Has anyone kids done both Pirate Cruises - which one is better?

[Suzanne74]

I am debating which one to do. A wed option at Epcot would be perfect and dh and I would probably eat breakfast at Yacht Club then we would all walk into WS when she was done.

It seems like so many people do the one on the Seven Seas Lagoon though - is it better, different?

Thanks

[strmtroopr96]

:flower: BUMP :flower:

[dtsaos]

I think it just sems like everyome does the 7 seas one because the other one's only been around for a few months so it's really new to everyone. We haven't yet, but would if DS wanted to. This time when asked what he wanted to do, he decided on the Grand Adventures in Cooking and we thought he could do the Pirate cruise with dd next time-she's too young this trip. Anyway I know that doesn't answer your question, but I'm up at 4 AM with my sick DD so....just thought I'd chime in.

:rolleyes:

[Stimpy]

My DS loved the GF Pirate cruise last December. This time we have a ressie for him to do the ALbatross in the YC/BC. I think he will enjoy it more. I think he really likes the idea of going into Epcot without us and it being closed to everyone else. (They supposedly go to a few countries before WS opens) Since we stay at BCV, it's alot more convenient for us.

I also think it's a little easier to get the GF one since they offer it several days a week, the YC/BC one is only offered Wednesday (I think this is still true)

[Stimpy]

I think it just sems like everyome does the 7 seas one because the other one's only been around for a few months so it's really new to everyone. We haven't yet, but would if DS wanted to. This time when asked what he wanted to do, he decided on the Grand Adventures in Cooking and we thought he could do the Pirate cruise with dd next time-she's too young this trip. Anyway I know that doesn't answer your question, but I'm up at 4 AM with my sick DD so....just thought I'd chime in.

:rolleyes:


I hope your DD feels better soon! :goodvibes

[bjakmom]

DNeph is scheduled for the Albatross Cruise, too - looks like we'll all be there at about the same time - he's going on Weds 10/5. I've been looking and asking for reviews of the new cruise, but haven't seen any yet - just what's been posted on the info sites - going out of YC works great for us, too (staying at BWV) and he's also excited about going into WS 'ports of call'! I'll be taking my DGrD with me to drop him off and giving my DD and my sis (his mom) a morning to sleep in! :smooth:

[stacy6552]

DS is doing to Albatross cruise in 2 weeks. I will get back to you guys then.....

[Stimpy]

DNeph is scheduled for the Albatross Cruise, too - looks like we'll all be there at about the same time - he's going on Weds 10/5. I've been looking and asking for reviews of the new cruise, but haven't seen any yet - just what's been posted on the info sites - going out of YC works great for us, too (staying at BWV) and he's also excited about going into WS 'ports of call'! I'll be taking my DGrD with me to drop him off and giving my DD and my sis (his mom) a morning to sleep in! :smooth:


Yes, that's the day DS is going too. He's really excited!

stacy6552, I hope your DS has a great time. I'm looking forward to his trip report :)

[vicceja]

Hi! :wave:

My DS's (9,7,4) did the GF Pirate Cruise on July 6th 2005 and they absolutely loved it. We can't wait to try the Albatross in December!

http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5d932b3127cce929e43a7965900000016108Ics27Vsxcw

[devmer]

I'm sorry but could someone explain what the pirate cruise is? What are the age ranges, and do parents go along? This is the first I've heard about them. Also is there info on the WDW website? I am going in late Jan with DD5 & DS4 so I am always looking for cool things for them to do.

Thanks!

[DisneyFreq]

Devmer, I've just stumbled upon this little special activity myself! I did a search on google and INTERCOT has a whole list of these type of activities that kids can do. Look under info/kids/special activities. I'd post the link but I don't have enough posts to include a URL yet. Here is what I've found: the pirate cruise is several times a week and sets sail out of the GF. The albatross is new as of this year and sets sail out of the YC. They're similar. The kids don lifejackets/bandannas, and load up in a boat with 2 CM and a lifeguard. They then troll their perspective lake/lagoon looking for treasure and bounty. The albatross makes several stops in EPCOT WS. Lunch is included (but not fancy...pbj). They both run around $27 per kid and last 2 hours. Apparently its very difficult to get a ressie and they recommend you call 90 days out. I looked up this thread b/c I too wondered if parents come along...but it looks like its a kids only crew. Oh yeah, the kids divy up the bounty at the end. I'm thinking I'll be booking the albatross for DD9 and DS 5 so hubby and I can have a little alone time....mabey we can pretend we're on our second honeymoon in paris? :cloud9:

Does anyone know if the Garden grill still does the ice cream social? Haven't seen anything about it and its a nice affordable alternative to character meals.

