post that you stayed in Cinderella's Castle?

 

Originally Posted By nbodyhome

Jhawk -

Yes, I stayed in the castle. Also, how many of you are there that you planned to do the cruise with?

 

Originally Posted By Jhawk

How did you get to stay there?! That's fantastic!! There are 6 of us going, but I thought that if we decided to go, I would put up a post for 4 more people to join us.

 

Originally Posted By nbodyhome

Jhawk -

My parents won. They then called us, and we had 2 hours to get there.

You may really enjoy it. But for $300, that is $50 per person (unless you add the 4 more). I would have a nice meal, even on the Boardwalk (Spoodles, Cape May), or in Epcot (Teppan Edo), and then get a nice viewing area for Illuminations. Then you get more than snacks! But again - you may really enjoy it, I've done it so often, but not anymore since the price went up.

 

Originally Posted By Jhawk

Good for you! That must have been fantastic! We enjoy Spoodles! We have been wondering about Cape May, how is it?

 

Originally Posted By nbodyhome

Jhawk - it's been a couple of years since I've been to Cape May, but I have always enjoyed it. The Swan and Dolphin also have some nice restaurants - you can't go hungry in the Epcot/Epcot resort area!

 

Originally Posted By Jhawk

Where is the best place to watch Illuminations and not have to stake out a spot an hour or more before in early May?

 

Originally Posted By Jhawk

Where is the best place to watch Illuminations and not have to stake out a spot an hour or more before in early May?

 

Originally Posted By nbodyhome

There are quite a few nice areas to watch Illuminations from. If you want to watch from the fence area, you will need to get there earlier (normally). I actually quite like watching from Japan - even if I'm not near the fence.

 

Originally Posted By Jhawk

Thanks for all of your suggestions! This trip will cost so much as it is, it is nice to know where to best spend the money and where to save it!

 

Originally Posted By nbodyhome

Oh - just because I find it very overpriced now, you might not. And with 6, I'd personally go with the Breathless - it's such a fun boat!

 

Originally Posted By Jhawk

Do you get to choose the boat?

 

Originally Posted By nbodyhome

Jhawk -

What are your plans for your trip? And there are times when I'd say go ahead and spend money. Like if you were thinking about Cirque, I would definitely say to go ahead. Worth every penny. $30 - $50 to spend on a pontoon boat to watch Illumination, not worth it to me. But I mentioned Breathless - not sure if it's less pricey, but I really had a great time on it.

 

Originally Posted By Jhawk

We are going the 1st week of May. Staying at Animal Kingdom (never even been on the property before) and taking their special safari for their resort guests. That is our big splurge for the trip.

 

Originally Posted By nbodyhome

>> Do you get to choose the boat?

There are pontoon boats, and the Breathless. Here is info on the Breathless (I do not know if pricing is up to date):

<a href="http://www.allearsnet.com/btp/illum.htm" target="_blank">http://www.allearsnet.com/btp/
illum.htm</a>

I have done the Grand 1 also, that was very cool a well.

 

Originally Posted By Jhawk

I will have to check out the price on that!