1. I don't think so, but could be wrong. I think you can have safety flotation devices, but that's it.
2. Yes, I have seen it written here that you can see SOME of the Illuminations show at Epcot from CBR. Believe it is over by Martinique bldgs.
3. I stayed in POR, but not in CBR yet. I think it is probably about 15 minutes away, by car, not bus. You would have to go to a park and transfer to a POR bus if you use the internal trans. system.
Hope this helps a little.