disney cruise line baby age

Posted on Last updated: May 20, 2024 Categories Disney Travel

By: Author Kate

10 Tips for an UNFORGETTABLE Disney Cruise with a Baby

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Thinking of doing a cruise with a baby? Disney offers the ultimate in baby-friendly cruise amenities.  We just returned from our first Disney Cruise with a baby on board the Disney Dream ! Our cruise was the 3 night Bahamas itinerary with one day in Castaway Cay (also known as PARADISE!). We traveled with our 3.5-year-old and 8-month-old sons. The trip was a blast and you can read my full review of the pros and cons here . Cruising with a baby is easy, and Disney goes out of their way to provide you will LOTS of baby amenities on board.

Cruising with an infant is a super easy way to travel. It’s great to be able to unpack only once, especially when I end up bringing the entire house for one 8-month-old baby! A Disney cruise with an infant is really the ultimate for a carefree vacation with a little one. Disney offers so much for every age and I found their cruise daycare to be absolutely top-notch.

There are a few tips that I think will make your cruise easier with a baby on board.

Here are my top 10 tips for a Disney Cruise with a baby

1. get on the ship early.

Ok, so this one isn’t really baby-specific because it’s ALWAYS a good idea to get on the ship early! However, with all of the extra stuff we were lugging in I was certainly glad to have booked the earliest possible entry time for my cruise. You can do this by adjusting your check-in time on ‘ My Disney Cruise’ section of the Disney website. We got on at 11 am and had time to eat lunch and check out the pool and splash pad before we even left port.

Remember that you might not have your luggage for a few hours after departure, so it’s really important to have a day bag with all everything you need! I’ve included my Disney cruise day bag packing list below. For a full list of what to pack for a vacation with kids, you can check out my family packing list pdf!  Or if you are looking for some Disney must-haves, head on over to Fill My Passport for an awesome  Disney Packing List.

Our Day Bag Packing list: Disney Cruise With a Baby:

• Change of clothes each child
• Floatie (we love this one )
• Portable Safe for Valuables 
• Swim Diaper
• Regular Diapers
• Diaper Cream (this spray kind is the best for travel!)
• My emergency medical kit  (click through to my post!)
• Water Shoes
• Two baby bottles
• Powdered formula Travel Packs

Being that this was our first Disney experience we were totally underprepared when it came to all the Disney themed accessories to wear on the first day. Next time we will be on it for sure! Check out this  great list of Disney accessories and gifts  for ideas.

2. Use the small world nursery

One of the main reasons that we decided to book with Disney was because of the Disney cruise nursery on board. The nursery is called “the small world nursery” and it was amazing for our children. Childcare for babies and toddlers is hard to come by at other resorts and having this service was amazing! We got to enjoy an AH-MAZING evening at Remy (see below) and we also booked our 8-month-old in for a few hours while we were at Castaway Cay with our older son. 8-month-old babies just don’t really care for sand, unless they are eating it, and this way we got to have a little date with our older son.

The ladies at the small world nursery on the Disney cruise are amazing. They were all so caring and clearly very experienced with young kids. I loved that they gave me a full report on how my son did when we would come to pick him up. As I was still nursing they also had a nice area for me to sit and nurse my son when he got hungry. It was perfect. The small world nursery does cost extra, but given the cost of the cruise, it was a small fee to pay for an amazing service!

Check out this youtube video by PassPorter Guides that details the entire nursery space.

3. Book Remy for an Adults-Only Dinner Date

Remy is the adults-only restaurant on the ship. We booked both our kids into the Small World Nursery and enjoyed the BEST MEAL OF OUR LIFE at this amazing restaurant. I seriously can not say enough good things about the food here. We are not novices when it comes to eating out, but Remy topped all of our expectations. Traveling with young kids can be exhausting, treat yourself to a date night on the Disney cruise and you won’t be disappointed! Remy does cost extra, but IMHO it was well worth the price!

