So I don't have a cruise reserved yet since it has a 90 day window, but I am trying to figure out where to eat that will be nearby. Any suggestions? Thanks!
Yachtsman Steakhouse or Cape May Cafe are both nearby the dock where you leave! If you will be at Epcot that day, a restaurant in Epcot wouldn't be too bad either! We are doing a cruise in July for DD's 13 birthday but we are eating an early dinner at CRT because that's where she wanted to eat her birthday dinner. We will be racing over after dinner! I hope you have a great time!
We had a great meal for the whole family at Spoodles at the Boardwalk, then walked around the lake to catch the Illuminations cruise. Even if you're not staying there, it's fun to spend an evening at Boardwalk and Yacht & Beach Club, topped off with the cruise.
I think it depends where you are dining but I would say 5:30pm would give you more than enough time as long as you are dining somewhere around the Epcot/BC/Boardwalk area. If you are dining in the MK or AK, I would give yourself a lot more time.