disney cruise child care

Disney Cruise Kids Clubs – What You Need to Know Updated 2024

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If you have children and are sailing on a Disney cruise you need to know about the amazing clubs they offer for kids.

The Disney Cruise Kids Club really is an amazing facility for all ages from 6 months to age 17.

There are different spaces on all of the Disney Cruise Ships for children of all ages.

I have sailed on many Disney Cruises with kids of all ages for over a decade. And they have all had an amazing time in the kid’s clubs.

Let’s explore what is available for children in the kid’s clubs on a Disney Cruise.

Note that there have been some recent changes to the age groups for each of the kids clubs and a change of policy about flexibility so make sure you read on to see the new rules .

Overview of Disney Cruise Line’s Kids Club

Did you know that Disney is one of the very few cruise lines that have a facility to care for children under the age of 3? 

One of the biggest reasons why Disney Cruise Line is the top-rated cruise line for families is because of the different kids clubs that they offer on all the ships in the fleet. 

Apart from the “it’s a small world” nursery!, Disney Cruise kids clubs do not require reservations and are complimentary for guests. 

The Disney Cruise Line provides structured youth activities and programs to meet the needs of both children and families. They are categorized by specific age groups and offer tailored spaces for each group. 

Age-Specific Kids Clubs

All youth programs are led by specially trained Disney counselors to create highly immersive and magical clubs. 

They facilitate age-appropriate fun and engaging activities in all of the clubs throughout your cruise vacation. Let’s dive into a complete list of Disney Cruise kids’ clubs!

How Long Can Kids Stay at Kids Club on a Disney Cruise?

Your children can stay as long as you want them to at the Kid’s Clubs. There is no limit on the time they can spend there.

If the kid’s clubs are open and your child is happy to be there – they can be there all day if they want to. And they may very well want to.

How Does the Disney Kids Club Work on a Cruise?

There are 5 different Kids Clubs on each Disney Ship :

• It’s A Small World Nursery 6 months to 3 years – this is the only one with a fee
• Oceaneer Club ages 3 to 10
• Oceaneer Lab ages 3 to 10
• Edge ages 11 to 14
• Vibe ages 14 to 17

Note that effective on sailings that depart on or after December 21, 2023 the age range in Disney’ Oceaneer Club and Oceaneer Lab changes from 3 to 12 to 3 to 10. With no exceptions.

During youth activities Open House times, guests of all ages are permitted in youth activity spaces, including Disney’s Oceaneer Club, Disney’s Oceaneer Lab, Edge and Vibe.

Guests with children 11 and 12 years old no longer need to complete youth activities registration as part of Online Check-in for these children.

This change is also applicable to Scuttle’s Cove which is the kids club for the younger ones at Castaway Cay. This has also changed from 3 to 12 years of age to 3 to 10 years of age .

It’s A Small World Nursery

“ It’s a small world ” nursery! is available on all of the Disney Cruise ships for children aged from 6 months to 3 years old. 

It is the only childcare center on the Disney ships which is not provided free of charge, and you have to book ahead. 

Even if you don’t use the Small World Nursery for many hours on your Disney Cruise, it can be great to get a break so you can take advantage of all that a Disney Cruise has for Adults . 

The cast members provide nothing short of quality care and unmatched convenience. 

While the programs at “it’s a small world” nursery! will vary depending on your child’s mood, activities like story time, movie time, and arts and crafts projects will keep them smiling and engaged. The nursery consists of three distinct areas: 

• Acclimation zone designed to help your little ones adjust to their new environment
• Main play area that features a 3D facade of the “it’s a small world” attraction that is filled with interactive wonders
• A separate quiet room for infants and toddlers to take naps.

It’s a Small World Nursery that charges $4.50 for each half-hour, and you must book for at least one hour. Therefore, the minimum charge is $9 for the first child.

There is a discount for children who are in the same family as they are only charged $4 per hour. So the minimum charge is $8 per hour for the second child.

Advance reservations are required and can be made online:

• Up to 120 days ahead for Concierge and Platinum Castaway Club Guests
• Up to 105 days ahead for Gold Castaway Club Guests
• Up to 90 days ahead for Silver Castaway Club Guests
• Up to 75 days ahead for all other Guests

If you don’t make reservations online you can go to the Nursery to see if there is any additional time available.

Numbers are very strictly controlled as there needs to be the correct amount of Cast Members to care for the babies and infants.

If you need to cancel a reservation make sure that you do that at least 4 hours ahead of time or you will pay for all of the sessions that you have booked.

Related: Disney Wish Nursery

Is Food Provided in the It’s A Small World Nursery?

Juice and crackers are available for snacks for your child.

Lunch and dinner is no longer provided as it used to be prior to the shutdown.

Milk is not provided so you need to bring your own formula and bottles. If you have baby food you can bring this as well.

What Else Will My Child Need for the Nursery on a Disney Cruise?

