Boardwalk water mice question

[Mainebound]

Hi all,

We plan to hang out on the Boardwalk before our March 11 [I can't believe our trip is less than 2 weeks away!!!] Illuminations cruise. I thought we might rent a water mouse, but I am wondering if it would be safe for my 3 year old to join us.

Also, has anyone done the surrey bikes? How many people fit on them? We will be four adults and two children, ages 1 and 3.

Anything else on the Boardwalk that we shouldn't miss?

Thanks!

--Mainebound

 

[kilee]

We did the surrey bikes at the Boardwalk recently. The 1st time around was great. The second trip around the lake was okay until the hill near the swan/dolphin. We are in relatively good shape, and OMG!!! Many people were getting out and pushing the bikes up the hill. My already weary legs were screaming at me.

 

[dtauer]

I agree with the comments regarding the Surrey bikes, it's harder then it looks. We made all of the hills, but we do a lot of biking away from Disney and it was tougher than I thought it would be.

Another surprise for us was that kids need to be reasonably tall to contribute to the pedaling. Our 6 year old daughter is over 48", however she could only reach on the pedal that was at the top of the pedalling circle. She was disappointed because she really couldn't help much.

I don't know if there is an age limit for being a passenger on the water mice, but I did see several life jackets that would have been the right size for a typical 3 year old. BTW, I know people love the water mice, but we felt they are overrated, especially for the price. We do boating in the summer so we may be somewhat spoiled, but the water mice didn't appeal much to any member of our family, they are just too slow and cramped, and we aren't big people.

 

[kilee]

My son is 10-- average height for his age, and he wasn't tall enough to peddle either. The CM told us to put him in the basket. DS gave them a look that could kill. They insisted on the basket though--- he didn't fit-- he was too tall. He only missed he height requirement by about 1 1/2 inches. He sat between us and it was a little crowded.

 

[vbfamily]

They made my DS sit in the basket too. He wasn't tall enough to pedal and was too tall for the basket-could hardly get in and out without tearing his knees off.

He kept hitting his head on the bell or break or something.

The people who rent them weren't that friendly either.

Anyway, we are looking forward to doing the water mice this year and we hope we have fun.

 

[vicb]

We had the same negative experience with the girl renting the surrey bikes, they wanted us to put DD age 9 (1 in. too short to pedal) in the center of the 2 person bike and DS age 6 (tall for his age) in the basket. DS said no way, too humiliating so we passed.

 

[The Duchess]

My husband took our then just-four-year-old DS in the mouse boats and I took a separate boat. He LOVED it. I followed right behind them. You're belted in and the boats only go 5mph. It was a lot of fun.
Also, we took the Bass Fishing Excursion. It was very relaxing and DS loved it. It is Catch and Release.

 

[TIGGERSMOM]

My son loves the water mice. He first went when he was 3 and has been hooked ever since. You are belted in and have a jacket on so they are very safe.

 

[Mainebound]

Thanks everyone for the helpful replies. We will definitely watch out for the hills on those surrey bikes!

--Mainebound