Tween/Teen Shared Activities

[GoofTroop4Life]

I am considering booking a Disney cruise in 2021 or 2022, but I'm hesitant because my children are are four years apart and will always be placed in a different age group for the kids' programming (there isn't a sweet spot that overlaps). I imagine we would be doing most things as a family, but I am wondering if there are any activities that both tweens and teens can participate in at the same time. I know they aren't going to dig the idea of having to split up, but they would love to hang out with no parents around.

 

[lisaburnsmiles]

While I can't respond to your question specifically, I can relate that we've cruised with a grade schooler, tween and teen. Each seemed to find their "groove' in their specific club and had a great time. We did family activities together frequently as well. Giving them confidence to participate in their own club helped a great deal. Wishing you the best of luck and Disney was the best!

 

[GoofTroop4Life]

Thanks. That's what I was hoping would happen, but my oldest is pretty introverted. I'm sure it would be good for him

 

[SamFaniam]

I am considering booking a Disney cruise in 2021 or 2022, but I'm hesitant because my children are are four years apart and will always be placed in a different age group for the kids' programming (there isn't a sweet spot that overlaps). I imagine we would be doing most things as a family, but I am wondering if there are any activities that both tweens and teens can participate in at the same time. I know they aren't going to dig the idea of having to split up, but they would love to hang out with no parents around.

All of the clubs have some open house time when anyone can go in. During those times your kids would be able to visit any of the clubs together.

 

[GoofTroop4Life]

Thanks for the helpful info.

 

[party-of-five]

We have 4 kiddos with 10 years between the oldest and youngest. Depending on the ship, together they’ve enjoyed open houses, riding the AquaDunk/AquaDuck, movies, sports deck, mini golf, detectives game, trivia, karaoke and other activities, eating!... If they want to be together, they will find a way! Also, not knowing the specific ages of your children, but if your child is almost old enough for the next group, they may allow them to join in. for example, if your 10 year old is just weeks or a month from turning 11, they may be allowed to go to the Edge. We’ve had positive experiences with this.

 

[Geomom]

My girls are 4 yrs apart. First cruise (on the Wonder to Alaska) 1 was in Vibe, 1 in Edge. My oldest went to Vibe for specific activities that she wanted to do and did make a friend in the club. Youngest would go whenever she wanted to Edge. They would do various family crafts together, went to the movies, to open houses, and just any family activity they wanted to do. Second cruise (on the Magic in the Baltic Sea) my oldest was 18, youngest was in Vibe. DD18 went to the 1820 club gatherings, didn't really click with anyone, but did enjoy some of the activities. Other times she hung out with us as she could now do adult activities. DD14 made a friend in Vibe and they hung out around the ship, sometimes they hung out with DD18 as well. We did always eat dinner as a family and went to the evening show, and did stuff in each port.

I'd encourage them each to go to their individual clubs on the first night, and then to whatever activities interest them. There are plenty of family activities they can do on the ship together as well as going to open houses in any of the clubs together. Depending upon how long your vacation is, sometimes it's good for the kids to have a little time away from each other.

 

[GoofTroop4Life]

Depending upon how long your vacation is, sometimes it's good for the kids to have a little time away from each other.

You're right about this. I probably just need to chill and let them figure it out.

 

[party-of-five]

You're right about this. I probably just need to chill and let them figure it out.

And they will! We homeschool, so the kids are used to being “together” most of the time. So I was worries about this too. But they really do find their interests, and their mix of alone/together time.