First DCL cruise, looking for a little more info

[Jlmcs]

Hello all, wife and I have been to wdw 4 times. The last time we went was last October and was the first time for our 2 boys ages 4 and 1. We ended up spending more time at the pool then the parks, so we feel like the cruise maybe a better fit for us as a family. We are booked on the dream for August in 2017, our kids ages will be 3 and 6 at this time.
Just a few questions, I apologize if they have been asked before.

First, the wife and I have never left our children with anyone other then family members, we feel pretty nervous about the idea of leaving them at the oceaneer club alone, but we would like to have a little adult time at the adult pool and maybe a lounge or 2 and furthermore, we would like them to enjoy the kids portion of the ship. Can anyone explain how it's executed and offer any words of reassurance or encouragement?

Second, is the oceaneer club and lab included with the cruise fare? I read the FAQ and it stated that the nursery had an hourly cost, wasn't sure if that was referring to the oceaneer club/lab.

Finally, does DCL offer flights at the standard rate? I cannot find anywhere to search for flights on the DCL site, and the wife called DCL today and what they offered was $2700 air fare to fly from NJ to Orlando, which certainly doesn't sound right, its usually a third of that for 4 seats round-trip.

Thank you all for all advice

 

[Drusilla99]

Hello all, wife and I have been to wdw 4 times. The last time we went was last October and was the first time for our 2 boys ages 4 and 1. We ended up spending more time at the pool then the parks, so we feel like the cruise maybe a better fit for us as a family. We are booked on the dream for August in 2017, our kids ages will be 3 and 6 at this time.
Just a few questions, I apologize if they have been asked before.

First, the wife and I have never left our children with anyone other then family members, we feel pretty nervous about the idea of leaving them at the oceaneer club alone, but we would like to have a little adult time at the adult pool and maybe a lounge or 2 and furthermore, we would like them to enjoy the kids portion of the ship. Can anyone explain how it's executed and offer any words of reassurance or encouragement?

We first left our girls in dcl clubs when they were 4 & 7 & they loved it. They only went after dinner so we could do clubs, and not too late. Now at 14 & 16, we never see them, they love the clubs!

Second, is the oceaneer club and lab included with the cruise fare? I read the FAQ and it stated that the nursery had an hourly cost, wasn't sure if that was referring to the oceaneer club/lab.

Oceaneers club/lab is included, the nursery is for infants & that's why there's an added charge.

Finally, does DCL offer flights at the standard rate? I cannot find anywhere to search for flights on the DCL site, and the wife called DCL today and what they offered was $2700 air fare to fly from NJ to Orlando, which certainly doesn't sound right, its usually a third of that for 4 seats round-trip.

You can add airfare on to your package, but like you found out, it's really overpriced. You're better off getting your airfare on your own.

Thank you all for all advice

 

[jne7043]

I'm a newbie, taking our first DCL cruise in September. But, during my research I found something that may be of importance for you as you will have a 3 year old. While at age 3 they are able to use the kids clubs they must be able to use the potty without assistance. Just something to keep in mind and maybe start potty training a little early. Also, kids must be potty trained and can NOT use swim diapers in the pools.

 

[Weedy]

Disney has changed the rules and a child does not need to be potty trained but the parents would need to come and change them if needed.

 

[apathetic]

The kids clubs (age 3 and up) are included in your cruise price. If you have to use the nursery, then that is extra. Your 3 year old can be left at the Oceaneer Lab/Club only if they are fully potty trained. If so, then the club is a great experience for them. You drop them off and they are well supervised. Each area, Lab and Club, has their own "fun stuff" and activities. You can check the navigator (daily schedule) to see if there are specific things at the clubs or just let them go wild. It is a very good environment and most kids love it. You set it up so your kids can't leave unless you pick them up. They can also send you a message on the ship phone if there are issues. It is the best way to get alone time while also allowing the kids to enjoy themselves without mom and dad hovering.

We generally set up times with the kids ahead of time. We'll pick you up at this time. We always get them for meals even though they will feed them in the clubs. Many times the kids don't want to leave, which is a good thing. They have open house during the first day so you can show them what there is to do, which helps take anxiety away. Even if they are shy, the counselors are very good at including everyone and making sure the experience is positive.

