Flounders Reef Nursery

[mom2grace]

Does anyone have experience with the nursery? Our daughter is 8 months old.

Is it difficult to get a space? We are hoping to dine at Palo's one evening.

Thanks,
Susan Bryan and Grace

 

[dizneykids]

on two wonder cruises. both times we had no problem. there was a BIG change from the first to the second time as the first trip they only had a retrofitted storage area to accomodate kids...and not many at that!

the second time (this past thanksgiving), the space was completely redone, expanded to about twice its size and very nice. the cms there are wonderful (and typically from the british isles for whatever reason).

of course, our little one is older than yours (he was about 14 months the first trip), but aside from an initial bout of crying with our leaving him (which, i was assured, disappeared about the same time we left), he had no problem. the second night we took him there he basically waved goodbye to us...no tears.

this time (he had just turned 3), we couldn't even get him to wave goodbye! he just ran in, found a new toy (to him, at least) and we were history!!

tip: get to flounders just as quickly as you can upon boarding...they take names and requests for evenings and will let you know the day prior if you have a reservation the next evening. if you are doing the 7-day, i just read that they are open during some of the excursions as well, though i've no experience with that. my advice is request every night and odds are you'll get at least one (we got two on our 3-night cruise and 3 on our 4-night cruise).

 

[Casey's mom]

Our first cruise (a 4 night in March 2000), we used Flounders 3 out of the 4 nights -- or maybe all 4 -- for our then 2 year old daughter. I agree with the previous poster's tip about going there early the first afternoon and make reservations for every night. We didn't immediately get in every night, but they called us later in the trip and found space (maybe people canceled). The CM's were very friendly and nurturing. Our DD was very happy there.

 

[deebs]

we sailed 12/8 with our 7 month old. We only used Floudners one night, but I wouldn't hesitate to use it again.
Great, caring staff!

 

[RandJ]

Is there any penalty if you cancel reservations last minute?

 

[deebs]

I believe you need to cancel 4 hours in advance or there will be a penalty...I don't remember what it is though

 

[DisneyCrazy123]

When we cruised last March with our 8 month old, we used Flounders and thought it was great. Keep in mind that although they take up to 20 kids in Flounders, they only take 3 or 4 infants so it is harder to get a space. The theory being that the infants sleep in a crib and the child-counselor ratio is higher. I would get in line early.

 

[RandJ]

Are there interesting things for our 2 1/2 year old to do there? We would only leave her there for the minimum 2 hours at a time. Also, would it be comfortable for her to fall asleep there?

 

[duskysmom]

randj...interesting for a 2 1/2 yr old....how's about playing with my 2 1/2 yr ds...he's bound to make her laugh! It looks on the pictures like there are plenty of toys, and my ds best toy is another kid!

 

[mom2grace]

Do they "require" that infants be put in a crib/sleep? My DD is 8 months old and I was hoping she could just "play" while we ate dinner (late seating), follow her own schedule. She would probably be very unhappy if they put her in a crib!

Thanks,
Susan Bryan and Grace

 

[RandJ]

Kris,

Our DD loves playing with others. I hope our kids get together. What days/times are you planning to use Flounders? We really don't have a clue on this yet?

She'll probably want to help the counselors take care of the infants.

- Ron

 

[duskysmom]

We'll try to get him in for some of the evenings....I'd like to see some shows, and he can't sit still too long(typical boy!) He'd be a distraction to me and most likely an annoyance to others at the shows...I do think he will enjoy DisneyDreams on THursday from what I've seen posted.

 

[deebs]

Susan-
They don't put the kids on a schedule. We're from the east coast so my DD was awake while all the other kids were sleeping and it wasn't a problem!

 

[Casey's mom]

Re sleeping at Flounders -- For the infants, they have a limited number of cribs. As it got later with the toddler's, as with the kid'ds club they have cushions/mats for the floor. Most nights when I came to pick up my DD, she was sacked out on a mat/head on pillow/covered with a blanket watching a cartoon with a CM sitting next to her to keep her company. She was very happy and calm.