Walt Disney World With Kids (Fodor's, 2012) - Fodor's [101]
Reservations are a good idea, especially in the on-season, and it also never hurts to confirm prices before you go. Call 407/939–0754 for more information.
Water-sport options include the following:
Boat Rental
The Disney fleet includes mini-speedboats called Sea Raycers, canopy boats, sailboats, pontoons, pedal boats, and kayaks. The marina staff can help you decide which watercraft best fits your needs; pontoon boats are a good option for younger kids, and the whole family can take a 30-minute ride for $37.
The best place to rent the Sea Raycer mini-speedboats is the Seven Seas Lagoon. You have plenty of room to explore and can really pick up speed. The boats are for rent at the marinas in the Contemporary, Polynesian, and Grand Floridian resorts or Wilderness Lodge. At present prices are $32 for 30 minutes. Drivers must be at least 14 years old and 5 feet tall, although kids of any age will enjoy riding along with Mom or Dad.
Fishing
Fishing equipment for an afternoon of catch-and-release is for rent at all on-site hotels with access to lakes or ponds: Fort Wilderness, Contemporary, Polynesian, Grand Floridian, Wilderness Lodge, BoardWalk, Yacht and Beach Clubs, Port Orleans, Caribbean Beach, Coronado Springs, Saratoga Springs, and Old Key West. If you’d like more action than simply dropping a line, fishing tours depart from water locations throughout WDW. The one-hour fishing tour for ages 6 to 12 starts at $28; parties of five or more should book the more elaborate two-hour tour for $230. Reservations can be made up to 180 days in advance; call 407/939–2277 (407/WDW–BASS) for exact times, locations, and prices.
Parasailing and Waterskiing
Another high-thrill activity is parasailing. Excursions leave daily from the Contemporary Resort marina and the regular flights cost $95 for one person or $175 for two riders in tandem. That’s enough for most people, but the truly adventurous can fly longer on the deluxe flight, which costs $130 for a single rider and $195 in tandem. At your top height of 600 feet above the lake you’ll see all four parks. The Sammy Duvall Watersports Center also offers waterskiing, wakeboarding, kneeboarding, and tubing. For reservations and more information call 407/939–0754.
Specialty Cruises
Two of the greatest ways to spend an evening in Disney World are watching the Magic Kingdom fireworks or the pyrotechnics of IllumiNations at Epcot. And there’s no classier viewing spot than aboard your private boat. “We called before we left home and rented a pontoon boat to see the Epcot fireworks,” wrote one father. “What a treat. We had a great captain who drove us around then ‘parked’ under the bridge so we could see the show. It was great floating there, sipping a drink, while others were jam-packed in the park waiting for the show, and probably trying to figure out how they were going to exit along with thousands of others.”
The fleet includes yachts and pontoons which can accommodate groups from 7–14 people. Factoring in the size of your party and where you’ll be sailing from, the prices vary. But to give you an idea, an hour-long cruise in a simple pontoon boat holding up to 8 people is $120; in an elegant yacht that accommodates up to 12, it’s $350. When you factor in how many people can participate in the experience, the specialty cruises are actually a (somewhat) cost-effective way to create a memorable evening for the whole family. Just be sure to reserve 90 days in advance by calling 407/939–7529 (407/WDW–PLAY).
Surfing
Surfing lessons are offered at Typhoon Lagoon on select mornings before the park opens. Participants must be at least 8 years old and strong swimmers. For those up to the challenge, this clinic ($150 per person) is one of the most fun things to do in all of WDW. Because the waves are controllable and the instructors are top-notch, almost everyone can ride a wave by the end of the class. Call 407/939–7529 (407/WDW–PLAY) for details. Always confirm prices when booking.
That Sportin’ Life: On Land
Biking
Bikes are for rent at most on-site hotels at a cost