Kids

[Eeyores]

i know there are different ones for different ages, but I am not comfortable with my daughter able to roam the ship alone. I'm surprised this is allowed as it isn't safe. Can she go into the younger group where she will have more fun? She is very small for her age and close anyway to that age range, plus has special needs. Otherwise she won't be able to participate. Do they make exceptions?

 

[PrincessShmoo]

i know there are different ones for different ages, but I am not comfortable with my daughter able to roam the ship alone. I'm surprised this is allowed as it isn't safe. Can she go into the younger group where she will have more fun? She is very small for her age and close anyway to that age range, plus has special needs. Otherwise she won't be able to participate. Do they make exceptions?

No the upper age limit in the clubs is firm. You don't mention how old she is, but for Oceaneer's Club/Lab the ages are 3-12; Edge is 11-14; and Vibe is 14-17.

The overlap ages allow for more flexibility. An 11/12 year old can participate in both Oceaneer's and Edge, while a 14 year old can participate in both Edge and Vibe.

Kids in Oceaneer's do not have sign out privileges (unless you sign a waiver for an 8 year and older child). In Edge and Vibe the kids can come and go as they wish.

All the clubs have Open House hours where she can attend with you (any club).

 

[Skiton]

Could you clarify a bit more? How old is your daughter? What club will she be in?

 

[stacecakes]

It's hard to help without actual information on your daughter. How old will she be on your sailing? if she's 12 or under she will be allowed in Oceaneers club/ Lab.But once they turn 13 they age out of the space and will automatically be placed in the next level up. From all I've seen and read they do offer some flexibility in the age ranges they allow in that kids can move up at 11 if they're interested, to give space for kids who may mature at different speeds, but once you hit their boundaries, they're pretty strict. More so recently than in years past due to liability issues. But you can always ask...

 

[Eeyores]

Boo! She just turned 15. But there is no way I would be comfortable with that. She has high functioning autism and her wandering around by herself is not safe. I know she would enjoy being with the 11/12 year olds as she is more their level anyway.

 

[lanejudy]

i know there are different ones for different ages, but I am not comfortable with my daughter able to roam the ship alone. I'm surprised this is allowed as it isn't safe. Can she go into the younger group where she will have more fun? She is very small for her age and close anyway to that age range, plus has special needs. Otherwise she won't be able to participate. Do they make exceptions?

As others have indicated, the upper-age-limits of the kids' spaces are hard limits. DCL will not adjust those. If she is 12 or younger, she is welcome to attend the Oceaneer Club/Lab (ages 3-12). You can restrict her ability to self-check-out if you so choose, meaning she cannot leave the Club/Lab until an adult in your party is present to check her out. If she is in the overlap age of 11-12, she has choice of Club/Lab or Edge.

Once she is at Edge (ages 11-14) there is no check-out and she will be "free" to move about the ship. However, many families of young tweens find they can work out a system of family rules that keep both parents and child happy. Some rules might be:
child must text/call parent when leaving Edge;
if not going to meet up with a parent, the child must return directly to the stateroom, alone
no friends allowed in the stateroom
not allowed to go to anyone else's stateroom

You mention your child has special needs and "won't be able to participate" -- do you mind explaining a bit more? She will need to be able to function in a group environment, as DCL doesn't not provide or allow for direct 1:1 assistance even for disabilities. Generally if she is able to attend school and at least part of her time in a regular classroom, she will probably be fine at the Club/Lab. If she is at least 13 yrs old, she cannot attend "secured programming" (drop-off childcare) at the Club/Lab but you can take her there during "Open House" times which are generally scheduled for at least one hour per day at each kids' space. You may need to stay with her if necessary.

Enjoy your cruise!

 

[lanejudy]

Boo! She just turned 15. But there is no way I would be comfortable with that. She has high functioning autism and her wandering around by herself is not safe. I know she would enjoy being with the 11/12 year olds as she is more their level anyway.

Oops! You posted her age while I was typing my other reply! Correct, at 15 she is only eligible for Vibe. However, all the kids' spaces (Oceaneer Club, Lab, Edge, Vibe) have "Open House" times scheduled for usually at least one hour per day. You are welcome to take her during these times to use the space. Also, consider trying some of the rules I mentioned above if that might help her socialize but give you peace of mind as well. I suggest you stop by Vibe on the first afternoon (which is open house) and talk with the CMs. See how she interacts with others. Sometimes there are younger 13's who request to "age-up" and might be at Vibe instead of Edge. If you discuss your concerns and her challenges/abilities with the CMs, you may find you can work something out.

Enjoy your cruise!

 

[Eeyores]

No, I mean I won't take her if she can check herself out. She is not as safety conscious to allow this.

She is homeschooled, but would do fine in a group. I'm not worried about that part. Just being alone on a huge ship, with strangers, able to do dangerous things like get to close to the railing and fall off. Or go off with someone.