You will need to provide diapers, wipes, and pull-ups for your child if they are not potty trained.

Pack a bag that is clearly labeled for your child with extra items such as a change of clothing, a special blanket, a pacifier, or perhaps a favorite toy.

Make sure that you label items because things do sometimes get lost.

If you think that your child may be anxious or not settle well in the Nursery, it can also be a good idea to go to the open house which is held every day.

This can help your child get used to the new environment and the counselors.

Make sure that you download the Navigator’s App as the Counsellors will use this to contact you if you need to pick up your child early.

Counselors can’t give any medication to your child, but there is a trained First Aid Cast Member in the Nursery at all times.

Disney’s Oceaneer Club

Children aged between 3 and 12 have a choice between the Oceaneer Club and the Oceaneer Lab. On all of the Disney ships, the Oceaneers Club and Lab are on Deck 5 mid-ship.

The Oceaneer Club is themed for Disney fantasy and imagination, while the Oceaneer Lab is about learning while having fun. 

They are separate spaces but are connected by a closed corridor. Your child can move from one space to the other via this corridor. If they need help, the Counsellor will accompany them!

From character-driven performances and special story-telling sessions to larger-than-life play areas and dress-up opportunities, your kids will be delighted to step into a world inhabited by some of their favorite characters. 

The Oceaneer Club-themed play spaces include: 

• Andy’s Room 
• Disney Infinity Game Room
• Pixie Hollow
• Star Wars: Millennium Falcon
• Star Wars: Command Post
• Star Wars: Cargo Bay
• Marvel Super Hero Academy
• Disney Junior
• Mickey and Minnie Captain’s Deck
• Frozen Adventures
• Fairytale Hall.

They also provide one-of-a-kind guided group activities to add more enchantment and fantasy: 

• Disney’s Once Upon a Time
• Puzzle Playtime with Mickey and Friends
• Jedi Training: Experience the Force
• Woody’s Round Up
• Doctor Strange: Defy the Dark Dimension
• Thor Becoming Worthy
• Mickey and the Roadster Racers
• Disney Royal Academy
• Join the Lion Guard
• Captain America’s Super Hero 101
• Walt Disney Imagineering Lab.

Disney Oceaneer’s Lab

You will probably find that your children want to spend every possible moment in the Kids Clubs! There are lots of organized activities, but if your children want to be independent that is fine too.

You can see the daily schedule for the day on the Navigator so you can plan if your child wants to do a particular activity. 

The only times that you can spend time in the Oceaneers Clubs as a parent is during Open House. Look at your Navigators for when these times are scheduled.

From highly interactive spaces and games to crazy experiments and all kinds of activities, Disney Oceaneer’s Lab is dedicated to exploration and designed just for kids. The Disney Oceaneer’s Lab-themed play spaces include: 

• Animator’s Studio
• Craft Studio
• The Wheelhouse
• Captain’s Workshop.

They also provide one-of-a-kind guided group activities to add more discovery and learning: 

• Get the Hook!
• Piston Cup Challenge
• Anyone Can Cook
• Super Sloppy Science with Professor Make-O-Mess
• What Goes Up
• Zootopia Mystery Trek
• Stitch’s Space Goo
• Disney Pals Pajama Party.

Disney Cruise Edge

The Edge is for those aged 11 to 14.

Note that whilst there used to be an overlap for kids aged 11 and 12 who could choose to go either to Oceaneers or Edge, this is no longer then case. There is no flexibility with the ages groups.

My children have all formed some long-lasting friendships with people who they met in Disney Cruise Edge because of how the space on each ship is designed to appeal to that age group. 

There is a lot of interaction with the Disney counselors for this age group, with an emphasis on smaller groups! 

Disney Cruise Edge is designed for tweens to engage in cool and engaging daily activities such as: 

• That’s Hilarious
• Heroes and Villains
• Crowning of the Couch Potato
• A Pirate’s Life for Me
• Descendant’s Den DJ Spin Off.

From karaoke to video games, puzzles, challenges, and scavenger hunts to arts and crafts, there is something to appeal to all in this Disney Cruise Kids Club age group. 

That’s not to mention that Disney characters also visit the Kids Clubs at certain times!

Disney Kids Clubs Vibe

Disney Kids Club Vibe is for teens aged from 14 to 17. 

To access the Vibe on the Disney Fantasy and the Dream, teenagers have to have their own key card which is specially coded.

On the Disney Magic and the Wonder, the loft-inspired space is in the forward Funnel. 

The Disney Fantasy and Dream have wonderful indoor and outdoor spaces that might even make you wish you were a teenager again!

Lastly, the different spaces on the Disney Dream Class ships are perfect for teens to hang out and make friends.

Vibe is a teen-exclusive haven where your kids can chill out, watch TV, listen to music, play group games, and more with cruisers their age. It is fully equipped with multiple flat-screen TVs, video games, board games, and tablets. 

