DS (newly 5 at the time) did it in Feb. At first he didnt want to leave me (shocker since he does all the time at home). The "crew" talked to him and introduced him to his "mates". Within minutes he forgot all about me! They gave him a life jacket and Mickey ears pirate bandana. All the kids lined up and I think got buddies (though I dont know how well they stuck to it). The boat is a large pontoon with all the safety gear. Before leaving, the crew went over the rules, etc. And then off they went for almost 3 hrs. We heard them coming back before seeing them. They were not allowed to disclose where they found the treasure or where they had been (its a secret). Whenever they passed another boat, they would all yell arrgh. They sang songs, and had lunch (I think one of those uncrustable pb & j and if your child has any allergies you need to let them know when you rsvp and sign in). We had to be there to meet them when they got back and they would only release your child to you (you had to turn in a form that you got when you signed in). The kids got to "keep" part of the treasure they found (they get a goody bag full of fake coins, jewelry, etc.
My son had so much fun that hes signed up for it again in Sept. After this, we may try the one that goes into Epcot (think its out of Yacht Club ??). We are avid boaters, so being on the water was nothing new for my son (hes been boating since he was a few months old). I didnt see anything that would worry me safety wise. They had plenty of staff to handle the kids. We did stay at GF while he was on his trip and had a nice breakfast. One mother ran to MK to do some shopping.
alison