I had written that some of the older kids were very rough, and horse playing in the Mickey pool. We were on the Magic last year at the end of August. My boys were 3 1/2 and 17 months at the time. I had baby DS in Mickey's ears, which are 8 inches deep. Both loved the water but the older kids were running and jumping in and out of Mickey's face into the ears. The CM did NOTHING. These kids were about 12 YEARS OLD. I mean c'mon, there were certainly plenty of other plaes for them, including the family pool. We did enjoy cruising as a family vacation and are looking into doing it again. We are looking at the week of 8/31, same as you. THis should be a better time, as the kids are in school and that should mean less older kids on board. We are not doing the Magic again but are looking into the Carnival Pride. It is a brand new ship that is getting rave reviews. Carnival takes 2 yr olds into their Camp Carnival, unlike Disney where the kids have to be 3. We don't plan on using it that often but the boys can play together there.