4. Watch the shows from your room

I’m always amazed when I go on vacation and I see so many kids up and about at 9 or 10 pm enjoying the night. I guess there are two types of kids: those who can stay up late, and those, like mine, who absolutely have to go to bed by 8 pm or EVERYTHING WILL BE AWFUL for the rest of the trip. To be fair, I think they came by it honestly, I’m pretty grumpy when I don’t get my beauty sleep. With the kids tucked into bed, my husband and I would watch the shows on the TV in our rooms. We would also sit out on our balcony and enjoy a glass of wine before bed. The blackout curtain that separates the “kids sleeping quarters” from the adults was perfect for this. Also, we were basically both asleep by 9 pm as well. My kind of vacation!

If you have a ‘tough sleeper’ like we do, make sure to check out my post on how we get our kids to sleep on vacation.   We have a lot of tricks for getting our kids to sleep just like they do at home.

5. Use the SAFE-Go to lock up your stuff by the pool

If you’ve read any of my other blog posts , you will know that I am kind of obsessed with this product . Seriously though, this is literally the best “travel gadget” I have ever purchased. The Safe-Go is a portable safe that is big enough for a couple of cell phones and a wallet and attaches to pretty much anything (stroller, beach chairs, etc etc). I loved having this thing on the cruise. It was especially great for a cruise with an infant because you can leave your stuff while you chase around a toddling baby.   With two young kids, there is really no such thing with ‘one person staying back with the valuables’ My kids were all over the place and being able to lock up my cell phones and my room card was key. I felt more at ease knowing my stuff was safe wherever I left it.

6. Stay on the ship in Nassau

Unfortunately, this wasn’t much of a ‘secret tip’ on my cruise as I estimate that at least 75% of people seemed to stay on the ship in Nassau. Despite it being a bit crowded, we still had a great day on the boat in Nassau and I’m glad we decided to stay on the ship. My sons both loved the splash pad, and it was great that little ones who are not potty trained were allowed to use this area. We also took advantage of the Small World Nursery again this day for a few hours during my son’s nap and my husband and I got to relax in the adults-only section. Win!

7. Bring a stroller for your Disney Cruise with a baby

Before going on my cruise I joined a few Disney facebook groups and read a whole bunch of blog posts on Cruising with a baby. MANY people said not to bother with a stroller and just bring a carrier. When I mentioned on a facebook group that I was thinking of bringing a DOUBLE stroller I got a lot of comments about how it was really NOT a good idea. Of course, I didn’t listen (what else is new!) and I brought a double stroller on the cruise and ABSOLUTELY DO NOT REGRET IT!

My kids love the stroller and I love the stroller too. Both of my kids will sleep in a stroller, and if the kids are asleep in the stroller, the adults can be outside enjoying the fresh air and not cramped up in a small stateroom. Yes having a double stroller was a bit awkward in the tight hallways on the trip, and yes getting it into and out of the room required fully folding it up, but I WILL BRING IT BACK AGAIN AND AGAIN!

We chose the ZoeXL2, which is a great double travel stroller.  It folds up super small but still has a lot of the features of a full-size stroller (recliners, great canopy, decent under-basket). If I did it again, I might consider taking two super compact travel strollers as it would have been easier to navigate the halls.

8. Get a Balcony Room

We booked our trip somewhat last minute (1 month before departure), and when I compared prices at this time the balcony room was not much more expensive than an inside stateroom. The balcony is great for the adults when kids are napping or sleeping in the room. We used it at night to have a drink and watch the sunset. According to the concierge, we also could have watched the fireworks from our balcony but my husband and I didn’t make it to 10 pm when they were happening (HA!!)

At first, I was nervous about the balcony room safety because my 3.5-year-old son is definitely a climber and could easily climb up onto the furniture and jump overboard. There is a really good childproof bolt at the top of the sliding door so I immediately felt much more comfortable knowing that he couldn’t try to open the door.

9. Get the early dining seating

Since we booked so last minute the only seating that was left was the late seating. I have to give it to Disney though, my travel agent called to tell them that we were cruising with an infant and the seating was immediately changed. I am so glad because I think it would have been a big struggle to try to keep my kids up for the late seating. If you do end up with a seating that is not your first choice you are able to go to the Cabanas buffet instead, but my understanding is that Disney tries their best to give everyone the seating of their choice.

