Can I get my DD9 on a 10 and up shore excursion?

[DisneyDarwin]

I have been planning on doing my own excursions this time, but after doing some research it turns out that life would be far simpler in KW if I could sign up for the DCL excursion. Specifically, we are looking at the kayaking excursion that says "10 years and up". So, has anyone had any experience with this? Are they firm on the age limits, or flexible or "it depends" (like the clubs)? My DD will be 3 months shy of 10yrs.

 

[Michelle]

For excursions they are firm on the age limits, and you will not be able to take a 9-year-old on an excursion with a limit of age 10 or up. And they'll know her age.

 

[DisneyDarwin]

Thanks, that was my guess. I'm sure there was an army of uptight lawyers insisting on this one. Curiously, all the tour operators allow 8 and up, this looks like a DCL-imposed limit; again probably for liability concerns on their part. Oh well, I'll work it out on my own.

 

[llachance]

And probably for the concerns of other guests. There is nothing worse then going on an excursion that you know younger kids won't deal with yet and having parents drag them along (Tulim Ruins is a great example). If you really want to do kayaking then there are lots of opportunities to book the excursion without going through Disney and you may find something that really suits what you want to do. Have fun....my daughter and I kayaked in Alaska and loved it. She was 12 at the time but found out it was much harder then she thought it would be.

 

[TootyJane]

Originally posted by WebmasterMichelle
For excursions they are firm on the age limits, and you will not be able to take a 9-year-old on an excursion with a limit of age 10 or up. And they'll know her age.

Well, I do know they are firm on age limits as I signed us all to do the Banana Boat at CC. When I received the written confirmation youngest ds (7yo) was not listed. He was unhappy about it and I told him I would stay with him and we could take pictures but when my oldest ds didn't show up at the specified time, CM told my 7yo he could go. I specifically told CM that he was 7yo but because he is big for his age and a good swimmer she let him go. Boy was he happy!!

 

[DisneyDarwin]

I completely understand (if not endorse) their caution; but still their inflexibility annoys me since I know better than anyone what my DD is capable of. It is just a minor inconvenience given the tour times and hassles of getting picked up or delivered to any other tour operators. My DD has been river kayaking in FL and TX, sea kayaking in the Baja, river canoeing in TX, and rafting down the Rio Grande since age 6 and will handle this better than most adults. We've been to KW before, so this will be something different for us to do while there. No problems, I'll work it out

 

[llachance]

We all think we know our kids (of course my daughter is 15 now so I don't know her from day to day ) that said when I look at what the excursion is I specifically look for ones that exclude the younger kids because personally it is my chance away from them. I know that it is a Disney Cruise and I put up with a lot more while on board then I would care to sometimes (jamming up the elevators, running screaming up and down the halls, etc.) because the cruise is great for kids but a break is nice. One of the things that I have tried to instill on my daughter is that the rules are there for a reason. They may not make sense to either you or me but they have been established so we have to go with them. We don't always like it but....Check with Shirley at the Perfect Gift. She has tons of brochures and might be able to set something up for you guys that is just perfect. And as much as I would love to go Kayaking again I know my daughter wouldn't be happy and next year when we do the cruise again we will look at doing something else. BTW she was thrilled with the conch trolley but I think that was more because of the heat (we were there the first week in July) then anything. And next year in Key West we will probably just hang out and play it by ear ourselves. JMO

 

[FantasticDisFamily]

llachance,

Which kayaking did you do in KW? I know there is one that kayaks in the ocean along with sailing, etc. and the Back to Nature through the mangrove swamp. We're looking at doing the back to nature and haven't been able to find anyone that has actually done this. So if you did, I'd be delighted to know your experience.

Thanks!
Deb

 

[llachance]

Unfortunately I didn't get to Kayak in Key West because I knew my daughter wouldn't want to do it....my kayaking trip was a couple of years ago up in Alaska (hope Disney will cruise there someday). If we are lucky enough to bring a friend for my daughter next year I might get a chance if not we will go on the excursions that she would like. Much easier then fighting with a hormonal 16 year old! I would also love to hear from people that have done it so I could see about convincing her......maybe not!