My DS did the cruise in 2000. You meet at GF and sign your child in. You are given a receipt. Hold on to it because you cannot get your child(ren) back without it. They put bandanas on all the kids and you go to a bin to find a life jacket. The kids cannot go any further until it is all fastened and check. The boat has a middle row of benches. The go around to the lagoon(sp) resorts using a treasure map. They are given a light snack and juice boxes. The treaure is an eye patch, plastice necklace, various little plastic figures and some candy if I remember correctly. You CANNOT go with the kids. If you have a concern about the 3yr old maybe you can find something different to do that would be special for him/her.