From catching some rays to day-and-night dance parties, Vibe also hosts a range of daily fun-filled activities that include: 

• Teen Download 
• Vibe Movie Makers 

Is There a Kids Club on Castaway Cay?

Yes, Disney has thought of everything. There is even a Kids Club on their private island Castaway Cay .

When the ship docks in Castaway Cay they can still use the Kids Clubs on board.

However, there is also a place on the island where they can be looked after by the Disney Counsellors. This is a more convenient option if you are planning to spend some of the time with the kids on Castaway Cay, as you don’t have to go back to the ship to collect them.

Scuttle’s Cove is available to any child aged 3 to 10 who is registered with the Kids Clubs.

What is there to do on Castaway Cay?

How To Register for the Disney Cruise Kids Clubs

For any of the kid’s clubs on a Disney Cruise, you do need to register your child.

The easiest way to do this is online. You will have the option to do this once you have paid in full for your cruise.

It does save some time if you do this prior to your cruise.

You can also do this at the terminal on embarkation day. The lines do tend to be quite long for this, but it can keep you occupied whilst you wait for your boarding party to be called.

You will fill out all the paperwork (it doesn’t take long). You will then get a Disney Cruise Line Youth Activities Magic Band for each child.

This has to be handed back at the end of the cruise or you will be charged.

You can keep the Magic Band as a souvenir if you want, but you will be charged $12.95.

When you get on board the ship there will be an open house.

You can tour all the kid’s clubs at this time – it is a great opportunity to see what is available.

Disney Cruise Lines has a downloadable PDF for younger cruisers so that they can know what to expect on the cruise.

It has some good information and includes some coloring pages that younger children may like.

Safety and Security Measures of the Kids Clubs

Parents can download the Navigator’s App and use it to directly contact the youth counselors at any given time. 

Counselors cannot give any medication to your child, but there is a trained First Aid Cast Member in the Nursery at all times.

At Disney Cruise kids clubs, each child has a wristband for identification. These spaces are secure because only adults who you authorize can collect your child and they have to know the password.

Tips for Parents

To give your children the best Disney Cruise kids club experience, we’ve rounded up some of the most practical tips that parents can use in planning their perfect Disney Cruise vacation:

• Familiarize yourself with the corresponding Disney Cruise kids club ages to find out the best options for your child
• Explore the different clubs and attend the open houses with your children during their specified times
• Make sure to provide diapers, wipes, and pull-ups if your child is not potty-trained
• Use the family playtime hours (8 AM – 9 AM) in the nursery as an opportunity to spend quality time with your toddlers
• Quiet spaces and movie rooms are always available if your kids need to take a break or a nap!

Disney Cruise Kids Clubs – Final Thoughts

The Kid’s Clubs on all of the Disney Ships are excellent.

The environment is well designed, the Counsellors are wonderful and the mix between scheduled activities and free choice of things to do is just right.

Most kids will love it. And parents too!

You do have to be prepared so that your child may not want to spend much time with you! Other children, never really take to it and won’t want to spend time there.

It just depends on the individual.

My eldest, who is now an adult, never really wanted to spend time there. My two sons would spend all the time they possibly could in the kid’s clubs.

Be prepared for either scenario!

One thing which is particularly great about the kid’s clubs is that my sons have formed lasting friendships with people who they have met on the Disney Cruises. It can be a wonderful bonding experience.

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Alison Meacham is the founder of EverythingMouse Disney Blog. For over 15 years she has shared her love of Disney Parks, Disney Cruises and Universal Orlando.  In over 30 years of Disney Travel she has spent countless months in Disney Parks and has sailed on over 45 cruises. A British native and now a United States resident she splits her time between California, Florida and the UK. And spends a serious amount of time sailing the seven seas. She helps over 200,000 people per month follow their Disney travel dreams.

Thursday 11th of January 2024

Is a 2 year old able to play in Andy’s Room on the Fantasy, with his parents of course, during Open House? Is there an Open House for this room, guess is apart of Oceaneers Club, everyday? Many thanks!

Sunday 14th of January 2024

Yes you can take your 2 year old to the Open House. They are usually scheduled every day and you will find out the time on your Navigator App

Sunday 23rd of July 2023

This may seem a silly question but we're doing our first cruise soon and my child will be 3 1/2. She's worried about how she asks me to come and get her if she's not having fun or she misses me? Do you know what the process is for them letting parents know that a kid wants/needs to be collected? I don't want to be going back every 1/2 hour to check she's ok, but I also want to be able to tell her the plan to reassure her that she won't be stuck there if she's not feeling comfortable

Wednesday 26th of July 2023

Don't worry! The Cast Members at the Kids Club are very aware that this can happen. You will be contacted by text if they need to collect here. You can also spend some time with her at the Open Houses that they have so that she feels more comfortable.

