Pirate cruise or Pirate and Pals

[harrisb1964]

Which cruise do you recommend for an 8 year old boy? The during the day Pirate cruise or Pirate and Pals? One thing I noticed the cruise during the day is 2 hours. Would my son get bored on it? The other thing is that my son is ready for bed by. 8:30 or so. I read that Pirate and Pals doesn't sail until 8:45. How long does it last?

 

[Nettlelondon]

I can't recommend either but all if will say is that kids seem to find a whole new sleep pattern at Disney. We went with our 8 year old nephew who is always asleep by 8 at home. While there he had no trouble being up late for anything - including well past 10 for 2 MNSSHP .

 

[lizzyb]

We are doing the Pirates and Pals for the first time next month. I think it will interest my boys more than the pirate cruise.

 

[ElizabethG]

We've done both.

My kids have done the cruise four times and will be going again this summer. They love it. He won't be bored. They aren't on the ship the whole time. They make many stops where the get out and "look for treasure". For example, the GF cruise stops at all the MK resort beaches. So, the kids are always doing something.

The pirates and pals cruise was fun too. It lasts until after the fireworks are over. Then add another 30 minutes to get back to CR, dock, and meet peter pan. So, it is a pretty late evening.

Of the two, my kids prefer the pirate cruise. It is also nice for the parents to have some time to walk around. For the GF cruise, DH and I had breakfast at Kona. For BC cruise we walk around the boardwalk to the bakery.

 

[Shanna-like-Banana]

I really really recommend you look into the Pirate Bayou cruise that leaves out of Port Orleans Riverside

It was outstanding for our 6 & 8 year old boys. Plus mom and dad get a 2 hour break !

They were fantastic with all the kids. Everybody got an eye patch, head bandana, temp tattoo, pirate bead necklaces, etc.

They fitted each kid for a life jacket at the meeting point and let the parents double check their work before letting the kids line up.

There were kids of all ages and they all seemed to be having a great time.

I've seen the one leaving out of the GF, and I would say the one from the POR seemed more ....adventurous...

The parents walked along the path to one of the foot bridges, and watched the pontoon sail away.

At the end, they march the kids into the lobby, to a treasure chest full of goodies and gold doubloons , singing and cheering pirate songs, it was very fun !

 

[evedein]

What is the cost of the pirate cruise? We'll be at WDW in early December 2014 & would like for my 6 yr old grandson to experience the cruise. Do you make reservations in advance? How far in advance? I see that there are different pirate cruises. How do they differ? Which one would be best for a 6 yr old. Where can I get more info?
Thanks for any help.
Eve

 

[nugov2]

I really really recommend you look into the Pirate Bayou cruise that leaves out of Port Orleans Riverside

It was outstanding for our 6 & 8 year old boys. Plus mom and dad get a 2 hour break !

They were fantastic with all the kids. Everybody got an eye patch, head bandana, temp tattoo, pirate bead necklaces, etc.

They fitted each kid for a life jacket at the meeting point and let the parents double check their work before letting the kids line up.

There were kids of all ages and they all seemed to be having a great time.

I've seen the one leaving out of the GF, and I would say the one from the POR seemed more ....adventurous...

The parents walked along the path to one of the foot bridges, and watched the pontoon sail away.

At the end, they march the kids into the lobby, to a treasure chest full of goodies and gold doubloons , singing and cheering pirate songs, it was very fun !

My kids(6 ds and 8 dd) LOVED the pirate cruise. We also did the one from POR and had the same experience as you did.

I think we may do the pirate and pals cruise this trip just to vary it. I think either way it will be fun...but it is nice to have a little time to yourself with the pirate cruise.

 

[summerrluvv]

Never did the night one, but my kids love the day one. We stayed at YC this past week and my 7 year old did the cruise from there. She said they went to Epcot and docked and went to Canada. She LOVED it!!

 

[evedein]

Still looking for info on the pirate cruise. Cost, reservations (in advance?) & which one would be best for a 6 y/o boy. Where can I find specific info?

 

[strmtroopr96]

Still looking for info on the pirate cruise. Cost, reservations (in advance?) & which one would be best for a 6 y/o boy. Where can I find specific info?

The Bayside Marina near the Yacht Club also offers a special Albatross Treasure Cruise for children ages 4-10 -- Children will wear bandannas as they follow clues and sail to many exotic "ports of call" around Crescent Lake and Epcot looking for treasure. During the voyage, children will hear a reading of "The Legend of the Albatross." At the final port of call, children will have a snack, and will split up the "buried treasure." Held Monday, Wednesday and Friday 9:30 - 11:30 a.m. Children must be potty trained -- no pull-ups. Price is $30 plus tax per child. Reservations are recommended. A credit card guarantee is required, and there is a 24-hour cancellation policy. Call 407-WDW-PLAY.

Port Orleans Riverside offers the Bayou Pirate Cruise (formerly Sassagoula River Adventure Cruise). Little landlubbers (ages 4 to 12) can hunt for treasure on the "high seas" of Walt Disney World Resort. From the Port Orleans Marina you set sail on a discovery voyage, learn about a fearsome New Orleans pirate, enjoy a tasty snack and find treasure at every port. Requires advanced reservations. The cruise is held Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. for children ages 4-12. Cost is $36.21 tax included per child. Call 407-WDW-PLAY to make reservations. NOTE: Disney Vacation Club members are eligible for a discounted price of $32.59 per child (tax included).

Grand Floridian offers the Captain's Shipyard Cruise. Little landlubbers (ages 4 to 12) can go on a two-hour hunt for treasure and adventure on the high seas of Disney's Seven Seas Lagoon and Bay Lake located at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort. Eat a hearty lunch. Requires advanced reservations. Cost is $36.21 tax included per child. Call 407-WDW-PLAY to make reservations.

Island of the Caribbean Pirate Adventure - For children ages 4-10 (must be potty trained) -- young adventurers, wearing pirate bandannas, will board a boat to sail the Ports of the Caribbean, just like Captain Jack! They will be told the story of Old Port Royale and of the pirates that used to sail the waters. They will find props and signs leading to treasure. Once they recover the treasure, they will sail to Fort Cay and trade for some grub (snack). When they return to Old Port Royale, they will unlock the treasure chest and bounty will be shared by all. As of 1/14/07, operates Sundays, as well as Tuesdays from 9:30 - 11:30 a.m. $28.17 per child pus tax. Call 407-WDW-DINE for information on the resort marina at 407-934-2850.