A lot of parents wonder how old should their child be before they take them on their first Disney Cruise. In my experience any age is really the perfect age, and parents shouldn’t worry if their children are too young.
According to the cruise line’s rules, a child needs to be six months of age for most of the cruises, and 1 year of age for Hawaii, Panama and Trans-Atlantic cruises.
We took our little Mousekatot on her first cruise just after her first birthday. She had a blast and so did we. Actually, there is an argument that can be made that a Disney cruise is easier for young families than a trip to the Walt Disney World Resort.
One of the highlights for us when we take our toddler is all of the entertainment and activities that are available for her.
While a lot of the other kids have free kids clubs and teen hangouts available, the cruise ships also have It’s a Small World Nursery available to all kids up to age three.
The counselors here are amazing and really care about the kids. There are a variety of activities including toys for free play, story time, a room for naps and even snacks.
On our last cruise, at the end, we received a package of artwork that Lily did while she was in the nursery. The paintings including her footprint that was turned into a Disney princess. They are such priceless keepsakes that we will treasure forever.
While the other kids clubs do not have a fee associated, It’s a Small World does. It is $9 per hour for the first child and $8 for the second child, with a two hour minimum. The reason for the fee is because the cast members really have to be hands on with the age group. This can include rocking them and changing diapers. You will need to supply your own products for your toddler.
In my opinion it is worth every penny. Your toddler gets to have a little social time on their own, and Mom and Dad get some grown-up time.
Another great service that the cruise line has for toddlers is a playgroup that happens every morning at sea.
Located at the Outlook lounge, activities counselors setup the room as a fun play area for the littlest of cruisers. There are soft mats, fun and soft climbing pieces, toys and even snacks for mom and dad. The cast members are great and they will even interact and play with the kids.
We really enjoyed doing this with our daughter and giving her the opportunity to spend some time with her peers.
If your house is anything like ours, Disney Junior is constantly on. I swear the Hot Dog Dance song is always ruining in the background of my brain.
The cruise line offers a Disney Junior Character breakfast a couple times during the cruise. The breakfast is free, you will just need to go and get tickets at the Port Excursions desk on the ship.
Some of the characters featured included Jake from “Jake and the Neverland Pirates,”
Princess Sophia, Mickey and more.
When it comes down to it, it is up to your family to decide when it is best to take your own Mousekatot on their first cruise. It could be one of your family’s greatest of adventures.
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