Disney Cruises for 10-year-olds?

[jamie_elgie]

Hi there,

I am getting married in a few weeks and then going on the Western Caribbean cruise end of October on the Magic. I'm taking my fiancee and my new 10-year-old stepdaughter (she's why we're doing the Disney cruise).

I have heard a lot about Disney cruises for teens and for younger folks, but not so much about kids my stepdaughter's age. How will an extremely extroverted 10-year-old enjoy the cruise? Any advice from anyone on things I could do to make it extra special.

Would love some advice!

Thanks,
Jamie

PS Any advice for extra special things to do with my fiancee (aka honeymoon things) would be great too!

 

[lopezgang]

We're taking our almost 10yo DD on the 9/11 Western cruise. I'll let you know what things she liked to do when we get back. She is extremely extroverted also and we're hoping she wants to hang out with all her new friends.

 

[jamie_elgie]

Can't wait to hear about it! I hope the programs keep them occupied. I worry that she's "outgrown" this sort of thing.

 

[Bmwdsny]

Oh my goodness, there are plenty of activites for 10 year old. My DD just turned 11 but was on the 7 night cruise when she was 10 last year.
there is the 10-12 year old clubs. They have glow in dark dance, PJ party, swimming pool party at night where only those kids had the pool exclucsively to themselves and many other activities.
My DD LOVES IT!!! She is looking forward to her next cruise in Nov. back to the club.

 

[ksjayhawks]

Our ds11 just loved the clubs and was busy every day with his new friends, sometimes he was out later than we were!

After late seating there are adult shows in the bar areas that are very good. Deck 4 chairs are relaxing and deck 10 is almost deserted at night. Don't forget to go to Palo's for brunch, dinner, high tea or all three if you wish. There is also an adult pool area and the Cove Cafe.

You might want to contact Shirley at ThePerfectGift and order a gift basket for your dsd--it would be in the room on your arrival.

Have fun!

 

[mobetsy]

My 9.5 y.o. ds loved it! He wasn't so keen on the Lab, but he enjoyed the ship enormously. Favorites: unlimited food around the pool, Scoops ice cream, the movies, room service cookies and Mickey bars, the drop down bunk (always a battle with his little bro over who got the top one!), and the choices and server attention in the dining room. He had a blast with the excursions, too.

 

[westjones]

My twins DDs have been on 4 Disney Cruise so far (and turned 10 on the last one a year ago). We leave in 3 weeks for our 5th cruise (and they will turn 11 on this one) and they are both SO excited. Even after all those trips, they love it! They would choose the DCL over WDW (although it is a hard choice, but I have asked them and they both save if they have to pick one they would pick the cruise).

You new step daughter will love it (and you guys will love it because you are actually able to have some alone time as a couple while she is busy with the kids in the Lab).

DJ

 

[widgaither]

Just got back from the 8/15 Wonder cruise - my 10 year old daughter spent a couple of hours at the Club but to be honest, was so busy enjoying other aspects...the 11 pm! special Princess Diaries II movie, the dinners, live shows, pool, and of course Castaway Cay beach all day and we did a dolphin excursion in Nassau (we loved it). There is plenty to do - too much to choose from!

 

[tkd lisa]

My DD was 10 on our two previous cruises, and will be 12 on this one. She truly loved it! There are so many things for them to do. And if she's outgoing, she'll probably hook up with a special friend and enjoy doing those things together. That can give the two of you some alone time which you'll need on your honeymoon.

Congratulations!

 

[PoohJen]

My extroverted DS 11 is completely psyched about our upcoming cruise. One thing your daughter might enjoy is getting in touch (via email or otherwise) with other kids her age going on the cruise (my son has done this). You can do this by going up to the "Cruise Meets" link and find the group going on your particular cruise date. Get to know the folks and if you are comfortable with it, ask if their kids want to get in touch pre-cruise.

Congrats on your wedding and Happy Planning of your cruise!!!

 

[ohMom]

my DD age 11 (just by a few months) last cruise absolutely LOVED it! She did alot with the clubs and with ground rules we felt comfortable giving her some independence as well. I know one afternoon she grabbed some snacks and went to a movie, alone! that would be unusual for her she's a social butterfly. She had a blast. She also hit the pool party, pajama party and spent a good amount of time in the clubs.

we also found a 'friend' through disboards for her to email prior to the cruise and that worked out beautifully. They hit it off and spent most of their time toghether -- it also helped that their family turned out to be our tablemates!

She's 12 now and very excited about our cruise next year.

your DSD is very lucky to have such a thoughtful new step-Dad! and DCL is perfect b/c you can give her some independence (your call if appriopriate every child is different) and enjoy your new DW in Palo, Surial Bath, etc. Another thought is to let her sleep in, just wake her enough to tell her you are going to Lumiere's for breakfast and let her order room service when she wakes up. that's a win-win way to start the day!

 

[jamie_elgie]

Thanks to everyone for the feedback! I can't believe how active these boards are... I expected only two answers in a few days!

PS If the person who mentioned ThePerfectGift can tell me how to contact them, that would be great!

Best wishes!
Jamie

 

[lopezgang]

The webiste for the perfect gift is www.theperfectgift.cc

 

[WVMD]

Your DD will love it.... My DD was 9 on our last cruise - and of course - we had to stay up waiting for her to close the kids club at 1am.... They had a pajama party....

She loves being in the club- making new friends - if your DD is extroverted (outgoing) - she'll have a blast.... and let you and your new hubby have some time together....

Don't forget to book the Surial (Exotic Rasul) Bath.... I'm sure you could figure out some "Honeymoon" things to do there......

Virgil

 

[westjones]

Originally posted by jamie_elgie
Thanks to everyone for the feedback! I can't believe how active these boards are... I expected only two answers in a few days!

PS If the person who mentioned ThePerfectGift can tell me how to contact them, that would be great!

Best wishes!
Jamie

Here is a post about Shirley, I think she is gone right now to be away from the storm:

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=637053

DJ

 

[Annie12345]

Your 10 year old step daughter will love it. Last february, we did back to back cruises and when we were getting off after the second week, my 10 year old daughter asked if we could stay for one more week. She has made so many friends from around the world, and she keeps in touch with many of them. On our next cruise, some friends that she made last time around will be on the same cruise, and they are all chatting together on a regular basis.

One idea for romance is to book the "Romantic Escape At Sea". This way, all of your reservations can be made in advance, you get a really nice gift when you board including a bottle of champagne, dinner at Palo, romantic turndown in your room, champagne breakfast in bed (from a special menu - much better than the room service menu), and a couples massage. I would highly recommend this. When we did our breakfast in bed, we were able to order extra breakfast items for our daughter. She thought it was a real treat. (Not so romantic, but fun just the same!)

Have fun...

Annie

 

[Sarahsal]

Just back a week from the 8/21 cruise. My dd 11 liked the 10-12 yr old group activities even better than the 8-9 year old activities that she participated in during our 2003 cruise. She especially liked signing herself in and out.