 

[Skiton]

Well, unfortunately, DCL is very strict about age limits in the clubs. A 15 year old wouldn't be allowed in Edge and certainly not in the Oceaneer's Club/Lab. Children as young as 8 have the ability to check themselves in and out of clubs and "roam free." Once kids are in the Edge, they all have that option. I understand your concern given that your daughter has special needs. You say she is high-functioning - if you tell her she is not allowed to leave the club without you or your spouse, will she adhere to that? She may not even like the club. Neither my niece or nephew (12 and 14) cared for them on our trip in January. Still, I think it would be a shame if she didn't get the opportunity to try it out.

 

[Eeyores]

I am a single mom so just the two of us. I have seen videos of the clubs and just hanging out with teens is not her thing. Playing and being active is. She would enjoy the younger area better.

No, she would not listen. She would take it as a dare. Go off on an adventure. Lol. Or see other kids doing it and forget the rules.

 

[Skiton]

I can see why you're worried. Under the circumstances, it might be best if you don't introduce her to the clubs. In my experience there is no way they will let her join the younger kids, but the two of you can still have a wonderful time together onboard.

 

[Seamama]

Others have mentioned this, but I just want to reiterate... you can take your daughter in any of the kids' clubs (oceaneer club/lab, edge, vibe) during "Open House" times (I think also sometimes called "unsecured programming")... it's not for drop off- it's for people of all ages to use the space together. I know that doesn't really give her the chance to be dropped off to play w/ other kids on her own, but she at least she would be able to see and play w/ different things there while you're w/ her. And, you never know, she might also meet and play with other kids while you're there w/ her. Hope that helps!

 

[Eeyores]

Sounds good! We can do that.

 

[belac]

Try to speak with the Youth Activities Manager once on board and see what accommodations they have for your DD. I think there is a number you can call shoreside as well. You may be able to google it or call DCL main number.
They have tons of family activities on board. Try looking at some old navigators from your itinerary. http://disneycruiselineblog.com/personal-navigators/

Check some to see when the kids club open houses are and possible activities for you to do together.
I hope you have a wonderful cruise with your DD, but I think you and she will love it.

 

[Eeyores]

We love anything Disney but since WDW changed their assistance there, we can't go any more. She can't do that much waiting and would just be upset.

I do plan on calling once I pay and get it set up. So I know how best to avoid sanding and waiting for long periods. Go late, go early, whatever we need to do! Go to the least attended activities, whatever! Plan ahead!

 

[bumbershoot]

You are welcome to take her during these times to use the space.

To clarify a tiny bit, you can take her to the Open House times and you *have to stay with her*. At Open House *anyone* can be in there, so parents have to stay with their kids.

able to do dangerous things like get to close to the railing and fall off.

Once you get on board you will see that just getting too close will absolutely positively NOT result in her falling. You can fall off if you have climbed up onto the railing. You cannot just be too close and fall.

Now from what you say about her later, she might climb. That's another issue. But it's not worth worrying one more moment about her getting *close* and falling off. I doubt if even the tallest NBA player could do that.

We love anything Disney but since WDW changed their assistance there, we can't go any more. She can't do that much waiting and would just be upset.

They still have a program for those with disabilities at WDW.

I do plan on calling once I pay and get it set up. So I know how best to avoid sanding and waiting for long periods. Go late, go early, whatever we need to do! Go to the least attended activities, whatever! Plan ahead!

There's nothing to be scheduled, kid's club-wise, ahead of time. Once you're onboard and see the Navigator for the day then you'll see that first day's Open House info. If you have a smart phone or ipod etc that gets wifi, right now download the Disney Navigator app, then once you're onboard (before sailaway) launch the app (this uses the FREE wifi on the ship), and you'll be able to see all the Navigators of the cruise. Makes planning easy once you're onboard.

 

[Eeyores]

That sounds better than what I was imagining. I have never been on a cruise, but hearing of people falling overboard of cruise ships made me worry!

 

[jtba]

That sounds better than what I was imagining. I have never been on a cruise, but hearing of people falling overboard of cruise ships made me worry!

this is getting off-topic but most of those people didn't "fall" off. "jumped" is probably more accurate, from what i understand.

 

[Scillycruisers]

Have you joined the meet group for your cruise.? You may find someone with an 11/12 year old willing to go to an open hours session at the same time as you so your daughter could play with a "friend". You would need to be there, but could stay in the background with the other parent while the kids got on with it.

 

[dsdeleon]

No specific advice on your situation but I encourage you to "play it by ear". I know it is very hard not to have everything planned in detail to set expectations and even have a social story ready to go, but I just want to praise the staff at the clubs. My son who has mid-functioning autism was treated very well although they cannot overly accommodate, the staff had a way of making me feel very comfortable when he was not with me. He was EDGE age but we experienced the gamut (from an actual meltdown to overly excited and immature for his age) and the staff was SUPER. He did gain some independence throughout the week and there really is not much of a safer place for him to do so. We are taking him back next month for doing so well in school, it is much preferred over WDW for him.