Kids Club Drop-off Rules?

[Lumee23]

Hi everyone! I am hoping for some guidance on what rules apply to dropping kids off at the kids club. We are sailing on the Fantasy in December 2017 with our two girls who will be 3 and 6 at sailing.

We were just recently on the NCL Gem and we missed their kids club open house but signed our 4 year old up in the terminal while waiting to get on the ship. When we went to bring her to the club the first full sail day we were surprised that adults were not allowed to go into the club to walk their children in. Any child being dropped off also had to be "calm" and walk in by themselves. Long story short our 4 year old was not happy to be dropped off into some unknown place with strangers and they would not let her in since she was crying (not meltdown crying but upset). She goes to daycare so we were a bit surprised by her reaction but that was how it went. We ended up not being able to use the kids club the entire 10 day cruise and she was very bored.

I was wondering if Disney had similar rules? We wouldn't want to drop off either of our kids while they were having a meltdown but our youngest is quite attached (more than our oldest) and we are worried we will have similar issues on this next cruise. We have learned our lesson and will definitely be checking out the open house this time around but wanted to be fully prepared for any rules this time before sailing. Can we walk in with them to help get them going with an activity? Also, if anybody has any tips for shy/attached children I would be happy to hear them

 

[hanscarlet]

Yes, you can register them in port or at the club on Day 1 (or any day). The first day is open house, meaning parents are allowed to go in with the kids and hang out. Anytime you see open house hours, you cannot drop the kids off, you have to be with them... the first day at open house is a great way to get the kids used to the club.

 

[PrincessShmoo]

Hi everyone! I am hoping for some guidance on what rules apply to dropping kids off at the kids club. We are sailing on the Fantasy in December 2017 with our two girls who will be 3 and 6 at sailing.

We were just recently on the NCL Gem and we missed their kids club open house but signed our 4 year old up in the terminal while waiting to get on the ship. When we went to bring her to the club the first full sail day we were surprised that adults were not allowed to go into the club to walk their children in. Any child being dropped off also had to be "calm" and walk in by themselves. Long story short our 4 year old was not happy to be dropped off into some unknown place with strangers and they would not let her in since she was crying (not meltdown crying but upset). She goes to daycare so we were a bit surprised by her reaction but that was how it went. We ended up not being able to use the kids club the entire 10 day cruise and she was very bored.

I was wondering if Disney had similar rules? We wouldn't want to drop off either of our kids while they were having a meltdown but our youngest is quite attached (more than our oldest) and we are worried we will have similar issues on this next cruise. We have learned our lesson and will definitely be checking out the open house this time around but wanted to be fully prepared for any rules this time before sailing. Can we walk in with them to help get them going with an activity? Also, if anybody has any tips for shy/attached children I would be happy to hear them

While the first day (and other times during the cruise) are Open House times when you must accompany them into the club (and stay), if it's secured programming, you will only be able to drop them off at the door.

 

[Lumee23]

Okay great! I am glad to hear we can go in with them at select times throughout the cruise and not just on the first day Even if we end up not being able to drop them off because they don't want us to leave them, it will at least give us some additional activities to do throughout the cruise. Thanks!!!

 

[arlopop]

Our first cruise our youngest was three. On our Palo night she threw a fit when we dropped her off - screaming, crying, didn't want to be left. We were prepared to cancel dinner - couldn't imagine leaving her for others to deal with. CMs were incredible. They said they would take care of her - that it would be fine and we should go to dinner. We again said that it was too much to ask of them, but they insisted. When we picked her up she had had a great time and the CMs said it took them about five minutes to calm her and they kept her occupied with special attention most of the night.
You shouldn't worry

 

[bumbershoot]

But during non-open house times parents do not go in with them. Parents do go in to *get* them (you get a lanyard that shows you're allowed in for a brief time) but not to bring them in.

 

[Partyof4LA]

My daughter was terrified of the mandatory hand wash machine the first time I tried to drop her off. They let me through the gate to wash mine first and show her it was ok but I wasn't allowed any further in than that and had to leave right after.
As others said above, they are great with kids who are unsure about being there. We had spa time booked on our sea day and also an excursion on CC. By then DD wanted no part of the kids club so she was clingy and whiney. They still let her in and gave her extra attention to calm and entertain her until we were finished.

 

[michellekcm]

My daughter was terrified of the mandatory hand wash machine the first time I tried to drop her off.

My daughter still hates that hand wash, so she just asks the CM on the gate for a wipe instead, and they let her use that. Might help someone else in the same situation

 

[FigmentSpark]

Does anyone know if the kids' club CMs have to have any particular qualifications, like child and youth educator or anything like that ?

 

[bbel]

You can walk them in if they really don't want to come in by themselves and get them settled, but you'll be asked to stay no longer than five minutes.
The first day both the spaces will be in open house when you get onboard, and then they'll be open house everyday, probably more likely twice a day.
If you do walk them in, maybe try and get them settled in a quieter area like the craft area and just mention to the CM that they're not keen. That CM may be able to sit with them a little and find something they might like to do and will keep an extra eye out for them. One on one care cannot be guarenteed though.

Hope it all works out. Enjoy your cruise.

 

[bbel]

Does anyone know if the kids' club CMs have to have any particular qualifications, like child and youth educator or anything like that ?

Yes.