What's the deal with the Davy Crockett canoes?

[chloelovesdisney]

Will they be operating Friday, Cct 2nd before the party? How do they operate? Can they tip over?

Thanks.

 

[dina444444]

During the off season they are typically only open on the weekends (Sat/Sun) usually from 11am - 5pm. During peak season they run daily such as the summer months. You are given a paddle and it's a self operated ride with two cm's that ride one in the front one in the back. I have never seen one tip over or been in one that's tipped over, nor have I ever heard of one tipping over. However they do have vests for young children as a safety precaution. One thing to note, you may get wet on the canoes from the people around you not paddling in sync.

 

[figment_jii]

I do think it's possible to tip the canoes (I found one article in the LATimes indicating it had happened in the past), but it takes a concerted effort by the guests in the canoe to do so and isn't likely to happen by accident. I wouldn't worry about the canoe tipping over, but, as dina444444 said, you can get wet if other guests don't know how to paddle correctly. They canoes do not run very often in the non-peak season; the weekends are the most likely. I've been there on Sat/Sun in October and do not recall seeing the canoes on the water, so I think it's hit or miss and depends on how busy DLR predicted the parks will be...

 

[chloelovesdisney]

Is October peak season? Sounds fun!

 

[chloelovesdisney]

I see the 2nd post, looks like I will plan not to ride these, thanks.

 

[ktlm]

I see the 2nd post, looks like I will plan not to ride these, thanks.

Well if it makes you feel better about them being closed, they are a lot more fun in theory than practice- unless you are athletic and are really missing your upper body workout while on your vacation! I always wanted to do it. It looked like so much fun. I had a vague memory of doing it as a child and loving it on my one and only pre-adult Disneyland trip (other trips were to World). DH had not wanted to take DD on them on our DL trips when she was young (if anyone fell out of a boat it would be her), so I just watched those canoes and took pictures and thought about how fun it would be and how much I wanted to be in one of those canoes. Well, last year when DD was 8, we got in line and did them. I was so excited! We got in and it was so much fun...for about 5 minutes. Then we all realized that it was actually hard work, as did everyone around us. We were definitely a whiny bunch. The lady in front of me kept getting out of sync and hitting oars and splashing people and apologizing profusely. She and I just started laughing together and talking about how much more work it was than you realized when you were watching them and how much we couldn't wait to get back to the dock and I don't know- maybe have a Mickey head ice cream bar or something or ride a nice ride that moved you all by itself. It was a long 20 minutes. The CM kept saying you all will never get back to the dock if you don't row harder. It is a really pretty and unique view of the Rivers of America to travel around it in a canoe, but I think I'm good for quite a while! This year we took a pretty picture of the people in the canoes and walked on by!!

 

[figment_jii]

Well if it makes you feel better about them being closed, they are a lot more fun in theory than practice- unless you are athletic and are really missing your upper body workout while on your vacation!

I hadn't really thought about that, but that's so true! Canoeing isn't as easy as it looks (I had to do some canoeing a few summers ago and boy was I sore the next day!).

 

[lorijohnhill]

I rode these in May. I should say, I humiliated myself in these in May! I fell getting into the boat and ended up folded up like a taco with my head in my daughter's lap (thank God!) and my feet in the air. I don't know how the CMs got me out of there and back up onto a seat. My daughter saved me from being seriously injured and boy was I embarrassed! I won't be riding them any time soon. My little on breaks out into laughter any time we walk by a canoe. Let's just say, Grace is not my middle name.

 

[jina]

We went with DD5 and had a great time. It's a workout but we had a couple of rests in there and our fellow rowers all around were very happy and positive. And DD5 was so darn cute in her life jacket and trying to paddle w/o her paddle ending up in the river. Definitely a fond memory for our family and I'm sure we'll do it again.

 

[4Siamese]

Once was enough for us...between the people that didn't want to or feel the need to participate, the dexterity challenged people that cant keep a simple rhythm going and getting wet from being splashed, it is not one of my favorite attractions.

It is a nice unique way of seeing the rivers of America but you get the same experience from riding the river boat.

Mileage may vary but it is worth a try at least once.

 

[Plaid Princess]

Ha ha ha... those things are VERY hard to tip over.

 

[WebmasterMaryJo]

I rode these in May. I should say, I humiliated myself in these in May! I fell getting into the boat and ended up folded up like a taco with my head in my daughter's lap (thank God!) and my feet in the air. I don't know how the CMs got me out of there and back up onto a seat. My daughter saved me from being seriously injured and boy was I embarrassed! I won't be riding them any time soon. My little on breaks out into laughter any time we walk by a canoe. Let's just say, Grace is not my middle name.

Since you weren't hurt, I feel safe in chuckling.

I went on the canoes with my daughter & nephews this past Saturday, and had a fun time. I was lucky, because I sat in the back, next to the CM, Bow, who was very charming, and she gave me a history of the canoes and showed me their safety measures should anything happen while you are in the middle of the river. I'm ready to do it again.

 

[lorijohnhill]

Since you weren't hurt, I feel safe in chuckling.

I went on the canoes with my daughter & nephews this past Saturday, and had a fun time. I was lucky, because I sat in the back, next to the CM, Bow, who was very charming, and she gave me a history of the canoes, and showed me their safety measures should anything happen while you are in the middle of the river. I'm ready to do it again.

Quite safe... We all laugh about it. I'm such a clutz, it's par for the course for me!

 

[chloelovesdisney]

Thanks everyone, we may leave this for another time even if it is open that day, lol.