Questions about cruising with babies

[Tink n Poohbear]

Hi all!

Just trying to make a few plans and was hoping you all could lend some advice and help answer questions.

-First, is there a store such Walgreens, CVS, or even a grocery store nearby the port (that's not too off the beaten path so we don't get lost!)? Diapers, formula, and nursery water are so heavy and bulky, that I'd prefer to buy them after we arrive at the airport. I realize they have some on the ship, but I want to take chances with different brands (otherwise they break out in rashes).

- How do you eat with the babies at dinner? We'll try to get them into Flounders nursery, but I'm assuming we can't get them in every night. We have two DDs who will be 4 mos on the cruise and a 3 yr old DS. I'm figuring we'll just hold the girls on our laps. Or does anyone bring infant carriers on board? I was wondering if that might take up too much space in the stateroom, but it would be great at mealtimes.

- How do you register for Flounder's? My understanding is that it is very hard to get into and you have to sign up immediately. So, I thought I should be prepared with this info before we go.

- Should we bring our own crib bedding when we take the girls to Flounders? If not, do they change the bedding after each baby?

- Can the chefs accomodate special dietary needs? My Ds has food allergies, so it can be pretty tough to eat out with him. WDW chefs were fantastic about it, so I'm assuming the DCL chefs can help us too. Does anyone know if they have soy milk on board? If not, would it be inappropriate for me to bring it with us to meal times?

Sorry about all the questions....I like to be prepared! Thanks everyone!

 

[rcumming]

I can understand your questions. We will be taking our 2nd Disney Cruise in June and we also went on last year in June. My dd is now 2 years old but last year she was just a year old (Of course). I can answer some of the questions...

-First, is there a store such Walgreens, CVS?
There is, depending on how you plan to get there. If you rent a car it woudl be easier. The second easier thing to do is to get a Towncar to pick you up and they will make a stop at a store for you to do some last minute shopping for yourself.

- How do you eat with the babies at dinner?
Just eat with them as you normally do. If its easier to put them in your lap then do it, but I did see alot of babies in carriers last year. I know they are a bit heavy and cumbersome but at dinner it may be worth it.

- How do you register for Flounder's?
HOpefully you can gte there early. I read on one of the other threads that now you are able to register in the terminal that way you dont have to RUSH to the Flounders Reeef to get in. The fee is 6.oo a hour with a 2 hour min, per baby. I am sure about anything else, also as we did not utilize the reef with our dd, we just kept her with us and she had a great time. (Overprotective, I guess). Now that she is able to talk better we may utilize it a bit so that we may have a 2 hour break MAYBE? I called and they informed me that since she is a potty trained 2 year old we may be able to do a VISIT into the Oceaneers Club. We'll see. As far as the bedding, I am sure that they follow every child care guidelines including changing the linens, But I if you would feel more comfortable I owuld bring some extra. At least a blanket.

I am sure sure about your other questions but I hope that this works for you.

 

[gshoemate]

There is a Wal-mart not to far from the port off the main road (can't think of the name at the moment) that shouldn't be to hard to get to.

I do remember seeing babies in the carriers while at dinner. If you brought them you could always store them in the closet. Some people also brought strollers into the dining rooms to hold the little ones.

When you check in you will receive a sheet (like a mini navigator) with times and info on it. That will tell you what time Flounder's will start taking reservations. It is usually between 1:00 and 1:30. We are always there when they open to put in for our reservations. Try to plan ahead of time and know what times you want. You can also check in with them daily to see if they have openings.

DS never slept in a crib but I am sure that they change the bedding after every baby. They are very strict as far as germs and such so I am sure that changing the bedding is a priority.

Not sure about special dietary needs but DCL is so accommodating with other matters that I am sure that they could fill your request. I know when we asked for just a bowl of corn on the cob for DS, they were happy to bring it out.

Have Fun!!!

 

[earpiemom]

hi..we just got back from the 2-24 wonder and we took our 5 month old along...i was very very worried about how things would be in the dining room...we also had our 12 year son who turned 13 on saturday while we were on the boat...this was his birthday surprise...i took the stroller with us and they put us at the end of the table and just removed a chair and made a space for the stroller...of course the baby got a little fussy as they brought the food.. as soon as the server sat the plate down he immediately began to chop up my food as i was going to be eating with one hand...never had any problems with dinner..wonderful service ...we made reservations at flounders as we got on the boat around 1:00..didn't have to wait at all..walked right up and made our reservations..we decided to leave him while we went to cc since that was our other sons birthday on sat and we also took him back that night at dinner so we could celebrate his birthday without the baby..just wanted to make sure we gave him some attention without the baby that day....definitely glad we took the baby..will be glad to answer any other questions you may have...

 

[Tink n Poohbear]

Thanks so much for the replies! I'm glad to hear people have brought carriers. It might take up some space in the closet, but it will be worth it to be able to bring them to dinner.

If anyone else has any advice for cruising with babies, please let me know. Thanks!