DCL w/a 1-year old?

[MUcrick]

My wife and I are in the very early stages of planning a trip for the 4th quarter of next year, at which time our first will have just turned one. Are we crazy for considering a trip on DCL with a 1-year old?

We took a trip on the Magic in January '01 ... a trip we both considered to be our most favorite vacation ever! We're so anxious to get back for another trip on DCL but are starting to think we should wait a few more years, we our child is older.

Any thoughts would be appreciated.

mucrick

 

[nedleycan]

I have never been with a one year old, but from what I saw (and people I spoke with), I wouldn't do it. You will probably only get a couple of opportunities to put them into the nursery, and then they may not stay (if they cry too much, the babysitters will page you). As long as you don't mind bringing them everywhere with you, you will be fine.

We have brought our kids with us on many vacations, but they have always had a great daycare for babies. The best trip we took with the kids was FDR Resort in Jamaica. They assign your family a Nanny when you arrive, and she takes care of your kids (kid) during the day for you. They are excellent Nannies and the kids love them. They get one-on-one attention, and stimulation as they do activities around the resort. They will sit in the room while your child naps too, which is really nice. That felt like a real vacation. We all had fun!

If I had a new baby, that is the kind of place I would go. But, I am sure that others will say a Disney cruise is fine. You just have to be ready for no alone time (in case it doesn't work out at the nursery) and if this is okay with you, then go for it!
No matter what you do... I hope you get a chance to enjoy a vacation!

 

[moinab]

Here is a link to my trip report on our July cruise on the Wonder with DS (almost 3 at the time) and DD (5 1/2 months at the time.)

http://disboards.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=417172

We had a great time, but we didn't really do anything-no shows or nightclubs. Because our kids don't have any child care experience, we expected that we would have them with us at all times. We did use the nursery one night for 2 hours, and were very happy with it.

We explored many vacation options, and concluded that DCL would be the best choice for our family. We did decide to wait until the kids are older before booking a 7-day cruise, however. If we can come up with the money, we're going to try the 4-day next year.

Good luck with your planning.

 

[sap1227]

We have cruised twice this year. The first time DS was 13 1/2 months and the second time he was 21 months old. We had a woderful time both times. The first time we left DS for one evening while we went to Palo and it was great. He does not go to daycare, so we were worried how he would do. We were able to quickly eat dinner each night, but it was what we expected with an infant. We went to all the shows and made it over half way through in each one. He really had a great time.

The second cruise was wonderful. He did great a dinner every night (he is usually awful at a restaurant). I bought some new toys that he only saw at dinner (a small magna doodle, a little magnetic chalk board from the dollar store)--that really seemed to help. He sat all the way through the Golden Mickeys. He would knock on the door to try to get out of the room and say "boat, boat, go". He loved the cruise and loves to look at the pictures.

We will be going again when the next baby turns 1. It feels like forever away!!

Good luck, I would do it if I were you!

Christy

 

[Favorite Auntie]

I would go too. DCL is great for families, and that includes one year olds! My sister went when her oldest was 6 months, and then again when she had a 4 and 2 year old. She can't wait to go again! There is plenty to do to tire you out during the day, that not being able to go to Beat Street at night won't be a big deal. And I have heard that Flounder's Reef is wonderful! They are so good with the kids, you could do that a few nights. I know the $6/hour charge stinks, but you are on vacation!!!!

Go fo it!

 

[ppiew]

Are 14 mo. old granddaughter was with us last year on a 7 day. Yes, accommodations had to be made and I am sure she didn't have a clue to what was going on, but we all had a great time. (son, daughter in law, two children ages 6 and 14 mo. daughter, husband and myself) She went to Flounders once and LOVED it - never even looked back when she went in the door - much to her mothers chagrin! We went to the early shows which she really loved - the music and dancing just enthralled her! Our late dinner seating was fine (we fed her before the shows in the room or on the upper deck) and she fell asleep on the chair! Sacha, our waiter made a 'bed' for her with two chairs and tablecloths and she was just fine! It does curb your style somewhat, but with taking turns and having an umbrella stroller I am sure you would all enjoy the cruise. Just remember to bring super sunscreen! We saw far too many children in the Caribbean sun for hours with little or no protection being applied.