[WDWNutCase]

Has anyone heard about a "birthday cruise" for Illuminations in Epcot? We were seriously considering it even though the my friend's little girl doesn't turn 7 til the week after we get back and my birthday is after we return as well. Anyway, apparantly a boat will take you out on the water for Illuminations and the price ($150 for up to 8 guests) includes a cake, snacks and drinks.

[DisneyTeacher]

I am planning on doing the Illuminations cruise on my next trip. We have never done this so I can't help you there, however, it sounds wonderful to me. We are plannning to surprise my inlaws with this. Of course, I still have to get it scheduled. I hear this is not easy--lots of people--very few boats.

[charlene]

Who do you call for resevations for this...we also read about it and would love to treat my Mom,on her first ever WDW trip, to something special.

How soon or how far in advanced should I try to call.

[DisneyTeacher]

Charlene

Call 407 WDW-PLAY 90 days out (at 6:57 am).

[ilvminnie]

We're planning on doing one in August for my DD's 18th birthday. Just trying to figure out if a boat for 8 will comfortably fit 8 adults or if I should bump it up to the next size. If anyone knows......

[DisneyTeacher]

wdwig says the Breathless seats 6-7 adults and the pontoon boats seat 10. The pontoon boats are cheaper plus covered. We will have 4 adults and a 4 year old and are going with the pontoon boat if I can get it.

[DisneyTeacher]

WOW!!! I'm a Mouseketeer! Movin' up!

[melanie18]

We did an Illuminations cruise back in Sept. 2001. We had 7 adults and 2 kids (both under 4). They take you sightseeing a little bit before parking under the bridge at World Showcase. It was an amazing way to watch Illuminations. I highly recommend it!

[mickaholic4077]

melanie18,could you see everything from that vantage point? What was the view like?

[melanie18]

I think we saw everything...you have a clear shot of everything on the water (without the crowding of the people around you).

[Angie]

We are trying to get the illuminations cruise for our trip also. Starting at 5:58am central time this sunday I will call every morning hoping to get one for some night of our trip. (the first day of our trip is 90 days from sunday.) Also www.wdwig.com has a bunch of info on the cruises with birthday information in its own section. I read lots of tips there. Good luck, from what I've heard, if you don't call right away 90 mornings ahead of when you want it, they are unavailable.

[ilvminnie]

Originally posted by melanie18
We did an Illuminations cruise back in Sept. 2001. We had 7 adults and 2 kids (both under 4). They take you sightseeing a little bit before parking under the bridge at World Showcase. It was an amazing way to watch Illuminations. I highly recommend it!

What kind/size of boat did you get? Did it feel crowded at all? How much was your rental? Was it just a regular Illuminations cruise or a b-day cruise? Sorry for all the ???????!:dazed

[charlene]

Heres some info I gathered

Cost for Breathless for IllumiNations is $160+tax to rent the boat for the cruise and it includes a driver. (Not covered under any of WDW package plans.) holds 6

Pontoon Boats -- The other available option is the 24 foot Pontoon boat which seats 10 comfortably. The Pontoon has a canopy, is roomier, and has some drink holders. When you rent either boat, it belongs to your party for the show; meaning the only people there will be the ones you've invited! The pontoon costs $120+tax. Cost includes a driver. Optional food and beverage items are available through Yacht Club Private Dining at 407-934-3160 OR Bring Your Own!

Reservations for all cruises are made by calling 407 WDW-PLAY 90 days in advance. Call EARLY

Birthday packages are $220. including cake snacks and beverages. They are on the pontoons.

Hope this helps
;)

[melanie18]

I believe we had a Pontoon boat with a small canopy. We sat 4 adults and 2 kids comfortably up front and the other 3 adults sat in the back with plenty of room left. I believe we paid $150 (no food or drinks). The kids have to wear lifejackets while on the boat.

[ilvminnie]

Originally posted by charlene
Reservations for all cruises are made by calling 407 WDW-PLAY 90 days in advance. Call EARLY

Birthday packages are $220. including cake snacks and beverages. They are on the pontoons.

Hope this helps
;)

Yep, a whole bunch. Thanks Charlene. I'll feel much more comfortable I'm sure in a pontoon that seats 10 since we have 8 adults. And since it's my DD's 18th I definately think I'll let them do the work & go for the $220 deal. Now I guess I just have to figure out when I have to call. It'll feel like CRT all over again. Since we're in CO, in order for me to call FL by 7 I get up at 4:45am! But it worked for CRT so hopefully it will work for this, too. Thanks to everyone for all your input.