Renting little boats... better at Poly or Contempary

[Markstudy]

We want to rent those little two people motor boats.

I want to explore the lake and see something interesting (didn't bother at Beach Club's tiny lake).

Do they let you take the boats out and run around...or do you have to stay just in front of the resort?

We're booked for the Poly, but we could go over to Grand Floridan or Contemporary... if anyone offers a better boating experience?

Thanks

 

[LowesChevy]

Well all of the times I have done the sprites at the Poly, you could go over all over behind the CR to Bay Lake. There are security boats buzzing around keeping you from going near the ferries or their docks to guide you a bit. Overall it is pretty darn fun, but be aware of the bigger boats .

 

[Dis-Wiz]

I think the marinas are pretty much the same between the GF, Poly and CR. The only difference I could see with them is if one is larger than the others (makes for an easier return), but I'm not sure on the different sizes.

You can motor yourself all over Seven Seas Lagoon and Bay Lake. There are only a couple restricted areas: directly in front of the MK (where the bigger boats load) and where the parasailing takes place.

I suggest to go by the old water park, River Country. It's still there, right next to the Seven Seas Lagoon (or Bay Lake, can't remember it's exact location).

The Sea Raycers are definitely a 'must-do' for us when we go to WDW. They're fun, relaxing, and a good way to cool off in the summer months.

 

[TSWJan78]

I would say it does not matter.... the area you can explore and the cost are the same at CR, Poly, GF & WL along witht he boats you rent so go with which ever is more convient for you

 

[twoeeyy]

we rented 2 of them this past Oct. This coming Oct we will rent 3 of them, this trip our DD 15 wants to drive one herself.

We rented from the Poly, it was lots of fun, we even got to see a gator .

 

[Markstudy]

Thanks for all the helpful info

Do you make reservations in advance? Or is it first-come first-serve?

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

Do you make reservations in advance? Or is it first-come first-serve?

Here is a link to the information about renting boats at the Contemporary, since I could not find a page with info about renting at the Polynesian. http://www.wdwinfo.com/recreation/parasail.htm

 

[Kimberle]

Thanks for all the helpful info

Do you make reservations in advance? Or is it first-come first-serve?

You shouldn't have any problems getting a boat. There are plenty.

Enjoy! Don't forget to go over by River Country and the old Discovery Island. You can't stop, but it makes a nice view.

 

[NeverlandPixie]

Is there anywhere you can take the sprites and stop? Can you rent at Poly, dock at CR and walk around and then return to the Poly?

 

[Kimberle]

Is there anywhere you can take the sprites and stop? Can you rent at Poly, dock at CR and walk around and then return to the Poly?

I don't think you'd want to do that. They are fairly expensive to rent. I wouldn't waste my time at a dock.

 

[unicorn1]

I prefer Poly to CR, though both are fun. I find Seven Seas Lagoon a little smoother than Bay Lake, and it's more interesting to cruise around the resorts & MK than Bay Lake. You can go back and forth between the 2 but you lose time poking through the no-wake zone at the water bridge. You're allowed to go in the ferry crossing area in front of MK - just use comon sense and give them room and cross behind them rather than in front. The boats are a lot of fun.

 

[Dis-Wiz]

Is there anywhere you can take the sprites and stop? Can you rent at Poly, dock at CR and walk around and then return to the Poly?

I don't think you can pick up a boat at one dock and drop it off at another. I am pretty sure they keep something at the marina (such as a license or a room key), and I think there is something you have to sign that says you brought the boat back. I don't know the details too much, but I'm pretty sure that you can only depart and dock at the same marina.

 

[Endeavour105]

I don't think you can pick up a boat at one dock and drop it off at another. I am pretty sure they keep something at the marina (such as a license or a room key), and I think there is something you have to sign that says you brought the boat back. I don't know the details too much, but I'm pretty sure that you can only depart and dock at the same marina.

Correct.

 

[LSchrow]

LOVE the watermice!!
we actually prefer the poly marina, perfect if you're staying there
just wanted to suggest getting there early (around opening time). there are more boats available (in early afternoon, we've had to wait quite a while for 1 to be rtn'ed), & the best thing is having much of the water to yourself it's fun picking up a little speed without worrying about hitting another watermouse or ferry & knowing your wake won't bother anyone (as PP said, just be aware of the "no wake" zones). btw, expect the craft to be slower/lower with 2 adults (b/c of the weight) ~ we wound up always renting our own b/c of that.
& it is so peaceful in the AM, cruising about the water with no one else around....