2 year old and the Kids Clubs

[byon_and_lara]

In a few weeks I will be on the Magic with an active 2 year old. I'm a little concerned about how too keep her entertained without losing my mind chasing after her. I heard here on the DIS boards that she can visit the Kids Camp as long as an adult stays with her. That sounds wonderful! Will I be able to pick up a 3-4 year old Navagator and pick and choose activities that she might like and let her join in on the activities while I (or DH, or her grandma) just watch? Is there any kind of registration for this?

I also have an *almost* 8 year old daughter who I am thinking might fit better in the Lab. Mainly because we were on the Wonder last year and she did the 5-7 year old stuff and she might enjoy something different this time. She is tall and mature and I just seeing her fitting better with the 8-9s than the 5-7s, KWIM? On the other hand, I see the advantage of her staying in the Club because it is the same room her 2 year old sister will be "visiting" and they would get a kick out of seeing each other there. Or maybe the 3-4s don't spent much time with the 5-7 anyway??? Any thoughts?

I also have a 12 year old son who will also be in the Lab, but I don't see either my almost 8 dd or my 12 year old ds appreciating the other's company there. They are more likely to pretend they don't know each other.

Just looking for opinions...

Thanks,
Lara

 

[kcashner]

Lara:
First, they will allow a 2 year old in the CLub along with an adult. Yes, you can pick up a 3-4 Navigator. Free play is available to you and the child. Participation in activities is on a "space available" basis with permission of the kid counsellor--obviously 3 and 4 year olds will have priority.

The official rule for placing a 7 year old in the 8-9 group is that they have to be within 30 days of the 8th birthday. However, exceptions are sometimes made. I would strongly suggest that you start your DD in the 7 year old group and ask to move her up only if that is not satisfactory once she has done it for an activity or two. You are only allowed one "move," and if you move her up initially, that counts as a move. Moving up is also space available with permission of the child staff after the staff has had a chance to assess the maturity of the child. They do want everyone to be happy...and they are very good with kids of all ages.

Since this is not your first cruise, it is very likely that your DD may be in the lab on more than one future cruise. I will warn you that as "frequent flyers," The Lab was ultimately labelled as "lame" by my daughter. I think she just had too many times in there. The funny thing is that some of the same activities that were "lame" in the lab are now considered to be great fun in The Stack.