[Stimpy]

The Albatross goes into WS at EPCOT before WS opens (WS usually opens at 11)....so sorry no second honeymoon in Paris! (Although I love the idea!)

The kids go by themselves, no adults other than the CM's are allowed. They have to all be potty-trained. It starts about 9:30am. The CM's give you a pager, the kids life jackets and bandanas and off they go. They do get a lunch, but my DS didn't even touch it (Crustable PB&J, gummy bears, juice box and I think cookies) The "loot" they get is already packaged in a bag for them at the end of the cruise....it has alot of little things that young kids love...fake spiders and bugs, jewels, eye patch etc. The best part of it is the time they spend with the other pirates.

Since they only take about 20 kids and have it limited days it books up very fast. (The Pirate cruise at GF is a few days a week and Albatross at YC/BC is only on Wednesdays) It's kind of like getting CRT, you have to be on the phone at 7am 90 days out.

[DeeCeeSW]

I would love for my DS (4) to go on the Albatross cruise, however, he has a peanut allergy. I wonder if they can provide something other than PB&J. My main concern would be the other pirates eating the PB&J around DS, and I doubt they would keep the uncrustables off the boat entirely. I will call WDW-DINE to find out if we have any options, but I think our chances are slim...

[DisneyFreq]

Stimpy, does the cruise end where it starts or do you pick them up in WS?

DC, peanut allergy? I've read on other boards where one visitor had a rare allergy (though she didn't mention what) and the cafateria at one of the hotels was able to accomadate her at a moments notice with no problem. With fairly common allergies, like peanuts/shellfish or disorders, such as diabetics and the need to avoid sugar, I'm positive there are back up plans! I'd just let them know at the time of booking then remind them when you check your child in, just to make sure they have it noted. I'm sure they can substitute a ham and cheese or something. :sunny:

[Stimpy]

Yes, it ends where it starts in the YC/BC marina.

About the allergies, I remember someone else posting once about Peanut allergies too. They were able to request a different sandwich for their child but the other kids still get the PB&J. I know some kids are really really sensitive to peanuts and it might be a problem still. On the pirate cruise at the GF, the kids are paired up with each other and have to sit in the benches together when on the boat the whole time.

[DeeCeeSW]

I called WDW-DINE this morning and they referred me to someone at the Yacht Club. A chef should be in touch soon. I have no doubt that they can substitute my DS's sandwich, but I am mostly concerned about cross-contamination. DS can certainly be on the same boat with the peanut butter, but you know how kids are, and there's always a chance that he could get some on him, etc. I know it is not fair to ask that all the pirates go peanut-free, but I know that it is done on airplanes (most carriers, not all) as well as at DS's preschool and camp. Peanut allergies are so common that some would rather not take a chance. We'll see what they say.

[crisi]

I've been meaning to post here for a while.

We've done the GF cruise and have the one at the Y&BC scheduled. I don't know which is better, but the GF cruise is certainly going to be easier to get. It runs three times a week and I think allows for 24 children. The Y&BC one is smaller and only runs once a week. We decided to do it because I'm up at 6:00 am to make the phone call anyway (shock the WDW-DINE reps - call at 6:00 am and don't ask for Cindys!) and we are staying at the Boardwalk, so its less morning travel time. If it weren't for the convienece of staying across the lake - all things being equal I'd rather call at 2pm ninety days out than at 6:00am CST - and I'd rather have my pick of which of three days would work best than having to do it on Wedsneday - which is a pretty empty park day and a great day for touring.

[tink_n_pooh]

Does anyone know the age requirements for the cruises? Would 10 & 12 year old boys enjoy this? I would think that they would like it but if its a younger kids they may feel a little out of place.

[Stimpy]

Does anyone know the age requirements for the cruises? Would 10 & 12 year old boys enjoy this? I would think that they would like it but if its a younger kids they may feel a little out of place.

Most of the kids on the Pirate Cruise in December were between 4-7. There were a few older kids but it seemed they were there with younger siblings. I think the age requirement is 4-10 but I'm not totally sure about that.

[Stimpy]

I called WDW-DINE this morning and they referred me to someone at the Yacht Club. A chef should be in touch soon. I have no doubt that they can substitute my DS's sandwich, but I am mostly concerned about cross-contamination. DS can certainly be on the same boat with the peanut butter, but you know how kids are, and there's always a chance that he could get some on him, etc. I know it is not fair to ask that all the pirates go peanut-free, but I know that it is done on airplanes (most carriers, not all) as well as at DS's preschool and camp. Peanut allergies are so common that some would rather not take a chance. We'll see what they say.

