Characters in the Oceaneers Club

[PiperG]

Hi, hoping someone can help me.

When we sailed on the Wonder last year, DS was not quite 5 so he participated in the 3 - 4 grouping. A favorite activity was the Do-Si-Do with Snow White. He had just met Snow White at the park so seeing her again was a big deal.

So, he keeps asking if he will get to see Snow White again on our Magic cruise. The problem is that he will be in the 5 - 7 group. Will they let him step down for that activity?

Thanks

 

[Michelle]

Hmmm, I kind of think not. They don't let kids change programming for just one event. However, they DO have character interaction for the 5-7s too, Goofy is there for Goofy's Giggle Gala and other characters come to visit the kids as well.

 

[PiperG]

Thanks Michelle, thats what I figured. Do you know if Snow White makes any special appearances or how we can find out when (and if) she meets with the kids. Would it be in the navigator?

Thanks!

 

[floridaminnie]

They will post the character times in the navigator and also who will be showing up.

 

[PiperG]

Thanks. I will keep my fingers crossed that Snow White will be on the ship somewhere.

 

[KAMLEM]

We asked the same question about switching groups. We were told that they can switch but then they'll be in that group for the remainder of the cruise, no switching back and forth.

 

[Wishing on a star]

Hey Michelle, (thanks for being such a great moderator!!!)
Are you sure the kids have to stay in the same group for the entire cruise, and not the entire day??? I have heard of older kids being allowed to 'visit' with younger groups for the purpose of being there with a younger sibling, etc. etc.

I would expect that Disney would not take responsibility for switching your child around on their own. But seems like if you wanted to check your son into that age group for the Snow White event, then check him out, then I would hope that this would not be a problem?

My son is 5, but like yours, many of the 4 year old events (Dancing with Snow White....) may be more to his enjoyment!! Please, someone tell me that this is possible!!

Ohhhhh, it just hit me, during high seasons with lots of kids, maybe the availability/space is a factor. We are traveling low season. Maybe this would make a difference! Seems like DCL really does try to accomodate most cruisers when at all possible!

I am looking for pixie dust here!

 

[KAMLEM]

We asked that exact question and were told no. If we switched them for one event they had to be re-registered into that age group and could not switch again during the cruise. They would probably have people switching back and forth all the time otherwise.

Shari

 

[Wishing on a star]

Thanks so much Shari,

Looks like I may have to make a choice here as to which program to put DS in. Looking at the kids Navigators, seems like several of the activities in the 5-7 age group are geared more towards the 7 year olds. Maybe just tiny bit above DS interest and abilities? (of coarse he is growing and learning so quickly right now!)

Anyone here have experience with their five year olds doing better with the younger children? Or, have they really enjoyed the activities in the 5-7 group! Does Disney have these kids age groups pegged pretty well?

Boy, this DISboard is terrific!

 

[KAMLEM]

We just went in August and my kids were 6 and 8. I dropped my 8 year old down so that they would be together. They did not spend much time there because they are very shy and prefer to be with us but what I did find was that most of the activities bored my 8 year old. I thought they were geared more for the younger kids. My 6 year old just turned 6 two weeks before we left and the activities were perfect for her. Someone who has had kids spend more time in the clubs may have some better feedback.

Shari

 

[jel0511]

I have to agree with KAMLEM based on a friends experience. Her children were 3 and 5 on their cruise and she decided to drop the 5 year old down so they could be together and since the 3 year old was shy. Well, they didn't stay in the clubs at all, since the 5 year old was BORED with all the activities in the 3-4 gorup and didn't even want to try her group after that, and the 3 year old didn't want to stay without her sister. Try the 5-7 group first, if your son thinks it's too boring or over his head, then move him down.

 

[MouseClubMom]

If you are just wanting to see Snow White there are plenty of opportunities to see her without having to be in the Kids Clubs. We were on the 7 Day Cruise and missed Snow White's appearance in the club but were able to see her at least 3 or 4 times for pictures and autographs. The Character Supervisor places a board in the atrium each morning with the exact schedule of character appearances for that day.

Hope that helps! I wouldn't switch the age group just for 1 event, but if that is all your child is talking about then you may want to ask once onboard.

Have fun!

 

[PiperG]

Thanks,

It sounds like Snow White is a fixture on the ship, giving DS lots of opportunity to see her. I appreciate everyone's responses.

 

[Wishing on a star]

Thanks Shari, Lori, and all,

Really appreciate the comments and advice!