New Epcot Cruise!! Just got to beta test!

[Keels]

Disney Recreation is testing a new daytime Epcot Lagoon cruise ... and we had some Pixie Dust sprinkled on us and we got to beta test it today!

It's AWESOME. The boats are the same as the Illuminations cruise - 10-person pontoon boats stocked with waters, sodas, and a large arrangement of bagged snacks.

You can BYOB (we brought on drinks from Hurricane Hannah's) if you want to drink while you cruise around the world.

It's such a cool perspective to see the World Showcase unimpeded from the water, and sitting in the shade with a breeze during a really hot day was awesome.

We pulled up close to Mexico to see (and hear) the mariachi band, pulled up by Japan to see the drummers and then had a great view (and sound) of the acapella group in America.

The manager, Bryce, told me it would be a flat fee of $149 when they start booking.

Some pics!

 

[Pkltm]

$149 per person or for the group?

 

[DisneyParkLover]

Very cool!

 

[Keels]

$149 per person or for the group?

For the group!

 

[DisneyParkLover]

I would not pay $149 per person for it though. Don't see the value there.

ETA: Disregard the above! I now see that it is $149 for the group which would be much more reasonable!

 

[Keels]

I would not pay $149 per person for it though. Don't see the value there.

It's just like Illuminations cruises where it's priced by boat instead of by person.

I've done two Illuminations cruises, and while awesome, this is a great deal to me and I would definitely book again.

 

[Keels]

I would not pay $149 per person for it though. Don't see the value there.

ETA: Disregard the above! I now see that it is $149 for the group which would be much more reasonable!

Yeah - honestly, with the waters, sodas and snacks ALONE it's reasonable ... and a fun, different way to beat the heat!

We loved all the people waving at us as we boated around. So cool and such an amazing surprise.

 

[Allison]

How long does it last?

 

[Keels]

We were out there for about 75 minutes.

 

[Micca]

Where do you board/disembark?

 

[Keels]

Where do you board/disembark?

The boat dock at Yacht & Beach Club.

We got a couple of drinks to go from Hurricane Hannah's, made the short walk to board and were off!

I know they're trying to work with possibly doing launches INSIDE Epcot for these trips, but they gotta make sure it doesn't interfere with the Friendship Boats.

 

[Micca]

We got a couple of drinks to go from Hurricane Hannah's, made the short walk to board and were off!

Thanks Keels! I was asking because you mentioned BYOB and of course you can't take alcohol into the parks. Do you think they'd allow a small cooler?

 

[DWillowBay]

I suppose there's a bag check of some kind? Security??

 

[DLgal]

What kind of snacks were provided?

 

[Keels]

Thanks Keels! I was asking because you mentioned BYOB and of course you can't take alcohol into the parks. Do you think they'd allow a small cooler?

There IS already a cooler on board that we just threw our drinks in, but I asked and they said it wasn't a problem to bring on a small cooler.

I suppose there's a bag check of some kind? Security??

Just the same check as the normal private cruises - currently you leave from the dock at Yacht Club where fishing and sprite boats also depart.

What kind of snacks were provided?

Bagged chips, pretzels, Smartfood popcorn, chocolate chip cookies, Oreos, Fig Newtons, brownies and a few other sweet treats.

You can also take whatever food and drink you want with you when the cruise ends.

 

[DisAWin]

This is awesome! Can you tell us how you were selected for this experience?