Cruising with infant - tips and feedback?

[WarlickWifey]

LO is turning 6 months in January so we are looking to book an MTO sometime between February-April. I've searched the boards for feedback on threads of people who have traveled with infants under 1 but everything seems to be dated 2012 or earlier and I'm sure things have changed.

I read FAQ on DCL site for infants and the amenities, but what are some people's personal experiences?
How were the amenities for the rooms that can be requested? Quality? What did you request or find you didn't need? It says first come - first serve, has anybody been told there weren't anymore when they asked or do they seem adequately stocked?

What activities did you enjoy with your LO? We've only ever cruised previously just the two of us so we had complete freedom. Now that LO is here I want to be prepared as best as possible so that we can enjoy our time with him.

Any other tips or feedback from your experience would be greatly appreciated!! TYIA.

 

[hamm1207]

We board the wonder on Friday with our soon to be 1 year old (she turns one on the cruise). I'll be sure to let you know how it goes!

 

[coloradocutie]

You can request a pack and play (we brought our own sheet) as well a diaper genie.

Enjoy your cruise!!

 

[o&smom]

Do not be concerned about taking advantage of the nursery. It will be a welcome break for your LO as well as you. They have age appropriate toys, and characters even visit and spend time in the nursery.

 

[PoopDeckPappy]

The amenities for the room were fine and in good condition. We enjoyed just taking it easy and visiting some characters (got some great pics). Dinner went surprisingly well and I knew it could be a tough week given the change in routine for my kids (22 months and 6 months at the time). So knowing that, we took it in stride and they had a ball. Also don't rule out some of the live music, especially in the afternoon before dinner. I often see a lot of families attend and the kids like to dance or just listen to the music (even the real little ones are smiling sitting on a parent's lap). The nursery will have an open house the first day so go together to see how he reacts. It's a lovely space and the staff are wonderful. Another fun thing might be to try a movie out. Since you're not paying for each ticket you can watch some of it and leave if your child has had enough and not worry about wasting money like at a theater at home.

 

[ayz75]

We just came back from a great vacation with our 6m old (and 3.5Y). We requested a play pen for her, no issues there. They also brought a diaper genie for us.

You can request specific purées at dinner for the next day. My LO had chicken, beef, broccoli, spinach, peas, carrots, yam, etc. It was so convenient! We brought her to the toddler time and although the kids are slightly older, she really enjoyed the space and all the toys!

Honestly, cruising with a baby (esp with Disney) is so easy. Happy to answer any other questions!

 

[Quellman]

Diapers, lots of them. Also, they will provide a sheet about all things baby the first night. Where the public bathrooms are that have changing stations, etc. Also when the nursery open house is that you can go enjoy the space with your little.

 

[WarlickWifey]

Thanks everyone! DH was concerned about "leaving our child with strangers" (obviously our first child) when I mentioned the nursery services so I'm happy to hear there is an open house to maybe ease our minds! We try to watch every movie on our cruises so I know we will have to pick and choose this go round since nursery is at a fee. All this feedback puts me at ease and I'm more excited to go!

Do all boats still do JackJacks diaper dash?

 

[ayz75]

Yes they still do the diaper dash, my LO was in it! (though she couldn't crawl.. haha, it was still fun)

We used the nursery with our older one on our first cruise (she was 2Y at the time). My older one was pretty much only French speaking (and knows some mandarin, and limited English) at the time and I told the nursery, and they happened two have two French speaking staff so they really made an effort to always get one of the staffs around her to keep her calm! they're very good!

 

[Quellman]

Thanks everyone! DH was concerned about "leaving our child with strangers" (obviously our first child) when I mentioned the nursery services so I'm happy to hear there is an open house to maybe ease our minds! We try to watch every movie on our cruises so I know we will have to pick and choose this go round since nursery is at a fee. All this feedback puts me at ease and I'm more excited to go!

Do all boats still do JackJacks diaper dash?

Our first cruise, we did the nursery open houses to get our tot used to the space. When we arrived for our first drop off, he was practically knocking the door down trying to get in! We had not had him in any type of child care before so we were worried. Turns out for nothing! I hope you have a similar experience!

 

[PoopDeckPappy]

I forgot to mention that the nursery has a one way window so you can do a check up without them seeing you.

 

[Kuzcotopia1]

I forgot to mention that the nursery has a one way window so you can do a check up without them seeing you.

I thought the nursery window was unhelpful depending on where your child was sitting/playing. You can't see all the nooks where play time can happen.

I read somewhere online to bring my own pack and play sheet. I'm glad I did because there wasn't an actual sheet in the pack and play, just a fun Disney liner underneath the mattress. I also brought a fluffy winter blanket and put it on top of the mattress and then the fitted sheet over that to make it more cushy.

(in the picture, she has the fluffy blanket underneath the grey fitted sheet, another fluffy blanket on top - we had no pack and play issues)

 

[WarlickWifey]

I thought the nursery window was unhelpful depending on where your child was sitting/playing. You can't see all the nooks where play time can happen.

I read somewhere online to bring my own pack and play sheet. I'm glad I did because there wasn't an actual sheet in the pack and play, just a fun Disney liner underneath the mattress. I also brought a fluffy winter blanket and put it on top of the mattress and then the fitted sheet over that to make it more cushy.

(in the picture, she has the fluffy blanket underneath the grey fitted sheet, another fluffy blanket on top - we had no pack and play issues)

View attachment 207413

Thank you for the picture!! It's nice to actually see it!! I will definitely consider the blanket for extra comfort under the sheet, thanks for the tip.

 

[PoopDeckPappy]

You can see 90% of the nursery from the window (at least on the Magic). otherwise just ask the CM upfront how they are doing.

 

[5Texans]

There was "toddler time" on the Fantasy pretty much every day- this would be suitable for a 7-8 mo as well- mats on the floor with lots of toys and staff members playing with the kids. They also had family showings of movies that were not as dark and that did not have to be quiet. The "Jack Jack" race for crawlers is really cute. The nursery staff is great and I felt completely comfortable. There was a sheet in my room w/ a list of bathrooms w/ changing tables. I carried a small backpack w/ sippy cup, snacks, diapers, a long sleeved bib that my daughter couldn't pull off for dinner. I would also recommend a carrier for wearing baby as well as a small stroller (especially if your child will nap in the stroller- this will open up a lot of options for you). Wake up with disney junior was a cute thing to sit and watch as you will probably be up early anyway. The splash area was cute and my baby loved it, but I brought a collapsible bucket and a few small bath toys, filled it with water and set it next to my chair on the deck and she played with it happily for a long time while i relaxed and watched the bigger 2.

 

[hamm1207]

Just got back from a week with a one year old on the wonder!

-checked the car seat with porters and it was awesome! No damage to the car seat

-nursery was awesome and the staff was wonderful. They keep the ratios small (4 or 5 kids to 1 crew member).

-we borrowed a stroller from guest services ($200 deposit that was returned when we returned it). We only used it twice...it was a pain to navigate halls and elevators. We also took our back pack carrier and we preferred using it.

-grab a free wagon at Castaway cay (they're across from scuttles cove entrance)! Daughter loved riding around in the wagon. It was her first time and she did awesome.