DH will not let our kids do Pirate Cruise

[ThreeMusketeers]

I have to say I agree with DH, but I am REALLY probobly OVER protective with my dd.
I just don't think that kids esp. young kids have the problem solving skills to get themselves out of a jam..if anything bad or unexpected were to happen. And I don't think that this has anything to do with weather or not your particular child is responsiable or not, b/c I am sure alot of kids are VERY responsiable. I think its more of a Brain Development thing. They just aren't mentally able to cope with certin situations. And who knows what could happen. We had a tour boat near us SINK last summer, and killed like 25 people, in a SMALL Lake.

 

[ellenmiele]

I completely understand because I just couldn't bring myself to let our kids do it when they were younger but on our April trip they will be 8 and will be doing it with their 3 cousins as well. I have let them do the Alice in Wonderland Tea Party twice which is also no adults. The first year I think I sat right outside the room but the second time they did it, my DH and I went and had a drink at the pool bar (with our beeper in hand). This time while they are on the Pirate Cruise I might get myself a little water mouse and do a little cruising around myself...

 

[C.Ann]

Tough situation.. These are your DH's children as well as yours, so he has equal say in what he feels is appropriate.. Guess you'll just have to "pick your battles" (as they say) and decide if this is really worth making a big issue over..

 

[Jen D]

I agree you should pick your battles and if he feels strongly about it it isn't worth fighting for.

But I have to ask... and I'm really not being sarcastic, I'm honestly trying to get it... are you home schoolers or do you send your kids to school every day? Do they have swim or dance lessons or sports where you aren't present? I agree bad things can happen and it doesn't take long for them to happen.. but that's going to be true their whole lives, sometimes even when parents are there. Is it the fact that it is a boat? I guess I can get that.

I just think you have to take these baby steps to let go a little bit, it is healthy for the parents and the kid. And I wouldn't call the Pirate Cruise "unsupervised."

Anyway, good luck, it's not like there is a shortage of fun to be had at WDW if they skip the cruise.

 

[runwad]

No we are not homeschoolers, and yes my kids are involved in every sport out there, Soccer, Softball, Basketball but there is a certain comfort level in having them in our community with friends and family we know. No we are not always at all their practices only because w/3 someone is alone, but I wouldn't say they are with strangers either as they would be in DW. It's not the boat thing they all are great swimmers, it's just this world we live in today and him not being comfortable with them being away where we can't get to them for two hours in a strange place. I'm fine with it but I tend to be more laid back. DH really can't help the way he feels as his parents are the same way and it's how he was raised. And honestly with our oldest only being 10 she really hasn't had many opportunties to be away from us in a strange place. He'd never let her go to say a big amusement park with friends at this age without us. It's the fact of her being out there in the big world with all the wierdo's without us there. But she does go to friends houses and with relatives but this he just won't go for.

 

[musicwoman]

My husband doesn't want the kids to go, but I kinda do. We NEVER go with anyone and to have 2 1/2 hrs alone would be wonderful. Our children are 8, 6, and 4. I KNOW that the older child (8) would look out and help with the youngest. Still I am not sure that I will ever convince my husband to let them go.

I will keep you posted!

 

[pooh2001]

Our kids went on it back when they were 7 & 10. Our 7 year old liked it - our 10 year old thought it was boring.

Facts you and your DH should know:
1) Children MUST wear life vests. They have life vests (orange type that go over your head, attach to your waist) from the smallest child size to the largest adult size.

2) Each child has a name tag, a pirate bandana and gets a goodie bag of 'loot' at the end of the voyage.

3) The PARENT MUST show ID when dropping off the child(ren) and MUST show ID when picking up the child. Even if your child identifies you as their parent, you will NOT be given your child until you can produce the ID you dropped the child off with. Drivers license is requested.
You can give them your pager or cell phone # for emergency

4) On the boat there are about 12-14 kids and 2 CM's. The CM's have radio/walkie talkies for communication
We had a male and a female CM. They were great with the kids.

5) The boat travels to the WL, Contemporary and Poly beaches looking for treasure. There are other CM's on each of the beaches watching over the 'pirates" too. The boat does not go fast. It is a large pontoon boat - and does not 'rock' in small wakes.

6) The CM's are well trained, just like the CM's in the 'day care' centers at the deluxe resorts.

7) We ate a late breakfast at the GF when our kids went on the pirate cruise. It was nice to have some quiet. Our cell phone was on, just in case.

8) Our kids came back with smiles - they sat together on the pirate cruise.
They were singing - Yo Ho A Pirates Life for Me

 

[Hannathy]

I have been reading this and wasn't going to get involved but I can't wait anymore. An activity at Disney has to be one of the most supervised, planned organized activity available.(the lawyers wouldn't let them have it any other way) My daughter did this at 5 by herself -and loved it.
If you don't start letting them go out on their own in safe places how will they ever learn to make the right judgements. Children need to make choices on their own where it really doesn't matter. Accidents happen anywhere no matter how supervized they are and that is just what they are an accident. My son broke his nose at baseball practice did it matter that his Dad was there? he still broke it. And the poster who asked if you homeschooled was right. They are watched alot more at Disney than on a school trip or at daycare. After 5th grade our school did go to an amusement park and they were on their own so it is fast approaching for your child. People stress out about stranger abductions but take the time to read the real statistics non- family abductions are extremely rare. I have great confidence in my kids they are very independent. Let them make decisions when they can and then live with them- like freezing their butt off at a football game because they didn't think you were right and they needed a coat. It really builds self esteem when kids can do things by them self without Mom and Dad hovering. Let them grow.

 

[rhiannonwales]

100% agreed, and well said.I expressed a similar view myself.

 

[triplefigs]

My DH had the EXACT same concerns for our December trip, especially since 1 of our triplets is special needs. I disagreed, but respected his opinion. So we compromised and booked the Family Magic Tour instead where we all got to have a fantastic time!

Although I still believe the kids would have been fine on the Pirate Cruise and had a blast, it was not worth having my DH upset and worried. You have to pick your battles. Did the kids miss anything by not going? No. Was my DH appreciated of me respecting his feelings? Yes. Did we have a great time on the FMT? ABSOLUTELY!

So, it may be worthwhile to explore other options. Good luck!

 

[Vickie46]

I totally agree with your husband.. I am sorry but it only take a second for something to happen.. no one watches your kid like you do.. I am sure they are trained and ready but still it scares me to think about it.. but yes I am over protected Mommy!!! So I am not a good one to ask.

Have fun whatever you decide to do!

Vickie