Grand Floridian: Pirate Cruise or Tea Party?

[maja36]

Please help, I've made reservations for both for my 6yo dd but I'm looking for more specifics about each one. Has anyone's kids tried these? How many kids take part in each session? Are they worth almost $30 each? BTW, I found out about these thru the Unofficial Guide to wdw, wonderful book.

 

[twinscandc]

I can only tell you about the Pirate Cruise (we are planning to do the Tea Party on our upcoming trip).

We sent our DD's (age 6 at the time) on the Pirate cruise in the summer of 2003. We arrived that morning a few minutes early and if I remember correctly, it took a long time to get all the paper work signed (release forms, etc.) and then to get the kids into their get-ups (they are given these cute pirate hats with mickey ears plus an eye patch) and then into a life vest. I felt very secure about their safety in the boat, etc. We were able to take pictures of them as they sailed away.

When I called to get the PS, I told them that one of my DD's has a severe peanut allergy and could not be around any peanut butter, etc. I did get the run around in the beginning b/c they were saying that she couldn't go b/c of liability, etc. In the end, they finally allowed to let her go, but I had to put a statment on the release form about the allergy.

Anyway...when the girl returned they said they had a pretty good time. They said they went to several other resorts looking for the burried treasure and then stopped for lunch. They came back with a whole sack of goodies full of candy and other little toys. The only other comment that they made was that one of the CM's (lady) was a little mean and yelled at the kids. They said that they even got yelled at (which surprised me b/c my girls are pretty quiet). When I asked them why they got yelled at they said it was because my one DD was looking over the side of the boat....So, I'm thinking it may have been a safety issue.....

Anyway, my girls said they would not want to do this again....

We decided to do the Tea Party for something different. We'll see how this goes!!

Sorry so long....good luck on your decision!!

 

[twinscandc]

I forgot to tell you how many kids were on the cruise.....

I think there were about 20....both boys and girls.

 

[MOMTOMOOTOO]

My 2 girls have done both. They rave about the Tea Party. One hated the pirate cruise and one just liked it. My girls are 7 and 5.

They have done the Tea Party three times in the past 2 years, and we just did the Pirate Cruise in November. I think when my little guy is old enough I will let him do the cruise.

What you may want to consider is the Grand Adventures in Cooking. My 5y/o has been 4 times and its her favorite thing to do in Disney!! My 7 y/o also loves it but is not quite as passionate about it so I always send the 5 y/o as a special treat.