Water mice at the Poly

[SnowWitch]

It has been a few years since we have rented these and my memory is failing me.

1. Cost?
2. Min age of driver?

Thanks

 

[PolyHereWeCome]

It has been a few years since we have rented these and my memory is failing me.

1. Cost?
2. Min age of driver?

Thanks

DH asked about them when we were at the Poly. in March. He thinks it was $25/half hr., but I recall him telling me something like $20/half hr. or $30/hr. They only seat 2, so we also asked about the larger pontoon boats. Don't know about age of driver, but hope any boat with a motor requires a driver's license (sorry, flame away).

 

[SeaSpray]

Don't know about age of driver, but hope any boat with a motor requires a driver's license (sorry, flame away).

Don't apologize! When we stayed at the Grand Floridian in 2001, DS17 was 13 years old, and at that time, allowed to drive a water mouse. I have to tell you, even though he did a fine job, I just think that age was too young to be out on the water with a relatively fast boat, among other boats. I drove one too, and I couldn't enjoy myself because I was too worried about him. I think the minimum age at that time was 12, so I thought it'd be fine since he was 13.

Since then they've supposedly gotten newer, faster, water mice, and they've raised the driving age to, I believe 18 or 17 with a driver's license. I just checked my new Passporter and it still says age 12 to be a "pilot" but I know that is incorrect. However, some of the resorts DO still have the older, slower ones, and they MAY still have the age at 12. I know for a fact that at the Polynesian, and probably all of the MK resorts, the age is higher now.

Which resort are you staying at??

 

[Ilovestitch]

I want to rent this on my trip in May. They look fun but does anyone worry about getting in the way of a big boat or getting in the wake of a boat and capsizing?

 

[Brander]

It's my understanding that to drive the water mice alone, you must have a driver's licence. Last year, my then 13 year old son was the driver, but I had to go along as his passenger. The minimum age to be an accompanied driver is 12.

 

[nwdisgal]

Yep, just did this. The minimum age to be an accompanied driver is 12. Also, there is a minumum height requirement of 5' to be a driver.

 

[DawnCt1]

I have always preferred to rent them at the GF because they were the only resort who had the Captain's Plan. Pay for three hours and get four. You can use these hours anyway you want; two adults, two hours each, four for one hour, etc.

 

[BCV23]

Actually, the Polynesian offerd a similar plan as well as a plan that was length of stay for 5 people. The GF has had that plan as well. We have done the length of stay plan at both GF and the Polynesian. It was a great deal for our family. Others have reported the WL offered it as well (but for 4 people) and perhaps Y&BC did. The plans stopped for a while a year or so ago and I haven't seen any recent reports about it being offered again.

Isn't the age 16 with a drivers license for Seven Seas and Bay Lake resorts and still 12 at the other resorts?

 

[Sammie]

The boats at the Polynesian require a licensed driver in the boat. 12 year olds can drive with a licensed driver in the boat. Single drivers must be licensed and have license with them. This only affects the boats on Seven Seas Lagoon and Bay Lake.

A very serious accident involving young drivers was the reason for the change.

 

[SnowWitch]

We are staying at the BWV's but are thinking of tacking on a weekend at the Poly before heading to VB. We haven't rented the water mice in probably 3-4 years and I knew what I remembered had long ago changed. The boys were asking if they could rent boats and I wasn't sure if this was an activity they could do on their own, they will be 16 and 13 on our next trip.

 

[DawnCt1]

Has anyone used the length of stay plan while staying at SoG?

 

[BCV23]

At the Polynesian and GF, only guests of those resorts could use the LOS plans.

I know that lots of DVC'ers reported going to WL to use the plan even if they were staying elsewhere.

But I really haven't seen anyone report using the plan lately. I know it wasn't offered last summer and I don't think in October either. Didn't check in Feb..

 

[SeaSpray]

We are staying at the BWV's but are thinking of tacking on a weekend at the Poly before heading to VB. We haven't rented the water mice in probably 3-4 years and I knew what I remembered had long ago changed. The boys were asking if they could rent boats and I wasn't sure if this was an activity they could do on their own, they will be 16 and 13 on our next trip.

Back in 2001, both of your DSs could've rented and driven their OWN water mice. Now, unless your DS16 has a driver's license, neither of them can, unless another person who has their license is with them in the boat. I know my own DSs wouldn't see the fun in that. LOL

Also, there's a weight limit, and with my DSs both being close to 6', there's no way my DS14 can get into a water mouse at the Polynesian, unless a very thin, licensed adult offers to go with him.

The only alternative for your DSs and my DS14 (DS17 has his license) is to go to another resort, such as CBR, CSR, etc. and rent a water mouse there. Those boats are slower and the lakes they're on are smaller.