Banana Boats at CC

[MikeJ]

We're looking at excursions for our upcoming 7-day Westerm Cruise, and DS13 would really like to check out the Banana Boats at Castaway Cay. At a cost of $1/min/person I'm thinking "geez, it better be quite the experience!" Has anyone done the Banana Boats before and, more importantly, would you do them again??

Thanks.

- MikeJ

 

[JOANNEL]

We did them on the 6/22 MAgic. It was fun. It's not worth the money. We are a family of four. But it was the only thing we did together as a family at Castaway Cay, since my kids wanted to stay on the teen beach all day. I wouldn't do it again. castaway Cay is so wonderful I wouldn't waste time doing other things. Just snorkel, float on the blue mats and enjoy those Konk Koolers. The lunch is also very good. We could have used a few more hours there.

have a great time.

 

[Jillie]

I would have to say that we all really enjoyed the Banana Boat ride so much that we all did it twice...it was a blast. The only reason I will not go on it again on our next cruise is because I fell off twice (laughing all the way) and had a hard time getting back on. My kids loved it too. I say....try it once.

 

[scduckman]

I would certainly give it a try. When I did it in January it was a lot of fun. I would recommend that you wear goggles so you're not getting splashed in the face so much. I wish someone had told me that beforehand

 

[mmouse37]

It was fun....I did it with my two DD's 14 & 18. We had a blast but I felt once was enough. I am glad we did it once, but I do not think I would again, I would prefer to just enjoy the beach.

MJ

 

[Hopkins]

It really is a wild ride, if you're into that kind of thing. As you can tell by some of the posters having fallen off. On our boat, on;y one person fell off, but I got close. You hold on for dear life. Between the waves causing constant bumps, salt water splashing in your face, water getting underneath you and the rubber float causing you to slide all over the place... the views of the island and the Wonder or Magic are incredible. It's worth it!

...but, I don't know if I'd need to do it again (39 yrs old), but if I had others in my group who wanted to do it, I'd probably do it again. It's just hubby and I, and he doesn't swim. We took the neighbor kid (13 yrs old) with us on a Wonder cruise and I went on it with him. We were laughing the entire time. We both really enjoyed it.

Tina

 

[Auntienee]

We did the Banana Boat ride on the 7/6 Western Cruise and it was really a lot of fun for kids and adults. The ride does get wild and you really do need to hold on. My arms actually hurt for the next 2 days from all the pulling back and forth. For me once was enough, but I am really glad we did it.

 

[pal2pluto]

When we cruised in January, I booked this for dh, dd(10) and myself not knowing much about it. Let me say, this was the most fun the 3 of us had together....well, almost. Just seeing my dd and dh laughing together as we all fell off....priceless. Dh and DD also tandem parasailed, which dh said was absolutely incredible to share with her. We enjoyed snorkeling together immensely, but for side-splitting fun, the banana boat was it.

We were lucky enough to get the $99 coupon for fall. We bought snorkel equipment, and the only other excursion that we can't wait to do will be the banana boat. My suggestion....try it, and you won't walk away wondering if it was fun you missed.

 

[cruisedad]

We did the Banana Boat on our 5/12 cruise and loved it. The kids still talk about all the fun on it!!!!

 

[kfahygc]

Just got back from the 4 day Wonder. DH and DD did parasailing first and had a blast. We all did the banana boat and it was a big letdown. The water was very calm, you are pulled by a jet ski, their are 8 people on the banana boat, so with the combination it was a very calm smooth ride. Would I do it again - NO. Would I recommend it - NO. But Castaway Cay is a beautiful place although the food was just okay. Have fun.

 

[pal2pluto]

I'm sorry to hear about it being a bummer.

When we went, it was pulled by a small motorboat. There were 2 guys in it, one driving and one watching us. One of the kids on the ride was not enjoying it.....in fact, she was scared and crying. He noticed her and stopped and asked if she wanted to ride in the boat and watch, which she did. Then we really took off!

I'll make sure they are pulling with a motor boat if I want a good ride, I guess

 

[kml2000]

It's all in what you expect from it.

We just got back from a three day Wonder cruise and it was the only "excursion" we did. We were quite thrifty on our cruise. The Banana Boat ride is not a "thrill" ride but it is fun. We had a blast on it. We were travelling with two other families and had the entire "banana boat" filled. They pulled us out with the jet ski and we had quite a bumpy ride and got a wonderful view of the island and the ship.

The posts are correct that it doesn't last a long long time, BUT, who would want to hang on that long?????? The water did splash but I took my goggles (had read that tip on this board). We all laughed and squealed and laughed some more. We actually all stayed on and didn't fall off. When we got back, everyone was glad we did it. It only takes a total of 30 minutes or so (walk to the ride, ride, and go back to your chairs) so it doesn't take away from your day.

I would do it again (not in the same day) but on another trip. It is an affordable experience to break up the day.

Just my .02 worth.

 

[Spaceman Spiff & Co.]

We rode the BB in Oct., DW and self. We would do it again. We didn`t book it until that morning. I went snorkleing also.

 

[BWVPam]

My son and I did the BB ride on the May 25 Magic. We had such a blast that we did it a second time. We had an incredibly wild and long ride. We were out at least 30 min 2nd time. Our waters were pretty choppy, so it got quite wild. I would definitely do it again.

Pam

 

[goofydadeo]

Ditto BWVPam - In fact we were on the same cruise (5/25/02 Western) and I too rode it with my DS8. Needless to say we both love all the thrill rides at WDW so this was right up our ally. The sea was choppy so that made it even more exciting (very bumpy). The ride was roughly 30 minutes long - and no one fell off our banana! Make sure you hold on tight or you will fall off! Also, it is one of the least expensive shore excursion activities!!!