Is this a watermouse?

[MichiganMommy]

We are thinking of renting a watermouse on our "day off" from the parks. I found a photo of a "3 person" watercraft on the official disney website and I'm wondering if this is a watermouse. I tried to copy the photo and paste it here, but it won't paste. Here's the link:

http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/wdw/moreMagic/otherRecDetail?id=OtherRecMarinaDetailPage

We are staying at WL. Do they rent these from the marina there? How much do they cost and is it worth it? Also, how many people can they really hold? Our family consists of me, DH, DS9 and DS6.

Thanks in advance!

 

[markm0926]

That sure is a watermouse.
It only holds 2 people as far as I know and they do rent them from the WL marina.
Can't help with the prices.

 

[sjw4870]

I haven't rented one in over a year - but last time I did I think they cost around $25 for a half hour. I almost certain they only hold 2 people and perferably, 1 adult and 1 child. (I think it would be a little tight with 2 adults).

In my opinion, they are definitely worth it. At the Magic Kingdom resorts you have a lot of space to explore (both Bay Lake and Seven Seas Lagoon). Growing up, riding these were one of the highlights of my vacation!

 

[jillhou]

I think they are 25 for 30 minutes - maybe 28 for 30 minutes....and maybe 35 or 40 for an hour.

You must be a licensed driver to drive them. I think it would be very uncomfortable to put 3 in one. 2 of my sons rode in one and had a good time. It was my 16 yr old who has a license and my 10 yr old. I doubt there would have been enough room for my 13 yr old to safely ride. Of course, my boys are all a bit large for their age - the 13 yr old is already 5'8".

It is a fun thing to do, but I think the kids enjoy it a lot more if they can drive. My 10 yr old got tired of riding after about 15 minutes and the 16 yr old brought him back in.

 

[buddy&wooz]

You must be a licensed driver to drive them.

Is that a new requirement? When we rented one two years ago my then 12 year old was allowed to drive one. My younger son will be very upset if he can't drive one on our next trip (he just turned 12.)

To the OP, for your family one adult and one kid in each boat should be fine! They're well worth it!

 

[bassoongirl]

MichiganMommy,

Thank you for posting a question about the watermouse boats. We also live in Michigan and will be staying at WL nearly the same time you are (Feb. 13-19)! I noticed your post on the official February thread. My family is anxious to try out these boats too. It would be nice if my DD-13 could drive one.

Gayl

 

[wilderness01]

Yes they changed the rules so now only licensed drivers can rent/drive them. With my AP discount it came to $30 and change for an hour rental. Good luck and have fun.

 

[MichiganMommy]

Thanks for all the good info. The watermice (plural?) sound like a blast! Hopefully the February weather will be warm enough that we want to go out on boats. Although anything would beat the slushy stuff bassoongirl and I have in Michigan right now. Hey Gayl, I'll have my fingers crossed for good weather!

 

[Teris]

Is that a new requirement? When we rented one two years ago my then 12 year old was allowed to drive one. My younger son will be very upset if he can't drive one on our next trip (he just turned 12.)

Yep, same for us, last trip my 12 year old was finally old enough to drive one, but chose to ride shotgun with her older sis, but ironically this next trip, according to the new rule, I won't be able to drive one either. This is always a highlight for us. Real bummer. This was one of the reasons we stay at the WL.

With this in mind, I am considering a change of resorts. Might as well stay at the Swan with the big comfy beds,,lol. Add this bit of disappointing news, the grad nights will be going on two nights of our 3 night trip. Ugh,, Looks like we will be spending more time at EPCOT and the Disney Studios.

 

[WDW LOVR]

We were in the same boat. Our son drove one by himself when he was 13 but then couldn't the next year.

We were told by a CM at the Yacht Club while on an Illuminations cruise that the watermouse boats there could still be driven by 12 yr olds as they were still the older variety that go slow. The boats from WL, FW, Poly, Contemporary are newer and will go much faster, hence the increased age requirement.

 

[Teris]

I don't mind the age to drive the watermice, or sea raycers alone being raised, (actually I am all for the age limit being raised) but being in possession of a driver license doesn't mean that a 16 year old or a 30 year old in possession of a driver license will be safer out on the water, than a 15 year old.

 

[Alicnwondrln]

I did this in September and loved it. It was great to pictures this way of MK, CR, and GF.

We had a great time.