Can a potty trained two year old use pools on board?

[Tashamu2004]

my daughter will be a week shy of 3 on our cruise and is potty trained. I know she can't go to the oceaneers club but can she do the pool on board? She does not use swim diapers anymore. Thanks!

 

[PrincessShmoo]

my daughter will be a week shy of 3 on our cruise and is potty trained. I know she can't go to the oceaneers club but can she do the pool on board? She does not use swim diapers anymore. Thanks!

Technically, yes, as long as she's potty trained, with no swim diapers. I would caution - the pools can be overrun with lots of people/kids and pretty intimidating for little ones.

Although there's been recent discussions as to whether there is now a minimum age to use the pools, and that age was 3.

 

[Tashamu2004]

Technically, yes, as long as she's potty trained, with no swim diapers. I would caution - the pools can be overrun with lots of people/kids and pretty intimidating for little ones.

Although there's been recent discussions as to whether there is now a minimum age to use the pools, and that age was 3.

I was curious if they had to be three and potty trained. I get the potty training thing but the age too would seem a little unfair.

 

[PrincessShmoo]

I was curious if they had to be three and potty trained. I get the potty training thing but the age too would seem a little unfair.

The speculation is that DCL needed to put a hard line on who can use the pools. It's not really confirmed as to whether they are actually ascertaining ages of the littlest ones there, but are checking for swim diapers.

I think it may have to do with the recent near drowning on RC that the cruise lines may be taking a harder look at their policies. As I said, it can be a madhouse at the pools, anything could happen.

 

[Tashamu2004]

The speculation is that DCL needed to put a hard line on who can use the pools. It's not really confirmed as to whether they are actually ascertaining ages of the littlest ones there, but are checking for swim diapers.

I think it may have to do with the recent near drowning on RC that the cruise lines may be taking a harder look at their policies. As I said, it can be a madhouse at the pools, anything could happen.

View attachment 180363

Interesting. Where do you think I could find out if they've made it an official rule?

 

[PrincessShmoo]

Interesting. Where do you think I could find out if they've made it an official rule?

Sadly, you won't know for sure until you're onboard. Calling DCL may give you the correct answer, or not. And, even onboard, the different CMs may have different views of the "restrictions".

 

[ktate82]

I don't know what ship you are going on, but the Dream and Fantasy have some pretty awesome water play areas for littles.

 

[Tashamu2004]

I don't know what ship you are going on, but the Dream and Fantasy have some pretty awesome water play areas for littles.

Dream- 4 night Bahamas

 

[Tashamu2004]

Sadly, you won't know for sure until you're onboard. Calling DCL may give you the correct answer, or not. And, even onboard, the different CMs may have different views of the "restrictions".

Bummers! Thanks for your help though

 

[lanejudy]

Interesting. Where do you think I could find out if they've made it an official rule?

According to the DCL website, it does appear to be a new rule (https://disneycruise.disney.go.com/faq/onboard-activities/pool-restrictions/), however it appears to be updated in one place but not necessarily other places. I think the language on the website just updated within the past week, so we honestly haven't had reports back from the ships yet. Whether that rule is strictly enforced remains to be seen. Please report back what you experience.

Enjoy your cruise!

 

[RMaas1]

Am I understanding correctly that a child may not use the pool even in a swim diaper? Our daughter will be 2 years 9 months next September when we cruise so she may be potty trained so it may not be an issue unless the age rule mentioned above is actually true.

Edit: Just looked at the link posted above. Looks like we will be getting our princess potty trained before we sail.

 

[Tashamu2004]

Am I understanding correctly that a child may not use the pool even in a swim diaper? Our daughter will be 2 years 9 months next September when we cruise so she may be potty trained so it may not be an issue unless the age rule mentioned above is actually true.

Edit: Just looked at the link posted above. Looks like we will be getting our princess potty trained before we sail.

