Cruising with a toddler - Looking for advice

[genki3]

which ship?

Fantasy

We also always bring a carrier with us (we use ergo) she will fall asleep in the ergo when she's tired so it's great for airplane rides (or wherever the stroller is not convenient).

I love the Ergo carrier! Much better than the Bjorn imo.

Did Disney have bed rails available or did you bring your own just in case?

I know Disney will provide bed rails upon request. I thought it was just for the upper bunk, I didn't know they provided bed rails for the sofa bed...that's pretty cool.

I'm traveling with my sister and mom for this upcoming cruise. I'm looking forward to spending time with them, but also knowing I'll have free babysitters onboard.

 

[Golden Rose]

When we did little kid activities that included Wake Up with Disney Junior, we went to a designated lounge and they had a cast member who led the "party" and the dancing. They played the theme songs from various Disney Junior shows, and had some dance moves they led the kids through. (I think there was also a toddler play session in the same space before it, for which they brought out a bunch of toys.) The kids basically danced to theme songs for half an hour. At least one of the days, while they were playing the Mickey Mouse Clubhouse song, Minnie suddenly showed up and danced with the kids. She stayed for the rest of the dance party. We did this most mornings a couple of years ago, on the trip when DD was almost 2, and she loved it. Although she was a little scared of Minnie when she jumped into the dancing.

 

[Sandbtwmytoes]

After just getting off a cruise with our 21 month old (in a group of 13 including 7 kids), let me share a dinner strategy that worked for us. We printed dinner menus out ahead of time and I would go to our table at dinnertime with the others and order for my husband and toddler and they either finished napping or played for an extra half hour. They arrived about the time appetizers came out or slightly after, shortening up dinner time for the toddler. Sometimes our toddler was still "done" before us, and we would order a dessert for me or my husband to go and bring it back to the stateroom so one of us could leave early with our toddler.
Hopefully you won't need that strategy. We have 5 kids and he's the first we've had to use this strategy with, but it was definitely better than trying to keep him happy for an hour and a half or so!

Great idea!

 

[Sandbtwmytoes]

After just getting off a cruise with our 21 month old (in a group of 13 including 7 kids), let me share a dinner strategy that worked for us. We printed dinner menus out ahead of time and I would go to our table at dinnertime with the others and order for my husband and toddler and they either finished napping or played for an extra half hour. They arrived about the time appetizers came out or slightly after, shortening up dinner time for the toddler. Sometimes our toddler was still "done" before us, and we would order a dessert for me or my husband to go and bring it back to the stateroom so one of us could leave early with our toddler.
Hopefully you won't need that strategy. We have 5 kids and he's the first we've had to use this strategy with, but it was definitely better than trying to keep him happy for an hour and a half or so!

Did you get the menus on the ship or ahead of time?
thanks

 

[hardis5]

Are the parents allowed in Nemo's reef with the LOs? My DS isn't walking yet, so he may need my help enjoying the splash area.

Yes. At 18 months ours needed the reassurance of us there to try out some of the items and watched the older kids quite a bit. There were plenty of parents all with their young ones (a few in arms) in the area.

 

[MommyMeNDisney]

Yes. At 18 months ours needed the reassurance of us there to try out some of the items and watched the older kids quite a bit. There were plenty of parents all with their young ones (a few in arms) in the area.

Oh that's great! Thank you

 

[DressmakerJ]

We've cruised with our son at 18 mos and 2 1/2 years. All of the previous posters have great suggestions. There is a separate flyer--kind of a mini navigator--that you can pick up at guest services that details all the toddler activities on board for the week. It's a bit easier than finding those activities on the main navigators. Both of my kids (daughter cruised at 5 & 6) also enjoyed the character dance parties in the atrium, as well as the music in the atrium at dinner time. On pirate night, there is a Disney Jr. pirate and princess party around 5 pm, I think. Jake and Sofia were there. And both kids love the splash zone. There are always parents in there with their young kids. There are also staff members supervising the slide in the splash zone, since the area is open to children up to age 8, I think. But we haven't had any problems with the age range. On more than one occasion, I witnessed other parents reminding their own older kids to watch out for the babies and to be careful.

When he was 18 mos, my son had some separation anxiety, so he didn't always love the nursery. But the staff there is very kind and caring and they always tried hard to play with him and soothe him.

As far as traveling in general, if you can swing it, I recommend getting your child her own seat on the plane and taking her car seat to ride in. We found that having a familiar seat to ride in helped our son actually sleep on the flights when he was 18 mos. And having the umbrella stroller is a must, even when he is 2 1/2. We didn't use the stroller onboard ship, but for walking around the islands, it was needed. And it helps in getting through crowded airports.

