'important first night' in kids clubs?

[JJsmama]

Over the years, I have read over and over how important it is for the kids to go to the clubs the first night bc that is when 'they get to know each other.' (I didn't pay much attention years ago bc DS 1 and 2 are close in age and would be together.(currently 17 and 15) Now, I DO need the info for Ds3 (currently 8).

When I look at the Navigators, I see Open House the first day. Is that what people are referring to? Isn't that just a tour for parents and kids together? Otherwise, aren't most kids at dinner the first night? This DS will not know anyone but he loves other kids his age so I want him to have the best opportunity to make friends early.

(edited to show ages, lessen confusion)

 

[lanejudy]

No, the first afternoon Open House is a time for the parents to visit and meet the CMs, see the space, help the child get adjusted (if necessary). I suppose at Edge and Vibe there may be some social connections made, but in my experience most kids are with family that first afternoon immediately after boarding. The "icebreaker" sessions are typically scheduled late evening -- after the second dinner. If you look at the Navigators you'll find it.

How old is your DS3? I think the icebreakers are particularly important for Edge and Vibe, which are much more "socially" oriented in their programming. If the kids haven't made a connection with a friend, they likely don't get involved in the activities. At the Oceaneer Club/Lab, there is lots to do whether or not your child makes a close friend.

Enjoy your cruise!

 

[JJsmama]

The "icebreaker" sessions are typically scheduled late evening -- after the second dinner. If you look at the Navigators you'll find it.

How old is your DS3?

He is 8. I doubt he will go to club after second dinner. Maybe after first dinner. We are early to bed/ early to rise types. Maybe not so important for his age, as you say?

 

[fab1976]

I didn't find the first night there made a difference at all to my 8 year old son. It seemed like everyone else on the cruise had friends already or siblings. He had a good time but didn't connect with anyone specific. He's a very friendly kid, and is ok just talking to whoever is there. I won't feel the pressure of "OMG they MUST go to the kids club first night" if we cruise again. Maybe if he's in the older kids clubs by then, but for the Club and Lab I just didn't see the need.

 

[bumbershoot]

DS was on his first Disney cruise at 8, and I felt the first night was important not because he made friends, but so that he didn't feel left out, like he missed something. He would rather be there and know what did or didn't go on, than not be there and wonder.

So I still think it's important.

 

[aidtrismommy]

I don't think it is important for kids to be there the first night in the Oceaneer club/lab. There are so many different kids in and out of there all the time that at that age it doesn't really matter. My kids go in (age 7 and 9 last cruise) and spend a hour or so a few times per day depending on what we are doing and just join in with whatever is going on if they are interested or they will do something independently. Many times my older son just enjoyed playing checkers with one of the counselors. In my opinion kids this age (oceaneer) don't form cliques in this type of setting.

 

[catshaw]

My 2 teens said that being at Vibe on the first night was really fun and they loved the ice breakers. They said things got going around 9pm

 

[daisyx3]

Do you think that will be an issue if we eat second seating? My 17 year old will be two months shy of 18. I am afraid if there are a lot of younger kids and he doesn't make any connections with the older ones, he will not want to go back. He's pretty independent.

 

[Drusilla99]

The icebreakers don't usually start until after 2nd dinner/show is over, so everyone is available and Dan attend. We've always had 1st dinner, and my girls end up hanging with us after dinner, because nobody really showed up, according to them, until after the 2nd dinner.

 

[starvenger]

Over the years, I have read over and over how important it is for the kids to go to the clubs the first night bc that is when 'they get to know each other.' (I didn't pay much attention years ago bc DS 1 and 2 are close in age and would be together.(currently 17 and 15) Now, I DO need the info for Ds3 (currently 8).

For me, I think it's important to go the first night so we can see what the kids' initial impressions are (applies to any kids club on a cruise line or at a resort). Knowing whether they like to be inside or outside the club helps me plan what we're going to do on the boat/at the resort/other.

But as a qualifier, my kids aren't exactly the shy types, so I'm not too worried about them making friends.