Friday 9th of June 2023

I was wondering what, if any, separation there is in the younger (3 to 12 yr.) club space? We are planning a cruise next year and my daughter will be 4. I want her to have fun in the club space, but if she is around 9, 10, 11, year olds, I can foresee there being possible issues, given the age and size gap. Any advice or recommendations would be appreciated. Thank you.

Sunday 11th of June 2023

The are different spaces for each age Group so all kids are with the same age Groups. On all the ships there is a corridor connecting the spaces, but this is more for the older children to use so they can go between the different areas if they want. At 4 years old she would be with her own age Group. Disney Kids Clubs really are the best at sea.

Tuesday 24th of January 2023

Just got off magic. They do not feed your kids anything in the kids club. FYI.

Thomas Carter

Wednesday 25th of January 2023

@Sarah, do you know if they just flat don’t allow eating and drinking there or can I drop off quick food instead of having to pull him out? Also, my son doesn’t have a cell phone. Is there a way for kids to communicate with their parents besides giving them their own device with the navigator app?

Going on the Wonder to Alaska in May for 7 days as my first cruise with a 10 year old and 8 month infant

Thursday 12th of January 2023

Thanks for this post. My only question… Is eating at the kids club for lunch and dinner available every day? I thought I read elsewhere that it was only select days.

Thanks for all the other info. Looking forward to hearing from you.

Monday 16th of January 2023

I don't believe that lunch and dinner in the Kids Clubs is an option at the moment.

brb going to disney

Tips for a disney cruise with a toddler or preschooler.

Are you planning a Disney Cruise with your toddler or preschooler in tow? Maybe you’re questioning whether cruising with a toddler is a good idea, or if you should wait until they’re older. We’ve done a few Disney cruises now with our children at all different milestones. Our first was when our daughter was 1 and our most recent was when our son was 2 and our daughter was 4. I’m happy to share my personal tips for cruising with a toddler or preschool aged child in hopes that they’ll be helpful for you!

Disney Cruise Toddler and Preschooler Tips

I’d like to start by saying that we had an amazing time on every Disney Cruise we’ve been on as a family. If you’re cruising with little ones in tow, you can’t go wrong with a Disney Cruise. They absolutely cater to families and young children and I think that makes the world of difference when it comes to cruising with young children. Plus if your kiddos are Disney fans, they’re destined to feel the magic on a Disney Cruise.

Understand what Childcare Options are Available for You

Disney Cruises offer special childcare options for children of all ages. Toddlers or Preschoolers will be able to spend time in either the Small World Nursery or the Oceaneer Club.

Disney Cruise Small World Nursery

The Small World nursery is available for children aged 6 months – 3 years old. You can reserve the nursery for an additional fee and reservations can be made in advance or same day (if there is availability). Rates are as follows:

• $4.50 per half hour for the first child
• note: reservations are a one hour minimum

Disney Cruise Oceaneer Club

The Oceaneer Club is available for children aged 3 – 12 that are fully potty trained. There is no additional cost to utilize the Oceaneer Club.

We’ve used both the Small World Nursery and the Oceaneer Club and they’re both wonderful! The counselors are so sweet and the available toys and entertainment are exactly what you’d expect from Disney; they don’t disappoint!

If your little one is too young for the Oceaneer Club, they can still spend time there with you during the Open House hours they have onboard. My son loved exploring the Oceaneer Club during the Open House when he was 2 and too young to actually be checked in during the day.

Choose your Stateroom Wisely

There are different stateroom categories to consider when booking your Disney Cruise with little ones in tow. We personally like spending the extra money for the Deluxe Family Stateroom (either Verandah or Oceanview).

Not only is your room larger, but you also have an additional murphy bed available. We personally felt better about our kids each sleeping in a bed close to the floor vs using the pull-down ceiling bunk.

If you’re a family of 5, the Deluxe Family Stateroom is a great choice as well!

On our first cruise when we only had one kiddo and she was used to her crib at home, we booked a Deluxe Oceanview Stateroom (not the Family Stateroom) and she slept in the pack n play and that was perfectly fine!

Regardless of stateroom size, bed rails and Pack n Plays are available to request (or you can bring your own).

Early Dining or the Early Show?

When cruising with littles ones that struggle to stay up very late, you may want to consider whether spending time as a family at dinner is priority vs watching the shows together each night.

When you book your cruise you’ll have the choice between the Main Dining or the Second Dining options.

The Main Dining is around 6pm and the Second Dining is around 8pm. The idea is that if you eat during the Main Dining, you would watch the late show. And if you eat during the Second Dining, you would watch the early show.

On our most recent cruise we tried the Second Dining because my daughter had struggled to stay awake for the shows on our previous cruise. She LOVED watching the early show with me and then making our way to the late dining. Our server was wonderful about bringing her food quickly and then she often fell asleep at the table while laying across 2 chairs. It was nice that she got to watch the entire show and also eat before she fell asleep (vs falling asleep and missing the show).