I have used the Babies Travel Lite service twice now to have all our diapers, wipes, etc shipped directly to our stateroom. I find the convenience worth the expense. Wipes weigh a lot and I do try to make sure to have more diapers than I'll likely need. We've dealt with sensitive tummies and more night wakings on cruises and I would hate to feel like I have to ration the diapers. I just have to build that cost into our budget.

DCL provides pack and plays and diaper genies for the room. You might want to bring your own fitted sheet for the P & P. On our second cruise, my son was too big to fit nicely in a P & P, so he slept on the sofa bed with a bed rail and was quite comfortable. You can add those requests to your reservation ahead of time.

I hope you have a great cruise!

 

[Footnotegirl]

I have used the Babies Travel Lite service twice now to have all our diapers, wipes, etc shipped directly to our stateroom. I find the convenience worth the expense. Wipes weigh a lot and I do try to make sure to have more diapers than I'll likely need. We've dealt with sensitive tummies and more night wakings on cruises and I would hate to feel like I have to ration the diapers. I just have to build that cost into our budget.

DCL provides pack and plays and diaper genies for the room. You might want to bring your own fitted sheet for the P & P. On our second cruise, my son was too big to fit nicely in a P & P, so he slept on the sofa bed with a bed rail and was quite comfortable. You can add those requests to your reservation ahead of time.

I hope you have a great cruise!

A note: Babies Travel Lite service has ended for the Disney Cruise Line as of March 23rd. This is VERY sad, as when we sailed with our little girl being able to not have to pack all the formula and diapers for our cruise was truly wonderful. I feel bad for any parent who can't use that now. Apparently Disney just isn't allowing anyone to provide items on the ships anymore.

Oh, and for older toddlers, I found a really awesome tip somewhere and found out it works great. Buy one of those bed-top pop up tents (the ones made out of fabric and flexible wire and which pack flat). They fit very well on the fold out couches Disney uses, and it gives the kid some privacy as well as a contained safe place that they can understand they can't leave. We used it at our hotel in Disneyland this February,and are taking it for the cruise in May. Extra bonus: When folded flat, they make a great divider between clean and dirty clothes in your laundry when you pack on that last night.

 

[MommyMeNDisney]

We've cruised with our son at 18 mos and 2 1/2 years. All of the previous posters have great suggestions. There is a separate flyer--kind of a mini navigator--that you can pick up at guest services that details all the toddler activities on board for the week. It's a bit easier than finding those activities on the main navigators. Both of my kids (daughter cruised at 5 & 6) also enjoyed the character dance parties in the atrium, as well as the music in the atrium at dinner time. On pirate night, there is a Disney Jr. pirate and princess party around 5 pm, I think. Jake and Sofia were there. And both kids love the splash zone. There are always parents in there with their young kids. There are also staff members supervising the slide in the splash zone, since the area is open to children up to age 8, I think. But we haven't had any problems with the age range. On more than one occasion, I witnessed other parents reminding their own older kids to watch out for the babies and to be careful.

When he was 18 mos, my son had some separation anxiety, so he didn't always love the nursery. But the staff there is very kind and caring and they always tried hard to play with him and soothe him.

As far as traveling in general, if you can swing it, I recommend getting your child her own seat on the plane and taking her car seat to ride in. We found that having a familiar seat to ride in helped our son actually sleep on the flights when he was 18 mos. And having the umbrella stroller is a must, even when he is 2 1/2. We didn't use the stroller onboard ship, but for walking around the islands, it was needed. And it helps in getting through crowded airports.

I have used the Babies Travel Lite service twice now to have all our diapers, wipes, etc shipped directly to our stateroom. I find the convenience worth the expense. Wipes weigh a lot and I do try to make sure to have more diapers than I'll likely need. We've dealt with sensitive tummies and more night wakings on cruises and I would hate to feel like I have to ration the diapers. I just have to build that cost into our budget.

DCL provides pack and plays and diaper genies for the room. You might want to bring your own fitted sheet for the P & P. On our second cruise, my son was too big to fit nicely in a P & P, so he slept on the sofa bed with a bed rail and was quite comfortable. You can add those requests to your reservation ahead of time.

I hope you have a great cruise!

Ooh, the splash zone has a slide?!?! I need to view the ship online and check that out! Thank you.

 

[MommyMeNDisney]

A note: Babies Travel Lite service has ended for the Disney Cruise Line as of March 23rd. This is VERY sad, as when we sailed with our little girl being able to not have to pack all the formula and diapers for our cruise was truly wonderful. I feel bad for any parent who can't use that now. Apparently Disney just isn't allowing anyone to provide items on the ships anymore.

