First timer, question about nursery reservations

[pkkz124]

Hi folks:

First timer, sailing on Disney Fantasy in less than a month! Husband and I and DD6, DD4, DD2.5. Question is about booking/reserving nursery for the not yet 3 year old. Are they mandatory to do prior to trip? My youngest will be ALMOST 3, and is fully potty trained. Will they allow her to be with her two older sisters? Is the recommendation to book more time than you think you need, or to book as needed? do they fill out? Appreciate the help. Thanks!

Missy

 

[lanejudy]

Pre-booking nursery time is not required, but if you want some of the "peak" times (such as during dinner), there may not be spots left to book once you board. Otherwise, you certainly can make some plans onboard. If you have any plans that it will be important for your child to be in the nursery, you might plan those ahead (Palo or Remy, spa services, etc.).

DCL has recently become very strict with the minimum 3-yrs-old age for the Club/Lab. You may bring the younger child for Open House times, which occur for generally at least one hour per day at each kids' club, but she will not be allowed to be dropped off during secured programming. Even little ones with a birthday during the cruise are not allowed at the Club/Lab secured programming until the birthday.

Enjoy your cruise!

 

[stacecakes]

I would recommend pre-booking some times if you can. My DD was 2 and had a really hard time sitting through the long meals in the dining rooms ( sometimes DD4.5 did too). We gave everyone a break once or twice and fed the kids early on deck then let them hang in kids club while grownups did dinner on our own. Yes, vacation is family time, but a 2 hr break was good for everyone and a dinner free of "sit nicely", "just try a bite", etc. was lovely. Dinner hours fill up fast in the nursery so it might be good to sign up early. Given that your LO is potty trained, the "no diapers, even swim diapers, in pool" isn't so much of an issue, but I also used the nursery once so that our older daughter could have swim time attention from both parents without the little one getting jealous. They are flexible about switching your times around ( you do need to give notice for changing/cancelling to avoid a charge) so I tink it's worth holding a couple spots.

 

[pkkz124]

Thanks for the info, question about Remy/Palo reservation, is there a 'best night' to reserve? our trip falls on Valentine's day, so currently have dinner that night, but its Day 2, have read elsewhere about doing it on Pirates night. Our girls aren't that into pirates, but since its our first cruise, not sure if we want to miss that. any suggestions?