pirate cruise

[rebelmom]

Can anyone give me any info on the pirate cruise? My DS is 10 and my DD is 5, we are going the first week of August. I was looking for some input on this. Fun? Worth the money?

 

[pooh2001]

My DS - then age 10 and DD then age 6 did the
Pirate Cruise last year (June).

Nice Day. Great pictures of the kids.

Pros - kids get lunch (PB &J, juice pack, gummy worms)
They wear life vests - all ages - have sizes available
from xxs child to xxl adult.
They get a goody bag of pirate loot at the end.
They keep the red bandana's they wear on thier
voyage. The boat starts at GF and tours the beaches
of WL, Poly and CR, then back to the GF.
Lasts about 2 hours (come back at least 15 mins
before it ends). All kids have ID wrist bands.
All adults MUST show ID to pick up the child - even
if the child identifies you as the parent. The Adult
who signs in the child to the prirate cruise, MUST
be there with ID to sign the child out.
No exceptions. No lost children. Safety first.
Boat is a pontoon boat which sits about 20.
Two CM's are on the boat with the children.
The children hunt for 'treasure'.

Con's - my DS wnated to see real treasure,
really dig it up, and see a real snake.
He liked the boat ride - but found it to be childish.
But he did keep my DD company.
Good big brother.
PS- he accepted the goody bag with no problem - LOL.


My DD LOVED the Pirate Cruise.
She thoight the adventure was cool.


So - if your DS is willing to keep your DD company
(they buddy up on the cruise)
and he is not looking for a realistic Pirate treasure,
they he will not get bored.


Benefit - you and your husband can eat at one of
the GF restaurants for a quiet late breakfast -
without the kids

We at at the GF cafe. Wonderful service and food.
Good coffee.

Don't get me wrong - the Pirate Cruise is fun for kids
and does sell out fast. But if your DS is a mature
10 year old with real expectations, looking for a
Pirate adventure, he'll be bored.

If your DS will keep your DD company, and
enjoys a fun boat ride and given time
away from the parents, he'll like it.

I hope it helps and I did not confuse you

 

[rebelmom]

Thanks for the advice, I really appreciate your help.

 

[>>^..^<<]

Hi,

I have to agree with Pooh2001, my daughter was 8 and was one of the oldest kids on the cruise that day.

Most of the kids were 4/5 yrs old and were really cute in their pirate bandanas.... also much separation anxiety and tantrums on the dock - one little boy was hysterical and "Did not want to be a pirate" he missed the boat - refused to go without Mom.

My daughter had a great time, she was paired with a cute little girl who was 7, she also said it was more for the little kids and she just went with the flow.

I have some photos of the cruise on my website link below...

>>^..^<<

 

[jamsmom]

My son was 10 when he went and he LOVED it. But, there seemed to be many 7+ kids with him. He is also ADHD and tends be be more immature than others his age. No flames, just a statement of truth.

 

[Millipore]

My DS (4) just did the Pirate Cruise (May 12th). It was his first time away from us with complete strangers. No Problems.

About 2 minutes after he was off the boat he asked to do it again so I guess he liked it!!!

 

[nativetxn]

I'm going to move this over to our resorts board for you.

 

[Janet2k]

Rebelmom, my daughter, niece & nephew all had a ball on the Pirate's Cruise. I have some photos of it posted in an on-line photo album: click here for Pirate's Cruise photos.

From the official WDW website (click here to go to it):
- - - - - - -
Name: Pirate Cruise

Location: Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa

Description: Offers children ages 3-10 a pirate adventure, complete with bandanas, following clues and searching Bay Lake and the Seven Seas Lagoon for buried treasure. Two cast members, including a lifeguard, accompany the group. $24.95 per child, includes PB&J lunch with Gummy Bears, Rice Krispy treats and fruit punch box. Children must be potty trained, no pull-ups. Must cancel 24 hours in advance or pay full price.

Hours: Monday and Thursday 10 a.m. till noon

Information: (407) WDW-DINE (939-3463)†.
- - - - - - -

 

[rebelmom]

Thank you for all the excellent info. I am sure my kids will love it.

 

[Donnainnj]

My DD's 6 and 10 just went on the pirate cruise in April. they both really enjoyed it. They ended up pairing up with kids about their own age before they left the dock. The 10 year old continued to wear the bandana the rest of the day. They even both liked the PB&J (Crustless) that they said they wouldn't eat unless it was on Potato bread like I make it. We were able to check in at CSR while they were there, even able to get into the room and unpack, worked out great.

 

[behappy]

We just got back from WDW last night...DD (10) and DS (6) went on the Pirate Cruise for the 2nd time (1st time was 12/02). This time around DD was the oldest by far and didn't really enjoy it as much since the 'script' was the same. This cruise had lots of younger kids (to be expected in mid-May). We also noticed they have changed the bandanna and now have 'pre-made' pirate headgear replete with mouse-ears!

We probably won't do it again, but, the kids loved it the first time around!

 

[MLbooks]

Janet2K - I love the pictures from the pirate cruise. Was asking my friend Kathy about the pirate cruise for our two boys, 6 and 7, since I know her kids went on it. So I checked out your pictures when I saw this link on the board. Don't you know - Kathy's two kids are in YOUR pictures? In one of the last pictures (titled Just Look..) the red-headed girl is Heather and her brother Kevin is next to her. Kathy and her husband Scott got such a kick out of seeing their kids in your pictures. I want to show my own boys, but the pirate cruise is going to be a surprise, so that will have to wait.

Don't you know - It's a Small World After All!!!



Mary in CT

 

[Janet2k]

MLbooks, welcome to the Dis! That is too funny that your friend's children are amongst the motley crew in my photos. Like you said, it's a small world after all! My daughter has been attending the cruise (and tea party & cooking class) for quite a few years now. She just loves "Drew" and the other CM's who are involved with the GF's children's programs. She wouldn't miss any of those programs for the World (I wish I could attend 'em, too).

Behappy, my daughter will be attending the Pirates Cruise this Fall. I look forward to seeing the new pirate headgear. I will be sure to get a photo of it to add to my on-line photo album.

 

[tammydel]

Just another thought for any parents whose children are sailing on the Pirate Cruise.

Under the heading of what to do while the kids are on the cruise:

SPA

Go for a short treatment so you'll be back in plenty of time.