On the Wonder...

[Alban4]

Our first cruise is coming up in March... I was wondering what the Wonder ship is like? Likes and dislikes... Also, what is good for my 3 yr old and 1 yr old on the ship! What will they enjoy most?

 

[MunFam]

Its hard to know what your kids will enjoy. You know them a bit better than we do.

As far as the Wonder...its a classic ship. We loved how uncrowded it was.

 

[Racer X]

No disrespect - but didn't you study these things before you booked your cruise? I just find this an interesting question.

 

[Seamama]

You are going to have a great time! The Wonder is a lovely ship.

Our kids love the pools but be aware that kids must be potty trained to be in them (no swim diapers allowed)... however, next to the Mickey Pool is the "splash zone", where non-potty trained kids can be (swim diapers required).

There's also the kids' clubs... if potty trained, the 3 yr old can be dropped off there. If not potty trained (and/or if just you want to bring your 1 yr old in sometimes), go to the kids' clubs during "open house" hours. During that time, parents (or anyone, actually) can use the space, which means you can hang out and play in there w/ your kids (and kids can't be dropped off). During "secured programming" (i.e., not "open house"), only parents can come in (briefly) to drop off/pick up kids. Check the schedule (called the "Navigator"- now available in through a phone app, in addition to the paper copy) for specific programming available in the clubs.

I'm not sure what your kids would think of the evening shows. They're very well done, like Broadway quality, but not as long as a full-length musical or theatrical performance. If you think your kids can't sit through the shows, though, you can arrange childcare. Basically, the 3 yr old can be dropped off at the clubs (if potty trained) but the 1 yr old would go to the nursery. Clubs don't require a reservation but the Nursery does, so be sure to plan ahead. I believe if the 3 yr old isn't potty trained, then he/she can be left at the Nursery too, but you'd want to double check. Also, the clubs are "free" (or, as DH always reminds me- "included") but the Nursery has an addt'l fee.

There are also, of course, the meet and greets! As soon as you get on board, read the Navigator (or ask someone) where to go for tickets. They're "free" ("included") but they give out tickets to control the crowds. You'll want to do this first thing, so you don't miss out. They're likely still doing tickets for the character breakfast and also also Princess meet (possibly even Frozen and Pixar meets, too). In addition to those, there lots of other meets, which you'll see scheduled in the Navigator. One tip: I didn't realize that the characters wear different outfits on the different days! If that matters to you, you'll want to be at the meets more than once.

That's all I can think of for the main things to do w/ little kids, but I'm sure others will chime in w/ more. It's much more relaxed, low-key than going to the Parks and for that reason it's the perfect thing for our family's preferred vacation style!

 

[stitchlovestink]

The 3 y.o. can go to the kids club even if not potty trained. Talk to the CMs. They will let you know how it works as far as coming back to check on them and all. But they are allowing untrained children in the kid's clubs now.

 

[dglilbit]

I wrote a trip report about our December cruise if you want to check it out. The Navigators are linked in the first post of the trip report so you can check out all of the activities.

http://www.disboards.com/threads/co...onder-very-merry-time-12-11-12-18-15.3469666/

 

[Josephine Griffith]

You know them a bit better than we do.

 

[Alban4]

No disrespect - but didn't you study these things before you booked your cruise? I just find this an interesting question.

I didn't Book the cruise. It is a gift for mine and my sons bday...

 

[Alban4]

You are going to have a great time! The Wonder is a lovely ship.

Our kids love the pools but be aware that kids must be potty trained to be in them (no swim diapers allowed)... however, next to the Mickey Pool is the "splash zone", where non-potty trained kids can be (swim diapers required).

There's also the kids' clubs... if potty trained, the 3 yr old can be dropped off there. If not potty trained (and/or if just you want to bring your 1 yr old in sometimes), go to the kids' clubs during "open house" hours. During that time, parents (or anyone, actually) can use the space, which means you can hang out and play in there w/ your kids (and kids can't be dropped off). During "secured programming" (i.e., not "open house"), only parents can come in (briefly) to drop off/pick up kids. Check the schedule (called the "Navigator"- now available in through a phone app, in addition to the paper copy) for specific programming available in the clubs.

I'm not sure what your kids would think of the evening shows. They're very well done, like Broadway quality, but not as long as a full-length musical or theatrical performance. If you think your kids can't sit through the shows, though, you can arrange childcare. Basically, the 3 yr old can be dropped off at the clubs (if potty trained) but the 1 yr old would go to the nursery. Clubs don't require a reservation but the Nursery does, so be sure to plan ahead. I believe if the 3 yr old isn't potty trained, then he/she can be left at the Nursery too, but you'd want to double check. Also, the clubs are "free" (or, as DH always reminds me- "included") but the Nursery has an addt'l fee.

There are also, of course, the meet and greets! As soon as you get on board, read the Navigator (or ask someone) where to go for tickets. They're "free" ("included") but they give out tickets to control the crowds. You'll want to do this first thing, so you don't miss out. They're likely still doing tickets for the character breakfast and also also Princess meet (possibly even Frozen and Pixar meets, too). In addition to those, there lots of other meets, which you'll see scheduled in the Navigator. One tip: I didn't realize that the characters wear different outfits on the different days! If that matters to you, you'll want to be at the meets more than once.

That's all I can think of for the main things to do w/ little kids, but I'm sure others will chime in w/ more. It's much more relaxed, low-key than going to the Parks and for that reason it's the perfect thing for our family's preferred vacation style!

Thank you so much for your response! I truly appreciate it! I am so excited. This will be our first family vacation!

 

[SonicGuy]

Just off the wonder a couple of weeks ago. We LOVE the classic ships. Make sure that you get in line to get tickets to the character (Disney Jr) breakfast as well as the two meet and greets - Frozen (Anna, Elsa, Olaf) and the Princesses. These are free but you MUST have tickets. We saw MANY disappointed kiddos that their parents didn't know to get tickets on day 1 and they were all gone.

Kids Clubs are AWESOME. My 7 year old would live in there the entire week if they'd let him. They have activities for all ages. Look over some navigators. You will find lots to do.

If you have any specific questions - shoot. Y'all will have an amazing time