Pirate Cruise at the Poly

[glencoe]

I had heard something on this post awhile back about a Pirate Cruise, I think going out of the poly. Has anyone ever heard of such a thing? Where does it leave from and what is it, my boys would love something like that. thanks!

90'GF honeymoon
98 off site (mistake)
00'off site (yeah I did it again)
02' a little closer-disney/best western-horrible
05' Poly and can't wait!!! 5 weeks,2 days to go

 

[Jalva22]

It's out of the Grand Floridian. Don't know many other details though.

 

[glencoe]

Ok so the GF? that at least narrows my search. I hope someone can give me the REAL info on it. I hate wasting time doing a flop type thing when time is precious there! thanks

 

[3Mousketeers]

My boys did the pirate cruise last april. They were 4 and almost 6. The both loved it! I highly recommed it if you have the time. They take the kids all around the lagoon on a pontoon boat searching for clues on a treasure map to find the missing treasure. They stop somewhere (the boys were a little sketchy on this part) to look for clues. They give the kids pirate bandannas (Mickey style w/ ears) and feed them a box lunch (I think they had PBJ, rice krispie treat, juice). They each get to leave with their very own box of "treasure" with fake jewels and other assorted party favor type goodies. The CM's were very friendly and organized and it seemed very well run. You put a life vest on your child yourself so you can be assured it fits right (and they all assorted sizes depending on the size of the kid). I felt the boys were definitely safe. They were pretty much an equal number of boys and girls and varied ages. I think it goes up to 10 (but I wouldn't think a 10 yr old would be too thrilled with it). The best part was my husband and I had a lovely brunch at the GL while the boys were gone. I think it was about 2 hours (10-12??). I think the program has gotten pretty popular so I'd definitely recommend calling WDW Dine for a reservation in advance of your trip. I liked the program so much that when my DD is a little older I'm going to look into the Alice in Wonderland Tea Party they have. Hope this helps.

 

[3Mousketeers]

I just realized by your post that you need the basic logistical info - It leaves from the GF marina (at about 10:00 when we did it) but you need to arrive about 15 min early). Make reservations by called WDW Dine like you would for a priority seating. When you arrive at the GF just tell them you're there for the pirate cruise and they give you a parking pass (if you're driving). I think I mentioned we made a PS for ourselves for the same time. I don't think you have to stay on site but I wanted to and its only 2 hours anyway. If you have more questions, let me know.

 

[glencoe]

thanks, it sounds so cute, my 5 yr old had a pirate party this past summer and we do letterboxing all the time which is just like a treasure hunt so it will probably be right up his alley. Do you think my 9 yr old would like it, or should we just put him in a mouse boat!? thanks

 

[PolyHereWeCome]

It's called "Pirate Treasure Hunt Cruise" and offered by GF.

When I checked on it a few months ago, it was offered Mon. and Thur. 9:30-noon and includes lunch. Price is $30/child, children ages 4-10. You can go to Grand Floridian's webpage for more details.

 

[3Mousketeers]

My older son who is almost 7 now is still really into pirates and is asking to go on the cruise the next time we go to WDW. I guess it depends on the interests of your 9 yr old. I seem to remember there being older kids on the cruise. I would think they would follow a treasure map better than a 4 or 5 yr old so maybe they would just be more into that part of it. My 4 yr old had no idea about the finding clues part and just thought the boat ride was cool. The best part for you would be some alone time if you could get them both on the cruise! I'd explain it to your 9 yr old and make sure he understands they will be some little kids on the cruise too.

 

[glencoe]

It sounds great but my built in day of hanging at the hotel was Wed!! It figures. I will call anyway maybe they changed the days or something. Can't hurt to call!

 

[cindy21494]

glencoe, we have the pirate cruise booked for our two DD's for Wednesday, Feb 2nd. You shouldn't have a problem booking for a Wednesday. I would do it soon though, I heard that they get booked up. If you are looking for something to do while your DS's are on the cruise, you could always book a spa treatment for yourself. Me and DH are getting a couples massage while we wait.

 

[glencoe]

The massages sound great but I will still have my 2 yr old, maybe we'll grab lunch or do some shopping! Iwill check into it! thanks!

 

[jillhou]

The mouse boats are fun - my kids love them, but you have to ahve a driver's license to drive it. My kids don't enjoy it as much if they cannot drive. This last time, my 10 yr old rode with his 16 yr brother for about 15 minutes....then was tired of it since he didn't get to drive....