Taking a toddler on Illuminations Cruise???

[MsSpinShady]

Please help me. We have booked an Illuminations Cruise for our upcoming trip, and now I am nervous about taking the younger kids out on the boat (the two youngest will be a 4 year-old and a 15 month-old).

Has anyone ever taken a toddler? Our youngest daughter will be 15 months when we go, and I'm wondering how safe the boats are for small children.

I believe all the kids will get life jackets (which we'll make sure they use!), but do you think it would be a bad idea to get one of those harness things also? I wouldn't use it in the parks, just on the boat.

Please share any thoughts and experiences with this. Thanks!!!

A worried MsSpinShady

 

[mrford]

I don't have much experience with the toddlers on the Illuminations cruise. My youngest was 10 when he went. I just wanted to tell you to bring warm clothes for the kids. We went in late March and it was very nippy on the water and none of us had brought jackets. Hope someone answers you 1st question though.

 

[ILoveWDW2003]

We had a 1 year old with us on our Wishes cruise in early November 2003, and the smallest lifejacket was quite large on him, although it was still a safe fit.

He sat with us during the ride, and fell asleep before the fireworks.

The boats are very safe. I second the motion to bring a jacket or sweatshirt.

 

[Hieatt]

We have done it with a toddler and an infant (and 3 and 5 year olds)... it's a blast. I wouldn't hesitate.

 

[MsSpinShady]

Thank you all for your responses! I feel much calmer now.

I know the older ones (15, 12 and 4) will really enjoy it, I just had a moment of panic about taking the baby on a boat

Great tip on the jackets, mrford, thanks!

MsSpinShady

 

[Kala]

We took my 2 year old niece with us last November and she LOVED it. The vest they gave her fit her safely, if just a little big, and we felt quite safe on the boat. I'm sure they will be fine as long as they just sit with one of you while the boat is moving. Our captain even played a game with my niece just before the show started by telling her to blow really hard when he told her to so she could "blow out the candles" (the torches around the lagoon). He told her just in time and she successfully "blew out the candles" which she still talks about whenever she hears our Illuminations CD!

 

[Barbday62]

We took our 2 year 11 month old grandaughter and 6 month old grandson last summer. It was fun. They both had on a life vest. We have a really cuite picture of that. They had to keep it on all the time which the baby hated!! It was hot and muggy so I dont blame him. My grandaughtre got to drive the boat which was a highlight for all of us especially her and me. She is not a wonderer and sat mostly on our laps except when she was driving. I wouldnt let a little one run around because it is a boat.