Watersports at WDW Resorts

[HappilyEverAfter80]

We have gone to Disney a bunch of times now and this year we hope to do something new while there... but I don't know how to go about it. We hope to rent a boat or a jet-ski. I understand there is a Marina at the Polynesian (and few other resorts) where you can rent a boat. Has anyone done this?
Can you rent jet skis anywhere?
Also, I'm assuming that you take the boat on the Bay lake seven seas lagoon... so what about the "wildlife" in the water? Ever since the alligator abduction incident at the GF, it's constantly on my mind. I know there is no swimming or wading on any of the Disney beaches.
Are you safe on a personal watercraft? Is this popular at Disney?

 

[disnut8]

I personally would rent somewhere around Bay Lake because it's the most water area for you to get around. So it's more bang for the buck. You can rent from Polynesian or the Contemporary or the Grand Floridian.

As far as waterlife, there will be some there. But, stay on the craft and be safe and I'm sure you will be given instructions for what to do if something odd does happen. I can certainly tell you that there are guards patrolling at all times and they are everywhere.

One of our nicest memories is sitting at the marina at Fort Wilderness and watching as families came back from their water adventures of all kinds. Never saw so many smiling faces during that hour.

 

[HappilyEverAfter80]

I personally would rent somewhere around Bay Lake because it's the most water area for you to get around. So it's more bang for the buck. You can rent from Polynesian or the Contemporary or the Grand Floridian.

As far as waterlife, there will be some there. But, stay on the craft and be safe and I'm sure you will be given instructions for what to do if something odd does happen. I can certainly tell you that there are guards patrolling at all times and they are everywhere.

One of our nicest memories is sitting at the marina at Fort Wilderness and watching as families came back from their water adventures of all kinds. Never saw so many smiling faces during that hour.

Maybe a boat rental would be better than jet-skis... I would be a nervous wreck knowing my 8 yo is on the back of the jet-ski with DH. It's all he wants to do but the alligators in the water scare me. I was hoping I'm being irrational... I mean if Disney is continuing to rent watercraft to their guests? The more I think about it though the more I don't like the idea of jet-skis on Bay Lake.

 

[Anthony1971]

Jet skis are out of the CR marina it is or was around 135 for up to 3 on the ski.. it is a group tour there are 2 one is a ride around the lake the other is more about speed and going around poles in the water.. the skis are limited to 35MPH which is fast but slow for what they are. Boats are limited to use in the area you are in and very very underpowered so you are going no where fast but are but have more freedom as to what you explore... in any event there are a lot of Mickey police boats watching all so you need not worry much... there are other options as well.... the list is a lot shorter as to what you can't do at Disney... or shall I say spend your money on....

 

[Anthony1971]

I was hoping I'm being irrational....

in some ways you are these are boys.. let them have fun.. and trust me 35 on a calm lake for the very short time if at all the guides will let you go that fast is far better and safer for an 8YO than the 50 on the choppy ocean that tours on islands go and will go for extended periods...
we were in Bermuda last year and my just 10YO wanted me to take him on one... I would not he cried.. I owned a jet ski years ago that went around 45 (years ago that was fast for them)rode it in the ocean not a lake and you can trust me... hit a wave and the passenger will fly... I rented a moped instead... yah yah but helmet and those things do maybe 25 down hill with the wind... hit the water at 50 and it is worse....and you can trust me I would be doing 50 and faster if the did not limit the ski.... I did promise I would take him at Disney this year...

 

[HappilyEverAfter80]

in some ways you are these are boys.. let them have fun.. and trust me 35 on a calm lake for the very short time if at all the guides will let you go that fast is far better and safer for an 8YO than the 50 on the choppy ocean that tours on islands go and will go for extended periods...
we were in Bermuda last year and my just 10YO wanted me to take him on one... I would not he cried.. I owned a jet ski years ago that went around 45 (years ago that was fast for them)rode it in the ocean not a lake and you can trust me... hit a wave and the passenger will fly... I rented a moped instead... yah yah but helmet and those things do maybe 25 down hill with the wind... hit the water at 50 and it is worse....and you can trust me I would be doing 50 and faster if the did not limit the ski.... I did promise I would take him at Disney this year...

Will definitely look into it, thanks! All DS wants to do is rent jet skis. He has been on them last summer (on a lake) and loved it. He was willing to forgo our Disney cruise last Fall if we bought jet skis
We had a jet ski excursion booked on Castaway Cay but it got cancelled.
We are staying at the Polynesian in August, both boys would love to do rent some watercraft... I am more scared about alligators then speed though...

 

[monorailsilver]

Can you take a day and go to either the gulf or Atlantic and rent there? It may be more fun because you aren't limited to Bay Lake/seven seas.

I have never been on a jet ski but I don't think I'd enjoy it in Disney. I have done. The water mouse and love them even if they go slow.

Do you guys fish? Going back to renting a boat in this/these small lakes, it wouldn't seen fun being stuck in the same circle.

 

[WEDWDW]

I would go with the Sea Raycers and rent on Bay Lake/Seven Seas Lagoon-zero chance of being thrown out of one of those unless someone is REALLY trying to.

 

[disnut8]

Will definitely look into it, thanks! All DS wants to do is rent jet skis. He has been on them last summer (on a lake) and loved it. He was willing to forgo our Disney cruise last Fall if we bought jet skis
We had a jet ski excursion booked on Castaway Cay but it got cancelled.
We are staying at the Polynesian in August, both boys would love to do rent some watercraft... I am more scared about alligators then speed though...

You might take the opportunity to talk to your boys about alligators and do some research. Alligators are usually not aggressive towards humans so the incident you are remembering was a shock to everyone. Explain your fears and have the boys look up things about alligators (and jet ski safety) and have a good family discussion about what they want and what you want.