Random questions about cruising with children

[lunaland]

Hello! I have cruise #7, which will also be our Grand Slam, booked for next year. It will be my good friend/substitute mother and I, and 2 of her Grandkids. We took the kids to Disneyland last year and had a blast, and they've been bugging her about all our cruising so we decided to book one for them to come on. The kids will be 11 and 7 at the time of the cruise. However, I have never cruised with children before and have a few random questions.

First, can I add some cash to each of their KTTW cards/onboard accounts? Cash that only applies to them, so they can do their own shopping and extras?

Second, we want to do the pirate makeovers on pirate night. If we book the more expensive makeover, with the costume, does it gaurentee a costume in each kids size? They are average sized, but I know the older one is on the top end of the age range on the costumes. I'd hate to not bring him a costume, assuming we are buying it onboard with his BBB appointment, and have them be out of his size.

Third, anything we can do to make this cruise extra special for them? For our Disneyland trip, we did character meals, dining packages for all the shows/parades, Halloween party, etc. We want to do the same on this cruise, but it feels like most of the extras are geared towards girls on DCL? Princess meets, Frozen meets, tea, etc? Is there anything for boys?

Thanks for any info!

 

[PurplePencil]

Third, anything we can do to make this cruise extra special for them? For our Disneyland trip, we did character meals, dining packages for all the shows/parades, Halloween party, etc. We want to do the same on this cruise, but it feels like most of the extras are geared towards girls on DCL? Princess meets, Frozen meets, tea, etc? Is there anything for boys?

Thanks for any info!

Which ship are you sailing on? If its the Dream or Fantasy, then the boys could get a session in the sports simulator or take them for a special treat at Sweet on You/ Vanellope's. Regardless of ship, they could get a smoothie from the smoothie bar or get to pick activities that you'll do with them.

 

[_auroraborealis_]

1. You cannot add OBC that is restricted to a single charger. I also think ability to charge is all or none.

2. No guarantee of costumes in child size. Child size is not in your booking

3. There is a character breakfast.

 

[PrincessShmoo]

First, can I add some cash to each of their KTTW cards/onboard accounts? Cash that only applies to them, so they can do their own shopping and extras?

Each KTTW card can have it's own back up. I believe it's possible to put cash (gift card) on one, credit card on another, different credit card on another. Just ask at Guest Services.

 

[lunaland]

Which ship are you sailing on? If its the Dream or Fantasy, then the boys could get a session in the sports simulator or take them for a special treat at Sweet on You/ Vanellope's. Regardless of ship, they could get a smoothie from the smoothie bar or get to pick activities that you'll do with them.

I should have mentioned that! We will be on the Wonder.

 

[lunaland]

1. You cannot add OBC that is restricted to a single charger. I also think ability to charge is all or none.

2. No guarantee of costumes in child size. Child size is not in your booking

3. There is a character breakfast.

Is there a character breakfast on cruises shorter than 7 nights? We will be on a 6 night cruise on the Wonder. That's what I was afraid of re: costumes.

 

[lunaland]

Each KTTW card can have it's own back up. I believe it's possible to put cash (gift card) on one, credit card on another, different credit card on another. Just ask at Guest Services.

Thanks! I know I've done different cards when my friend asnd I had cruised but I wasn't sure how it worked with kids.

 

[Ladybugx87]

I’d look into the Royal Court Royal Tea. It’s pricy but super special. They might be getting a touch old but my 9 year old would still love it.

 

[_auroraborealis_]

I’d look into the Royal Court Royal Tea. It’s pricy but super special. They might be getting a touch old but my 9 year old would still love it.

I don't think it will score with boys those ages.

 

[Adventurelawyer]

You can look at the pre cruise gifts. They have some neat items to make it fun and they magically show up in the state room. In the alternative, you can make your own magical gift back packs withfun stuff the boys like that will occupy them for the flight, transfer and any other time. Disney just kicked off Cyber Monday.

 

[o&smom]

The great thing about a Disney Cruise for kids is that you do not need to focus on adding anything! They will have a blast. There are so many different activities in their clubs at all times, as well as other activities around the ship. You will NOT have enough time to do everything you want. We are cruising in March on the Wonder, and our DS will be 16 and our DD will be 9. We have cruised with them since DD was only 3mos and DS had just turned 7. Our kids have spent time in the nursery, the Oceaneers Club and Lab, the Edge and the Vibe. They have always had a great time and usually never want to leave for other activities around the ship. We always eat our meals together and have enjoyed the shows together. Our son has been able to opt out of some of the shows on our last couple of cruises if they are not of interest to him.

My top tips to enjoy your cruise and make it special:

Wear or carry bathing suits on the ship, so they can go right in the pools and eat lunch out on deck.

Order Mickey bars from room service - if you have a veranda order them after the sail away party and eat them on your veranda while you set sail.

Order warm cookies and milk from room service at least once before bed. Make sure to request them warm.

Bring along sundae toppings and have a special sundae party with the free soft serve on the pool deck.

Join the fish extender group for your cruise. They will enjoy getting little gifts delivered to them. Check out any other kid activities happening on your cruise in the cruise meets section here on disboards.

Enjoy your cruise! Cruising with kids is magical as you cruise through their eyes and experiences.

 

[monkeydawn]

I dont know exactly what you are thinking with #1 but I am uncertain if you can add OBC to a child's account and then have that be the hard spend limit. As in could they be given no charging privileges but still access the OBC, in case that was what you were thinking...kind of like an allowance. If you just want to gift them OBC and it bears no impact on their ability to freely charge to the account, then that shouldnt be an issue.

1. You cannot add OBC that is restricted to a single charger.

This was not my experience in August for a September sailing of the Magic. I had no issues adding an OBC that my cabinmate could not access via her account. I did have to be specific about that (and about only prepaying my gratuities) with the phone rep.