Pirate Cruise

[kmk160]

We'll be heading back to Disney this August and my ds will be 4 1/2 at the time.
He got wind that there is a pirate cruise and has been asking me so nicely if he can go.
I dont mind sending him, but for those of you who have had your kids go, is 4 1/2 too young and is it an enjoyable time?
He has no problems when it comes to being w/o me or my husband for a few hours. Any thoughts?
Thanks in advance!!

 

[Oceana]

My DS has not been on the cruise yet but I do plan to send him when we go next October... he will be 4 in June.

Disney states the age to go is 4... and I assume they know what they are doing
julie

 

[DisneyMomx7]

The first time my ds went he had just turned 4. They usually pair the smaller kids up with an older kid "buddy". Ds had such as a wonderful time they he doest it every year! This July will be his 4th Pirate Cruise!

 

[crisi]

4-6 is the perfect age. My kids went at 4 and 5 and loved it - and again at 6 and 7 and didn't enjoy it nearly as much.

Note that, although there are several cruises now to choose from, availability is limited - you want to call now because they've been booking this for several months.

 

[bethnburke]

How do these work? We are going this summer and DS (6) LOVES pirates! What do they do?

thanks
Beth

 

[alloyd1170]

Our ds 5 just did the Grand Floridian pirate cruise last month. We didnt tell him about it until the other kids talked about it while waiting to check in. Our son has never gotten upset when we left him, but he did get upet that time. He didnt want me to leave him (it wasnt fear of boating since we boat all the time). We talked to him, and the CMs did as well. They were great-they even introduced him to another boy his age. In a matter of minutes he was fine, and forgot all about us. He had such a great time that he wants to do it again in Sept. We didnt get too many detail as its a secret as to where all they go. I do know that whenever they passed another boat they had to say Arrr. They stopped at a few places looking for pieces/clues to the map, then eventually they found the buried treasure. The kids were given lunch, and some loot of their own to take home. They also got special Mickey ears bandanas that cant be gotten anywhere else (at POTC they sold similar ones, but not the same). It was 2 hours long so we had a nice long breakfast and shopped while he was gone. One mom ran over to MK to do some shopping.

alison

 

[dddisrunner]

My 2 DS ages 7&5 will be going for the first time in April. We chose the Albatross cruise that leaves from the Yacht club marina. They have never been before and we are keeping it a surprise as well. I was told by the CM at CRO that each child is given a life vest and the parents are given beepers in case they need to get in touch with us.

 

[java]

We are doing the pirate cruise in April. 4 year old with his 9 year old sister just in case... I'll let you know how it goes.

 

[Oceana]

OK as I am about to book a cruise for next fall

which cruise would you suggest is the one to go on?

julie

 

[dddisrunner]

There are 3 different cruises, the one from the Grand Floridian, the Caribbean Beach Resort and the one from the Yacht/Beach Club. They are all very similar and do just about the same thing. They are all 2 hours 9:30-11:30. The only big difference is the days that there available. The most popular one is GF only because I believe it is the one the most people know about. Otherwise they all get the same thing for lunch (uncrustable, juice and a snack) and they all cost the same too about $30. I really only see the days the cruise is offered as the major difference.

 

[Oceana]

what about a picky eater? He doesnt eat uncrustables... hum....

 

[LuvOrlando]

I think the Pirate Cruise was an awsome experience for my kids. We did it 2 times and both times it was a hit.

I think 4 is a fine age since most of the kids are on the young side. If you have a picky eater on your hands ask that a note be made with the reservation, maybe along with a request for something available from the Floridian's cafeteria like nuggets or pizza. I'm sure you can work it out as long as you do it ahead of time. Maybe you could even bring him nuggets in a bag to eat when they are ready?

Have fun

 

[frndofpooh]

We did the Albatross cruise with our 5 and 9 year old sons this past December. They both really liked it - the 5 year old especially. The 9 year old was probably a bit old for it, but he fell into the role of being his brother's chaperone very easily. They got to look all over the World Showcase for clues and find the treasure at the conclusion of the cruise. The CM's were great! Your son will love it.

 

[mjrich73]

I think the Pirate Cruise was an awsome experience for my kids. We did it 2 times and both times it was a hit.

I think 4 is a fine age since most of the kids are on the young side. If you have a picky eater on your hands ask that a note be made with the reservation, maybe along with a request for something available from the Floridian's cafeteria like nuggets or pizza. I'm sure you can work it out as long as you do it ahead of time. Maybe you could even bring him nuggets in a bag to eat when they are ready?

Have fun

My daughter was supposed to go with my son, but won't be going due to not being able to have lunch with everyone.

 

[bethnburke]

I just signed DS up. He is going to be so excited (its going to be a surprise)! I cant wait!

Thanks
Beth

 

[kimmac1]

i have never heard of this cruise. i think both my boys would love it. we are a little scared about leaving them though.
does anyone know where we can find out about which days the cruises are available? we are staying at the swan, so the yacht club cruise would be the most convenient.
should we keep it a surprise? what if they just don't want to go once we tell them about it?

 

[LJRJR]

I booked the cruise last week for my two children for May. I called the main number for Disney 1800WDISNEY (where you would make your resort reservations) and when the option for Disney Dining came on I selected that. The cast member was able to book the cruise and they can look up all the different days and locations they are available. I had to call a few times looking for a cancellation, all cruises were booked (and all the different times)for the week we were going to be there, I called everday until I found an opening. You need to leave your credit card number as a guarantee ($30.00 per child), however I dont believe they charge your card until the day of the cruise, and they will also charge your card if you dont show up. If you need to cancel you can do so but it has to be atleast 24 hours before the cruise departs. It sounds like it will be fun!

 

[CastleCreations]

Hi, We did the pirate cruise in January. It was a lot of fun for the girls who are 4 and 5. Our's wasn't a pirate cruise though, it was like a treasure hunt. They left on a boat from PO Riverside and went to Downtown Disney and looked for clues. We did however pack lunches for the girls. They don't eat crustables either and I didn't want them to feel left out. They came back with some cute hats and tons of goodies and I got 2 hours to myself..

 

[LuvOrlando]

My daughter was supposed to go with my son, but won't be going due to not being able to have lunch with everyone.

Did the Pirate Cruise staff tell you that or the dining reservations CM's? If it were me I'd call the Floridian and ask to speak to the Pirate Cruise Staff themselves, they might only be availible right before the cruise. I'd be very suprised if they refuse to accomodate you since every restaurant in WDW will make modifications if someone asks in advance. If they won't buy different stuff for you maybe they would allow you to bring your own alternative?

 

[kimmac1]

i got one reservation out of GF for the pirate cruise. i guess i will keep calling back for a second hoping for a cancellation.
do they have a real looking pirate ship or is it a pontoon boat like i have seen in some other pics?