10. Bring a reusable swim diaper

Most cruise ships do not let toddlers and babies who aren’t potty trained near the pool. This is the same for the pools on Disney. They are quite strict with this rule, I was asked a few times if my 3.5-year-old was potty trained when he went swimming in the pool.   Babies and toddlers ARE allowed to use the Nemo’s Reef splash pad. This cute splash area was perfect for the little ones and both my son’s loved it. The splash pad is a huge plus compared to other cruise lines I looked at.

Reusable swim diapers  help to save on space and they come in lots of cute designs! Save some packing room (and the environment!) and go with a reusable diaper.

Disney Cruise Baby Facts

• The minimum age for a Disney cruise with an infant is 6 months. Some specific Disney cruises require infants to be over 12 months of age.  Check with your booking agent for more details.
• Infants are not free! As compared to an all-inclusive, you will pay more for a Disney Cruise with a baby.
• You can request amenities like a diaper disposal unit, bottle sterilizer, pack and play and pureed foods from guest services when you arrive on your cruise.

Have you cruised with a baby? Do you have any tips for a Disney cruise with a baby? Drop me a line in the comments below if you have any questions or suggestions. Enjoy your cruise!

Update: Here is an honest review of a Disney Wish cruise which includes the pros and cons of the Disney Wish.

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Are Infants Free on Disney Cruises?

Disney Cruises are known for their amenities and family-friendly atmosphere, so they’re a popular vacation choice for families with young children. Parents planning to bring their little ones on a Disney Cruise should know the important details, including the prices of Disney cruises and the regulations set by the cruise line.

Disney Cruises are priced per-person . Disney does not waive the fare for infants traveling onboard its cruise ships, but infant fares are a good bit lower than the standard rate for children. They’re also significantly lower than adult fares. Let’s look at a few examples to see how the pricing works in real life.

Example prices:

3-Night Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral on March 1, 2024 — Category 11B Inside Stateroom

• Adult Rate: $942
• Child (age 5): $564
• Infant (age 1): $319

7-Night Alaska Cruise from Vancouver on July 3, 2023 — Category 5B Verandah (Balcony) Stateroom

• Adult Rate: $5,516
• Child (age 5): $1,908
• Infant (age 1): $1,059

Get Personalized Advice and Answers for All Your Cruise Questions

What’s the Minimum Age for Infants on a Disney Cruise?

As part of Disney Cruises’ regulations, the minimum age for a child to go on most cruises is at least six months. For some international routes such as Transatlantic, Panama Canal and Hawaii itineraries, the minimum age is 12 months.

The infant must reach the required minimum age no later than the day the cruise begins. Turning the correct age during a mid-cruise birthday is not sufficient.

It’s also worth noting that while an infant may be allowed onboard, they may not be of an age to fully comprehend and enjoy the cruise. We believe that the best age for children to cruise is a bit older.

Is Babysitting Provided on Disney Cruises?

All Disney ships have a dedicated babysitting facility for children aged three and younger. Its main play area has books, toys, and videos, while separate quiet rooms have cribs where the little ones can nap.

Inside the facility, there are Disney youth counselors to watch over young children. They are also willing to handle feeding and diaper changes — parents dropping off their child may also bring baby food, formula, milk, bottles, diapers/wipes, and pull-ups. You’re also welcome to bring extra clothes, baby blankets, and the all-important pacifiers.

There’s lots for little ones to explore at Disney Cruise Line’s it’s a small world nursery | Image © Disney

The “it’s a small world” nursery! has extremely limited space, so parents must book ahead of time to secure space for their infants. The booking window opens at the same time all other onboard activity reservations become available — it’s a sliding scale based on your Castaway Club level (how many times you’ve sailed with Disney). For first-time cruisers, this is as early as 75 days in advance of your sail date. You can also make reservations once onboard the ship, subject to availability.

The nursery service does require an additional fee, but it’s very reasonable. As of March 2023, the standard rate is $4.50 per half-hour, with additional infants/toddlers in the same family charged $4.00 per half-hour. The minimum reservation length is one hour. The total amount will be charged to your shipboard account.

No longer need your reservation? Be sure to cancel at least four hours in advance, or you’re on the hook for the entire charge for the reserved slot.

