Pools that have an age restriction of ages 3+? Why?

[LilyFlor]

This age restriction list is a recent addition to the DCL info. Generally, the splash areas were 8 and under (but badly policed) in the past. It seems that DCL is changing that. Hopefully they will enforce it.

I would love if the splash area on the fantasy is limited to 3 (or 3-ish) and younger. I'm cruising next month with my will have just turned 12 month old. I know she will love that area no matter who is in there. But it might be less stressful for her mama if there are only little ones around!

 

[tlprice]

What it says is:

• Nephews' Splash Zone / Mickey's Splash Zone / Nemo's Reef(all ships) – ages 3 and younger (swim diapers required)

Since the whole comment on the website is indicating the ages for the different pool areas, I read that as the age limit(s) in Nemo's Reef is 3 and younger - and, by the way, swim diapers are required.

If you actually click on any of those places on the DCL website, it says the ages. Nemo's Reef says ages 8 and under, which is why I'm pretty sure the 3 years and younger phrase in those areas specifically means that they need swim diapers.

 

[PrincessShmoo]

If you actually click on any of those places on the DCL website, it says the ages. Nemo's Reef says ages 8 and under, which is why I'm pretty sure the 3 years and younger phrase in those areas specifically means that they need swim diapers.

Just another example of the inconsistencies of the DCL website. But, as I said, this link https://disneycruise.disney.go.com/faq/onboard-activities/pool-restrictions/ is a recent addition to the mix, so maybe they're planning changes.

 

[MSPeeler]

What it says is:

• Nephews' Splash Zone / Mickey's Splash Zone / Nemo's Reef(all ships) – ages 3 and younger (swim diapers required)

Since the whole comment on the website is indicating the ages for the different pool areas, I read that as the age limit(s) in Nemo's Reef is 3 and younger - and, by the way, swim diapers are required.

We just returned from the Dream, my older kids played along with my 20 month old, HOWEVER they are well-behaved and are very considerate of smaller children. We did not find it an issue, and when it was crowded, we would move areas. I don't know if this is an even more recent addition? We did not run into any CMs telling them they needed to get out.

 

[PrincessShmoo]

We just returned from the Dream, my older kids played along with my 20 month old, HOWEVER they are well-behaved and are very considerate of smaller children. We did not find it an issue, and when it was crowded, we would move areas. I don't know if this is an even more recent addition? We did not run into any CMs telling them they needed to get out.

As I said, enforcement in the past (and still, apparently) is extremely rare.

 

[Hundredacre]

I think it would be pretty difficult to limit nemos reef to 3 and younger.

 

[PrincessShmoo]

I think it would be pretty difficult to limit nemos reef to 3 and younger.

I don't see why. It has a wall/fence around it with one access door. Why couldn't the CM there monitor it?

 

[Hundredacre]

I don't see why. It has a wall/fence around it with one access door. Why couldn't the CM there monitor it?

Because it seems more geared to a five year old than to a one year old. I don't have any in this age group anymore, so I am not invested, but it seems like it would be pretty difficult (not physically just in terms of making sense) to keep children out. If there is an issue with children running through then that should be addressed. I have never witnessed this. But to keep a four or five year old out for no good reason? Weird. I will say I personally do not like that area. It is too enclosed and tight and awkward. Very bad design.

 

[CurtisB]

Just off the Dream and the signage for Nemo's Reef definitely still says 8 and under.

 

[dcassetta]

On the Dream last fall, overheard a women asking what appeared to be about a 4 year old boy if he would like to play in the Nemo's Reef area. He made an impatient face and said "No, that's for babies!" It's so easy to offend a pre-schooler!

 

[lbus42]

Since swim diapers aren't allowed in the pools, I wonder if too many people were just bringing their little ones in without a diaper even if not potty-trained. Therefore the age requirement which might avoid a lot of those situations.

Yep, that was happening a lot the last time I was on the Fantasy.

 

[jlemieu1]

I was on a western Fantasy cruise when they had to clean the pool 3 times for issues. Note when accidents happen they need to drain the whole pool. I talked to a CM and they almost didn't open it for the last 2 days.

 

[BigredNole]

From personal experiences being members at a swim club, there is nothing worse than getting to the pool for the day and having it close because some parent lets their under age child drop a deuce in it. No one wants to be in a pool with a Baby Ruth floating.

 

[Kuzcotopia1]

Part of me is happy that my child isn't old enough for the pools (she'll be 14 months at sailing). Yes, she loves being in the pool at home splashing and kicking her legs... but imagine all that pee in the pool on the ship. So many kids, oh my.

 

[Quellman]

Nemo's Reef is definitely filled with MANY 3 and older kids... (whether there's a age limit or not)
Most of the time I'm ok with it - I can totally see some timid 4 or 5 year olds preferring Nemo's Reef rather than Aqua lab (like my daughter who just turned 3.. won't go near any big splash areas) but I can't stand 8 or 9 year olds dashing through Nemo's Reef, because there are a lot of babies there! Having said that, last year my daughter did encounter a few nice old kids who helped her get up the Nemo's Reef slide and waited for her to get down.

I agree 8-9 year old groups are not enjoyable in that space, they are better suited for the larger splash areas. When they can lay down on the top of the slide and their feet touch the bottom.....

This age restriction list is a recent addition to the DCL info. Generally, the splash areas were 8 and under (but badly policed) in the past. It seems that DCL is changing that. Hopefully they will enforce it.

Just off the Dream and the signage for Nemo's Reef definitely still says 8 and under.

This is what I remember from my cruises. I think ultimately the signage on the boat is the one that people should go by. I doubt the website will ever accurately display the information.

I would love if the splash area on the fantasy is limited to 3 (or 3-ish) and younger. I'm cruising next month with my will have just turned 12 month old. I know she will love that area no matter who is in there. But it might be less stressful for her mama if there are only little ones around!

I'd push it closer to 5, just because there may be younger siblings that need the space and only 1 parent available for watching.

As I said, enforcement in the past (and still, apparently) is extremely rare.

I've been the dad to call out kids who were not behaving in a safe fashion, mainly at the slide area sliding into smaller kids etc. So I did something about it in my dad voice, cleared that up nice an easy. A life guard did come stand watch for a bit after that too. But yea, Nemos reef is a toddler free for all.