Embarkation Day with Small Kids

[Princesca]

We are taking Disney transportation to port for a cruise on the Fantasy. We'll have four adults and three kids (5.5, 4, and 2.5). These kids are going to LOVE the splash pad and the pools (not the 2.5 year old, I know he can't do the pool) so I'm wondering about hitting those up ASAP but then the kids will be wet until we can get into the cabins. I know the two older kids can do the kids club, and our toddler is big and will want to check that out too, though again, I know he can't go except during open houses. *I* need to try to get a Palo brunch res and see about the possibility of downgrading our couples massage to the 50 minute one, so I need to go to outside Enchanted Garden, right, for Palo, and the spa for the spa change?

But what's a good embarkation day schedule for us, given all of this? How would you best arrange the priorities? I've never cruised before and am feeling a bit muddled about how best to do this, though I know the Palo/spa thing is a priority because the sooner I do that the less I'll be competing with other people for changes.

 

[lanejudy]

Put the kids' bathing suits on under their clothes that morning. Be sure to pack dry undies and a ziploc bag for wet suits. Once onboard I'd make a "home base" at a table(or 2) outside Cabanas near the pool. Let the kids swim and grab some food. Adults take turns with kid-watching duties, holding the table/watching bags, and dealing with things like dining changes, spa, etc. When the kids are done swimming and eating, hopefully rooms will be ready so they can get changed (if not some people do change in the restrooms on the pool deck, just know it gets really crowded in there). Then go check out the kids spaces which will be Open House all afternoon until Muster.

Check the Navigator while in the terminal before boarding to know where to go for dining changes. It isn't always the same spot as a prior cruise.

 

[Princesca]

Put the kids' bathing suits on under their clothes that morning. Be sure to pack dry undies and a ziploc bag for wet suits. Once onboard I'd make a "home base" at a table(or 2) outside Cabanas near the pool. Let the kids swim and grab some food. Adults take turns with kid-watching duties, holding the table/watching bags, and dealing with things like dining changes, spa, etc. When the kids are done swimming and eating, hopefully rooms will be ready so they can get changed (if not some people do change in the restrooms on the pool deck, just know it gets really crowded in there). Then go check out the kids spaces which will be Open House all afternoon until Muster.

Check the Navigator while in the terminal before boarding to know where to go for dining changes. It isn't always the same spot as a prior cruise.

Thanks, super helpful!

 

[Carohs]

For us, it's take a leisurely lunch at Cabanas, go to kids club open house and get the kids registered (they just verify your secret word, lock those bands in place), head to room and unpack, go to muster. If rooms aren't ready we explore the ship a little

 

[Mommb]

I would prioritize Palo over the spa if you have to choose. You could stop by the spa after the muster drill if necessary -- I have rarely seen more than a few people waiting at the front desk.