New age requirements for renting Water Mice?

[SeaSpray]

I remember reading something within the last year or so about Disney getting new, faster water mice and raising the age of how old the driver has to be. Does anyone have this info? How much faster are the new water mice? DS16 (he's almost 17 and just got his driver's license, but was 13 the last time) each rented our own while at the Grand Floridian. I know he'd love to rent one again while we're at the Polynesian. Thanks!

 

[California Mom]

I'd also like to know what are the age requirements for the Water Mice, rental cost...and most importantly, where can they be rented? THANKS

 

[WDSearcher]

Water Mice have been replaced by Sea Raycers.

A child must be at least 12 years old and at least 5 feet tall to drive a Sea Raycer. There is a maximum combined weight of 320 lbs allowed on a Raycer. At least one person in the boat must have a valid drivers license.

$22.53 (plus tax) per 30 minutes
$30.05 (plus tax) per 45 minutes
$35.68 (plus tax) per 60 minutes

All drivers under the age of 18 MUST have a parent or legal guardian sign a release. Drivers 18 years of age must provide ID with birth date. In order to rent watercraft, a guest must be 18 years of age and present a Walt Disney World Resort ID or valid driver's license.

You can rent Sea Raycers at Caribbean Beach, Contemporary, Coronado Springs, Ft. Wilderness, Grand Floridian, Old Key West, Polynesian, Port Orleans, Wilderness Lodge, Yacht & Beach, and Downtown Disney Marketplace.

 

[kimmar067]

...at DW two weeks ago and were told the new policy is that ALL DRIVERS must be at least 16 years of age with a valid driver's license.

 

[WDSearcher]

This was the information posted for CMs, for whatever that's worth.

 

[DVCLiz]

I believe this confusion stems from the fact that there are apparently two kinds of boats in this category - an older, slower version at the Epcot resorts and the newer, faster version at Wilderness Lodge, etc. To rent the boat and drive it at Wilderness Lodge, etc. (all MK resort marinas) you MUST BE 16 years old AND have a valid driver's license. See a previous post "WDW no fun for 16 year olds" or something to that effect for someone's very disappointing experience with a 16 year old who did not yet have a driver's license. I think the slower boats can still be driven by 12 year olds, but prepare for that policy to be changed as well. I wouldn't promise anyone under 16 or anyone 16+ without a license the chance to drive these very fun boats!!!

 

[kimmar067]

...the CR marina. Originally, we went there to inquire about jet skis, but the girl told us of the age requirement. So, we went over to the other "window" to ask about the water mice [since we were THERE already!] and that's when they guy told us, that, since last year's acciednt, the policy had been changed. Needless to say, my DS was NOT a happy camper, since he and his older brother have been driving those 'Mickey boats' since they were 12!(at CSR, DTD, BC/YC and WL)

 

[DVCLiz]

I believe the cost was $24.00 per half hour - I think that's what I paid, anyway. Be careful when the ferry crosses - don't try and jump the really big wakes, or you'll end up with a lapful of ice water, the way we did during our DECEMBER trip. Guess who got to do laundry AND buy a new cell phone???

 

[kimmar067]

I believe this confusion stems from the fact that there are apparently two kinds of boats in this category - an older, slower version at the Epcot resorts and the newer, faster version at Wilderness Lodge, etc. To rent the boat and drive it at Wilderness Lodge, etc. (all MK resort marinas) you MUST BE 16 years old AND have a valid driver's license. See a previous post "WDW no fun for 16 year olds" or something to that effect for someone's very disappointing experience with a 16 year old who did not yet have a driver's license. I think the slower boats can still be driven by 12 year olds, but prepare for that policy to be changed as well. I wouldn't promise anyone under 16 or anyone 16+ without a license the chance to drive these very fun boats!!!

...that was MY DS!! Actually, I didn't realize that there are 2 kinds of speed boats. I assumed that what the person at CR told us was the policy for ALL watercraft at ALL WDW resorts!Although he doesn't have his license yet (it isn't issued until age 17 in NJ) he does have a valid driver's permit. I could see if it were that Richard Petty Driving Experience, but sheesh, it's only a dang-blasted lil' BOAT!

 

[SeaSpray]

So DS16 (will be 17 in 2 weeks) who has a driver's license will be able to rent/drive the new water mouse? He'll be glad to hear that

 

[WDW LOVR]

We received the same information as DVCLiz. We were staying at Ft Wilderness last June and my 15 yr old son who has driven a boat on previous trips was not allowed to drive the new Sea Raycer.

Later the same trip we were at the Yacht Club dock for an Illuminations cruise and the CM there told us that the Epcot area boats were the old slow kind and 12 yr olds could still drive them by themselves.