Everything You Need to Know About the Illuminations Cruise
Have you ever noticed the World Showcase in Epcot getting crowded at night? People usually reserve and stay in spots overlooking World Showcase Lagoon to watch IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth. The show, which begins at 9:00 P.M., is a fantastic display of torches, lasers, music, and fireworks.
Originally meant to be a show celebrating the new millenium, the show was so popular that it still remains today. Anyone who loves Disney knows that IllumiNations is an incredibly captivating show. In order to watch, many people choose to lean on the rails surrounding World Showcase and gaze over the lagoon, but some prefer another option: an IllumiNations cruise.
Photo Credit: TouringPlans.com
What The Illuminations Cruise Is
The IllumiNations cruise is a more luxurious way to enjoy IllumiNations. Willing customers can rent a pontoon boat for the event. The price starts at around $350, but it is absolutely worth it. The cost of the Illuminations cruise includes the captain of the boat and plenty of snacks & drinks on board. One boat holds up to ten guests, so if a party has more, they would have to rent two boats.
When on the cruise, the view of the fireworks is usually much better. This is due to less people, trees, or any other objects in the way. It is also a magical feeling to actually be on the water where the fireworks are happening. Once you look up over the International Gateway and see people squeezing in and cramming for space, you’ll realize the cruise is absolutely worth it.
Photo Credit: TouringPlans.com
General Procedure
Usually what will happen is your party will meet up at the lighthouse in front of the Yacht and Beach Club resorts. There, everyone will meet their captain, who will go over the basics of what will happen. Once everybody gets on board, there will still be a little bit of time to spare.
The captain will usually take you around Crescent Lake and up the waterway to the area near Hollywood Studios, before heading over to the World Showcase Lagoon. The boat stops under the bridge connecting the France and United Kingdom pavilions, giving an excellent view of the lagoon and the sky for the fireworks.
Once the show is over, the driver may offer a trip back to the Hollywood Studios area to watch fireworks if there is a show going on over there. After that is over, the party heads back to the lighthouse, and that marks the end of the Illuminations cruise.
My Personal Experience
I have taken an IllumiNations cruise four times. It is one of my favorite experiences that Walt Disney World has to offer. The first time my family decided to purchase a cruise, I wasn’t sure why it was so special, however, when I was on the boat gazing up at the fireworks, I finally understood why; it makes an already magical show even more magical.
Once you experience an IllumiNations cruise, it is hard to go back to watching IllumiNations the way most other people do. It is truly a luxury that I look forward to all the time, and I hope I can experience it again soon.
Thanks for visiting MickeyBlog.com! For a FREE quote on your next Disney vacation, and to book an Illuminations Cruise, please fill out the form below!
Special thanks to summer intern, Tyler Antonelle, for writing this article. Tyler is a high school senior from New Jersey. He loves everything about Disney, and has been to Walt Disney World 2-3 times a year since he was born. His passion for Disney is huge and he believes there is no better way to express that passion than to write about The Most Magical Place on Earth!
