We were thinking of splurging on the Illuminations cruise for our trip to WDW in April, but when my wife spoke with someone on the phone about which day we would have to call on 90 days in advance to reserve it, the person on the phone stressed that the 8:00 p.m. cruise is just a tour on which you might be able to see Illuminations, but no guarantees. Given that, we're reluctant to spend the $275 for the cruise. Are they just overdoing the dislaimer in case Illuminations can't happen that night (due to weather or technical glitches?), but really you are 99% sure to see it on the cruise??

We'll be staying at the Beach Club. If we don't book the cruise, is there a vantage point from the Beach Club for seeing Illuminations, or do we really want to be inside Epcot itself? This will be our first time to WDW. I understand the Beach Club is close to Epcot, but don't know if "close" is good enough for something like this.

funny.. i've heard them saying that about wishes, but not illuminations. illuminations goes on under weather conditions that the boat will not, so i don't think it's really a possibility you'll have an illuminations-less cruise.

If you're on the beach at the Beach Club, you'll see a few of the higher up fireworks. But you won't see the lighting and water effects in the lagoon, you won't see the incredible video screen globe barge, you won't see the massive propane fire effects, and you won't have very good sound. In other words, no, don't try to see IllumiNations from the Beach Club, especially if it's your first time. You're right near the International Gateway, so getting into Epcot will take you about a 5 minute walk. And right in front of you is the bridge between England and France - an excellent place to watch the show.

Enjoy!