How Hard Is It To Operate The Sea Raycer's ?

[maryj11]

We were thinking about renting a sea raycer. How hard is it to operate and do they show you how or give you instructions on how ? Do you have to take a watch to know when your time is up ? I was thinking of renting it for 30 minutes, will that be long enough ? Does that give you plenty of time to say go up and down the lake once at the CBR ?

 

[spiceycat]

you can always ask for instructions - and should if you don't know how.

think that is enough time. the boats don't go as fast as they look.


yes you need to take at least a watch to kept up with your time.

 

[englanddg]

The boats are very easy to control. Pretty much like driving a water based golf cart.

However, as they are so close to the water, you will notice every wave / wake you cross over. But, to me that just adds to the fun.

I wouldn't do them from CBR though (I've stayed there twice, so I've very familiar with the lake), rather, I'd do them at Downtown Disney. You can putter over to French Quarter and grab a snack, then putter back to DD or take a bus from there to a park to continue your day. A great way to break up the day.

They also have them for the 7 seas lagoon, but I really think DD is the most fun for them.

 

[jvptravels]

The Sea Raycers (formerly Water Mouse) are very easy and fun to operate. It's been 11 years since I rented them, but used to do it on every trip. If the rules haven't changed since 2001, renting at the Contemporary or Ft. Wilderness Marinas will give you access to Bay Lake AND The 7 Seas Lagoon. Much more area to travel on and you get to see the MK from your boat. When I go next month, I will be renting from multiple locations as the boats are included on my plan. Happy boating!

 

[Princess-ish]

This is a must for us every trip! I recently stayed at CBR... but rented at the GF to boat on the SSL and Bay Lake. I've also rented at DTD and CBR.

If you're going to rent at CBR, 30mins is plenty and the lake is quite fun to tour! Its not our favorite location (the boats seem to be slower as well) but a nice way to spend some resort time!

I've found the slower you go, the harder they are to control (in terms of steering). Keep a decent, constant speed and they handle similar to a vehicle.

Every marina offers a small safety and instructional spiel on how to operate and what to do in case of emergency. The boats are fairly straight forward... equipped with a steering wheel and throttle. Don't hesitate to ask any questions!

We always have our phones with us (and usually cameras) to keep track of our time. With exception to the occasional wake spray (not as much of an issue at CBR)... we've never gotten wet!

As another poster mentioned... we too, prefer to rent these on the SSL and Bay Lake (usually for 45mins). The views are stunning and you practically have Bay Lake to yourself! You can get some great speed as well!

 

[cvjw]

We rented 2 boats at BLT in June. My 2 sons were in one boat, and DH and I in the other. The boat holding my sons went way faster than the one that DH and I had - the amount of weight in the boat effects speed. The rates are prorated - if you rent for 30 minutes, but don't get back for 40 minutes, you only pay for the extra 10 minutes - they don't bump you up to the rate for an hour. They are great fun - a must do for our family. I also recommend renting one around the MK - you can ride around the 7 seas lagoon and bay lake.

 

[Gorechick]

I second renting from the Contemporary. Lots of fun zipping around Bay Lake and Seven Seas Lagoon. I remember seeing WL being built on my 1989 trip and knowing I wanted to stay there just from going by it on the sea raycer. Got to stay in 2002.

 

[gogo]

We rented one when my son was 15, two years ago. We rented one when we were staying at the Beach Club. My son did the driving. I thought he did a good job. I, however, was a little nervous. The lake in the Epcot resort area was busy with the Friendship boats travelling from Epcot, the resorts and Hollywood Studios. They seemed to always be behind or in front of us. I especially didn't like going under the walkway heading toward Hollywood Studios. It was narrow and you have to wait if you hear a Friendship boat coming.

There was a CM in a boat out on the lake if you needed anything. I would rent one again, but not at this location.

 

[Sooze]

Water Mice are not difficult at ALL! So relaxing and fun... and a great way to see Disney from a different view.

Yes, take a time device of some sort.

Yes, rent on Bay Lake or DTD instead of CBR.

Enjoy!

Loving the Water Mouse!

 

[maryj11]

Thanks all ! Sounds fun and I think we will give it a try

 

[chimo2u]

I'd love to try this with the boys, and let them each ride their own....however, crazy as it may seem, I am a little leary of what's lurking in that water!!....snakes??? aligators???

 

[maryj11]

I'd love to try this with the boys, and let them each ride their own....however, crazy as it may seem, I am a little leary of what's lurking in that water!!....snakes??? aligators???

I know what you mean As long as you dont fall out

 

[Mickeygolf]

They are easy and fun to drive. My 12 year old drove one boat last year with his sister and I had the other boat with my other son. The two 11 year olds were mad they couldn't drive. We rented from OKW and were able to get from there up to POR, back to DTD, and then back to OKW in 30 minutes pretty easy.

I've heard the boats at Contemporary are much faster than the boats at POR, CBR, DTD, and OKW, but we had a great time in our boats. We did get a little wet when the OKW and POR ferrys went by, but that just added to the fun!!!

Good luck!!!

 

[shoney]

Super easy! My ds12 took his brother ds10 out on one (downtown disney). They told him how far he could go in 30 min vs. 60 mins. Of course, they went for 60!

some woman on the dock was freaking out at me..."has he driven before? you are letting him do this? etc"....
I told her "he'll be fine" and walked away!!!

They did have a lot of fun!

 

[babylisa4]

I think I remember that some of the areas the minimum age is 12 and some it is 14. Is there still a difference based on location(and busyness of the waterway?)

 

[bdklein]

I think I remember that some of the areas the minimum age is 12 and some it is 14. Is there still a difference based on location(and busyness of the waterway?)

I'd love to know too. 12 by MK monorail hotels???

 

[iloveeeyore]

I think I remember that some of the areas the minimum age is 12 and some it is 14. Is there still a difference based on location(and busyness of the waterway?)

LOL, I thought it was 13! My DS drove his own at age 13 when we rented from the Poly, so I KNOW it ISN'T 14.

It was one of the funnest things we have EVER done, and I highly recommend it! We had 30 minutes, but I wish we had 45! None of us wanted that half hour to end. We were squealing and laughing with delight the whole time, and our faces hurt when we were done. The views of the resorts and the MK were so amazing. It's really like having the lagoon to yourself.

To how easy are they to drive?... they are really simple for the most part, especially once you're out in the open water. One of our silliest memories ever is of DD at age 16 trying to steer her little boat back into the dock at the Poly marina. She had a little difficulty with the fine steering, but she eventually got it. It was so cute and funny! I'm laughing out loud now at the picture in my head.

DO THIS!!!

 

[bdklein]

I love the fact that I had my 3 year old with me as a passenger, and she took a 15 min power nap!!!

 

[cvjw]

The minimum age to drive the boat is 12, but you also must be 60". My 11 year old could not operate the boat last year, but was so excited to be 12 on this trip so that he could be the driver instead of always being the passenger. Imagine his disappointment when they measured him to make sure that he met the height requirement (of course he didn't), so he was a passenger once again this year. Maybe at age 13, he will finally be 60" so that he can drive!

 

[maryj11]

The only thing I'm worried about is getting run over by a faster bigger boat