Ask Me Anything

[KT2038]

Hi - first time poster here.

We are super excited as we just booked a Disney cruise for Feb. Our son will be almost 3.5 years old then. He is fully potty trained and has been for 6 months. He is in day care is is used to playing with other kids and being around adults that are not his parent. My one concern is that I am not sure he can go to the bathroom by himself -even though he is potty trained at school I know his teachers help him pull up/down his pants, help him wash his hands, ect. Will the counsellors be able to do that or does he have to be 100% self sufficient to be able to participate in the kids club?

Thanks.

Hi! Yes of course the Counselors will help him. He just needs to be able to ask for help

 

[KT2038]

I have a son who hasn't liked the Oceanear's Club in the past because it's been too loud for him. Do you think it'd be okay if he brought noise canceling headphones in? He's 9.

Also, how common is it for a 9 year old to sign himself out of the Club? I'm considering allowing it for this trip, especially if he still isn't fond of the club. I'm debating if I'm crazy to let him do this.

Oh I'm sorry to hear that yes he can bring the headphones if he likes. Please be aware though that things do tend to go missing in the club and lab! It is very common for 9 year olds to be a self check. Especially if they have cruised with us before

 

[fab1976]

Take advantage of the nursery open house times. On a 7 day they had one every morning while the ship was at sea. Adults were allowed into the nursery area with their little one for about an hour or so. This allowed us to be in the space with him so he knew it was a safe environment. The counselors were also there so he could meet them as well. By the time we used the nursery on day 6 he was so excited that he didn't care about us anymore, he just wanted IN and to PLAY with TOYS!

I thought I had read about the daily open houses but thought it was too good to be true . Thanks for confirming that! After she's been in a situation with us for a bit she's ok if we leave. Doing the drop and run doesn't work with her, but if she's familiar it should go well! Getting more excited about our possible kid free/older kid only time!

 

[Quellman]

I thought I had read about the daily open houses but thought it was too good to be true . Thanks for confirming that! After she's been in a situation with us for a bit she's ok if we leave. Doing the drop and run doesn't work with her, but if she's familiar it should go well! Getting more excited about our possible kid free/older kid only time!

Even if you never use the nursery services, the open houses are super valuable since you can only pack so many toys/activities in your luggage. It at least gives them something to do.

 

[Chitowngirl2]

Thank you so much for your rapid response to my question. I was anxious that my little guy would have trouble since he is so young, but you have made me feel more at ease.

 

[Jennifer MN]

Do people ever leave their kids in the club while they go on shore excursions?

 

[PrincessShmoo]

Do people ever leave their kids in the club while they go on shore excursions?

Yes.

 

[lillygator]

Do people ever leave their kids in the club while they go on shore excursions?

yes, we have, my eldest did not want to get off in alcapulco at all. turns out there was just her and 2 other kids in there all day. she won multiple items like hats, etc and had a blast, but continues to ask why she isn't in any pictures!!

 

[n2dzny]

My family & I will be on the Dream in Jan. Do you recommend booking nursery times before we set sail or are there usually slots available? We have two under age three.

My son will need some "adjustment time", I was thinking that I would try to get him in on the first night or maybe early the next day so he could get used to it early & enjoy it.

Thanks for answering questions. This has been very valuable (first time to cruise as a mom).

 

[MomoMama]

Do we need to get the kid's band on the first day, or can we get it any time during the cruise? I just hated the long wait in the line last time we cruised. I don't plan to leave our kid at the club on the first day, so if it is not necessary to pick up the band on the first day, I would like to do that when there is no line. Thank you!

 

[KT2038]

I would

My family & I will be on the Dream in Jan. Do you recommend booking nursery times before we set sail or are there usually slots available? We have two under age three.

My son will need some "adjustment time", I was thinking that I would try to get him in on the first night or maybe early the next day so he could get used to it early & enjoy it.

Thanks for answering questions. This has been very valuable (first time to cruise as a mom).

I would recommend booking times before you go if you would like specific tines and don't want to be disappointed if certain times are full. If you're happy to take the chance booking on board is fine

 

[KT2038]

Do we need to get the kid's band on the first day, or can we get it any time during the cruise? I just hated the long wait in the line last time we cruised. I don't plan to leave our kid at the club on the first day, so if it is not necessary to pick up the band on the first day, I would like to do that when there is no line. Thank you!

You can pick them up whenever you like. I do however recommend that children attend on the first night

 

[MomoMama]

You can pick them up whenever you like. I do however recommend that children attend on the first night

Thank you very much for your reply!
May I ask what is special about the first night? I always thought the first night would be too chaotic there. And do you mean "night" hours?

 

[KT2038]

Thank you very much for your reply!
May I ask what is special about the first night? I always thought the first night would be too chaotic there. And do you mean "night" hours?

Yes the lab and club open in the evening until midnight. We find that children make friends and get to know the Counselors on the first night which sets them up for the cruise. We also have a welcome party which introduces children to the activities and programs on offer as well as the rules!

 

[OkieCuties]

Do you find that the club or the lab work better for certain ages in the approved age groups? I have 2 girls 6 &4. Which place should we try the first night - the club or the lab?
thank you

 

[scootch]

I just want to say thank you. My 13 year old is really sad she has aged out of the club, she loved it for 6 cruises. You guys are the best.

 

[lanejudy]

Do you find that the club or the lab work better for certain ages in the approved age groups? I have 2 girls 6 &4. Which place should we try the first night - the club or the lab?
thank you

While kids 3-12 may participate in any activity at the Club or Lab, the Club programming is generally geared to the younger set (approx. 3-7) and the Lab towards the older (8-12). What your kids find most interesting may vary, but I'd think at ages 6 and 4 they would prefer the Club.

Enjoy your cruise!

 

[OkieCuties]

Perfect! Thank you so much.

 

[CAmorgan510]

Hi
I was wondering how strict they were with the age limit for the kids clubs? My son will be 2 1/2. I know there is the nursery but his older brother and cousins will all be going to the kids club. I don't want him to miss out any fun

 

[PrincessShmoo]

Hi
I was wondering how strict they were with the age limit for the kids clubs? My son will be 2 1/2. I know there is the nursery but his older brother and cousins will all be going to the kids club. I don't want him to miss out any fun

They are firm. A 2 year old will not be allowed to participate in Oceaneer's Club, except during Open House hours (when a parent/guardian must accompany them).