Young Child in Theatres for shows

[steveyjc81]

Hi,

I'm a first time parent, so always a little unsure of what age kids do things.

What's the likelihood of my 18 month daughter (at time of cruise) being able to go to the theatre and watch a show? Slim to nil chance?

 

[Maggie'sMom]

Hi,

I'm a first time parent, so always a little unsure of what age kids do things.

What's the likelihood of my 18 month daughter (at time of cruise) being able to go to the theatre and watch a show? Slim to nil chance?

Are you asking if she is allowed in the theater or if she'll be able to handle being in the theater? All ages are allowed in the theater for the shows. How your daughter will do in the theater watching the show is more difficult for us to answer as we don't know her, and at that age how a child handles something one night can be completely different than how they would handle it the next night. Each kid is different. Some 18 month olds will have no problems sitting to watch the show. Others wouldn't be able to handle it at all. The shows are only around an hour long so that's certainly easier than a real, full length Broadway show.

 

[wilkeliza]

I would suggest sitting further back and on an isle. That way if your little one gets upset you can make a quick exit. I believe the house left doors are usually kept open so people who need to enter or exit can do so with out disturbing anyone. Just quickly and quietly leave if she begins crying or won't quite down if she is a "talker". No one will bat an eye.

 

[belac]

We saw many younger children and babies at the shows. They run about and hour as PP stated and sitting on the isle is also a great suggestion.

 

[ldo]

we took our 18 mth old to one or two shows, with the proviso that an adult would leave with him as soon as an issue arose. Sit in the balcony, on an end for quick exit and less disruption of others. However, most 18 mth olds have zero interest, and the darkness plus noise (music, singing, etc.) can be scary for them--so I would give it 20% chance of lasting 15 minutes. Same for dinner. We alternated which adult was in charge for the night of the toddler. They could try to dine, then leave with someone bringing rest of meal to the room, eat at buffet (we were not on DCL), or just get room service. We had 3 adults, so each one covered 2 nights, so everyone got to enjoy 5 dinners. DCL has a nursery, so maybe you are doing that. Just don't expect an 18 mth old to sit thru 1.5 hr dinner.

 

[Quellman]

Depending on the ship, you can also watch the shows in your room on the tv. We did this on the Fantasy when our tot was only 14 months old. He took a nap before 2nd dinner seating and we watched the show on the TV. Not sure if this feature is available on the Magic and Wonder.

 

[bumbershoot]

Regardless of how she does, she will not be the only 1.5 year old in that theater, that's for sure.

 

[steveyjc81]

Thanks everyone for the replies. I guess we'll try it one night and see. Doesn't look likely. Failing that, we can watch on tv!

Thank you

 

[hanscarlet]

There are a lot of babies at the shows. One thing I did notice is that it's a bit less loud towards the back of the theatre so might try there and also gives you an easy escape in case the baby doesn't like it. I bet you'll be pleasantly surprised though because the shows are really entertaining and are able to keep little kiddos' attention. Also you will not feel uncomfortable like you would in a regular theatre regarding kid noise... I almost love the sound of the kid noises filled theatre because you only really get that on a DCL... it's more relaxing and feels like home

 

[Jess_S]

We cruised when my son was about 22 months. We went to the Broadway type shows and one movie. We sat on the end and told our son to whisper to us if he wanted to go. He enjoyed one of the shows, asked to leave immediately for another and lasted for about half of the third. The movie was Bears and he watched maybe 2/3.

I know that seat saving is frowned upon, but my suggestion would be to go in and get seats and then have one parent take a long "bathroom break" with the kiddo and return just before the actual show start. The cruise director does a long spiel at the beginning of every show that tried my son's patience and willingness to remain seated. Had he been able to run around outside the theater until just before the actual show start (i.e. after the CD spiel), I think he would have lasted longer for the shows.

 

[brussrus]

Our 15 month old did much better than I expected at the shows. We sat in the back and on an aisle and only took him out of the theatre once the whole week. The shows are fast moving and full of songs and he seemed to really like it. I also brought snacks for him which helped distract him if he seemed fussy or wanted to get out of his seat.

 

[darnheather]

Just be mindful that some shows (Rapunzel) make extensive use of the aisles. Be aware of were the actors are and which way they are moving. Waiting two minutes to get up and leave (if you need to) can make a big difference.

 

[The Sasquatch]

its Disney, outside of Remy and Palo its fair game. Enjoy yourself

 

[CathyCU03]

Is your child old enough to eat popcorn? This helped my 3YO stay in her seat during the shows.

 

[MickeyEarrings]

we took our 18 mth old to one or two shows, with the proviso that an adult would leave with him as soon as an issue arose....... We alternated which adult was in charge for the night of the toddler. They could try to dine, then leave with someone bringing rest of meal to the room, eat at buffet (we were not on DCL), or just get room service. We had 3 adults, so each one covered 2 nights, so everyone got to enjoy 5 dinners. DCL has a nursery, so maybe you are doing that. Just don't expect an 18 mth old to sit thru 1.5 hr dinner.

If I ever get to be a grandma I will remember this wonderful advice!

 

[Princess Minnie of Disney]

Hi OP, my grandparents don't enjoy sitting for long times for a show sorta like what you fear your baby will be like ! What they did was sit in the back near the exits just as the other ppl here have suggested. They usually left halfway through and never disturbed the show. Another good choice like others have listed is to watch them on the TV in your stateroom which on the Fantasy was an option. Hope your baby enjoys its cruise and the rest of your family too

 

[mmouse37]

I plan on bringing our 1 year old and 14 month old granddaughters (at time of cruise) to all the shows (with their parents of course!) but fully understand they may not want to stay the whole time. I like an aisle anyway and I have seen all the shows so many times I volunteer to take the kiddies out if they are fussy.

MJ

 

[Plaid Princess]

This actually makes me think that the Walt Disney Theater needs a crying room with a window like some churches have, lol. That way if the little ones get fussy, mom or dad can slip out the back and into the crying room and not miss the show.

 

[Mariciram]

We've sailed DCL when my youngest was 17 months and again last week when he was 28 months. We brought him to the broadway-style shows (skipped the variety acts and let him play in the nursery during the movies). We had main seating dinner and would go to the room and change him into PJs before we went down to the theater. He loved the shows and would stay awake and happy watching them. Meals, however, were another story... (that's when you may want to make other arrangements with the nursery or another adult in your group). By the end of our last cruise, I made 6:30-8:00p nursery reservations for him so I could take him up after he finished eating and I was able to enjoy my own meal instead of having to leave the restaurant.

 

[steveyjc81]

Thanks everyone for this wonderful advise. Thank you!