4 Year Olds?

[Jules1]

We have a friend that has a 4 year old. They are thinking about a Disney Cruise, but are afraid that she is too young. Would it be better to wait until she is older? Anyone with experience with 4 year old on the ship, with kids programs and the ship in general?

 

[SJCSuzy]

Jules1,

We went last summer on the Western sailing of the Magic with DD 4. This was our 3rd cruise on DCL and she had an absolute blast! She never wanted to leave the kids clubs. We only went swimming once on the ship, I think the pool area just is too crowded for the non-swimmers but she loved being in the ocean. In Key West we rented Jet Skis and took a 2hr tour around the island and she loved riding on the back of Daddy's. In Grand Cayman we did Atlantis Sub and then to the beach for more swimming. And we did the dolphin experience in Cozumel. We all loved that! She still says she wants to go back to the "Mickey Mouse boat." Hopefully we will soon.

 

[flexsmom]

We did the 4-night Wonder with DD 3 and our friends had DS 2. We also could barely get our DD out of the clubs, unless we lured her to the pool and the Mickey slide. Her mission in life was to get as many autographs and pictures from characters as possible. We enjoyed the flexibility and convenience so much, we're going this December on a 7-night - she'll be 4 and DS will be 7 months!

 

[yvettpal]

We just returned from the 3-day cruise with my 4 year old niece. She loved the club, the mickey pool, playing in the ocean at Castaway Key (even though she doesn't know how to swim) and meeting all the characters.

She actually preferred the ship to the parks (we also did 4 days in WDW), so we will be going back for a 7-day cruise.

 

[shelly3girls]

We took DD almost 4 and DD almost 2 in January. Both girls had a fabulous time. I thought 4 was a fabulous age! My daughter is very shy and we couldn't keep her out of the clubs, she loved every minute of it. I would highly recommend a cruise at this age. Every time she sees a commercial for DCL she says, "there's our ship!" Then she wants to know when the next one is going to be.

 

[keith & co.]

Here is another ? for you Moms of 4s..........

Do they have a spot in the club where a sleepy 3-4 yr old can rest or nap???

My DD4 is still taking a 1-3 hr nap most days and we were wondering if they would page us or if they just let her fall asleep?
When we had her in Flounder's they pretty much let them nap where they fell......... worked great for the 2 & under set!
We were planning on skipping naps the first few days and then maybe pulling her out for a rest and nap day mid-cruise. But if they will send her to Mom & Dad for daily naps we may need to adjust our schedule to be a bit more flexible!
Barbara

 

[plutospup]

Last year DD4 loved "Mickey's Boat"! When she went to the Oceaneer's Club she had a great time. Other times she wanted to be with Daddy & Mommy. She enjoyed the pools, and slide, as well as the shows. Be sure to check out (I think it's called...) Mickey's Island Adventure. It's an afternoon show with all of the characters (not Disney Dreams).

Naps...I'm not sure if they have afternoon naps in the O-Club. After two days of no naps for DD4, Dw, and me (can you say Grumpy by 8pm) we all went back to the cabin for a short nap. We found everyone was happier during the evening. DD4 and Daddy had pizza at 11:30pm and had a ball! (Neither of us are awake at that hour at home!) Naps on vacation are a wonderful thing!!!