Another option you have available if you choose the Second Seating is the Dine and Play program that the Oceaneer Club hosts. You simply tell your server that you’ll be utilizing Dine and Play. Your server will bring your child’s food more quickly and then a counselor will bring the children to the Oceaneer Club while the adults take their time with their meal.

The Pools & Potty Training

Another thing to keep in mind if you’re cruising with little ones is that they must be potty trained to enjoy the pools. They cannot swim with a swim diaper.

However they can play in the themed splash zones! My kids loved these but it was a whole new world for my daughter when she could finally swim in the pools and enjoy the slides!

Lifevests are available for those who need them while swimming (or you could bring your own from home).

Castaway Cay

Castaway Cay (pronounced Castaway Key) is Disney’s private island and it’s a ton of fun! My kids really enjoyed swimming, playing in the sand, and adventuring around the island.

Scuttle’s Cove is also available at Castaway Cay for children that are aged 3-12 and potty trained. It’s essentially the Oceaneer Club option on the island.

One tip I have for Castaway Cay is that there are a limited number of strollers and wagons available on the island. They’re first come first serve, so grab one early if that would be useful to you.

There’s also a tram that runs on the island and stops at all of the main attractions along the way. It may be worthwhile using the tram if your hands are full and there aren’t any wagons or strollers available.

Don’t Forget to Reserve the Special Extras

There is so much to do on a Disney Cruise that you’ll no-doubt have an amazing time. BUT! There are extras to reserve that you don’t want to miss! While you’ll have plenty of opportunities to meet characters on board, some special character meet-and-greets are by reservation only (no additional charge but you must have a reservation).

You can make these reservations before your cruise however they do go quickly. If you miss out on booking a special character meet-and-greet ahead of time, try to reserve it right when you get on board.

Something else you may want to reserve for your children is an appointment at the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique or Pirates League onboard. This is an additional fee but it’s a lot of fun and very special.

I hope these tips are helpful if you’re considering a Disney Cruise with your toddler or preschooler! We loved our cruises and my kiddos still talk about all of the fun they had onboard!

If you need help booking your Disney Cruise, I recommend Love of the Magic Vacations ! They’re an amazing agency that I personally use to book our Disney Cruises. They can answer your cruise questions and get you ready to sail! You can request a free vacation quote right here .

Follow along on all of our Walt Disney World fun on  Instagram @brbgoingtodisney ! I share tips and tricks LIVE from the parks each week on Stories!   See you there!

Don’t forget to pin this post for later!

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7 Things To Know About Disney Cruise Lines “It’s a Small World Nursery”

      1.   What age? “It’s a Small World Nursery” is for your little ones 6 months to 3 years old. 1 – 3 years old on select cruises (minimum age restriction on some cruises; Panama canal etc)

    2.  Peace of mind. In your Disney Cruise stateroom, you will have 2 Wave Phones. If you don’t know what they are, they are 2 phones for you to use while onboard your ship or even at Castaway Cay. You can call or text each other, or others onboard as well. You can also get calls from the Nursery (the Oceaneers Club/lab, Edge and Vibe too) If they need something, have a question or concern, they will give you a ring. You are never too far from the Nursery and always able to be in contact. Also, know that your baby is being cared for by expert Disney counselors.

   3. Cost.  Childcare is available at $4.50 per half hour ($9/hr) for the first child and $4.00 per half hour for any additional children in your family (Same stateroom) There is a minimum of 1 hour per reservation. It will be charged to your stateroom directly after pick up. Cancellation must be 4 hours prior to avoid a fee. Less than 4 hours will be penalized half the cost of the childcare. No Shows pay the entire cost of childcare that was reserved.

  4. Security.  Just like older kids, you will choose a secret word for pick up. Along with your Key to the World card and sign them in and out. You can add additional adults to pick up. Friends and family, you may be traveling with. They provide a bag you put supplies in at every drop-off. There is a single gate, they will come get your babies and also bring them to you at check out after getting the official call once all the procedures are complete. There is a little 2-way mirror you may be able to sneak a peek of your kiddo. No pictures are allowed by parents. Privacy concerns. Characters will come to the Nursery. Sometimes you will even get a pic from a counselor at check out. Super cute!

   5. Reservations. Space is limited. Reservations can be made onboard on a first-come, first-served basis. The best time is during the Open House on Embarkation day. They can be made anytime throughout the cruise. Availability will vary. Advance reservations are required and can be made online for up to 18 hours during your cruise (so try for those MUST have hours to begin with and add more onboard.)

• Up to 120 days ahead for Concierge and Platinum Castaway Club Guests.
• Up to 105 days ahead for Gold Castaway Club Guests.
• Up to 90 days ahead for Silver Castaway Club Guests.
• Up to 75 days ahead for all other Guests.

