I read about this being offered as part of the Grand Floridian's children's programs. Has anyone had children participate? I'm wondering if it's worth the money and time away from the parks?

My kids have done this twice. Once at the Beach Club and once at GF. They loved it both times. The kids go without parents, you are free for about two hours and the kids are taken out on a boat with leaders. They give them pirate hats or bandanas and they follow clues around the lake looking for a treasure. They feed them lunch and they get a bag of booty at the end. It was one of the highlights of my kids trip both years.:fez:

I have booked the equivalent activity at POR for my son. We are looking forward to a leisurely couple of hours around the resort while he has some fun.

Max LOVED it... so did I... I hopped back on the monorail and did a few rides on my own while he was out with his pirate crew.

I have booked the equivalent activity at POR for my son. We are looking forward to a leisurely couple of hours around the resort while he has some fun.

Is it a pirate adventure too? We're staying at Riverside, but I didn't know that this was offered?

I didn't realize it was offered at POR either. I just booked my son for June 5. Yes, it is a pirate adventure also. It's offered Tues, Thur and Sun from 9:30-11:30. Cost is $31.95 w/tax. We're wondering if we'll have time to hit DD while he's gone.

We're wondering if we'll have time to hit DD while he's gone.
I'm not sure how much of DTD opens early enough for you - I'm doing a search on the official site right now, and coming up short. But the MousePlanet Park Guide (http://www.mouseplanet.com/guide.php?pg=BMA000) says Hours: Hours vary depending on location so see the information booth for current details. All locations open by 10 a.m. and should stay open until at least 9 p.m. Breakfast locations will begin opening by 7 a.m. and certain locations may be open well beyond midnight.

But I'm not sure I'd want to be THAT far away in case of an issue. Especially since they don't run that many boats during the non-peak hours.

For a while it was a jester themed thing and it was listed as being at 1:30 I think. That was what I called to reserve, but now the theme and time have changed. I was glad to hear it is earlier in the day. I plan to explore the resort and have breakfast during that time.

I'm not sure how much of DTD opens early enough for you - I'm doing a search on the official site right now, and coming up short. But the MousePlanet Park Guide (http://www.mouseplanet.com/guide.php?pg=BMA000) says

But I'm not sure I'd want to be THAT far away in case of an issue. Especially since they don't run that many boats during the non-peak hours.

We actually thought the same thing. We'll sleep in and enjoy a quiet morning at the resort, maybe rent a bike or swim. We're just excited my son gets "his" day and we'll get some quality time with my daughter. She's doing bbb, so she'll already have had "her" day. (I ruled the pirate thing out a while back because I didn't want to sacrifice a whole a.m. to go to GF or like.)

I was thinking of doing the Pirate one at the Grand Floridian for my son who is 4. I am a bit concerned (that is why I have not booked it yet) of what might happen because he would go at it alone (as he is our only child). Part of me thinks he will be fine. I drop him off for hourly childcare and he is always happy to have me gone to try new things, but I think it is the worriesome Mom in me.

But shopping in the MK without him and DH would be MAGICAL!

I was thinking of doing the Pirate one at the Grand Floridian for my son who is 4. I am a bit concerned (that is why I have not booked it yet) of what might happen because he would go at it alone (as he is our only child). Part of me thinks he will be fine. I drop him off for hourly childcare and he is always happy to have me gone to try new things, but I think it is the worriesome Mom in me.

But shopping in the MK without him and DH would be MAGICAL!

My son is an only child also and he had a wonderful time with the other kids even though they started out strangers. The crew pairs up the kids into "buddies" so they always have someone they are sitting with on the boat and they really make it fun and not scary for the kids. Max was a little nervous about it before we got there, but once we were there he was completely excited about it and never once hesitated any step of the way before setting sail.

When they come back to the dock the whole boat is singing "Yo Ho" at the top of their lungs and they've got treasure and had a nice lunch together, etc. It was a very positive experience and the crew is great at what they do.

oh thank you! I will definately set this up!