Oceaners Lab Activities

[crissythecropper]

My daughter will have just turned 8 when we go on our cruise. I don't know whether to put her in the Oceaners club with my 5 year old, or in the Lab by herself. What kind of activities do they do in the lab? In the DVD from Disney and the brochures, all they show is kids looking through microscopes and doing science experiments. It almost just looks like school. Have your kids had fun in the lab? Any input would be appreciated.

 

[cwf1028]

I would love to know as well. Mine will almost be 8 when we sail and I thought I would just keep her in the Club, but now I am considering seeing if she can move up because a lot of the club activities look a little young for her, but some of the lab stuff seems questionable.

 

[tinkerbellmagic]

DGS had just turned 6 when we sailed this past Dec, so he was in the Club. He loved the few times he got to visit the lab. He preferred the lab to the club. Not sure if it was the video games or Buzz Lightyear, but he said he is looking forward to being old enough to be in the lab all the time. Maybe someone else can supply more info, but imo, I think your daughter might be happier in the lab.

Tink

 

[kellimomo3]

I think I can help out with this one.

We cruised on the Jan. 15th Western. We have three boys ages 4, 6 & 8. My oldest had just turned 8 in December so I elected to put him in the Club with his 6 year old brother. I thought I would be more comfortable that way than having him with 12 year olds. Well....by the second day it was evident that he was bored. He commented that he wasn't having fun with all these little kids and when I looked around I realized he was right. He was the oldest by far. The Club is great for the younger set. It is VERY structured, with constant activities that the group must participate in. As soon as we switched him to the Lab with the 8-9s, he blossomed. The Lab has structured activities all day but they have longer peiods of free time and much more "big kid" fun. For example, making their own commercial, building with K'Nex, sports deck fun, karoke singing, etc. My advice would be to put her with her age (8-9s). The activities are definately age appropriate and it is my opinion after experiencing the three groups first hand, the 3-4s, the 5-7s and the 8-9s that the 8-9s are the best group on the ship. They have the greatest range of cool activities and are at a great age to really get into the whole experience. Again just my two cents but I did live through the senario so I thought I could be of some help. I will be happy to answer any questions, you or anyone may have about the differences of the groups.

Kelli

 

[hollydog]

My DS turned 8 just 8 days before our cruise in January. He ended up loving the lab! In fact, he keeps talking about it and can't wait to go back. Considering he normally is pretty laid-back and doesn't like to talk about what he's done each day, I take it that he had a ball. He loved the computers, blowing up the volcano, making flubber, and taking the ship tour. I was worried because he was at the young end of lab but have no regrets now!

 

[clm3]

We cruise March 20th, my DS is 7 but turns 8 May 21st. Do you think they will let him move up to the 8-9 group. I'm afraid he will be bored in the 5-7 group. I read somewhere only if their within 1 month of their b'day. Do they every make exceptions ?

Thanks !!

 

[kellimomo3]

when we were there, there were a bunch of 7 year olds in the Lab. Some had just turned 7!! I think they will make exceptions as long as it works out for both parties. It never hurts to ask.

Kelli

 

[depomas]

clm3, yes they most certainly do make exceptions!! Just talk to them, they are very very helpful, and want to make the children's experiences as positive as they can.

Keep in mind however, that the switch can only be once. There is no going back after(or so we were informed).

Enjoy your cruise.

 

[Regina]

Here's a link to the activities that may be helpful.

 

[diz_cruise_rocks]

I know that she's going to be by her self.

 

[CM_Mom]

The best solution for "by herself" is to check out the cruise meet thread to see if you can find some other Dis families that are cruising with a DD the same age. The girls could e-mail each other and have a "ready made" friend for the cruise.

 

[clm3]

I have another question .... about dinner. I saw in previous cruise navigator that the kids go as a group to eat dinner. I am assuming that they go to one of the buffets or hot/hamburger stands where dress is not important ??

I'm thinking there will be times mine don't want to dress and eat with us in a more formal setting. Would appreciate information from all you veterans

Thanks again,
Cheryl

 

[cwf1028]

My understanding is that they are "alone" as a group when they eat (and at either AP or Topsiders according to the Navigators) so dress should not matter.

 

[DonaldFan70]

The general rule is that if a child is within a year of the next age group they will try them on a trial basis. While the CM's do request that this switch be done once they alos want to make sure that your child has a successful cruise. I worked for DCL for 5 years as a councilor and then as a Manager and have met this challenge several times a cruise.

 

[cwf1028]

Donaldfan70-thanks so much for the information! I hope you don't mind me running a question about my younger one by you. She is 4 and 1/2 years old and we sail in April. She is potty trained however has urinary reflux and an overactive bladder. She is usually fine, however can still have small accidents (not puddle on the floor type), will she still be allowed in the club and will they encourage even a 4 and 1/2 year old to "go" regularly. I don't intend to leave her in for hours or anything, but wanted her to be able to enjoy it without stressing about her being kicked out and her feel like she did something wrong. Any advise you can give me would be greatly appreciated. I plan on telling them when we get there, but would kind of like to know what their reaction would be. Thanks!

 

[DonaldFan70]

You are correct in addressing this issue with them but I would suggest speaking with a Coordinator or Manager. As this is a medical issue special considerations can be taken. They may ask that you remain on the ship while the child is in care and please note that pull ups and diapers are not allowed in the spaces. This is not a Disney rule but a USPH (United States Personal Health) standard. The counselors are very good at encouraging the children to go to the bathroom and in the 3-4 age group they do potty breaks every 25-30 minutes. During my time on the ship that is what I had requested from the parents and I never, ever banned a child from the program although there were a few rare times that we did have to request the parents to accompany the child. That was very rare. As well the counselors are reminded that the children, especially in the 3-4 age group are out of their regular routine and that potty accidents need to be regarded as just that...an accident.

 

[cwf1028]

Thank you so much, I feel much better. We have purposely not planned any excursions, palo, spa, etc as we know we might have to be there at a moments notice. She is in panties and if they do go every 1/2 to 1 hours, she should be fine as this is what we are used to at home. She is also in preschool and has only had 2 true accidents since she started in September so I think she might be OK. We plan to not leave her in for extended periods of time and will definantely not leave the ship. Thanks so much, I will talk to a coorinator/manager first thing. It is nice to know they will be understanding in case she has a slip up. Thanks so much, I will rest easier tonight and start looking forward to the cruise. When we booked 18 months ago I never dreamed this would be happening.