Hi Jennifer,
I've been visiting Walt Disney World Resort for forty years and I can honestly say that one of the best things I have ever done there is to take an IllumiNations cruise. It is a magical experience from beginning to end. Your captain will pick you up at the dock behind Disney's Yacht Club Resort one hour before
IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth. Once you set sail, your captain will drive you and your crew of up to 10 people all the way over to Disney's Hollywood Studios before heading back to Epcot. There's nothing like viewing the hotels along Crescent Lake from this vantage point. It is a peaceful and yet invigorating voyage.
When you arrive at Epcot, your captain will position the boat directly below the bridge between the France and United Kingdom pavilions. What an amazing view you will enjoy of IllumiNations! You are so close to the show that you will feel the warmth of the flames and fireworks that erupt from World Showcase Lagoon. Take the opportunity to get to know your captain before the show begins as he or she is likely to know all kinds of great trivia about Walt Disney World Resort. When IllumiNations ends, you'll be back to the dock in a few minutes.
While guests are not permitted to bring their own food on the cruise, your captain will bring a fully stocked cooler with bottled water and soda. A basket of cookies and chips will also be available. If you'd like something more substantial, you can call Room Service at Disney's Yacht Club Resort to order food that will be delivered to the boat before you sail. One year, I ordered pizza for my students so we could enjoy dinner on the boat.
When you call (407) WDW-PLAY, or (407) 939-7529, to make your reservations, be sure to mention if you are celebrating anything. They will decorate the boat accordingly.
Wishing you a magical voyage,
Jill