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Mom With Kids After RunDisney; Mickey Fantasia Hat; Donald Duck Hat; Goofy Hat
  • On Aug 18, 2009
    Bonnie from NY Asked Note: This answer was provided prior to the change to planDisney and may still contain references to Disney Parks Moms Panel.

    Experiences, policies, pricing and other offerings are subject to change and may have changed since the date of this answer.

    Going to WDW 9-18-09 have finally booked illuminations cruise, have tried for several years. Has anyone done this? Can you see the illuminations well or does it get smokey. I have read some people that loved it and some that said it wasn't worth the money.

    Hi Bonnie!  First of all, the Illuminations show is my absolute favorite fireworks and laser show at Walt Disney World and I won't miss it during any trip there!

    Second, I have done the Illuminations cruise many, many times and I love it!  You will board your boat at the Yacht and Beach Club marina about 8:15/8:30pm and then take a leisurely ride down the waters past the Swan and Dolphin resorts and then to the entrance of Hollywood Studios.  From there you will return and pass Boardwalk and head to EPCOT.  You settle under the bridge at the International Gateway for your viewing.  You have clear and unobstructed views of the entire show and are close enough to feel the heat of the fires on the barge.

    There are only two drawbacks and they only happen occasionally.  One is that on a rare evening you might get a clumsy person standing on the bridge drop something down and it lands in your boat....hopefully not ice cream but it could happen!  The other negative is when the winds are blowing toward you it can be smokey with the firework residue landing in your face.

    Even with that I still say it is worth it and we usually add to the experience by ordering something special from the Yacht and Beach Club private dining.  Some thoughts and suggestions are to have dinner before the cruise and then order dessert for the boat such as champagne and chocolate covered strawberries or a wonderful Mickey cake.  They will deliver all of that to the marina and have it set up in the boat for you.  All cruises will include sodas and water and simple chip like snacks.

    I love this cruise!
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Meet the Panelist: Kay, Indiana

Hello Adventurers and travelers! I am Kay and a past Adventures By Disney mom for the panel. But now I am excited to share vacation planning tips for those heading out for an incredible vacation to Walt Disney World. Learn More About Kay

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