6. What they do.  Everything. The counselors are angels. You drop off your sweet little babies and you get know rest easy knowing they are in good hands. Little one wants to lay down for a nap? Done. Hungry? They got it covered. Need a drink? Of course. Potty training? They continue the work! Seriously though. They play with them, watch movies, make crafts, Characters come and play with them, they can nap, fed bottles, have snacks throughout the day, and serve meals at mealtime.

7. What you need to know. You provide your own supplies. While they do have food, drinks, and snacks, you will have to bring diapers, wipes, ointments, etc. If you run out, Hakuna Matata, you can buy some at the shops. Children with Special Needs are welcome to the nursery! In stateroom , babysitting is now permitted or offered. You will fill out a form with all medical information, allergies, etc. So they are knowledgable about your child’s needs. With the character interaction, if your child has fears, this is a great time to overcome them.

Basically, It’s a Small World Nursery is nothing short of amazing. Even the littles get Disney Magic . Your child is completely cared for. If an issue arises they will be in contact with you. I didn’t know what to expect going into it, but I couldn’t have asked for more. At the beginning of the cruise, my baby was scared of the characters. The picture they took with Minnie, my little was literally running away. By the end, she was running UP to multiple characters. Tiana even told me how she was just in the Nursery playing with her earlier that day. How awesome!

Have you used It’s a Small World Nursery? What did you go do? We took advantage of things we couldn’t do together otherwise. My name is Jamie and I love all things Disney. I am an Independent Travel Agent with Amazing Magical Adventures and love being a part of the magic. I would love to help you plan your own vacation and help make the memories last. Feel free to email me [email protected].

Let our friends at Destinations to Travel help you book your next Disney Vacation. They are the preferred Travel Agency of Chip and Company and Disney Addicts, and who we use ourselves.

Get started Now for your FREE No Obligation Quote.

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Disney Cruise Childcare: Top 5 Reasons to Use Them on Your Next Family Vacation

If you are like me, you are very particular on who watches your children, especially in a childcare situation when there are a lot of other children with various temperaments and personalities involved. It’s not that I don’t trust others with my children, it’s just hard leaving them in an unknown environment when I don’t know the caregivers and am not familiar with the space they will spend their time in without me. So I am maybe a little more paranoid, overprotective, and skeptical than some other moms, but I am sure most moms can agree that their child’s safety is most important when it comes to their offspring.

So when we first boarded our first Disney Cruise, I was still debating whether or not I would use the childcare on the ship. I had heard many great things about the childcare onboard, but mostly from moms who had older more self sufficient children. I hadn’t heard anything about the nursery and I felt like I was swimming solo in uncharted waters. But unexpectedly my husband was unable to come on the ship with us for the trip, so I didn’t have much of a choice to use the childcare to get some of the work I needed to get done onboard and enjoy some aspects of the trip exclusively for adults. Managing being on a cruise ship with a Kindergartener and a toddler for 3 nights, it was almost impossible not to use it. So I put my big girl pants on and took the plunge and used the onboard childcare and I am SO GLAD I DID!!!!

Let me start by telling you about the onboard childcare options so you are informed about your choices for your next cruise. I will be talking about the “It’s a Small World Nursery” or “The Oceaneer Club” because these are the two that I personally used and have experience with, but there is also the “Vibe” a teens-exclusive space to hang out, listen to music, watch TV, and play games.

It’s a Small World Nursery

The nursery is for children 6 months to 3 years old (or from 1 to 3 years old on Transatlantic and Panama Canal itineraries). And my son used this colorful, clean, and calm childcare space because even though he is newly 3 years old, he isn’t potty trained yet. While he was in there he was able to do crafts, color, read books, play with toys, watch Disney movies, and even get his face painted!!! In addition to those activities, there is:

• An acclimation zone, designed to help youngsters adjust to their new environment
• A main play area featuring a 3D façade of the “small world” attraction, filled with hidden interactive delights
• A separate quiet room with cribs for naps

I didn’t make any reservations until I was onboard the ship, but advance reservations are required and can be made online:

• Up to 120 days ahead for Concierge and Platinum Castaway Club Guests
• Up to 105 days ahead for Gold Castaway Club Guests
• Up to 90 days ahead for Silver Castaway Club Guests
• Up to 75 days ahead for all other Guests

Reservations can also be made on a first-come, first-served basis during the open house on Embarkation Day or anytime throughout your cruise!!

The first time you check your child in, they will receive a custom magic band for $12 to check them in and out, but if you return your Childs magic band by midnight the night before your cruise ends you can get that money returned on your cruise account! Each time you check them in, you will fill out a form on whether you want a nap that day, a snack, lunch or dinner, etc. You can customize their visit by picking from drinks like water, juice, or milk and snacks like yogurt, banana, or crackers. You can also bring your own food, drinks, blankets, pacifiers, medicine, diapers and wipes!

