Aquaduck

[DLgal]

My boys both have HFA and they both had no issues waiting close to 30 minutes to ride the Aquaduck a couple of times. For one, you can see the jumbo screen playing movies while you are waiting outside, so that kept them focused. Then, once you get inside the funnel, it's "almost our turn" the whole time, so they did fine. Once they ride it for the first time, it is a LOT easier for them to wait the next time because they know how awesome it is, and it's worth the wait.

On our cruise last August on the Dream, they were EXTREMELY strict about making sure that everyone who got in line had on NO SHOES, NO HATS, NO SUNGLASSES and NO CAMERAS. We waited in line barefoot all 5 days, and the stairs were never hot at all, and they had some sort of carpet/turf like material in the line area prior to the stairs. We joked around that they used "magical" paint on the stairs because they weren't hot. Actually, we realized the little yellow duck foot prints on the stairs ARE magical...they are made of a paint that does not retain heat. So, just stand on the duck feet while you are on the stairs and your feet will be fine!

 

[RevKjb]

We went the afternoon of Castaway Cay and the lines were very short. We only waited a few minutes each time.

Our Son's special needs do not permit him to wait more than about 5-10 minutes. While @ CC, or in the evening were best for Aquaduck.

Good luck! Enjoy!

 

[TiggerBouncy]

a good time to go is if you get back early from a shore excursion and many people are still off the ship. You can go right up to it with minimal line.

And let me know how they do. My son has aspergers, and I have been hesitant to bring him on the ship, but he has been asking to go along as late.

 

[joelnkelly]

Port days are the best time to ride the Aquaduck, on our last trip this past March we stayed on the ship during the San Juan day and nobody was at the pools. We rode the Aquaduck at least 10 times that day. Pools are nice and empty as well and chairs are easily available.

Sea Days are really busy and the line usually tops out at 20-30 minutes.

 

[wanderluster25]

From experience, around early dining time when people are changing and most families with kids are getting ready is when it's empty. There was a time when it was just me and my fiancee - no lineup at all. Have a great time!

 

[psac]

I don't know if this has been asked before... but is the aquaduck appropriate for "pooh sized" adults?

 

[NurseDave]

I don't know if this has been asked before... but is the aquaduck appropriate for "pooh sized" adults?

Totally, sometimes we just look like fools getting out

 

[rbw5t]

Sorry, I'm out of the loop on this one. Do all the ships have Aquaduck? Is it intimidating for a somewhat timid 5 year old? (I'll have to measure, but I think he must be 42 inches).

Thanks!

 

[NurseDave]

Sorry, I'm out of the loop on this one. Do all the ships have Aquaduck? Is it intimidating for a somewhat timid 5 year old? (I'll have to measure, but I think he must be 42 inches).

Thanks!

Just Fantasy and the Dream. It might look like a big deal, but it doesn't go nearly as fast as it looks like it could. You do get very wet, but it's heated pool water.

 

[2boysmommy]

I saw this note about goggles on the DCL site too...are they talking about regular swim goggles (speedo type) or a swim mask? My DS always swims with regular goggles...thanks!

We rode the AquaDuck countless times last year on the Fantasy with our boys in swim goggles each time and no one said a word. We even laughed at how silly they look in the photos! Is this a new rule? There is no way my oldest would ride without goggles. He hated the water in his face as it was!

To the OP question - one evening we rode 8 times in a row with no one in front of us each time. It was my workout for the day. After that many trips up the stairs I didn't need to do anything else! The CMs working the slide were laughing at us because my husband kept bribing me for "one more ride"! So there are absolutely times when it is not crowded at all. This was before dinner one night (we had late seating) when everyone else was getting ready. It was totally worth it even if it meant I had to wear my hair in a bun that night!

However, the slide was closed one day due to high winds so the next day the lines were easily 45 minutes. I know it can be difficult but set the expectation in advance that they may not get to ride it every day or every time they see it.

 

[lbatesetc]

Heard there are lockers near Aquaduck? True?

 

[BEYONCE]

Heard there are lockers near Aquaduck? True?

There are little storage cubbies right next to where a cm stands

 

[lanejudy]

We rode the AquaDuck countless times last year on the Fantasy with our boys in swim goggles each time and no one said a word. We even laughed at how silly they look in the photos! Is this a new rule? There is no way my oldest would ride without goggles. He hated the water in his face as it was!
....

Enforcement of the "no loose accessories" rule (goggles, sunglasses, flipflops) seems to be hit-or-miss depending upon the CM working. Unfortunately it's not consistent. Some people even report being told they couldn't wear regular (prescription) glasses. The goggles might be ok since they have a strap around the head. Basically the rule's intent is to prevent anything from getting dropped. The water isn't deep enough to carry dropped items down to the bottom, so if something falls off a passenger or raft, they have to close the ride and a CM walk the entire length to retrieve the item. I don't recall the water splashing enough to bother anyone's face if they are sitting up.

 

[drmcg]

Can a 17 week pregnant lady ride aqua duck?

 

[Snick]

Can a 17 week pregnant lady ride aqua duck?

I wouldn't!! That boat goes flying... and it banged around pretty hard going around the turns. I remember thinking, "omg, my poor back!!" Wouldn't dream of doing it pregnant!!

 

[DLgal]

Can a 17 week pregnant lady ride aqua duck?

Pregnant guests are advised not to ride. The uphill propelled portions are rather rough and jarring.

 

[Embraer]

Notice somebody posted NO CAMERAS, I hope this doesn't înclude body attached GoPros

 

[BEYONCE]

Notice somebody posted NO CAMERAS, I hope this doesn't înclude body attached GoPros

I tried to bring one on last year and was told I could not by the cm

 

[Embraer]

Well it must be something new as this search result shows quite a few trips down the Duck with a GoPro - Link

 

[Jkpark]

Someone mentioned kids looking silly in the pictures - does this have a photo each ride, like say Splash Mtn - or are these photos you took?