First you are in a party barge and you drive around the waterways for about an hour. You cruise past the Swan/Dolphin and down to MGM. Our driver told stories and jokes and riddles. Then when its time for the fireworks you are driven right under the bridge between???? someone fill that in. But you have a front row seat for the show. Its like the fireworks are right over you. I have seen Illuminations numbers of times and there is simply no comparison between watching with all the people and then being up close and personal on the cruise!