Cozumel (and Key West) excursions with young children

[Kahoutek22]

DS 6.5 and DD 7.5 (going on 17).
Everyone praises Grand Cayman sting rays and will likely include that with island tour.

Key West?
Can we just walk around. DW and I did train, pre-kids. Not sure enough to entertain them. In August can we walk to southern most point with the short-legged set or is it too far? Anyone rent golf cart (read it somewhere-sounds like it could be fun). Is the Key Lime Pie bakery in walking distance for them as well (at least a reward at the end)?

Cozumel?
Disney suggests against Tulum. I would love to expose them but 7 hours without "creature comforts" I think would push it.
Predominantly choosing between the Cozumel (mini) ruins/beach and the Chankanaab snorkel/sea lion.
Are the ruins too small to be worth it. DD will be studying Mexico in grade school this year so want her to see something educational. Is the beach nice?
At Chankanaab, anyone snorkel with munchkins? Can they stand (I like the fact that they will be able to stand with the stingrays at Grand Cayman)? Is it too much for them? Are the "fake ruins" there full size or a model? Are they interesting? Are the gardens interesting for little ones? How is the sea lion and bird shows (DD and DS did Sea World San Diego last year so want to make sure not bored)?

Sorry for so many questions. Just looking for a lot of help.

 

[webray]

In Key West..the golf cart rentals are great. You can drive to the sites, take your time etc. We got ours at the stand near the Pier House resort at One Duval Street. Very close to the dock, the people were great.

 

[snelsonbrown]

Hello Kahoutek22
Remember Key West is a 2X4 Island so you are 2 miles South of where the cruise ships are - if you walk on Whitehead Street, it is more "scenic" for younger kids - Norm and I will be going back "home" which is Key West next month which we will be filling up with loads of stuff to bring back to share with everyone - you are most welcomed to send for it - it has maps, coupons, what to do and what to see - all you need is a large manilla envelope, self address and with about $3.75 worth of stamps on it - mail it to The Perfect Gift, 6550 North Atlantic Ave, Cape Canaveral, fla 32920 -I will fill it up and send it right back to you.
Have fun on your cruise.
Always
Shirley

 

[kshabare]

Definately do something in Key West or you might be bored. Make it to Mallory Square before dinner, right before sunset and catch some of their free entertainment.

In Cozumel we walked to mini-golf. We had so much fun. My son especially loved seeing the iguanas on the green just catching some rays. We went right to it from the ship and then after a round we took a taxi to Mr. Sanchos (the free beach) and rented snorkeling equipment. Snorkeling wasn't great but it was enjoyable. Considering how young your children are, that might be right up your alley. If you want to pay extra, take them to Chankanaab and provide extra entertainment. For us we just wanted to relax in the water.

Grand Cayman was awesome. We did Captain Marvins and I would miss them again. I don't feel age is a hinderince with Captain M's.

Kim

 

[Rock'n Robin]

In Cozumel we did the snorkel, sail and beach party with the Fury Catamarans. This was a DCL excursion and very reasonable. Our youngest was just 6 for less than a month! The guide on our catamaran worked with him practically one on one with the snorkeling (it's deeper than Cayman and we had his own life jacket) and he loved it. The sailing was a blast--after snorkeling you have the opportunity for free margaritas and beer (pop for the kiddies). Then about an hour at a beach, then sail back to the Magic. Lots of cruise music on the way--YMCA, the electric slide, etc. I saw tons of kids having a blast and adults too. Ours were 6,9 and 12. It gets high marks from cruisers in the DCL Passporter as well.
Robin M.

 

[cattycat]

We took the kids (9, 11, 12) to the aquarium in Key West and they loved it - especially the turtles, sharks and feeding the fish. They also wanted to see the Shipwreck Museum but we didn't have time. I think kids your age may like that. We were warned ahead of time that Key West can get kind of crazy at night, so we were back on the ship for dinner!

We also went to Margaritaville with them (walked down Duval St to get there). They liked that since they had heard the song, though the adults weren't overly impressed with the drinks. On the way to Margaritaville, we stopped and got hair braids for the two girls. It's on the right side of Duval as you walk towards Margaritaville. I forget the name, but it's an open air stand in a small plaza where's there is also a jewerly store. If your daughter is interested in getting her hair done, and if the Disney person is booked (apparently they get booked quick!) this is a great spot to go to.

 

[cattycat]

We took the kids (9, 11, 12) to the aquarium in Key West and they loved it - especially the turtles, sharks and feeding the fish. They also wanted to see the Shipwreck Museum but we didn't have time. I think kids your age may like that. We were warned ahead of time that Key West can get kind of crazy at night, so we were back on the ship for dinner!

We also went to Margaritaville with them (walked down Duval St to get there). They liked that since they had heard the song, though the adults weren't overly impressed with the drinks. On the way to Margaritaville, we stopped and got hair braids for the two girls. It's on the right side of Duval as you walk towards Margaritaville. I forget the name, but it's an open air stand in a small plaza where there is also a jewerly store. If your daughter is interested in getting her hair done, and if the Disney people on board is booked (apparently they get booked quick!) this is a great spot to go to.

In Cozumel, a group from our party with the little ones went to the Ocean Explorer Tour, but didn't see very much. We took the two teens to Chankanaab for the dolphin encounter. For that, you stand on a platform in the ocean and some kids were up to their necks or needed parents to hang on to. We also went snorkeling, and pretty quickly us adults were over our heads in the water. There was a beach nearby where kids were just swimming around. There is also an encounter with sea lions tho I'm not sure how that's handled -- I think in a pool rather than the ocean.

Hope this helps.

 

[Meshee]

Cattycat - how much was the hair braiding at Key West? Is it cheaper than on the ship?