how strict is cc on boat rentals? - The DIS Discussion Forums

kristen821 · 11-23-2006, 01:49 PM

My dd is 4.5 years old. I was planning on renting one of the boats to take the kids on, but saw a picture of the sign saying that min. age is 5. Is DCL strict on this or will they let the few months slide?

lbgraves · 11-23-2006, 03:20 PM

DCL is extremely strict when it comes to age requirements for excursions. It is due to insurance coverage. Perhaps your DD can enjoy Scuttles Cove while you take DS out for a little one on one time?

professorandmom · 11-23-2006, 06:30 PM

I do think it depends on the weather....we were on a double dip in July. During the first stop it was a very calm day, saw many people renting boats....during the second stop, still beautiful weather but very breezy and choppy....they were VERY picky about who could rent and there weren't that many out on boats
Barb

kristen821 · 11-24-2006, 03:35 PM

O.K. Thank you. I guess we'll either make it a father/son trip or Brittany will have to go to the kids club for a little bit.

professorandmom · 11-24-2006, 04:11 PM

I wouldn't give up - just see what they say at the beach when you are ready to rent....don't say anything to your daughter and she won't know if they say no
Renting boats is a whole lot different than an excursion, IMHO...it is nothing you have to plan ahead for - just walk up and ask!!!
Barb

Elangen · 12-30-2012, 07:55 PM

Bumping this just to see if anyone has any more recent experiences. We are struggling with excursions and activities that our 4.5 year old can do also. DH really wants to take him out on a Hobie cat. Wondering if anyone has been able to, despite the 5 years and up requirement? (DH has sailing experience, that wont be the issue).

PrincessShmoo · 12-30-2012, 08:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Elangen

Bumping this just to see if anyone has any more recent experiences. We are struggling with excursions and activities that our 4.5 year old can do also. DH really wants to take him out on a Hobie cat. Wondering if anyone has been able to, despite the 5 years and up requirement? (DH has sailing experience, that wont be the issue).

As noted earlier, DCL is quite serious about ages limits on any excursions. It's totally a liability thing. And they will know your childs age. The system won't let you book anyone not the correct age on any excursion.

KEichman · 12-30-2012, 10:37 PM

Do you actually book the boat rental like a typical excursion...with the names of any and all who might use it during the rental period?

Elangen · 12-31-2012, 12:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PrincessShmoo

As noted earlier, DCL is quite serious about ages limits on any excursions. It's totally a liability thing. And they will know your childs age. The system won't let you book anyone not the correct age on any excursion.

Yeah, I get it. Im not trying to skirt the rules, just trying to figure out if it is a guideline, or an enforced limit. Just curious and trying to get a feel for what others have experienced.

Renting a boat is not the same as a full fledged excursion. You do not preregister, you just walk up and say charge my account. First come first serve, depending on conditions, etc. There is a small area between the dock and the family beach that you stay in with them. The alloted time is a 1/2 hour, but if it is not crowded they sometimes extend that. My husband rented a Hobie before, when our oldest was 5 1/2 but doesnt remember them even asking about age. He also doesnt really remember them questioning his sailing experience, though that is "required" too.

Elangen · 01-10-2013, 12:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Elangen

Yeah, I get it. Im not trying to skirt the rules, just trying to figure out if it is a guideline, or an enforced limit. Just curious and trying to get a feel for what others have experienced.

Renting a boat is not the same as a full fledged excursion. You do not preregister, you just walk up and say charge my account. First come first serve, depending on conditions, etc. There is a small area between the dock and the family beach that you stay in with them. The alloted time is a 1/2 hour, but if it is not crowded they sometimes extend that. My husband rented a Hobie before, when our oldest was 5 1/2 but doesnt remember them even asking about age. He also doesnt really remember them questioning his sailing experience, though that is "required" too.

FYI, just to follow up, we walked up and the guy taking the KTTW card asked how old my youngest was. I forgot about the minimum and answered he is 4, going on 5. He said "I think I heard you say 5. Tell the guys down there he is 5".

Not trying to get anyone in trouble at all, but just wanted to pass on our experience!

11-23-2006, 01:49 PM	#1
kristen821 DIS Veteran Everything taste better with ranch dressing! Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Chicago, IL. Posts: 2,111	how strict is cc on boat rentals? My dd is 4.5 years old. I was planning on renting one of the boats to take the kids on, but saw a picture of the sign saying that min. age is 5. Is DCL strict on this or will they let the few months slide?

11-23-2006, 03:20 PM	#2
lbgraves Little Cinderella's Mommy The bad news is...they are driving me nuts!!! Join Date: Feb 2003 Posts: 44,717	DCL is extremely strict when it comes to age requirements for excursions. It is due to insurance coverage. Perhaps your DD can enjoy Scuttles Cove while you take DS out for a little one on one time? __________________ Lisa Magic: E 11/15/2003, W 12/4/2004, E 12/10/2005, W 12/9/2006, EBPC 8/2008, W 1/8/2011 Wonder: 3N 1/11/2010, Alaska 7/26/11 Fantasy: MV 3/31/2012, E 3/23/2013 Last edited by lbgraves; 11-23-2006 at 08:04 PM.

12-30-2012, 10:37 PM	#8
KEichman Mouseketeer Join Date: Jan 2002 Posts: 136	Do you actually book the boat rental like a typical excursion...with the names of any and all who might use it during the rental period? __________________ Kathi

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11-23-2006, 06:30 PM	#3
professorandmom I was on the beach without going into the water with the creatures Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: indianapolis Posts: 1,275	I do think it depends on the weather....we were on a double dip in July. During the first stop it was a very calm day, saw many people renting boats....during the second stop, still beautiful weather but very breezy and choppy....they were VERY picky about who could rent and there weren't that many out on boats Barb

11-24-2006, 03:35 PM	#4
kristen821 DIS Veteran Everything taste better with ranch dressing! Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Chicago, IL. Posts: 2,111	O.K. Thank you. I guess we'll either make it a father/son trip or Brittany will have to go to the kids club for a little bit.

11-24-2006, 04:11 PM	#5
professorandmom I was on the beach without going into the water with the creatures Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: indianapolis Posts: 1,275	I wouldn't give up - just see what they say at the beach when you are ready to rent....don't say anything to your daughter and she won't know if they say no Renting boats is a whole lot different than an excursion, IMHO...it is nothing you have to plan ahead for - just walk up and ask!!! Barb

12-30-2012, 07:55 PM	#6
Elangen Mouseketeer Join Date: Sep 2010 Posts: 120	Bumping this just to see if anyone has any more recent experiences. We are struggling with excursions and activities that our 4.5 year old can do also. DH really wants to take him out on a Hobie cat. Wondering if anyone has been able to, despite the 5 years and up requirement? (DH has sailing experience, that wont be the issue).