Almost 3 year old

[Tzbwilsonfam]

We will be taking our first Disney cruise next November with a 32 month old. I'm a little apprehensive since he won't be 3 at eligible for kid's club. So a few questions....aside from him needing to be fully potty trained by then in order to be in the family pools, is there any other con in taking one this young? Will we have things to do other than the pool on cruise days? Since this is our first cruise, will we even have a chance at scheduling any nursery hours? Then I wonder if he will be entertained since he'll be almost 3? What are my options?? I'm not looking to "git rid of him for adult time" I'm just concerned if he will enjoy himself.

 

[PrincessShmoo]

We will be taking our first Disney cruise next November with a 32 month old. I'm a little apprehensive since he won't be 3 at eligible for kid's club. So a few questions....aside from him needing to be fully potty trained by then in order to be in the family pools, is there any other con in taking one this young? Will we have things to do other than the pool on cruise days? Since this is our first cruise, will we even have a chance at scheduling any nursery hours? Then I wonder if he will be entertained since he'll be almost 3? What are my options?? I'm not looking to "git rid of him for adult time" I'm just concerned if he will enjoy himself.

Yes, you will be able to schedule nursery hours. All cruisers have a maximum number of hours they can book pre-cruise. This is to allow everyone a chance to get some hours. Once onboard, you can book additional hours, if available. And, most of the time, there is availability.

The nursery also has activities for their "older" kids. Not just cribs and "baby" stuff.

You will also be able to take your almost 3 into Oceaneer's Club/Lab during Open House hours to utilize those spaces.

 

[Tzbwilsonfam]

Yes, you will be able to schedule nursery hours. All cruisers have a maximum number of hours they can book pre-cruise. This is to allow everyone a chance to get some hours. Once onboard, you can book additional hours, if available. And, most of the time, there is availability.

The nursery also has activities for their "older" kids. Not just cribs and "baby" stuff.

You will also be able to take your almost 3 into Oceaneer's Club/Lab during Open House hours to utilize those spaces.

Great! I didn't know there would be open hours. I'm such a planner and now that its booked, I'm consumed and driving my hubby batty. Am I also right in assuming that he won't be taken to kid's club during the later dinner when all the other kids go?

 

[PrincessShmoo]

Great! I didn't know there would be open hours. I'm such a planner and now that its booked, I'm consumed and driving my hubby batty. Am I also right in assuming that he won't be taken to kid's club during the later dinner when all the other kids go?

Correct. They do the "dine and play" only for the Oceaneer's Club/Lab aged kids. However, there's nothing to prevent you from keeping your little one with you for, say the appetizer course, and then heading to the nursery to drop him off before your entrée course arrives. Just be sure to set up a reservation for that time (generally about 45 minutes after the seating time).

 

[Lizzards]

There is so much to do! He will be over entertained characters and shows and just running the decks. I am not sure which ship you will be on but there are water splash play areas too, at least there was on the Fantasy. There are lots of family activities. He will have fun and I hope you make great family memories together!

 

[drnp]

I will say my DD was 33 months old on our first Wonder cruise, but she was potty trained. We asked the manager when we boarded if she could access the kids club and she was allowed. We did do the open hours and then left her there twice for about an hour each time over 7 nights and she enjoyed herself. I get the feeling there might be a little wiggle room at the discretion of the manager, though this was in winter of 2012 so things may have changed.

 

[PrincessShmoo]

I will say my DD was 33 months old on our first Wonder cruise, but she was potty trained. We asked the manager when we boarded if she could access the kids club and she was allowed. We did do the open hours and then left her there twice for about an hour each time over 7 nights and she enjoyed herself. I get the feeling there might be a little wiggle room at the discretion of the manager, though this was in winter of 2012 so things may have changed.

Things have changed. DCL no longer allows under 3s in Oceaneer's except when accompanied during Open House hours.

 

[genki3]

When you do your online check-in, your under-3 year old will get 18 hours available to reserve at the nursery.

There is also Toddler Time that they offer for the under 3s. It's offered a few different times each sailing. They bring out a variety toys for the little ones to play with in an enclosed space.

There's lots of character meets scheduled. You can take him to the Buena Vista theater for the previews before the movies. On my recent Fantasy cruise, right before they showed Cinderella, there was the Frozen Fever short that my 19 mo old (and me!) enjoyed. Or you can watch something else in your stateroom.

Whatever ship you're on, your little one will enjoy wandering around and just being with you will be entertainment enough for him!

 

[tnshsms]

Our daughter was 34 months on our first 3 day cruise on the dream. She didn't spend any time in the nursery because we went during open house and it looked pretty boring. She had been going to a preschool for 2 years at that point and was way beyond what they had in the nursery for her. We did the open house hours in the club and that worked out great. And like others have said, you will be surprised at how much there is to do with her if you are ok with keeping her with you. Lots of scheduled activities that your kiddo will enjoy.

 

[michellekcm]

My son is 31 months and we have just returned from 29 nights on the Magic. He is still asking (2 weeks later) to go back to the "Mickey ship." He loved it.

We did time at the nursery, open house at the club, Toddler Time etc. He also loved dancing to the musicians in the Promenade Lounge, running around on stage in Fathoms or D Lounge (when they were empty during the day), meeting characters, etc.

I bet you'll have a blast!!!

 

[SailorJen]

Was on the Wonder last month with a 31 month, a 4 yrs old and an 8yrs old. Potty trained, and able to register her online before our sail date. But when We took them in the first day, the little one is not allow to be in the kids club, only the nursery. But she doesn't want to go to the nursery at all due to the sisters are at the kids club. Have to be with her 24/7.

But there's lots of things to do. A few craft classes of coloring, animal mask, paper folding, taking pictures w characters, movies, and the pool. Or..just eat all day long.