Is this true?

[wdw4us2]

I read on another board that Disney's policy regarding rental of Water Mice boats at the resorts has changed. Last Summer, you only had to be 12 years old to rent a Water Mouse at the MK and Epcot resorts.

It said that you must now be 16 years old to rent one, and also have a valid Driver's License. They only required this before on the other watercraft (sailboats, pontoon boats, etc.).

I looked all over the Disney.com and couldn't find any info.

Does anyone here know anything about this?

Thanks!

[cindyfan]

That is what I heard too!
But wondering if anyone can confirm??

[Chuck S]

The new issue of Vacation Magic (DVC Quarterly) says that the water mice have been replaced by new "Sea Raycers" and...can be operated by Guests 12 years of age and older who are at least 5 feet tall. Each boat seats two people.

Although the Vacation Magic (like all publications) has had a few misprints in previous issues.

[KNWVIKING]

.... but I'm a little amazed that they would have ever allowed a 12 yr old to operate one of those boats, especially the ones on Bay Lake and 7C's lagoon.

[wdw4us2]

Originally posted by KNWVIKING
.... but I'm a little amazed that they would have ever allowed a 12 yr old to operate one of those boats, especially the ones on Bay Lake and 7C's lagoon.

You'd be surprised how well a 12 year old can operate one of those. We started my daughter in one at Yacht & Beach Club two years ago, so she could get used to operating it with not too much traffic.

Last Summer, we rented one at the GF and she didn't have any trouble. Worrying about the "wild & crazy" boaters was her biggest problem!

I read the info in the DVC mag, too. I'm still not sure, though. I guess I'll have to call one of the MK resorts to find out the current policy.

Thanks for your replies!

[RadioNate]

We rented them in May. They did change the policy due to the amount of watercraft being rented. To drive alone you must be 16 and show a valid DL. 12 -15 year olds can drive but they must share a boat with a parent or guardian. Under 12 can not drive. They also did have a height line and I saw one child being measured. In addition to the boater, parents had to sign a waiver for children under 18, DL or not.

I don't blame them. We were on Bay Lake/7 Seas and it was crazy. I've been boating my entire life and I couldn't believe the moronic things I saw people doing in the water mice. People were darting in front of the transportation water craft. Very few were obeying Disney's "50 yard rule" and even the most common basic boating courtsey was ignored.

[Goofmeister]

From the Disney website:

TIPS & FUN FACTSA child must be at least 12 years old and at least 5 feet tall to drive a WaterMouse™ alone. There is a maximum combined weight of 320 lbs permitted for a WaterMouse™, or 2 passengers. All drivers under the age of 18 MUST have a parent or legal guardian sign a release.

Don't forget to wear life vests, which are provided.

[rangebob]

I just spoke with Ft. Wilderness water craft area. They said that a 12 y/o can drive the boat but there must be an adult over 18 in the boat with them. You can drive by your self if you have a valid Drivers License and 16 y/o. They also increased the prices it is now $24.00 for a 1/2 hour and $33.00 for an hour. They said that this all just changed.

[DisneyFan0304]

You have to be 16 AND have a driver's license to drive the boats alone? So kids from NY who don't get their licenses until they're 18 can't drive the boats alone until they're 18???

[rangebob]

That is correct.

[bhillier]

We rented the water mice boat x 3 and not one of us were not told about the 50 yard rule. I had no idea. We were told that bigger boats had the right of way and if we had a problem to wave our hands in the air. I feel that the staff should make sure to let all know about even the basic rules. Because like I said, if you don't normaly do that sort of thing, you would never know.

[YoHo]

Just to clarify, most states allow children age 12 tto drive a boat with an adult on board and age 16 to drive it alone with or without a license. Children age 12 that have attended a CGAuxillary safe boating class can drive the boat with no one else onboard. Disney is merely obeying standard boat safety rules although I doubt they'd honor a safe boating certificate simply because the nightmare in overhead.

[Crazy Hakim]

Originally posted by Robert Walker
I just spoke with Ft. Wilderness water craft area. They said that a 12 y/o can drive the boat but there must be an adult over 18 in the boat with them. You can drive by your self if you have a valid Drivers License and 16 y/o. They also increased the prices it is now $24.00 for a 1/2 hour and $33.00 for an hour. They said that this all just changed.

This is ALL true at any of the Magic Kingdom Resorts! Because of the new boats, they are much faster the the old ones and there is SO much area of lake here.

BUT! The old rules still apply at the Yacht Club, Bayside Marina (I was there yesterday). Even tho they have the new style boats, they have been slowed down and 12 years old 5 ft in height can pilot these alone. Some of the Magic Kingdom Resorts have been sending guests to Bayside for this reason.

BTW, this is all very current and who knows it may change without notice!

[HauntedMansionFan]

Originally posted by Crazy Hakim
This is ALL true at any of the Magic Kingdom Resorts! Because of the new boats, they are much faster the the old ones and there is SO much area of lake here.
I just did the boats this past weekend and not only is there a speed difference between marinas, but there appears to be a price difference as well. The new boats that launch out of the Poly, Contemp, etc... are all 9 horse power, the ones that go out of the Beach Club, DTD, etc, are all 6 horse power. So if you want a ride with a bit more kick to it, then rent from one of the docks on the Seven Seas Lagoon. Also someone mentioned a price of $33 for an hour. Was that including tax? When I rented out of the Poly it was $30 for an hour, plus my AP discount.