An Almost 2 Year Old on Repositioning Cruise

[maryisme]

Am I crazy to even contemplate taking my 8 month old DD (she'll be almost 2 when we cruise) on the CA-FL cruise? She can't go to the clubs yet and can't go in the pools either except for the ear portion of the pool. I'm not sure what I'm going to do with her to keep her busy for two weeks.

Leaving her is not an option. What are other parents of young children doing?

 

[SFed]

We are booked on that cruise, and will be bringing a new 8 month old along with our DD who will be almost 5 at that time.

DD was 10 months old on our first DCL cruise and she has been on a total of 7 so far, so we have done one at almost every age. At two, there is quite a bit to do. She should already get a kick out of seeing the characters and will watch the shows. The pool rule is fairly recent, so we were always able to swim with her. I still think they should let them in with a swim diaper on, but let's not start that debate again.

We also used Flounders quite a bit, but in short stints of an hour here or there in the day, and then at night we would put her in at bedtime.

With all the things going on I don't recall ever worrying about keeping her busy at any age. That is one reason we love DCL so much. I think the only real issue we have is how we are going to possibly pack everything we need for 14 days.

 

[seaulater]

Our granddaughter was almost two when we took her on her first Disney Cruise. It was the best. She loved it, there was plenty to do, and the CM that was with the characters kept asking Olivia to come be with them so they could get pictures. She would just hug Donald, Minnie and we have the best pictures of her with all of the characters. The dining room and stateroom guys were wonderful with her. There was so much to do. We found that we only used the nursery a couple of times, but she loved that too. I don't think you would have any problems with her on the 14 day.

Linda

 

[maryisme]

SFed,
Thanks for the response. With my 1st DD turning 9 next month I've almost forgotten what it is like to have an infant. I can't for the life of me recall how my older DD handled traveling at that age.

I was starting to doubt the wisdom of the 14 day trip but your response has definitely put a positive swing on things.

Linda,

Thank you. I am really beginning to feel that this trip is feasible.


Mary

 

[piglet33]

My DD went on her first Disney Cruise last year when she was 11 months old. She is going on another one this year at 23 months and then the Repo cruise. I had no problems when she was 11 months old in fact she loved the characters so much she cried when they walked away! You just have to remember to take breaks during the day to give her some downtime (works great as an excuse for Mommy & Daddy too).

Renee'

 

[corkycat]

Sfed--

I just wanted to let you know that we have booked the Ca-Fl repo cruise as well and it looks like we will have an 8 month baby joining us.

I was wondering what you put on the reservations for your unborn baby--we were at a loss so we put unborn Leach as the first last name. Hopefully, we don't run into any problems down the road.

Thanks for your posts to Mary--it makes me feel so much better about our decision to go.

Karen

 

[rsjj]

just went a month & half ago, with our DSs 4 & one who just turned 2. we used the nursery twice. he loved it! he also loved seeing the characters. another option...he went to the club while older brother went, and we were there also. they had these climbing things right inside the club, but on the outskirts of the club itself...and our DS2 loved roaming around that area, climbing & sliding, while DS4 went into the club & did its activities.

as for pools...he enjoyed being in the pool. just the ear part. he had his swim diapers, and the ear part had streaming water coming out fromt he sides...and another family had brought some water toys, and the kids splashed around & played.

if your child is anything like mine, he loves "dancing" to music & just jumping around...enjoyed studio sea, before there were any shows. the room was empty except for others just waiting for something to start...and we were there, and they loved the stage area & the strobe lights on the floor.

i don't think you would be at a loss as to what to do with a toddler. there's just so much to do! he also loved exploring the ship!

have fun, and enjoy...whatever you do!

 

[HooKooDooKu]

We are currently booked on the FL to CA repo and our DS will be about 2-1/2.

 

[SFed]

HOLY COW,

My wife had her first ultrasound today and it looks like we will be traveling with TWO eight month olds. I'm not sure how many diapers that is over two weeks, but its gotta be a ton.

Karen - I think they put TBD on the reservation.

 

[maryisme]

Sfed,
Wow, twins! Congratulations! That is wonderful news! Wishing you and your wife the best.

Mary

 

[danicaw]

Congrats SFed!

We are taking our DS on the FL to CA repo cruise and he turn two about a week after we get home from that cruise.

 

[Daisy5115]

I just cruised last week with my 33month old. He was a handful, didn't understand the first day why he couldn't go into the bigger pool, the staff is very strict about the Mickey ear for toddlers in diapers. he was allowed to wade around the area, and understood after the first day which was "his" pool. VERY important to bring some small pool toys, plastic strainer, fish, frogs, these saved me. We had two days in the ocean and he loved that and was happy as could be there.I tried to take him into the Oceaneers club to meet Mickey, but something there set him off and he wanted to leave and not come back. He liked to lay in the aisle during dinner and, of course, the waiters can't get by with him there, so we had to run after him a lot. He loved the characters and when all else failed he was bribed with ice cream. We did use Flounders 4 nights and I think it was good for him to just sit and play and watch movies, because honestly he was happy in the cabin moving the trash can around and looking at himself in the mirror!
BTW, he is still talking about the Mickey Ship!

 

[eeyorefreak]

We are on the FL to Ca cruise and our son will have just turned 2 (today is his 1st bday!). I'm curious about what others have done as well.

Shannon

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

Haven't cruised with my little ones, YET!!!

But we did just travel overseas with them to UK and France...for 15 days (incl. travel days). They were 17 months and 3+ years when we went in March.

I would be not so concerend abou the cruise--but how their homesickness will be for 2+ weeks away from home.

Our daughters enjoyed the trip at first, but that quickly dissipated at the end of the first week. Don't get me wrong--they enjoyed the activities--but you could tell they missed home. BUT--once we got to France on our vacation--and went to Disneyland--the homesickness melted away. Evidently seeing Mickey, Minnie and the gang was enough familiarity. Unfortunately we were only there for a day--so the high wasn't enough to last the extra 3 or 4 days until our return trip home.

So while you are away...on this or any vacation--have some familiar routines built in...have a familiar special toy from home...and ENJOY!! I don't think you will have any problems on your cruise

You might plan a few trips to the mouse house so the little ones can get used to seeing Mickey and the gang. If you wait until your cruise to be the first encounter--you may end up with an unhappy child who doesn't understand why the cute cuddly characters from tv and stuffed animal fame are giants. We go to WDW quite a bit--and my goodness--it is funny when it isn't our children to see a kid so excited scream in terror over the characters--but when it is your own and the enjoyment of your trip is contingent on it...better do a practice run!