Oh, and for older toddlers, I found a really awesome tip somewhere and found out it works great. Buy one of those bed-top pop up tents (the ones made out of fabric and flexible wire and which pack flat). They fit very well on the fold out couches Disney uses, and it gives the kid some privacy as well as a contained safe place that they can understand they can't leave. We used it at our hotel in Disneyland this February,and are taking it for the cruise in May. Extra bonus: When folded flat, they make a great divider between clean and dirty clothes in your laundry when you pack on that last night.

Babies travel lite is no longer in business. I went on their site yesterday.

 

[DressmakerJ]

Babies travel lite is no longer in business. I went on their site yesterday.

Oh no! That is too bad. It was such a great convenience to not have to carry everything from home.

 

[dr&momto2boys]

Did you get the menus on the ship or ahead of time?
thanks

They post on the ship the same day, but we printed them ahead. There were a few differences but mostly accurate.

 

[MommyMeNDisney]

I booked nursery time in advance. However, once onboard, if I decide not to use it, how far in advance do I need to cancel it without being penalized?

Also, when I called DCL to reserve a diaper genie, he told me it could not be reserved in advance. So, I will request one once onboard. He also gave me a suggestion based on his personal experience. He suggested I bring a blanket for the beach, rather than trying to use beach towels.

OP, did you go on your cruise yet? If so, how was it? Did your DD enjoy it? What tips/suggestions do you have based on your recent experience?

 

[Quellman]

Are the parents allowed in Nemo's reef with the LOs? My DS isn't walking yet, so he may need my help enjoying the splash area.

Yes of course and you will want to be in there with them. The age range allows up to 8 year olds, which in my opinion is much too old for the play area. We had no problem being in the space with our little guy, and he really seemed to enjoy walking up and down the steps to the splash zone almost as much as the slide.

 

[Sandbtwmytoes]

I booked nursery time in advance. However, once onboard, if I decide not to use it, how far in advance do I need to cancel it without being penalized?

Also, when I called DCL to reserve a diaper genie, he told me it could not be reserved in advance. So, I will request one once onboard. He also gave me a suggestion based on his personal experience. He suggested I bring a blanket for the beach, rather than trying to use beach towels.

OP, did you go on your cruise yet? If so, how was it? Did your DD enjoy it? What tips/suggestions do you have based on your recent experience?

I booked nursery time in advance. However, once onboard, if I decide not to use it, how far in advance do I need to cancel it without being penalized?

Also, when I called DCL to reserve a diaper genie, he told me it could not be reserved in advance. So, I will request one once onboard. He also gave me a suggestion based on his personal experience. He suggested I bring a blanket for the beach, rather than trying to use beach towels.

OP, did you go on your cruise yet? If so, how was it? Did your DD enjoy it? What tips/suggestions do you have based on your recent experience?

Hi!!!
We requested a diaper genie as soon as we got to our room and our stateroom person brought it while we were at the sail away party. It was very handy! They also had one bedrail in the room and brought us a second one.

I learned a lot on our trip! It was fun, but exhausting. I like to think of this as our learning cruise I would love to share a few tips with you so you can learn from our mistakes How old is your little one, which ship are you on and which ports are you stopping at?

 

[MommyMeNDisney]

Hi!!!
We requested a diaper genie as soon as we got to our room and our stateroom person brought it while we were at the sail away party. It was very handy! They also had one bedrail in the room and brought us a second one.

I learned a lot on our trip! It was fun, but exhausting. I like to think of this as our learning cruise I would love to share a few tips with you so you can learn from our mistakes How old is your little one, which ship are you on and which ports are you stopping at?

Thank you. I will request a diaper genie from my room host.

Ooh, I'd love to hear about your cruise and your suggestions. We're going on the Dream (4 nights) in about three weeks. My LO will turn a year old during the cruise. How old is/are your LO(s)?

 

[MommyMeNDisney]

Oh I forgot to mention...

We're stopping in Nassau and CC and one day at sea.

 

[Sandbtwmytoes]

Happy birthday to your LO! Be sure to let the cast members know! They will be sure to celebrate. You will at least get a special dessert and a visit from Mickey at dinner so don't miss it (I missed our anniversary dinner - mistake #1 from me oops).

The dream will be great! A bigger splash zone since your LO is too young for the pool like mine. This was a huge hit for my DD. She just turned 17 months. This was a hard age since she is running now. She loved the stairs and elevators lol! I would definitely bring a stroller if your LO is walking a lot and distracted by things. This was a big help! When DD was over tired or just needed to rest, we used it. Our stateroom host showed us a place to park our stroller in the hallway so this saved us the room. If not, I had planned on putting it under the bed (didn't fit) or in the tub for the night.

