Pre-Illuminations Cruise Restaurant Recommendation?

[Yak]

Where should we eat before our Illuminations Cruise leaving from Yacht Club Marina? We'll have a car rental, so the options are plentiful, but what's a good place near there so we're not too rushed?

 

[Bracho]

There area a couple of nice places at the Epcot Resorts.. Spoodles over at the Boardwalk and the Yachtman's Steakhouse at the Yacht & Beach Club. We have enjoyed dinner at Palio over at the Swan too.

Good Luck!

 

[YCFAN]

I'd go with the Yachtsman's Steakhouse. Very goo meal and extremely close to the marina. We did this two years ago.

 

[tjmouse]

We are stuck between Spoodles, Big River Grill and Yacht Club Galley. I just can't decide! We have a 4 yo so that's the only reason I didn't choosse Yachtsman Steakhouse.

I am leaning toward Spoodles.

 

[YCFAN]

I understand your concern but I just thought I'd let you know that we took our 3 year old and he was fine at YSH. He ordered the chicken fingers and they were actually the best ones he had all week and for dessert he had the Mickey puzzle (white chocolate puzzle picture of Mickey with "paint" icings on the side of the plate and paint brush). My husband said whoever thought up that dessert was a genius!! It kept him busy while my DH and I enjoyed the nice dessert sampler for two.

 

[tjmouse]

Well, thanks for the info! Now I guess I'll have to see if dh would like to try it!

 

[cobbler]

I am going to try for an Illuminations cruise for our next trip. I know you have to get there about 8pm to the marina.

We were thinking Boma or WCC before. Would a PS time of about 5-530 give us enough time to relax and eat and still get to the marina in time?? Even if it means we have to drive our own vehicle over there. Would prefer to use Disney transportation. What would be a good PS time??

 

[YCFAN]

I've always been worried about making it with Disney Transportation, that's why I always book dinner at a restaurant around the Epcot area before an Illuminations cruise. That way your transportation time is "before" dinner and not after. Maybe with your own car it would be OK but I wouldn't count on it otherwise because you'll have to go back to a park first and then go to YC or go to Epcot from one of those resorts and walk to YC marina. The Illuminations cruise is definitely worth it though!!

 

[katallo]

We took the Illuminations Cruise in March. After eating at the GF at 5:45, we drove to the Y&B and arrived in plenty of time. We were told to arrive at 8:15 and left around 8:30.

 

[cobbler]

Great. I think I will drive myself. Seems to be much easier to drive from AK or WL over to YC. Just have to make sure we don't get lost - LOL!

 

[Tara]

Great. I think I will drive myself. Seems to be much easier to drive from AK or WL over to YC. Just have to make sure we don't get lost - LOL!

I would definitely drive, because when the cruise is over, you either have to venture all the way through Epcot or over to MGM to take transportation back to your resort (and deal with park closing crowds at each), or do the whole resort-DTD-resort bus loop. So much faster to drive yourself, IME.

 

[Yak]

Thanks for the suggestions. I think we'll give Yachtsman's Steakhouse a try. Reviews appear to be good except from those not used to steakhouse prices. Maybe we'll pass on dessert and hit Beaches & Cream and wander the boardwalk after the cruise.