Disney Cruise Line ~ the best kid's programs at sea mean that parents can have some adult's time!
Are you a parent with small children in need of a vacation? Have you ever wondered where you can take your kids and still enjoy the vacation yourself? Well I am here to tell you a Disney cruise is just the vacation for you. A Disney cruise offers something for everyone in your family. It goes without saying that you will experience the magic of the Disney characters and movies while on the cruise, but there is so much more. Disney has childcare options for babies as young as 6 months old and fun entertainment for teens as old as 17. Let’s take a brief look at the offerings by age.
It’s a Small World Nursery accepts babies as young as 6 months old to toddlers 3 years of age. There is a $9 an hour charge for this option and reservations need to be made to take advantage of this service. The nursery is staffed with experienced and qualified child care professionals to look after your little ones while mom and dad enjoy some much needed couple time alone. They have cribs, bouncers and other play equipment for the babies who are not yet mobile. For the toddlers there is a slide, kitchen, tv showing movies and other fun toys to capture their attention.
The Oceaneer Club and Lab is for ages 3-10. Please note kids must be potty trained to enjoy these areas. In these clubs kids can create crafts, conduct science experiments to make things like flubber, spend time at Pixie Hallow, Andy’s Room or the Mickey Mouse Club. There are also video games that allow kids to learn what it is like to navigate the ship, among others that allow them to learn while having fun. There is a tv for movies and plenty of room to run and play. They can eat meals in the club and also lay down if they are tired and need to rest. The club takes security seriously and the kids are given a magic band with gps tracking within the secured room so the crew members can easily locate them. Only children are allowed in the room at all times. Parents must sign the children in and out of the club, but are not allowed to stay and play. They can also reach their little ones at any time via the wave phone available in their state room.
For kids ages 11-14, Edge has the fun they seek. It has an illuminated dance floor, notebook computers for games and onboard social media and a large video wall full of individual LCD screens that can be used individually or as one large image. In addition, the Edge has many activities to keep the pre- teens busy and having a good time while under the supervision of Disney staff.
Vibe is a teen club for ages 14-17. Vibe has all the same fun found in Edge and so much more. Teens also have access to an outside deck to sunbathe, a place to get wet in a splash pool, or play foosball and ping pong. This teen club has a coffee club/nightclub feel that teens enjoy. It’s chill and has a variety of activities that keep them engaged so much so that you may be begging them to spend some time with the family. Disney counselors are on hand to supervise without hovering so they can feel comfortable and have fun.
In addition to all the great supervised kids only areas, the ship includes Broadway style entertainment, character meet and greets, pools, waterslides, splash areas for the little ones, a movie theater and so much more! So before you think your kids need to be “old enough” to go on a Disney cruise, think again. This is a vacation for the whole family to enjoy!