No pirate cruise -- do you have a better idea?

[wdwlovin'family]

My 9 yr old son and I were looking at a picture thread this morning and we came across one that was a pic of a pirate adventure cruise. I said to him "wouldn't you love to go on a cruise like that? You could dress up like a pirate and go on a treasure hunt in the lagoon in front of MK for 2 hrs w/o mom & dad?" His response was "Why would I want to do that, Mom? Pirates are ok, but I wouldn't want to dress up like one. Why waste two hours doing that when I could be spending them riding the rides I want to?"

I have to say I was disappointed to hear that. My dh and I have been trying to come up with all sorts of surprises and treats for the boys during our upcoming trip and that was a big one. He had no idea that we wanted to do the pirate cruise for them, and now that I know he really doesn't care, I don't want to waste the $30 for it. I wish I had an idea for something good to replace it with. Four months after our trip, he will turn 10 and I so wish we could get him on the Steam Train tour if it opens up by December. He loves trains with a passion and wants to be a train engineer when he gets older. He's already talking of "when I go to train school." Oh well, that will be a treat for the next trip.

Anyway, any ideas for a fun surprise for a 9 yr. old boy that isn't pirate related? I guess I'll take little brother (5) to Pirates League instead now. He loves dressing up and would have a hoot. So, I need something comparable to spread the love evenly.

 

[Aliceacc]

When my son & husband lost their Steam Engines tour, I got them tickets to Disney Quest instead.

I'm hoping they'll love it!

 

[Luv Bunnies]

It sounds like he wants to spend his time on the rides. How about adding a little more park time instead of looking for something extra?

 

[DISNEYNV]

Yes, I agree! Perhaps one of you can take your youngest for a while (to do the Pirate League, etc.) and the other take your 9 year old on the rides he wants to do! My DD (almost five on our last trip) was getting upset that she didnt get to go on the rides she wanted because we had our one year old who was a bit of a handfull. Most kids just want to "ride the rides"!!! Luckily Disney has the best to offer in that department

 

[Tweevil]

Yup, my boys are 10 and I guess I missed that window of opportunity. They are too old for it now and just want to ride the rides and swim. So, I let them do what they enjoy.

I would love to do something special but am having a hard time figuring out something that is "old enough" for my two.

Disney Quest is pretty cool we did that last time, our upcoming trip doesn't include that due to budget but we will do it again in June 2010.

 

[jen2207]

Maybe you all could do the Pirate and Pals Fireworks Voyage.

http://www.wdwinfo.com/recreation/fireworks.htm#piratespalscruise

 

[grace&philipsmom]

I would suggest the Pirates and Pals Fireworks Voyage. It is something you can do as a family, has character meet and greets and is not a waste of ride time, as it is a Voyage to see the MK Fireworks that you would likely be sitting in one spot to see. It also includes the Electric Water Parade. We are taking our kids in August (our youngest was too young for the pirate adventure).

 

[Perditamarie]

It sounds like he wants to spend his time on the rides. How about adding a little more park time instead of looking for something extra?

I agree....if you are staying onsite, consider staying up late for EMH to ride the bigger rides. Something about staying up late at WDW that is really fun!!!

 

[crisi]

Lunch at the Sci Fi usually impresses boys that age.