I hope they can work something out with you! I know my DS wouldn't mind not having PB&J....he actually hates it LOL I'm not sure how sensitive your DS is but I wanted to mention that the Uncrustables have very little PB inside (and little jelly too). Also, on DS's cruise, most of the kids didn't even get a chance to eat it yet. The CM's gave them their lunch bags as they were coming back into the Marina. Maybe there was an allergic child on that cruise? I'm not sure if that is the norm or not.

DS's Kindergarten was peanut free, since he had a child in his class severely allergic to it. The kids couldn't bring anything with nuts for snacks, there was a peanut-free lunch area and we had to call his mom whenever we sent in special snacks (cupcakes etc) with the brand name and ingredients. We had absolutely no problem with this as did most of the parents.

Good Luck! I hope they can do something for you DS! :goodvibes

[LadyTrampScamp&Angel]

Hi there,

I just wanted to ask if you call the dine number or the play number to reserve this, or does it matter - do you talk to the same CM's?

Thanks :)

[DeeCeeSW]

Thanks for the kind words, Stimpy! I'm still waiting on that call from the chef, so we'll see if this is doable.

[Stimpy]

Hi there,

I just wanted to ask if you call the dine number or the play number to reserve this, or does it matter - do you talk to the same CM's?

Thanks :)


I called the 407-Wdw-Dine number this time at 6:58am. The CM was very nice and a little surprise I didn't want CRT LOL

When we were calling for his December cruise last year, I called Wdw-play and DH called wdw-dine a little bit after me. They picked up his call first. I was still on hold by the time he was finished making the ressie. I don't know if that is the norm or not.

[fausz4]

My DS8 is scheduled on the Pirate Cruise from GF on 9/07 ---thought it would be nice for him to have some alone time away from his brother - and vise versa....when I was making ressie for an AR in AK for Breakfasourous...I asked about the character ice cream social (I think it was in the Land?) and they told me that it has been discontinued since it was remodeled. Hope that makes since - I have been to WDW in awhile and I do not remember The Land....but I was disappointed because it was something DH and I thought sounded fun and a cheap alternative to meet characters.


Have any of you been to Breakfasourous at AK?

[LadyTrampScamp&Angel]

Thank you Stimpy!

[crisi]

Our kids also didn't eat until after they got off the boat, but that brings up a point - our kids then sat on the benches at the Grand Floridian waiting for the monorail eating their uncrustables. And getting peanut butter all over because that's what a messy four year old with an uncrustable does. Never thought of allergies and I'm sure most parents whose kids aren't allergic don't. Bring an epipen, I'm sure peanut butter has been smeared by little hands over every inch of WDW at one time or another.

[DeeCeeSW]

Crisi--very funny regarding PB being smeared all over WDW. I just had a vision of PB&J spread all over MK. Yuck!

I always carry an Epipen Jr. and Benadryl for DS. Once an Epipen is administered, you are expected to go straight to the emergency room as the pen dosage is minimal and will normally wear off within a half-hour. It's a pretty serious situation. Been there, and would prefer not to visit that place again.

As I said in my original post, I expect most 4-year-olds to be messy, as is my 4-year-old, which is why I was concerned! Truth be told, I probably have very little to worry about, as DS already knows "the drill" when it comes to his allergies. If the children do, in fact, eat once they are off the boat, it will be better for DS, as he can eat away from the others.

The Albatross cruise holds only 10 kids, whereas the GF Pirate cruise is for 20. The fewer kids with PB&J, the better it is for DS, LOL! This is why I am thinking that maybe, just maybe, Disney dining would substitute the PB&J for all 10 kids (if all parents and pirates were agreeable). I'm still waiting to hear from Disney regarding how this will be handled....

[crisi]

Yeah, most parents with kids who have allergies do carry the epi. My thought was more along the lines of "if your kid is highly allergic to peanuts, be aware of the signs even when you are least expecting peanut butter. There is no guarentee that the kid getting off of Peter Pan's Flight before you didn't get on with peanut butter covered fingers."

Not having allergic kids, I don't know, but it some ways I'd think it would be easier to prepare for what you know is going to be there, than what shouldn't be there.

And they don't sub out peanut butter for everyone. Its been asked before and no one has reported success (that I've noticed). They will not hand the bags to the kids until the get off the boat. And they will give yours a cheese sandwich.

[DeeCeeSW]

Duplicate is below--why does this happen?

[DeeCeeSW]

Since the lunches will be handed out after the kids get off the boat, I think he'll be safe. I know that DS really wants to go on this cruise and I wouldn't want his allergies to prevent him from having fun (although I do know that there are times when we have no choice). Reality is that we could be shut out of the Albatross cruise anyway due to the fact that it's only offered one day a week and only 10 kids are allowed on the boat!