Questions about Nemo's Reef (fantasy)

[Chrislovesdisney]

My dd will be 18 mos. and still in diapers, so Im Assuming I will be spending quite some time here.... What helpful information do I need to know? Should she and I wear water shoes, or barefoot? Should I be in a cover-up, or bathing suit? Will there be chairs to leave all our stuff on? Are there provided towels in the area or should I first grab from a pool area? How aggressive do other kids get (I'm hoping the bigger kids gravitate towards the aqua lab??...)? Is the area spacious? If her goal in life is to splash water, is there enough of a "pool" at her feet to do so? Any info would be appreciated! Tia!

 

[PrincessShmoo]

My dd will be 18 mos. and still in diapers, so Im Assuming I will be spending quite some time here.... What helpful information do I need to know? Should she and I wear water shoes, or barefoot? Should I be in a cover-up, or bathing suit? Will there be chairs to leave all our stuff on? Are there provided towels in the area or should I first grab from a pool area? How aggressive do other kids get (I'm hoping the bigger kids gravitate towards the aqua lab??...)? Is the area spacious? If her goal in life is to splash water, is there enough of a "pool" at her feet to do so? Any info would be appreciated! Tia!

The following are entirely my personal take -
I'd wear water shoes. The exposed decks in the area can get quite hot.

The area is a splash zone, if you go in, you'll get wet. Whether that means you need to wear just a bathing suit, or a cover up, it's up to you. The area itself is covered.


There are chairs/tables outside the area.

There are towels in the pool area (that's where Nemo's Reef is). You can't see it here, but Nemo's Reef is on the far right of this area (under cover).



Yes, there can be aggressive (and over-aged) kids in there. Keep an eye on your child. If there are problem kids (with no parents in view), you can report them to a nearby CM (not the food servers, but the pool ones).

Not really much of a pool. Lots of water on the floor (hence water shoes may be helpful for traction), and spraying critters (fountains).

 

[cscream13]

We sailed on the Fantasy when my older DS was 18 months and he LOVED Nemo's reef. We spent hours there every day on the ship. It's a great space, the best for kids in diapers on any cruise line IMHO. It's about 1500 square feet, very spacious, with a nice array of interactive water features. Some of the older kids can get rambunctious, especially near the slide, so I would definitely keep close to your little one. Its almost impossible to stay dry if you're in there for long, so I would recommend a swimsuit, cover-up optional. I typically went in without shoes, but kept water shoes on the kids for protection and better traction. The floor can be a little slippery for running toddlers.

Enjoy your cruise!

 

[JWG]

The Aqua Lab area is really neat also (thought not covered). You will also get wet here.

 

[PrincessShmoo]

The Aqua Lab area is really neat also (thought not covered). You will also get wet here.

Since OPs child is still in diapers, AquaLab isn't an option. Can't be in diapers and use it.

From the DCL website:
Swim Diapers
The United States Public Health Service requires that only children who are toilet trained are permitted to enter swimming pools and spas aboard cruise ships. Children who are not toilet trained are welcome to enjoy our kids’ wet play areas and splash zones, where they must wear swim diapers. Please note: Swim diapers are not permitted in the pools, whirlpool spas, on the AquaDuck or in the AquaLab.

https://disneycruise.disney.go.com/onboard-activities/aqualab-pool/

 

[Chrislovesdisney]

Thanks everyone! So helpful and getting so excited!