We first noticed this cruise advertised one evening when we went for a walk around the Boardwalk. It is for children four to ten years old. I was very apprehensive about letting the girls go on it but I need not have been as they were in very safe hands. In fact they enjoyed it so much they have now been on it twice.
Sometimes the cruise can be full, I think they only have ten children on each cruise and when we have been it only takes place on Wednesdays so it is best to phone up and book ahead.
When you get to the Boardwalk you go to the Bayside Marina where you check in. It costs about $30 for the cruise and you are given a beeper (in case of emergency) and the kids get life vests and their own pirate bandanas. The cruise takes two hours so you have plenty of time whilst they are away to shop, stroll or have a meal. The last time our girls went we treated ourselves to a nice quiet breakfast at the Boardwalk Bakery.
The children are lined up and a cast member helps them to put their bandanas on. One little girl did not want hers on her head so they tied it around her arm. They then had some rules, like staying seated in the boat, explained to them.
Then they set off in their boat. Captain Chris gave them a piece of map and they were asked to identify where it was, once identified as part of the Boardwalk they sailed to it. At each "port", they got a new piece of map and had to follow the clues. This took them all over the area, including stops at some of the countries in World Showcase including Mexico and Canada. At the final port of call, they were delighted with their lunch of peanut butter and jelly sandwich, cookie, and a juice box.
Waiting for their return you soon realise how much they are enjoying themselves when you hear the yells of joy coming from the boat. Then as they get to the Marina area there is another pirate who goes out on a sea racer, chases them and tries to hold them up for their loot. They are very pleased with themselves when their angry protests scare him away!
They then all search for treasure on the beach and leave with a treasure chest filled with gems, rings, necklaces, plastic figures, their own special "treasure"!
I really cannot recommend this too highly to parents, your children will love it and you can have a nice relaxing couple of hours to yourselves.
Sometimes the cruise can be full, I think they only have ten children on each cruise and when we have been it only takes place on Wednesdays so it is best to phone up and book ahead.
When you get to the Boardwalk you go to the Bayside Marina where you check in. It costs about $30 for the cruise and you are given a beeper (in case of emergency) and the kids get life vests and their own pirate bandanas. The cruise takes two hours so you have plenty of time whilst they are away to shop, stroll or have a meal. The last time our girls went we treated ourselves to a nice quiet breakfast at the Boardwalk Bakery.
The children are lined up and a cast member helps them to put their bandanas on. One little girl did not want hers on her head so they tied it around her arm. They then had some rules, like staying seated in the boat, explained to them.
Then they set off in their boat. Captain Chris gave them a piece of map and they were asked to identify where it was, once identified as part of the Boardwalk they sailed to it. At each "port", they got a new piece of map and had to follow the clues. This took them all over the area, including stops at some of the countries in World Showcase including Mexico and Canada. At the final port of call, they were delighted with their lunch of peanut butter and jelly sandwich, cookie, and a juice box.
Waiting for their return you soon realise how much they are enjoying themselves when you hear the yells of joy coming from the boat. Then as they get to the Marina area there is another pirate who goes out on a sea racer, chases them and tries to hold them up for their loot. They are very pleased with themselves when their angry protests scare him away!
They then all search for treasure on the beach and leave with a treasure chest filled with gems, rings, necklaces, plastic figures, their own special "treasure"!
I really cannot recommend this too highly to parents, your children will love it and you can have a nice relaxing couple of hours to yourselves.