On Board Kids Clubs Question (New To DCL !!)

[jdybnsn]

Just wondered if anyone could tell me about signing up children for the Disney Cruise kids clubs - we are going on our first cruise early next year (4 nights on disney Wonder 26th Feb 06).

Do all kids on board get a place in the kids clubs - if not, roughly what percentage don't ?

How are places allocated, and are there any tips for ensuring the best possible chance of getting in ?

Where does the process of signing up take place, and how long does this take ?

Do the kids have to be with you when they are signed up ?

My little girl will be nearly 5years old, and my boy nearly 9 years old - but my little girl probably won't be happy to be left without her (confident) big brother - would they be allowed to attend one club together and if so, given their ages, which would be the best (I don't want my son to be too bored) or am I better off just accompaning my little girl myself, letting my son go to another on his own ?

I would really appreciate some advice please !!

 

[raysnkaysmom]

This is my 1st Disney cruise with kids too.. and I've asked similar questions on another thread...check all the kids club threads out! From what I hear...they only book the amount of kids that will fit into the clubs... not sure if thats true..but that's what I'm told, so every child will have a spot.
As far as bumping the kids up or down in clubs...I think it's 'possible' but give your youngest the benefit of the doubt to try it alone first. My kids will be 10 and 5 when we go in Feb, and I know they'll have a blast!!

 

[CM_Mom]

Do all kids on board get a place in the kids clubs - if not, roughly what percentage don't ? Yes,, everyone automatically has a place. DCL only won't sell space for an age group if there are already too many of that age group booked. This is one of the reasons that your children's ages are required to book.

How are places allocated, and are there any tips for ensuring the best possible chance of getting in ? .
There isn't any allocation since everyone is guaranteed a place. The only exception is that if the club exceeds it's headcount allowance, it may be temporarily closed to more kids until some leave. In over a year and a half, I've only heard of this happening once when the Magic stayed overnight in San Juan and LOTS of parents left their kids in the club so they could go to the shoreside clubs. I think the club was "full" for maybe 30 mintuesWhere does the process of signing up take place, and how long does this take ?

Do the kids have to be with you when they are signed up ? You can register the kids online at the 60 day mark when you're fully paid. Then you can "check in" either at the terminal or on the ship to get your pager and the wristbands for the kids. Probably good to have the kids with you for the "check in" so they can get their wristbands and meet some of the counselors.

About the separate ages. Your DD would be in the 5-7s in the Oceaneer's Club and your DS in the 8-10s in the Oceaneer's Lab. They are different areas. I would plan on each going to their own area. If your DD is really shy, just alert the counselors and they will help her or you could go with her and stay for a few mintues until she's more comfortable.

The CMs are great at working with shy kids and have lots of experience helping kids fit into the group. Since each child that signs into the Club is assigned to a specific CM for that visit, your DD will have a chance to get to know the CM so she probably won't feel so "alone"

Glad you're asking the questions you have. We were all new to DCL at some point and getting answers makes our anticipation more pleasant.

Hope you all have a great time.

 

[jdybnsn]

Thank you both for your kind words and most helpful advice !

That has really cleared away any worries I had.

Can't wait to set sail - I'm not telling the kids until we actually arrive at port on the day of sailing (we are in Orlando for 10 days before) - they think they are going to the beach for a few days !! Can't wait until I see their little faces - I think they might just pass out with delight !

 

[raysnkaysmom]

Ohhh..I wish I coulda surprised my kids...but I was just bubbling over with excitement when I made my deposit... now, it's all we talk about, EVERY DAY!!!

and...CM Mom...thanks for all the knowledge!!

 

[diz_cruise_rocks]

for you parents with kids that are going to a cruise when they are 8-12 on the Magic I'll be of some help. In the lab, there's about 12 computers, a PS2 Music listening station, secreat hall to the club & a K'enex & 4 square area.