Disney is a leader in family vacations, and Disney cruise line is no exception. This article provides information on family cruising with Disney Cruises.
Disney Cruise Line - Family and Kids Cruise Programs
A Disney Cruise Line vacation gives families many ways to play together and separately. With practically an entire deck devoted to kids, there's non-stop fun each day from 9 a.m. to midnight for five distinct age groups. Kids ages 3 to 7 make magic at Disney's Oceaneer Club. Kids 8 to 12 explore the universe at Disney's Oceaneer Lab. Teens enjoy their own private hangout at a New York-style coffeehouse. And with the kids practically begging to join their new friends each day, parents can engage in a little fun of their own, from relaxing in an adult-only pool area, to daily activities like wine-tasting or cooking demonstrations. The Disney web site is loaded with descriptions of activities, food, and fun.
Here's just a sample of what Disney has planned for the kids.
Children's Programming Participation Guidelines and Special Requests
Physical and Social Interaction Children's programming is open to all children* ages 3-12, who are:
* Completely potty trained * Able to interact comfortably within our counselor-to-child ratio groups of 1-15 (ages 3-4) 1-25 (ages 5-12) * Able to interact comfortably with peers of their own physical size and within our established age groupings of 3-4, 5-7, 8-9 and 10-12
(A child may participate in an older age group, if they are within one month of the minimum age for that group or if the lead counselor agrees. Example would be a 7-year-old who wishes to join the 8-9 group and is within a month of turning 8.)
*Exceptions that may prevent participation:
* A child who shows symptoms of fever, vomiting, diarrhea, unexplained skin rash, discharge from the nose or eyes or has any other contagious disease or illness * A child who becomes disruptive within the group. (Should this occur, it may result in the child not being able to participate in Programming, without a parent or guardian)
Special Requests that Disney is unable to accommodate
* A child who requires one-on-one care * A child or adult who wishes to participate in an age group much younger/smaller than their physical age/size. (Example would be a 10-year-old wanting to be with the 5-7 age group) * A child who needs the attention of a counselor with special training * A child who needs counselor-assisted medical attention
Family Interaction If you child's needs cannot be accommodated, there are a multitude of events and activities throughout the ship, which the entire family can enjoy.
* Main Stage shows * Family game shows * First run movies * Deck parties and events * Selected shore excursions * Castaway Cay
The Oceaneer Club and Oceaneer Lab are open each evening from 5:30 - 6:30 pm (except for embarkation evening) for the entire family to enjoy the space together.
Parents or guardians may accompany their child to the Oceaneer Club and Lab programs and activities at any time throughout the cruise.
Parents may make a request for modified programming for a limited period during the cruise. Disney Cruise Line's ability to fulfill the request will depend upon the child's needs, the availability of counselors, program participation, and other applicable considerations. Disney Cruise Lines cannot guarantee that special requests will be accommodated. Such requests must be made prior to sailing, through the Disney Cruise Line Special Reservations coordinator.
For 3-and 4-year olds, who are not potty trained or who may prefer a smaller adult-to-child ratio (1-6), parents may request that the child be accommodated in Flounder's Reef Nursery, the infant and toddler group babysitting area. The fee for this service is $6 per hour, per child and is based on availability.
For further assistance, please contact the Disney Cruise Line Special Reservations coordinator.
Founder's Reef Nursery books up very quickly, so be sure to book your child's nursery stay EARLY because space is extremely limited. You can make a reservation online or during open house on Embarkation Day on a first-come, first-served basis. To check additional availability, visit Flounder's Reef Nursery during your cruise.
Flounder's Reef Nursery Group Babysitting participation details
* Babysitting is not available in guest staterooms. * This service is available for children ages 12 weeks to 3 years*. * Maximum: 10 hours for 7-night cruises, 10 hours for 3- and 4- night cruises * The fee is $6.00 per hour for first child, and $5.00 per hour for each additional child. Minimum 1 hour charged. * Nursery is open each evening and selected times during each day.
*Exceptions that may prevent participation: A child who shows symptoms of fever, vomiting, diarrhea, unexplained skin rash, discharge from the nose or eyes or has any other contagious disease or illness
Special Requests that Disney is unable to accommodate
* A child who requires one on-one-care. * A child who needs babysitter assisted medical attention.
