Disney World for Kids: Disney's Albatross Treasure Cruise

Disney World is a favorite vacation destination for many families. The four Disney parks offer kids and parents, alike, plenty of attractions and entertainment to keep any family busy for a week's vacation. Disney also offers a few extra special attractions and activities for children. One of the favorite extra adventures Disney offers for children 4 to 10 years old is the Disney Albatross Treasure Cruise.

The Basics

Disney's Albatross Treasure Cruise is an adventure for kids from 4 to 10 years of age. The pirate adventure sails kids away on Crescent Lake, located in the Boardwalk and Yacht and Beach Club Resort area. Each pirate cruise lasts 2 hours and the boat sets sail on designated days of the week at 9:30 am. Parents do not participate in the Albatross Treasure Cruise, but are provided with a pager. Children are expected to be signed in at the Albatross Treasure Cruise by 9:15 am, on the morning of their cruise.

Each Albatross Treasure Cruise is manned by a minumum of two Disney Cast Members and children are priovided with life jackets to wear while on the adventure. The Albatross Treasure Cruise is located at the marina of the Yacht and Beach Club Resorts at Disney World. Children are paired up with a buddy for each Albatross Treasure Cruise and the whole group is given the task of searching together for lost treasure. The Albatross Treasure Cruise travels on Crescent Lake at Disney World and makes a special stop at Disney's EPCOT Resort for part of the treasure hunt.

Children are given their own "booty" at the conclusion of the Albatross Treasure Cruise, which typically includes small toy treasures and a Disney pirate bandana. A snack lunch is also provided, often a Smuckers Uncrustable PB & J sandwich, juice box, and snack.

The Albatross Treasure Cruise Experience

The Albatross Treasure Cruise at Disney World is a fun experience for children who are ready for a unique pirate adventure. This is the perfect "extra treat' for kids who love pirates or need a day away from the Disney parks. The cost of $28.17 plus tax is reasonable for the quality of this Disney experience. Ideally, this experience is for kids who are ready to be away from their parents for a few hours. Children who are not potty trained are not permitted on the cruise.

Our adventure included a six-year-old boy and his older, ten-year-old sister. If at all possible, older siblings may want to join the adventure with any younger children. Though the experience is supervised at all times, my six-year-old was more comfortable having his older sister along. The Albatross Treasure Cruise also gives parents a break for a few hours, to explore the Boardwalk or Yacht and Beach Club Resorts. There are a number of scenic places in this area to sit for awhile or grab a quick breakfast. The Boardwalk Bakery, across the lake in the Boardwalk area has a fantastic selection of desserts, breakfast items, and fresh coffee.

This was the second Disney pirate cruise we tried, after trying the Disney Pirate Cruise at the Grand Floridian two years ago. Both Disney cruises were fun, according to the kids. This is the kind of extra Disney activity that is perfect for children who enjoy adventures. The Disney Cast Members do a wonderful job preparing the kids to be pretend pirates for the adventure.

How to Book an Adventure

It is advised that the Disney Albatross Cruise be booked in advance of a trip. The Albatross Treasure Cruise can be booked by phone at (407)WDW-DINE. A credit card is necessary to make reservations and any cancellations must be done 24 hours before the designated Albatross Treasure Cruise date. Last minute openings are sometimes available, and guests may ask at the Yacht and Beach Club Resort if there are any last minute spots. Reservations can be made 180 days in advance.

Directions

The Albatross Treasure Cruise is located at Disney's Yacht and Beach Club Resorts, at the marina area. Guests who are staying at a Disney Resort can transfer to the Yacht and Beach Club Resorts from a Downtown Disney bus, or take a Disney bus to Disney's Hollywood Studios and transfer over via the Disney boat which travels between Hollywood Studios and the Yacht and Beach Club Resorts. Guests may also travel to the Yacht and Beach Club Resorts by car and park in the Yacht and Beach Club Resorts parking lots.