Questions about Illuminations Cruises

[Fairy Godmother]

Hi

I have some silly questions about Illuminations Cruises that I am sure have been answered already on the DISboards but I am too tired and lazy to look tonight.
1. What time should you make a dinner reservation for before the cruise? Is it best to eat at Epcot or an Epcot Resort or does it really matter?
2. Does the new 180 ADR policy apply to Illuminations Cruises?
I thought I had until the end of February to plan everything and this new policy means I need to have everything figured out by Thanksgiving! Thanks in advance for your help.

 

[Crazy Hakim]

>1. What time should you make a dinner reservation for before the cruise? Is it best to eat at Epcot or an Epcot Resort or does it really matter?
If it was someplace like YSH, I would say at least 2-hours before check-in time at Bayside Marina (8pm). You would hate to have to rush such an enjoyable meal.

>2. Does the new 180 ADR policy apply to Illuminations Cruises?
This I am not sure about.

 

[s.and.s]

We recently did a cruise and had a 5:45 reservation at the Yachtsman Steakhouse. The nice leisurely meal took around 2 hours giving time to freshen up and stroll out to the nearby marina in time to check-in.

Cheers

 

[Goofy4]

You'll feel far less rushed from one of the Epcot resorts. I think they asked us to check in at 8 for an 8:15 departure.

They take you for a spin around the waterways before anchoring for the show.