 

[Weedy]

Hello all, wife and I have been to wdw 4 times. The last time we went was last October and was the first time for our 2 boys ages 4 and 1. We ended up spending more time at the pool then the parks, so we feel like the cruise maybe a better fit for us as a family. We are booked on the dream for August in 2017, our kids ages will be 3 and 6 at this time.
Just a few questions, I apologize if they have been asked before.

First, the wife and I have never left our children with anyone other then family members, we feel pretty nervous about the idea of leaving them at the oceaneer club alone, but we would like to have a little adult time at the adult pool and maybe a lounge or 2 and furthermore, we would like them to enjoy the kids portion of the ship. Can anyone explain how it's executed and offer any words of reassurance or encouragement?

Second, is the oceaneer club and lab included with the cruise fare? I read the FAQ and it stated that the nursery had an hourly cost, wasn't sure if that was referring to the oceaneer club/lab.

Finally, does DCL offer flights at the standard rate? I cannot find anywhere to search for flights on the DCL site, and the wife called DCL today and what they offered was $2700 air fare to fly from NJ to Orlando, which certainly doesn't sound right, its usually a third of that for 4 seats round-trip.

Thank you all for all advice

A cruise can be a very relaxing vacation. The kids clubs are great.
But if swimming is something your kids want to do the pools can be very crowded. Remember there will be 4000 people on the ship. If just 1/2 of them are at the pool that's 2000 people. Imagine any resort pool with that many people.
Some suggestions:
Go to the pool early in the morning and leave about 11am when it gets crowded.
Also the pools are not crowded during the early dinner. Maybe eat at the fast food restaurants by the pool one night.
You can book excursions and do beach trips.
Here is a photo of the pool on a crowded day.

 

[PrincessShmoo]

Hello all, wife and I have been to wdw 4 times. The last time we went was last October and was the first time for our 2 boys ages 4 and 1. We ended up spending more time at the pool then the parks, so we feel like the cruise maybe a better fit for us as a family. We are booked on the dream for August in 2017, our kids ages will be 3 and 6 at this time.
Just a few questions, I apologize if they have been asked before.

First, the wife and I have never left our children with anyone other then family members, we feel pretty nervous about the idea of leaving them at the oceaneer club alone, but we would like to have a little adult time at the adult pool and maybe a lounge or 2 and furthermore, we would like them to enjoy the kids portion of the ship. Can anyone explain how it's executed and offer any words of reassurance or encouragement?

Second, is the oceaneer club and lab included with the cruise fare? I read the FAQ and it stated that the nursery had an hourly cost, wasn't sure if that was referring to the oceaneer club/lab.

Finally, does DCL offer flights at the standard rate? I cannot find anywhere to search for flights on the DCL site, and the wife called DCL today and what they offered was $2700 air fare to fly from NJ to Orlando, which certainly doesn't sound right, its usually a third of that for 4 seats round-trip.

Thank you all for all advice

First, a 3 year old will be allowed into Oceaneer's Club/Lab. Even if not potty-trained. But, you will be asked to return frequently to check if they need to be taken to the potty, or changed. Oceaneer's staff cannot assist with use of the toilet or cleaning up, and cannot change diapers.

It's much like using day care at home. And it's included in the cruise fare. I'd suggest you all visit the Club on embarkation day, it's Open House then and you all can scope out the place and the staff.

If you allow DCL to purchase your flights, the cost is generally more than you can find it for yourself. You can book flights yourself, or let DCL do it, whatever works best for you. There's no way to actually research flight through DCL yourself, you just let them book what works for them.

 

[summerskye]

Here is a photo of the pool on a crowded day.

View attachment 167637

Yuck! . Good thing there are plenty of other things to do. There is no way I would be in there...

 

[lbus42]

Cruising with a one year old is quite different from cruising with the four year old. As previous posters have said, your older child will be able to use Oceaneer Lab/Club, but your younger child will not be able to use it. You will have to your youngest child with you everywhere or if you need some adult time, you would have to book him into the nursery which does charge by the hour.

We cruised on the Fantasy a few weeks ago with our daughter and her family. She has an 18 month old daughter. Other that one night where all of the adults went to Palo, she was with one of us at all times. She was with us at meals, excursions, the shows, and lots of other ship activities. She did tend to get fussy on tour busses and at main dinner, but I consider that pretty normal for a child that age being cooped up in one place for lengthy time periods (main dining took at least 1 1/2 hours). I guess what I am trying to say is that she did not in any way hamper our enjoyment of the cruise. There were no activities that we were not able to do having her with us. Your one year old will have lots of fun and most likely so will you. Don't worry that he will not be able to go to the kid's clubs.