Childcare in the nursery is an additional rate to your cruise and there is a minimum reservation of one hour:

• $4.50 per half hour for the first child
• $4.00 per half hour for any additional children in your family

Cancellations may be made without penalty 4 hours or more before your reservation time. No-shows will forfeit the entire cost of care for the time reserved while Guests who call to cancel fewer than 4 hours before their reservation time will forfeit half the cost of care. Once I was running late to pick my son up and I asked for them to watch him a little longer and luckily that had space and were happily able to accommodate me! And once I needed more time before I dropped him off and as long as I called to tell them, they pushed my reservation back a little to also accommodate my needs – so just call and ask and they will do what they can to help you!

Disney’s Oceaneer Club  

The Disney’s Oceaneer Club is available to potty trained children 3-12 years old. And as a play therapist, this was one of my favorite areas on the ship!!! And most of all, my daughter loved it!! There are multiple play areas in this large, fun, clean area where kids can play with toys, interact with characters, play video games, do crafts, get their face painted, and more!!! They have different themed activities on various days and times while you are on the ship, and your child can even eat lunch and or dinner in there!

When you check in your child for the first time you will be given a custom magic band that they will securely lock on your child’s wrist so it won’t come off for the duration of the cruise. These magic bands are also waterproof! Just make sure to return it by midnight the night before the cruise ends so you won’t get charged a $12 fee! Otherwise, you don’t need a reservation to take your children here anytime day or night and this childcare area is included in your cruise fare, so no extra money is needed if your child goes there!

Here’s what to expect from the playrooms:

• Andy’s Room: Reach for the sky! Hang with Hamm, Rex and the rest of the gang from Disney·Pixar’s Toy Story trilogy as this colorful world comes to life!
• Disney Infinity Game Room: Test your skills with an archery challenge, get revved by the Disney Racers program or summons your inner Picasso with Infinity Draw.
• Pixie Hollow: Visit the whimsical world that Tinker Bell and her fairy friends call home! In this fanciful forest setting, play dress-up, work on individual craft projects, use kid-friendly tablets and listen to stories.
• Star Wars : Millennium Falcon: Join the Rebel Alliance in this intergalactic arena! In addition to arts and crafts, kids can design a starship, train like a Jedi or climb into Han Solo’s cockpit and send the “fastest hunk of junk in the galaxy” soaring through the Star Wars universe!

And when you are on Disney’s private island Castaway Cay, the club is closed on the ship while you are in port and they have an exclusive club called Scuttle’s Cove on the island where children can participate in various activities and play in the sand (with some shaded areas) the same way as on the ship!!!

So now that you know a little about the two main childcare options for children 12 years old and younger, here are my top reasons why you need to use them on your next Disney cruise!!!

1.The Disney cruise crew members are trained childcare providers who have had background checks and extensive training. And may I add that every single crew member that worked in either “It’s a Small World Nursery” or “The Oceaneer Club” was extremely friendly, helpful, and supportive.

2. Both facilities are clean, safe, and easy to use. Before each child enters the Oceaneer Club, they are required to wash and sanitize their hands. And most importantly, did I mention they are super safe? First of all, both locations require a secret password that only you and they have on file and you have you use that secret word to drop off and pick up your child. They both also have magic bands that they scan to make sure they see the name and photo of your child when you check in and out of the facilities. You will also need your cruise stateroom card to check your child and and out of the childcare areas so crew members can see your name and photo. Both facilities have double sided locked doors so there is no way your child can sneak out or escape the area on their own. So whether you want to come in or out, they have to swipe their magic band, check photo ID, check your secret password, and have double locked doors! Now that is safety at its best!!!

3. My kids were extremely happy when I picked them up! I used both childcare areas each day of the cruise for hours at a time and they both were in great moods when I picked them up and at one point, asked to stay longer because they didn’t want to leave! When my kids are happy, I am happy!!! They both looked forward to going each day to play, made some friends, and even asked to go on occasion even when I wasn’t planning on taking them!

4. And as a parent, I loved how easy it was to make a reservation and appreciated the reservation reminders that were sent via the app right to my phone before each reservation I made. I was also given updates on exactly what happened when they were there from crew members – what they did, what they ate, how they behaved, etc. I love being informed and they were great about making me feel like my child was a priority!

5. I love that the Oceaneer Club has scheduled Open Houses where you can go alone and or with your child to check out the facility before you use it. And each time I picked up my daughter, I was allowed to go inside to find her (they would tell you exactly what room she was in and what she was doing upon pick up).

I honestly don’t know what I would have done without the childcare on the ship! Another win for #DisneyCruiseLine!  

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Ultimate Guide To Disney Cruise Child Care and Kids Clubs

By Lisa Gilmore Leave a Comment

Ah, you’ve booked a cruise. You’re thinking of relaxing poolside, tasty beverages adorned with little umbrellas, exotic destinations, and child care.