Sleep was our biggest issue. Bring ANYTHING that will help your LO sleep through the night. At home, DD sleeps great! 11 hour nights and 3 hour naps - never wakes. She does have an air filter in the room and I think she is used to the noise. I debated on a white noise machine, but thought the bathroom would have a fan or I could use a phone app. No bathroom fan and the apps didn't work well. DD hardly slept. She woke up and seemed confused as to where she was. I let her sleep in bed with us. We were all so exhausted by the end of the trip. I hope this doesn't happen to you. I know a few other families had a rough first night, but things got better them. Do whatever you can to get sleep.

Meal time was time consuming. The first night takes the longest. Download the cruise navigator app for your phone and open it once you board the trip. This will have all of the menu's for the week. I looked up the menus ahead of time to see what DD might want. Some nights I sent DH ahead and he would order for all of us and I would come to dinner 15-20 minutes later. Or find some way to stagger meals between the two of you. DD feeds herself and we help her too, but it takes time. She was wearing most of her macaroni in her hair and avocado on her face, but she had a great time. It was hard for me to enjoy dinner as I was worried about her. Also hard to entertain her through meals. We had two other family members who cruised with us, but neither helped me with meals. I know you can use some nursery time for meals too, so that might help. Not many suggestions, just something for you to think about before the cruise since this was a difficult time for us.


Use the nursery time if you can. DH and I have opposite work schedules so DD is almost always home with us. She isn't good with strangers so we didn't use the nursery. We did visit it and it is very nice and the people were very friendly. This would be a great help if your LO will go. Take some time to enjoy the ship

CC is wonderful!!! Walk or take the tram to the very end. The splash zone is great! I found the water was warmed a little - perfect for the babies, not sure if it was intentional, and there was a bit of shade. It wasn't too crowded either. Bring lots of sunscreen. My DD refused a hat but we managed to spray sunscreen on her head (she is still bald lol) and she didn't get sunburn! It was surprisingly hot out for this time of year.

Nassau - we got off the boat just to go to the t-shirt shop. My husband loves the bamboo made shirts.

Food on the boat - I'm not sure what your LO is eating. My LO was behind in solids at 1 yr. She loved the melons on the boat and the ice cream - her first ice cream! You can request veggies. They had turkey meatballs one night with the spaghetti. I would give DD things from the adult food like avocado and sweet potatoes. Oh and I ordered whole milk from room service every day and kept it in the room fridge for bedtime.

Toys in the room. I brought a little collapsable bucket and some toys and books. DD played with these while we got ready for the day and before bedtime. Was nice to have a place to keep her things.

The nightly shows are great, but many parents said they didn't entertain the really small kids. The 50 years of mickey (?) one did, but the others didn't. You can see the shows in your room if they are going on during bedtime.

Try to go to the sail away and goodbye parties. Meet the characters - they are great with babies! There is so much to do on the ship and we got to do very little. A toddler's day is very busy with eating, sleeping, playing etc so it's hard to fit lots of other stuff in. But enjoy everything you can!

I think I could go on forever, but I'm at work :0 Please ask ANY questions! Overall, the disney crew is amazing and I'm glad I went!

 

[bafleyanne]

An option if you don't want to pack diapers is to have something mailed to the ship ahead of time. I'm not entirely sure how that works because I've never done it, but I know a lot of people do it for fish extender items. I would NOT do this for something like formula or snacks because I'd be afraid of leaking.

I would definitely bring a baby carrier even if your child is walking (or a small stroller if a carrier isn't an option for you) because there's a lot more walking on the ship than most little ones are used to. My daughter is almost 4 and by the end of each day on the ship she was very tired. Also be SURE a nap happens on Pirate night if you want to participate and be awake for the fireworks--my daughter has fallen asleep before them on both our cruises!!

We really enjoyed the Wake Up with Disney Jr mornings, that's a must do for toddlers in my opinion, and if my daughter were younger we would definitely have taken advantage of the toddler time as well. Be sure to get into the Oceaneer's Club for an open house or two, especially if you're planning future cruises. My daughter's favorite area on the Dream was the dance floor with hula hoops!

When we did our Dream cruise we chose not to get off the ship in Nassau. It was really nice to have the public areas less crowded--the splash zone can get congested at certain times of day! My daughter had a blast though--we were on the Dream in November, the Magic in April, and have another cruise planned for next year and she can't stop talking about the "Mickey boat" and how much fun she had.

 

[bafleyanne]

Oh also--if your child still eats pureed foods, they will puree just about anything on the ship, from fresh fruits/veg to regular meals. You just have to ask! (Like so many things on the ship--if you need something, ask and it's amazing how often they can help you!)