It's a Small World Nursery... when's the best time? when did you use it?

[cruisingconners]

Going on our first Disney cruise this month. My youngest is 2. When are the best times you recommend using the It's a Small World Nursery?

During port days, so you can get off the boat without worrying about bringing the kids (I know my little one would rather be in a play area then walking around the shops, beach, etc. with me)?

During dinner time? Or in between dinner? I saw some parents book the nursery for 9pm (we have the late seating), then run up to drop the kids off and coming back to the dining hall to finish eating. Is that practical? Does that allow enough time?

During the day so I have time to go on the slide, go in the pool and explore the ship with my 6 year old?

I only have 18 hours total to use the nursery (a relative is paying for it), so I really want to use the time wisely.

Thanks everyone!

 

[lolainkent]

We just got off a 4 night Dream (so sad it's over!) and used the nursery every day. Never any longer than 3 hours. Three of the times were at night, 7:30-10ish. It was pretty quiet in the nursery and the first time we came to collect DD, Ariel was on her way in! According to Ariel, the nursery is her favourite place on the ship

We also used it on the CC day - we brought DD onto the island but then DH took her back around 1:30 (we called the nursery from CC with our wave phone to make the booking) and collected her at 4pm. That was a great way for her to see CC but also give the adults/older kids some time without worrying about her (she's nearly 2).

If we cruise again, I'd consider the later seating and have her in nursery during dinner. DD refused to eat and was generally a bit annoying at dinner! (not her fault, we were all jet-lagged.)

 

[I❤MICKEY]

We scheduled nursery for our son (2) during dinner each night of our cruise. There was no way he would have lasted during a two hour dinner. Plus it was pure heaven to have dinner with my husband and not have to worry about whether he was too loud or disturbing other diners. We had later dinner. We reserved from 8:00 - 10:30.

We also scheduled a few afternoons so we could enjoy the adult only pool.

We did not utilize nursery during our excursions but we selected things that we thought he would really enjoy.

We were very happy with the nursery. He had a great time.

 

[deanimal]

We used it during dinner for our 21 month old. The meals were way too long for him, and for his 3 year old sister, too. We'd ask the waiter to bring the kids' meals with our appy's and that usually gave us enough time for one of us to run the kids to the club and nursery. Then we had a peaceful main course and dessert, then had enough time for a walk around the deck before collecting them. We had first seating, so I don't know how well it would work for later.