The five year old grand-daughter and 13 year old grand-son loved the kids clubs and did not want to leave them.

 

[Weedy]

His children will be 3 and 6 at the time of their cruise. They both will be able to go to the kids club.

 

[PrincessShmoo]

Cruising with a one year old is quite different from cruising with the four year old. As previous posters have said, your older child will be able to use Oceaneer Lab/Club, but your younger child will not be able to use it. You will have to your youngest child with you everywhere or if you need some adult time, you would have to book him into the nursery which does charge by the hour.

We cruised on the Fantasy a few weeks ago with our daughter and her family. She has an 18 month old daughter. Other that one night where all of the adults went to Palo, she was with one of us at all times. She was with us at meals, excursions, the shows, and lots of other ship activities. She did tend to get fussy on tour busses and at main dinner, but I consider that pretty normal for a child that age being cooped up in one place for lengthy time periods (main dining took at least 1 1/2 hours). I guess what I am trying to say is that she did not in any way hamper our enjoyment of the cruise. There were no activities that we were not able to do having her with us. Your one year old will have lots of fun and most likely so will you. Don't worry that he will not be able to go to the kid's clubs.

The five year old grand-daughter and 13 year old grand-son loved the kids clubs and did not want to leave them.

OP said "our kids ages will be 3 and 6 at this time" referring to when they take the cruise. So both children can go to Oceaneer's.

 

[Weedy]

Lol Shmoo

 

[PrincessShmoo]

Lol Shmoo

I think my computer is slow. Your response wasn't there when I started mine.

 

[jne7043]

Disney has changed the rules and a child does not need to be potty trained but the parents would need to come and change them if needed.

Thanks! We have a 3 year old also so I was slightly worried about this. She has been potty trained since December so it shouldn't be an issue with us, but nice to know there are options.

 

[lbus42]

OP said "our kids ages will be 3 and 6 at this time" referring to when they take the cruise. So both children can go to Oceaneer's.

My bad. I saw the first part of the sentence that said "4 and 1" and missed the update on ages to "3 and 6". They should love the clubs.

 

[Justin91]

When did the "must be potty trained" rule change? Are there enough dedicated CM's to monitor the ones who are not potty trained? We have never used these services and just wondering if they had a child to CM ratio? Sorry for hijacking this topic temporarily, but how crowded does the KIds Clubs get?

 

[Jlmcs]

Thank you guys for all the responses. It's good to hear that on embarkation day the clubs have open house so we can show it to them. I can't say for certain, but it's probably likely that the 3 year old will be potty trained by 3 as his older brother was trained by age 3.
A couple other questions,
If I book flights on my own, Disney will charge for bus transportation between Orlando airport and port Canaveral? Do you guys have any other suggestions for getting to the ship from the airport? Or is the bus a pretty decent mode of transport between 2?

And final question is about passports, the kids will need there's but I can't decide if we should get them the card or book. Its much cheaper to do the cards, particularly since they expire in 5 years and it's pretty unlikely well ever fly internationally in the next 5 years. The only thing is my paranoia kicking in, I just worry should anything happen, IE boat breaks down and we end up in a foreign country not applicable to the passport card, would we have any issues getting home?
Thank you guys very much again.

 

[Weedy]

If you're going to spend the $$ get a regular passport. The cards are not good to fly with.

 

[diznymom]

The passport books are for international travel. The passport cards are for car travel to/from Mexico and Canada.

IMHO get the passport books for everyone. It is like a kind of insurance.....you want it for just in case.

 

[emnems34]

Congrats on your first Disney Cruise! You're going to have the time of your lives! As many others have already stated, The Oceaneers club is wonderful! I understand as a parent that you're worried, but don't be! On our most recent trip, we were there for my husband and I's wedding and we had a large group that included children. One cousin in particular was attached to his mother and she wasn't sure about the Club, but after the first hour she seriously COULD NOT get him to leave! It's an absolutely great program and your kids will love it I'm sure. I agree with others on the passports as well. I know it's pricey but you're right that if anything should happen you might want to have them on you. I'm sure Disney would take care of you regardless but this way it won't be hanging of your head all trip.