Pirate Cruise..Why can't I come???

[DisneyMomx7]

Water sprites....hmm there is an idea, maybe I can just chase the boat around.......

If you feel the need to chase the boat around I think it's probably better if you don't send him. FIrst of all , just like at school, kids are usually better once they get going than when Mom keeps waving and giving the impression she's worried that they are leaving her. Second, it sounds like your issues about him going are going to have you feel ill at ease the whole time. Really, though, most kids have a ball and the women who run this have been there a long time. I know the one lady was running the WOnderland Tea Party in 2003 and she's still doing the Pirate Cruise now.

 

[crisi]

My kids went and had a great time, but my kids are daycare kids, so I'm very comfortable with letting professionals care for them. There are three CMs on the boat, and I think it would be amazing for them all to be in cohoots on something as terrible as child abuse. I would think the only "danger" point might be a potty break - I'm not sure if they'd troop all fifteen kids and three CMs off the the restrooms - though they may do just that.

The three women we had running it - two were middle age (one on the "more to retirement age) and one was younger - in her twenties. Not the profile for child molesters.

I do wonder - do you send your kids off to playdates with friends? There comes a time in every child's life where you need to let go a little bit (or be one of those mother-in-laws who books the same vacation destination as her "baby's" honeymoon - "gee, we had no idea you'd be in Jamiaca right after the wedding"). However, a pontoon boat in WDW at the age of four may not be the first place to start - both for your sake and his.

 

[crisi]

Oh, and you can't come because they don't want "unknown" adults on the cruise with other people's kids. Imagine if you were the child molester. They can run checks on their own staff. I feel comfortable sending my kids with trained, background checked Disney CMs. I don't feel comfortable sending my kids off on a boat with unknown non-professional adults.

 

[HALEYSMOMMOM]

GymboMom, I'm right there with you on those concerns. I wouldn't let my 5 yr old do it. And yes, I'm very protective. I'm having trouble letting her go on a preschool field trip by herself. I can't go because I have a 2yr old who isn't allowed to attend, and I can't leave him with anyone.

And yes, she's very independant and well rounded So I believe I'm doing something right. I suggest waiting until he's older.

 

[MOMTOMOOTOO]

My 2 girls did this in November, and I had no concerns. They have been doing different activities for quite a few years, and we finally were able to get this one in. I am very comfortable with leaving my kids in the hands of Disney employees, they all wore life vests and there was enough supervision. That being said, one mother DID go on the boat with the kids. Maybe the child had a hidden diability because there was no physical one as far as I could see.

If you are not comfortable, then don't let them go, but I wouldn't follow them on a water sprite. Seems wrong.

 

[pirateofthecarolinas]

Were the CMs: Naomi, Bobbi and Susan? I believe Bobbi is the older CM. They have done the children's activities at the GF for a while now. I had no qualms leaving my children in these wonderful ladies' hands.

Lori

 

[crisi]

Those were the three when we went (October 2003).

 

[DisneyMomx7]

They were the same three in 2004 also. Really - if you can't feel safe at Disney where can you feel safe.

 

[HALEYSMOMMOM]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe she was just kidding about the water sprites......

 

[Gymbomom]

Yes, I was kidding.....
Can you actually see me chasing around the boat?
Thanks Haleysmom for understanding my humor.

Again, I really appreciate all of your comments, especially the ones who took time to anwser my specific questions.
I do not feel bad at all for being protective of my children. And, I do not have a false sense of security anywhere, not church, disney, extended family.
I am going to opt not to do this this time. I think he would get on the boat with dd, but I would worry too much. It would probably be fine, but I think I will wait. I don't like the idea of him on the beach, even supervised.
Yes, I think he will get the biggest kick out of POTC ride and its shop. I plan on spending time there for sure!!
Again thank you everyone!!

 

[Julia M]

Are my fears unfounded? Are there enough people on the "trip" to watch out for all of them? Any chance of them being taken anywhere by themselves?

I know ya'll are shaking your heads at the over protective mother..........

Well, yes, I do believe your fears are unfounded.

On the other hand, if you're not comfortable with it, don't let him go. No biggie.

If he is into Pirates, make sure you stop at the store near Pirates of the Carribbean.....he'll really like it

Julia

 

[HALEYSMOMMOM]

I do not feel bad at all for being protective of my children. And, I do not have a false sense of security anywhere, not church, disney, extended family.
I am going to opt not to do this this time. I think he would get on the boat with dd, but I would worry too much. It would probably be fine, but I think I will wait. I don't like the idea of him on the beach, even supervised.
Yes, I think he will get the biggest kick out of POTC ride and its shop. I plan on spending time there for sure!!
Again thank you everyone!!

I think you've made a good decision for you-and for what its worth its also what I would have decided.

I also wanted to let you know that I don't have a false sense of security anywhere, church and extended family included, also. As sad as that is, I feel its the way it must be...

Anyway, have a great time! You can get pirate souveniers (sp?) really cheap at the POTC gift shop. I believe its one of the most reasonable places on property. We got a pirate sword for $3 or so and a hat for $5. Our kids really love them! Have fun!!

 

[momsully]

I have a friend who is a CM in the health and safety department at Disney and everyone gets thourough background checks. My oldest DS did this last year 2 weeks before his 5th birthday. They paired him up with a buddy as he was doing the cruise alone. He had a great time and came back singing and smiling. He can't wait to do it again but we are waiting until 2nd DS is 4 in the fall.

Also, this has not been mentioned but they get peanut butter and jelly in their snack. My son has a food allergy and we requested a special meal (cheese sandwich). This was noted on the reservation and when we checked in he was given a special wristband and I talked to the CM about it.

Definately do what you are comfortable with but it is really safe and alot of fun!