Pirate Adventure

[hobie]

I am looking for reviews on the Pirate Adventure cruise that is offered for kids and departs from the Grand Floridian. Is it worth it? Do the kids have a good time? My 6 year old is a pirate fan (Capt. Hook being his favorite) and this sounded like something he might enjoy. Any info would be greatly appreciated.

 

[LoriZH]

Sorry I have been working on my trip report and I did mean to post this review here...

My twin sons (6) went on October 27th and the verdict was that they absolutely LOVED it!

This was well worth the $60 I paid, they had so much fun! They were given bandana's with their names on them to look like pirates then they shoved off on a boat with the crew. The boat looked like a shuttle boat not a pirate ship, that had rope netting draped along the sides and a Pirate Flag on the (darn I have no boat experience to speak off, so I will just call it the back of the boat). They went to three different places on an excursion, from what I gathered, one of the CM's tries to steal the map or treasure so they leave her/him on one of the islands. They go exploring and they just have a lot of fun doing it. They are given a bag lunch of peanut butter and jelly, I don't believe they have any alternatives whatsoever, and they do get a bag of booty when they exit the boat, small trinkets like a compass, and a telescope, rings, etc.. This is the treasure they find on one of the islands. If you can book it, do so! My kids really did have a great time.

If you have any other questions, please let me know.

 

[kashkdz]

We just returned a few weeks ago and my 3 kids (9 y/o DS, 6 y/o DD, and 4 y/o DS) went on the Pirate Cruise. We were fortunate enough to book the cruise for the kids, and I know even weeks before our trip the kids were so excited about the Pirate Cruise. The kids went on a pontoon boat at the Grand Floridian (I think they allow 24 kids total with 2 cast members), and just as LoriZH mentioned it is drapped with netting and has a pirate flag waving in the back. Without getting into too much detail, the kids are given a pirate bandana and go in search of buried treasure to the different islands (other hotel ports) in the Seven Seas lagoon. Defintely worth the money; the kids were so excited getting off the boat with their buried treasure and had so many stories. And the best part yet, mom and dad get a few hours break to walk around or eat lunch at the Grand Floridian !

One of the more memorable moments of our vacation.

 

[hobie]

Thanks for the feedback. Just got off the phone with PS and was able to make reservations for the only day that we would be there that they offered the cruise. Even better luck was getting the last 3 spots for mine 5, 6, and 9 year olds.

Glad to hear that even the older kids have a good time.

Any suggestions for a good place to go without kids for 2 hours???

 

[kashkdz]

That's awesome news. Your kids will have a great time. They do pair off each of the children, and my 9 y/o son was in charge of my 4 y/o son. My daughter quickly found another girl, and they sat together as partners.

I can't really tell you the "best" place to go for two hours since the two hours does go by quickly. But, my wife and I walked around the grounds of the hotel for a while, it was such a nice day and it was very peaceful and quiet. Checked out the hotel lobby, and some of the stores inside. Bought some stuff in the gift shop. We also had breakfast/lunch right there not far from the dock, (I can't remember the name of the restaurant--but you can't miss it). It was just nice to sit and relax for a little while, and to have little something to eat without having to keep the kids in check (I'm sure with 3 you know what I mean).

Definitely bring your camera or camcorder.

Enjoy your trip.

 

[bmr12]

My little pirate also enjoyed it (age 5). She couldn't tell us much about what went on, other than "I found the map piece at the Compemptorary Resort" Since she told us this every time she saw the Contemporary for the rest of the trip, I took it to mean she was still happy & excited about it. It gave Mom and Dad a chance to zip over to the Magic Kingdom and hit a couple adult rides and zip back.

Like everything else at Disney, they do have it down to a science. They told us to show up at 9:15, and that's when they opened the window at the Marina for check-in. They pulled out at 9:45 and pulled back in at exactly 11:30.

 

[CheapMom]

Are my kids (7&8) too old for this?

 

[wwithers]

Originally posted by LoriZH
They are given a bag lunch of peanut butter and jelly, I don't believe they have any alternatives whatsoever,

My daughter has not done this yet (I made a reservation for her for our May trip) but you can order an alternative meal. I'm sorry that I don't have the phone number to do it, but if you call 407-WDW-DINE and tell them you need to make a special dietary request for the Pirate Adventure, they'll give you the phone number of the chef at the GF, who will try to accomodate your kid's dietary needs (my daughter's allergic to PB).

 

[donnajon]

CheapMom, you're kids are not too old. It's for ages 4 - 10. My DS7 and DD4 are going May 24. I'm sending them with a disposable camera so I can have pictures (I hope) since I can't come along.

 

[storybookmum]

Originally posted by bmr12
It gave Mom and Dad a chance to zip over to the Magic Kingdom and hit a couple adult rides and zip back.

Ah-hah! Someone DOES do this! That's what DH wants to do...I'm sorely tempted but a little nervous about getting there and back in time. He just wanted to do some Main Street stuff.

Anyone else take off for a quick trip to MK?

LOVE the idea of a disposable camera, too! Great thinking, I'll be sure to tuck one of those along with her!!

Kris

 

[harris2x2]

I just reserved a space on January 3rd for my DD7 and DS7. I think I'm too scared to take off to MK, with my luck we wouldn't make it back in time! I think we're going to try hopping around to the Polynesian or Fort Wilderness, just for a look and maybe some late breakfast.

Definitely doing the disposable cameras, too!

 

[loriandmatt]

just a note about how very much worth the money the pirate cruise is.....

my DS did this (thanks to info i got off these boards) almost 5 years ago and still talks about it. he is too old now (and perceives himself as too cool) but he remembers it fondly.

- lori

 

[dolphindan1]

Are they well chaperoned....my youngest just turned 4 and I know my wife will be nervous about leaving them my oldest is 8....will they be ok

 

[loriandmatt]

yes - at least two adult CM's were on the cruise when my son partisipated.