Looks like even if they are two and potty trained they can't use the pool... Bummers I know!

 

[lanejudy]

Am I understanding correctly that a child may not use the pool even in a swim diaper? Our daughter will be 2 years 9 months next September when we cruise so she may be potty trained so it may not be an issue unless the age rule mentioned above is actually true.

Edit: Just looked at the link posted above. Looks like we will be getting our princess potty trained before we sail.

The age limit of the rule is the new part. The "no swim diapers" has been in effect for years. My understanding is that it's a health department rule that applies to all cruise ships, not just DCL. There is a splash pad area for the little ones.

Policies About Swim Diapers
The United States Public Health Service requires that only children who are toilet trained are permitted to enter swimming pools and spas aboard cruise ships.
Children who are not toilet trained are welcome to enjoy Nemo's Reef and Mickey's Splash Zone, where they must wear swim diapers. Please note that swim diapers are not permitted in the pools, hot tubs or spas, the AquaDuck and the AquaLab.

Enjoy your cruise!

 

[RMaas1]

I think this may be a case where if she is no longer in a diaper, we may see what happens lol. She is tall for her age so she may pass for a 3 year old.

 

[RMaas1]

The age limit of the rule is the new part. The "no swim diapers" has been in effect for years. My understanding is that it's a health department rule that applies to all cruise ships, not just DCL. There is a splash pad area for the little ones.

Policies About Swim Diapers
The United States Public Health Service requires that only children who are toilet trained are permitted to enter swimming pools and spas aboard cruise ships.
Children who are not toilet trained are welcome to enjoy Nemo's Reef and Mickey's Splash Zone, where they must wear swim diapers. Please note that swim diapers are not permitted in the pools, hot tubs or spas, the AquaDuck and the AquaLab.

Enjoy your cruise!

Thanks, I had seen people mention on here about the diapers, but I never saw anything set in stone regarding them until I read the link that you posted. It does also say it is a health department rule so all ships.

 

[emilyrachael]

Dream- 4 night Bahamas

Chances are that she'll enjoy Nemo's Reef (a water play area with different fountains, a slide, etc) much more than the pool anyway! My 2 1/2 year old LOVED it.

 

[Maggie'sMom]

Please don't risk it if she is mostly trained but still has accidents as an accident will shut the pool down while they clean it. It has been speculated that the reason for adding the 3 year old minimum is because parents were taking their children into the pools before the child has complete control and the pools were having to shut down repeatedly during a cruise.

 

[Hundredacre]

It is disappointing to read that there are disney cruise line guests who are talking about breaking public health rules purposefully. The last time we were on dcl, the mickey pool was closed on and off all day because of "accidents." That means that every time my kids were in that pool, they were probably swimming in contaminated water because most "accidents" are not visible. Almost everytime I used the soda dispenser I saw someone filling up their own cup instead of using the disposable cups provided. Even though there is a sign clearly stating not to use your own cup on every machine.

 

[Adelle Dazeem]

Please don't attempt to break the rule for your child. The rules are there for a reason. As someone previously posted, your child will most likely enjoy the Nemo's Reef area more than the pools anyways. It's perfect for toddlers.

 

[Tashamu2004]

On the flip side, how would the employees know they're not 3?

I think this may be a case where if she is no longer in a diaper, we may see what happens lol. She is tall for her age so she may pass for a 3 year old.

Please don't risk it if she is mostly trained but still has accidents as an accident will shut the pool down while they clean it. It has been speculated that the reason for adding the 3 year old minimum is because parents were taking their children into the pools before the child has complete control and the pools were having to shut down repeatedly during a cruise.

Definitely makes sense to not use the pools on board without good potty skills. Common courtesy. That was why I created the post to begin with. However my daughter is 5 days shy of three on our cruise. I doubt she's going to exponentially change in those few days. That's where I think a hard line of 3 is hard to stomach! I wanted to change our date tbh, but my hubs only had off that week.