How is the kids program for the 8-12 year olds?

[adisneynut]

We haven't sailed on Disney but we have cruised 4 times. I would like to think that Disney would have the best kids program on the seas. Can anyone provide any info?

 

[appink]

We went in August 2002. My son was 9 at the time. He spent most of the day time with us and then after dinner went to the clubs and stayed til it closed most nights.

He really seemed to enjoy it and it gave us adult time in the evenings to enjoy the show.

The counselers were great and he made quite a few friends.

Patti

 

[rykdad]

We went on the 4 Day WONDER last month. The 8-12 age group is actually broken up into two groups: 8-9 and 10-12. My 10 year old DS had a blast in the program (so did my 6 year old DD in the 5-6 group). They had a variety of activities from making TV commercials to pool parties and dancing. Every time we went to check on our son we were given the "go away" signal from him! The kids had no hesitation when we asked if they wanted to go on a 7-Day cruise next year.

 

[FantasticDisFamily]

The programming is excellent. How much time your child spends there depends on a variety of things.

What you schedule to do as a family (we insisted on dinner together)

Friends they make (my DS was hardly ever seen on our last cruise without a buddy he made the first day)

Particular interest (DS loved the Lab and we had to drag him out, DD who is second child preferred to be with us although she had fun in Lab when she went - it may have been because she didn't have to compete with her older brother for our attention!)

Deb

 

[adisneynut]

I appreicate all you advice. We just got off the Golden Princess and my daugher age 10, wants to sail on Disney next. She did a few of the group activities.

 

[Buckaroo's Dad]

Hi adisneynut. We haven't sailed on any other cruise line, so I can only respond relative to DCL and my DS9.

She did a few of the group activities.

Like your daughter, my son enjoyed the Oceaneers Club for specific activities, but preferred to be with Dad a good deal of the time. We were never bored!

 

[Texan]

Since this was brought up, DH and I are seriously discussing a Disney cruise next year, which will mean our two DS will be 13 and 8. What could the 13 year old do by himself? And I don't think the 8 year old will want to do the kid's club stuff without his brother. Any suggestions?

 

[keith & co.]

Hi! I am Chelsea (10) and I have sailed on the Magic 2 times when I was 6 & 8. I thought the activities for kids were great! We had a detective game to find the pixie dust for Tink and we made flubber. The Tarzan game on the computer was fun.It was a very good place to make friends. I would even rather eat with the club than with my Mom & Dad in the resturants. There was Pizza all the time and I didn't have to dress up!
I am going on my third cruise May 3rd and I am looking forward all the new stuff for my new age group!
Have fun!
Chelsea

 

[FantasticDisFamily]

Texan,

You might be surprised about what the kids will and won't do onboard! The 13 year old would be old enough for Common Grounds and they do separate by age group. Lots of threads on the board to look at further, plus there are sample Navigators at the sites mentioned.

At 8 & 13, even if you had him stay in the Lab which can happen they would be in two different age groups anyway.

Deb