For those w/ small children a couple of tips

[PolyGirl]

DH and I just got off the Wonder and this time it was w/out our children. This was our 3rd DCL cruise and we have some tips for those sailing with small children.

On our past cruises we were putting the kids to bed around 9 because they were so tired. BIG MISTAKE!!! The deck party on board is FANTASTIC and a must for all children. It doesn't start till 10 and goes to midnight. The music the characters and the dessert buffet is awesome. I would highly suggest taking time during the day and putting yound children down for a nap so they can enjoy the night time activies onboard.

Also, Castaway Cay has bike rentals and it's a great break in the day. They have bikes in all different sizes and ones with training wheels or adult bikes w/ seats for young children. It's a great trail and a very easy one to pedal. It's inexpensive and a way to really enjoy the entire island.


Finally, those with small children definately do early seating. Eating dinner at 8:45 at night is way to late even for myself. There was a family next to us and the kids were falling asleep at the table.

Hope this helps!!!

 

[DisneyPoly]

Thanks PolyGirl ... you answered my questions without even asking. We are all so looking forward to cruising.

Glad to hear you had a great trip!

 

[BeckyB.]

Thank you very much for that valuable imfo. I will pass the imfo. on to my family. We are on Wonder 03/2003. We will all have small kids 2-12 7 kids that will need naps during the day. I'm glad you mentioned the Deck Party at night. On a 4 night what night is the deck party usually?? Is it dressy?? Do you know the weather in March?? When you've gone with your kids have they done all the programs?? I have a 4 yr.g/12yr.b they are very out going kids I know they will have a great time in the programs. If the kids are at programs during meals do they go and eat with there groups?

 

[PolyGirl]

We did the 3 day Wonder and the 7 day Magic before w/ kids. Ages at that time being 3,4 & 7. I'm not sure when the Deck party is on the 4 day. It was on the 2nd night on the 3-day Cruise.

As for the kids in the club and dining, yes they will take the kids to dinner and lunch if they are there at those dining times.

I will warn anyone that is going with kids DO NOT plan on your kids being in the club especially for long periods of time. If they go GREAT!!! But do not get your heart set on all this alone time you will have. My son, being the oldest did enjoy the club and did spend a lot of time in the club. However, my other two did not like the club at all. I found that the activities for the 3-4 age bracket was lacking especially during the days and that was the last place they wanted to be. I found the club to be very dark and the lab to be a much warmer environment. As with all children kids like to swim and the club doesn't take them swimming so even my son who enjoyed the club did not want to be there that much because he wanted to be at the pool.

That is the reason DH and I travelled alone this past cruise. We found that we were not able to enjoy all the activies onboard.

DCL offers so much and even if your kids do not go to the club you will still have an OUTSTANDING time. There is so much to do onboard you will never be board. I just like to warn parents, especially those with small children that the club sometimes is not an option.

Hope this helps!

 

[ladybugs]

Hi Polygirl,

My family of 5 (husband, and girls 4,9, 11) plus other family members will be traveling at this time and all your tips about the kids are well said.

While we have cruised one other time without the kids (on a Carnival Western) we are really looking forward to going with them.

 

[Laurajean1014]

Our son was 5 last spring on Magic. At first we thought the pager was broken. Then realized he was having a great time at OC!

We never counted on him going or staying at OC for a long time! We always figured an hour or so. If one of us was at the spa, the other was sunning or near the room. Off the boat, we did everything as a family (the way we like our vacations). If he didn't want to do something (like snorkel) I waded with him while Daddy snorkeled! Then Daddy played with him on the main drag of St. Thomas, while Mommy went inside the collectible stores!

I had the late part of the evening to play with hubby. We sat on our deck and watched for falling stars! Saw a few............... enjoyed it all.

You will too!

L

 

[ennazus]

Thanks for the tips, PolyGirl!!