Walt Disney World With Kids (Fodor's, 2012) - Fodor's [100]
Pirate Adventure
This rollicking two-hour boat tour takes kids on a treasure hunt across the Seven Seas Lagoon with stops at all the Magic Kingdom resort marinas. Counselors help kids collect clues and complete a map that leads them to buried treasure. It’s a good choice for active kids in the 4 to 12 age range. A snack is served on the pontoon boat after the last stop, and everyone leaves with a bag of treasure. “My 6-year-old son loved the Pirate Adventure at the Grand Floridian,” reported one mom from New York. “It’s very reasonably priced, and since I’m a single parent, I have to confess it was wonderful to just have a couple of hours to lie by the pool while he was on tour.”
The Adventure currently departs the Grand Floridian marina at 9:30 AM daily. Kids ages 4 to 12 may participate in this child-only event that costs $34. Reservations are a must because this program fills up fast; call 407/939–3463 (407/WDW–DINE) 90 days in advance.
Wonderland Tea Party
Kids join Alice in Wonderland and the Mad Hatter for a tea party held at 1900 Park Fare in the Grand Floridian. The table is festively appointed, and kids decorate their own cupcakes. Since this is pretty much all they eat, expect an afternoon sugar high. Afterward, the characters lead them in a variety of games.
The Wonderland Tea Party is served weekdays from 2 to 3 PM for kids ages 4 to 10 (no moms!), and the cost is $40. For reservations, call 407/939–3463 (407/WDW–DINE) 90 days in advance.
Insider’s Secret
Looking for a way to kill an hour or two while the kids participate in one of the Grand Floridian programs? The spa is just around the corner.
Family Magic Tour in the Magic Kingdom
Everyone gets into the act on this tour; although the activities are geared to kids ages 3 to 10, parents and both younger and older siblings can come along. The only rule is that you have to be willing to act silly.
Your tour guide meets you at Guest Relations in the Magic Kingdom and sets up the premise of the tour. Perhaps Peter Pan has stolen Captain Hook’s favorite hook, and the captain is so furious that his band of buccaneers is threatening to take over the whole Magic Kingdom. To stop him, you must follow a map that takes you around the park—hopping, skipping, hiding, and keeping an eye out for each new clue.
At the final stop of the tour, you meet up with a character or two for a closing surprise. The tour is a great option for families who have been to the Magic Kingdom several times and are looking for a new spin. It’s less appealing for first-time visitors who are itching to get on the rides.
The Family Magic Tour is held daily from 10 to noon, and the cost is $34 per person, regardless of age. Call 407/939–8687(407/WDW–TOUR).
Wild Africa Trek in the Animal Kingdom
Kids eight and up who are really into animals (or who need to do a serious project to make up for the school days they’re missing on this trip!) will enjoy the Wild Animal Trek, which is offered daily in the Animal Kingdom. This three-hour tour takes you behind the scenes of the park, showing where the animals stay when they’re not “on stage” and offering insight as to how Disney cares for such a large and diverse array of species.
The cost is $189 and, due to the construction of some of the transportation vehicles and bridges, participants must weigh between 45-310 pounds. Call 407/939-8687 (407/WDW-TOUR) for details or reservations.
That Sportin’ Life: On Water
Most on-site hotels have lovely marinas with a variety of watercraft for rent, but the major water-recreation area of WDW is the Seven Seas Lagoon in front of the Magic Kingdom. Marinas at the Grand Floridian, Polynesian, Contemporary, Fort Wilderness, and Wilderness Lodge all service the lagoon, and you don’t have to be a guest of the resort to rent watercraft (although you’ll need to show either a driver’s license or a resort ID).