Book With The Vacationeer to Get Credit Toward Onboard Purchases Such as Babysitting

Infant Amenities on Disney Cruises

Disney Cruises offers several infant-friendly amenities. Among these:

In-Room Baby Supplies

You can borrow a complimentary stroller from the Guest Services desk on the ship. Meanwhile, your Stateroom Host will be happy to provide diaper disposal bins, a playpen / pack-n-play, and bottle sterilizers / warmers for the room. When it’s time for bed, your Stateroom Host is also able to set up a crib or bed rails during your nightly turndown service.

Freshly-Made Baby Food

There’s no need to find space for tons of baby food in your bags when you’re packing for your Disney cruise . The onboard galley kitchens are happy to puree fresh vegetables for your infant to eat.

This service is primarily provided in the main dining rooms, so it may not be available at some quick-service locations you visit. But don’t worry — you can always get it through room service, which is available 24 hours a day and is included in the cost of your cruise.

One further note for meal time: complimentary high chairs are available at all restaurants on the ship. If you don’t see them, just ask!

Fun in the Sun

Disney’s private island in the Bahamas , Castaway Cay, offers another way to make traveling with an infant easier: you can borrow a complimentary wagon to make it easier to get your little one around to everything there is to do on Castaway Cay . It’s SO much easier than trying to plow those sandy beaches with narrow stroller wheels!

Safety First!

Upon boarding, be sure to check and make sure that an infant life jacket has been provided inside your stateroom — if not, let your Stateroom Host know right away!

Buy Last-Minute Needs Onboard

Don’t fret over whether you’ve remembered everything — or worry that you’ll suddenly run out of an essential item. You can buy most of the basics onboard the ship if needed — diapers and pull-ups, rash cream, formula / bottles / baby food, pacifiers, and toiletries such as baby shampoo / lotion / powder.

Disney Cruises Activities for Infants

While you might be disappointed to have to pay a fare for infants on your cruise, you’ll be pleased to know that you get access to a number of special amenities for infants and toddlers.

Splash Zones

Each of Disney’s Cruise ships offer a water play area that’s made especially for the tiniest cruisers. Toddlers do not need to be toilet-trained, but swim diapers are required.

You’ll find Nephews’ Splash Zone on the Disney Magic , Dory’s Reef on the Disney Wonder , Nemo’s Reef on the the Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy , and Toy Story Splash Zone on the Disney Wish .

Worried about safety? You’ll be comforted to know that Disney Cruises have lifeguards on duty.

Character Experiences

The character meet-and-greet is one of the best parts of sailing on a Disney Cruise Line. It is a magical moment that all ages will enjoy.

While some character meet-and-greets are available to all, others take place on a more private basis. The characters present are different for each ship and cruise. Your little one might not remember meeting the Disney characters, but photographs of the event will last forever.

Deck Parties and Live Entertainment

There’s always something going on onboard, from dancing deck parties to live shows. And while not everything might be ideally suited to a young infant (you know best whether your child gets fussy in a theater setting or just takes a nap), you’ll usually find something to keep them entertained.

Get Answers Without Waiting on Hold

Tips For Taking Disney Cruises With Infants

Book ahead of time.

When you book early, you can be sure you book the amenities you want and secure yourself the ideal room. Also, the closer you get to your cruise date, the more expensive cruise tickets can be.

Seek Help From a Travel Agency

Especially when traveling with a large big group and an infant, it is best to seek assistance from an experienced travel company or agency, like our friends at The Vacationeer . They can help you find the best deals and will make the arrangements for you so you can avoid spending money on unnecessary things.

It is best to travel light when going on a cruise; you can do this in part taking advantage of the complimentary cribs or strollers onboard. They’re given out on a first-come, first-served basis — but we definitely suggest making a request ahead of time either on your own or through your travel agent. Of course, to absolutely guarantee you have access to a stroller onboard, you’ll want to bring your own .

Bring the Essentials

Even if you will pack light, bring all the essential items. Remember to bring documents, jackets, pajamas, snacks, essential medicines, and the little one’s bath items.

Board Early

The sooner you arrive, the more time you will have to enjoy the ship’s amenities. Remember that there will be many people and pieces of luggage getting on and off the ship. If you’re traveling with young children, schedule extra time for boarding. You can schedule your boarding time during online check-on.

Final Thoughts: Bringing Your Baby Onboard

Going on a cruise is the experience of a lifetime. With proper planning, you can ensure that your cruise with your little one will be smooth-sailing.