The Disney Wish

Wait, what? Child care? Why would child care thoughts pop up in a cruise daydream?  Well, when you’re booking a Disney Cruise, why  wouldn’t world-class child care be one of your top vacation fantasies?

[Read more…]

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4 Expensive Disney Cruise Options That Are Worth the Cost (and One That Isn’t)

T aking a Disney  cruise  lets you be the prince or princess of a Disney story. Everything from your meals to onboard entertainment is taken care of, leaving you free to explore everything the ship offers.

Learn More:  11 Expensive Vacation Destinations That Will Be Cheaper in 2024

Find Out:  How To Get $340 Per Year in Cash Back on Things You Already Buy

Understanding  what’s included  in your package can help you decide where it might be worth splashing out a bit more cash for an even more enchanting experience.

While every Disney cruise comes with its share of pixie dust, some experiences are so spectacular they justify the extra investment. From princess makeovers to adult-only fine dining, prioritizing the right upgrades can elevate your cruise from memorable to once-in-a-lifetime.

Sponsored: Owe the IRS $10K or more? Schedule a FREE consultation to see if you qualify for tax relief.

Magical Makeovers at Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique/Pirate’s League

The  Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique  offers an opportunity for your children to transform into their favorite characters, whether that’s a prince, princess or pirate. Since you likely chose a Disney cruise for the unique Disney experience or because you or your children are fans of a character or two, it makes sense to take part in this one-of-a-kind makeover option.

Princess makeovers range from $100 to $450, with the basic “Deluxe Carriage Package” including hairstyling, shimmering makeup and face gem, princess sash and cinch sack, nail polish, and t-shirt. Pricier packages also include princess gowns, accessories, tiaras, and more. To give your princess a special experience at a lower cost, you could pack a princess dress rather than paying for the more expensive package that includes one.

For those who would like to become knights or captains, you can select a package that includes a costume, sack or backpack, hairstyling and gel, confetti, and either a sword and shield or a captain’s hat and an autograph book. These packages cost $100 for the knight and $120 for the captain. Pirate makeovers are available on special Pirate Party nights.

Beer Mug or Drink of the Day Savings Package

Although Disney Cruise Line doesn’t offer an all-inclusive alcohol drink package, they do have alternatives that could be a good value if you plan to drink on your cruise. You can purchase a $17 souvenir glass beer mug that allows you to buy 21 oz of draught beer or hard cider for the price of a 16 oz beer or hard cider. This will pay for itself if you have more than around a half-dozen drinks, and you get a nifty keepsake that you can use on future cruises.

There is also an option to purchase a Drink of the Day cocktail souvenir cup that you may refill at a discounted price (and drinks of the day are already discounted). You can use these cups for drink discounts at Disney Castaway Cay as well, so don’t forget to pack your cup when you go ashore. Speaking of going ashore…

Port Adventures

A big part of cruising is going ashore during the port stops along the way. You may want to upgrade your trip by opting for  port adventure packages . These packages can include equipment rentals like bicycles, snorkels, and water tubes. They may also include cultural experiences, sightseeing, or even nature experiences like swimming with dolphins.

Booking your port adventures through Disney also offers the convenience of pre-set pricing, saving you the hassle of haggling or currency exchange. Not all the experiences are super expensive, and even splurging on a mid-range adventure will be a memorable upgrade to your cruise that reduces stress during port days.

Adult-Exclusive Dining

Every Disney Cruise ship offers dining options for adults only, so you can have a peaceful date night with your spouse while sailing. These dining options are only available for people 18 and older. The restaurant options include (depending on your ship) Palo, Palo Steakhouse, Remy, and Enchante.

After recent price increases in 2023, brunch and dinner at Palo and Palo Steakhouse will cost $50 per person for a fixed menu. Base dinner prices at Remy and Enchante are $135 per person. A la carte options are available for an 18% charge on top of the price of each item. While these meals are fairly pricey, especially considering other meals in the Dining Room are included in your ticket cost, you can’t put a dollar amount on an amazing adult-only date night.

Skip This Upgrade: Royal Court Royal Tea

One upgrade option you may have heard about is the Royal Court Royal Tea. While it’s a charming idea, especially for fans of Disney princesses, the cost is steep at $220 per child and $69 per adult.

While the description makes the Royal Tea sound charming, attendees have found it an expensive disappointment. Although it’s a popular add-on, popularity isn’t always synonymous with value. Besides, there is a completely free Princess Gathering where you can meet and greet your favorite Disney Princesses.

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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com : 4 Expensive Disney Cruise Options That Are Worth the Cost (and One That Isn’t)

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Youth Activity Registration – Frequently Asked Questions

What do I need in order to check my children into care?

Once your children register and receive their Oceaneer Bands, they are ready to play. All children are required to wear their Oceaneer Bands at all times while participating in secured programming. They must also wear shoes and dry clothes.

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