Hi Dawn,
The
Specialty Cruises at Disney World are so much fun. It is an epic way to celebrate a milestone or just life in general. I love that they will customize the decorations and snacks to make it the ultimate cruise for your crew! What transportation you take and where you grab dinner will ultimately depend on where you choose to launch from.
If you want to see the Magic Kingdom fireworks, you will launch from Disney's Contemporary Resort, Polynesian Resort, Grand Floridian Resort, Fort Wilderness Resort, or Wilderness Lodge Resort. If I was choosing between these launches, I would go with the Grand Floridian Marina. To get there from the Art of Animation Resort, you would have to take a bus to Magic Kingdom and then hop on the monorail. There are several great restaurants at the Grand Floridian Resort to grab a nice dinner at before your cruise takes off. I love
Citrico's for an extra special dinner because the food is delicious and the atmosphere is a fancy take on Mary Poppins. If you launch from the Grand Floridian, you can also go grab a nightcap at the
Enchanted Rose after your cruise finishes. If you are traveling with younger children, you might prefer a family-style dinner at
'Ohana and to have your cruise launch from the Polynesian Village Resort. Transportation to this option would be the same as the Grand Floridian. This is also such a fun resort for kids to explore in the evening because they have tiki torch lighting and Dole Whip!
If you prefer to watch the EPCOT fireworks, your launch option is at Disney's Yacht and Beach Club Resorts. I love this option if you are traveling from Disney's Art of Animation Resort because you can easily hop on the
Disney Skyliner and get off at the World Showcase entrance to EPCOT. If you exit at this location, you can take a short 10-minute walk over to Disney's Yacht and Beach Club Resorts. If you have members of your party that can't walk far, there is also an option to take a Water Taxi. The
Yachtsman Steakhouse is located at this resort and is a decadent meal featuring some of the best steaks at Disney World. After your cruise, I would check out
Disney's BoardWalk for some great drink options, dancing, and a piano bar!
Happy Planning,
Jenna