New here...and to cruising

[I'm All Ears]

OK...I have a 14 month old son who I would love to take on a Disney Cruise...but I think he is to young right now. What is a good age to take him? I'm not so much worried about him remembering it...but I do want him to know who the characters are and tobe excited about seeing them. Any thoughs??

Thanks so much...
Tracy

 

[ChrizJen]

First, welcome to the boards!
Second, as for an appropriate age? I don't have any children, but from observation, I've learned some things. There are differing views on kids and cruising...
Ask some, and they will say that they will cruise with a 6 month old, as long as they get to cruise with the Mouse!!
Others say that they would rather wait until the children are old enough for the clubs. That way you can get alone/quiet time while the kiddos are in the clubs.
As for the clubs, the rule is anyone 3yrs and older (and completely potty trained) can go to the kids clubs, which are included in the cost of the cruise. Anyone under 3 (or not potty trained) must use Flounders Reef, which is the nursery, and this costs extra.

Another issue with age is the pool. The Mickey Pool is open to potty trained children only-No swim diapers. There is one tiny wading pool for tots (one of Mickey's ears) and that is the only place swim diapers are allowed.

Those are some of the concerns I've seen expressed here. But that is CERTAINLY not to say that you shouldn't go!!!
It's completely up to you. I've read trip reports from folks who have gone and taken young children, and still had a blast!

I think the best way I've ssen it put here is this: Your cruise experience with a baby may be a little more hectic than that of someone else who has an older child or no children at all. BUT...I'll take a "hectic" day on a Disney Cruise any day over a good day at home or at the office. At least on the cruise you don't have to cook or clean, and you can spend all of your time enjoying your wonderful son!!!

Oh! And another tip I've seen here-When cruising with small children, a lot of folks try to go for staterooms with verandas. That way when your little one is napping, you have a sunny place to relax/hang out/read a book.

Like I said, I don't have any experience cruising with children ,but these are things I've seen posted here before.

Hope that helps!
-Christal

 

[pdarrah]

Welcome!

I only went on our first DCL cruise last October, but I took my son to WDW at ages 6 weeks, 6 months, 1 year, 1.5 year, 2 year ... and so on! He loved the characters from 1 year onwards.

We had a "Disney Moment" on his 1st birthday. We spent the day at the Magic Kingdom and then went to the Contemporary to Chef Mickey's for dinner. For the first few characters that came by the table, he smiled and stared but didn't seem to want any closer interaction and the characters were very good about not forcing it at all. After he finished messing with his food (if you have a 1yr old you know what I mean!) we let him out of his chair and he was walking around and around our table. After a little bit, Minnie started toward our table - he spotted her and started running straight at her. She saw him and knelt down and held out her arms. He ran straight into her arms and hugged her. (Yes, I got photos of the whole thing.)

Our DS is now 5 and on our cruise, he gave Pluto a big hug while we were having lunch right after boarding. When he came back to the table he told us "I felt a leg in their - It's just a costume isn't it?" He wasn't upset, but I guess the real magic is over We still did a few photos with the characters and he still seems to enjoy seeing them (I do too!) but the belief isn't there anymore.

Traveling with an infant or small child is a lot of work, but we found that Disney makes it as easy as it is possible to be. Our trips gave us truly uninterrupted time with our son and were well worth it to us. I'm certain my son doesn't remember his first few trips to WDW - but I certainly do!

pdarrah