A disney Cruise with an 18 month old Child

[jfenton94@optonline.]

I was hoping some of you who have taken a Disney cruise with an 18 month old could share some of your experiences with us. We are scheduled for a 7 day land and sea on 8-28-05. I was curious as to how the nursery was? We have a late dinner seating and I dont think he will make it. Not to mention we would like a some what peaceful dinner for those nights. We also have an 8 year old daughter. Will they alow her to spend some time in the nursery with him until he is comfortable? thanks
Joanne

 

[lindakmonty]

I took my son on his first cruise when he was 18 months. The nursery was great! They are only open certain hours but that was the first time I left him w/anyone that was not family. I'm not sure about the DD staying with him, I only have one child but I am sure others will reply as well... he's cruised twice since then...and they remembered him and everything! wonderful experience and planing the next cruise now You will enjoy your cruise for sure. you may want to request being moved to the earlier seating if you wish, but you can take him to the nursery and get him something from room service, or something up by the Mickey pool if you want to dine later and still let him get his rest...hope this helps, and you can pm if you have any other questions on your mind

 

[Tracey1974]

Bump because I will be in the same boat in Dec 2006!

 

[4formickey]

make sure he takes a nap. We cruise with a 18 month and a 3 yr old. Naps for the little ones are important. Near the end of the trip most of the kids are knocked out at dinner. We had early sitting and some days both of the kids was sleep. This year we plan to get them up early let them play in the pool most of the morning so they will take a nap. This may be your biggest problem sleep time.

 

[lillygator]

Our Dd was 18 months and we did 4 nights WDW and a 3 night cruise...it was wonderful, we had late seating as well and took her to dinner once, the other times she was in Flounders and aside from a couples massage those were the only times she was in the nursery. She had a blast - so did we...
The mickey pool - she could only go in the ear and of course being half way to 2 she wanted to jump in the big pool. But other than that it was fine!!

 

[KensJen]

We recently cruised with our DS, who was 21 months at the time. The nursery was awesome! They were very accomodating and so gentle and loving with our DS. It was also the first time we had left him with anyone other than family, so mama was a bit unsure!!

I'm not sure about your daughter being able to stay...you can ask them. But you can stay with him as long as you need, and they also have family time...which is during the time they are not actually babysitting. Parents can come in with their kids and play. This may help him become comfortable with the area. My DS just walked away from us the first time we left him...no looking back! I was a bit surprised, but happy that he was OK with it. We also stopped back and watched him through the two way mirror, and he was really enjoying himself. They have lots of toys and of course Disney movies, to keep the kiddos occupied.

If you want, try to change your seating when you get on the ship. Usually this is not a problem. They have a place for dining reservations and changes that will open soon after boarding starts. Get there early and you should be able to change your dining time. We did this so our DS could join us a couple of nights, and then we went to Palo one night and took him to the nursery.

As for the rest of the cruise...he loved it! Just walking around the ship and looking out the windows could keep him happy. The PP was right about naps, make sure you make time for this. It really makes things easier, even though it can be a hassle. We would have our DS nap on the bed, and close the curtains. That way we could still watch TV, keep the lights on, etc.
Bring a few sand/water toys for the beach and also to play with in the ear of the Mickey pool where the little ones are allowed. And my son loved all of the deck parties...like the sail away party. He loves music and dancing. If you have any other questions, LMK. We had so much fun, we are going again next month.

 

[stars918]

Just got back from the Magic 7-night Mexican cruise and we took our 13 month old. We had such a great time and I have no regrets bringing him along!

We took the late seating (by choice) switched when we got on the ship because they had us sitting with 8 other people. Put my DS in Flounders every night except the Pirate night and he LOVED it! They are professionals and gave my son such care and love!

I also agree that naps are so important, my DS ended up napping everyday in his stroller while walking around the deck.

We also took him on the excursions and not once did I feel that his safety was in jeopardy being on the buses without a carseat.

I'm so jealous, I want to go back. Please let me know if you have any other questions, I will be happy to help!