Even though infants are not free of charge on Disney Cruises, we certainly think it’s worth it . And there are many ways to save money; you can book early, pre-reserve amenities, and take advantage of the complimentary items so that you can have peace of mind throughout the whole journey and enjoy every moment with your family.

How To Book a Disney Cruise With an Infant

One of the best ways to book your Disney Cruise — especially in special situations such as traveling with an infant — is to use the services of an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner such as The Vacationeer .

The dedicated Disney Cruise experts at The Vacationeer cheerfully provide free help booking your Disney Cruise , and will handle all the logistics for you .

You’ll have one dedicated agent from start to finish — great for busy parents who don’t have time to wait hours on hold navigating the phone menus for a giant call center.

And because they take the time to learn about you and your family , they can help you pick the best Disney Cruise ship for your kids .

Best of all, their services are completely free to use! You’ll never pay a planning fee , and your cruise won’t cost a penny more than if you’d booked it yourself. It might even cost less , because they know all the latest discounts and will even watch for new ones to be announced after you’ve booked!

Speaking of saving money, they even provide a generous onboard credit — that’s free spending money that can be used on the ship toward expenses such as babysitting or purchasing last-minute supplies .

Being a parent requires a lot of time and energy — The Vacationeer handles your Cruise details so you can focus on your family .

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Disney Cruise with a Baby

Disclosure: This post about Disney cruise with a baby contains affiliate links. Read full Disclosure Policy .

25+ Tricks for an Awesome Disney Cruise with a Baby

By Alisha Molen

If you’re considering a Disney Cruise and you have an infant, you might be wondering how to make it feel like a vacation.

As I explain in my article 10 Reasons Why Disney Cruise is Best Vacation for Families , Disney knows it has a very family-centric audience. It knows how to cater to both parents and their little ones.

Disney Cruise Line really does cater to little ones onboard. My 25 Effortless Tricks for an Awesome Disney Cruise with a Baby will provide you with the information you need to prepare, relax and have a great trip…with your little one in tow.

Table of Contents: Disney Cruise with a Baby

You can read each tip here or use the navigation links here to skip to the Disney Cruise with a Baby tips that are most valuable to you.

I want tips on:

• Before You Go --> Before You Go

BEFORE YOU GO

1) know the minimum age.

Disney Cruise Line is very accommodating of infants but they do have some age restrictions. Minimum age to sail aboard most itineraries is 6 months on the day of sailing. For Panama Canal and Transatlantic voyages, the minimum age is 1 year old on the day of sailing.

2) Understand the Rules for Air Travel with Infants

If you’ll be traveling by air to your port, it’s a good idea to know the TSA rules for traveling with children.

You can bring formula, juice and breast milk on the plane. Here are the basics:

• All travelers must undergo screening, regardless of age. However, the TSA officers on staff can help you with any concerns; just talk to them before you start screening.
• If you have formula, breast milk or juice, you CAN take it through the security checkpoint. You simply need to inform the TSA officer at the beginning of the screening process and they’ll take care of you.
• Formula, breast milk, and juice in quantities larger than 3.4 ounces are allowed in your carry-on.

Read the full TSA rules here if you want to know more about their process and rules.

3) Request a Crib (Pack n Play) Before You Sail

Disney Cruise Line will provide a free crib for your room if you request it. They’ll provide the bedding for it as well.

You can reserve a Pack n Play once your cruise is all paid by calling 800-951-3532. You can also request one at Guest Services once you are on-board, but since they are available on first come, first served basis, I’d definitely make a reservation as early as you can.

4) Request a Stroller Before You Sail

Disney Cruise Line provides complimentary strollers. Currently they offer a three-wheeled jogger style stroller with canopy.

Here’s how Disney describes it:

The comfortable three-wheeled jogger style stroller folds easily and offers an adjustable sun canopy. Storage space is available in the mesh pouch located on the back of the seat. The strollers can be adjusted into an upright or reclining position and are collapsible. Disney Cruise Line

To reserve your stroller, call 800-951-3532 when you’re all paid up. As a last resort, you can also ask for one at Guest Services when you arrive onboard.

You can bring your own stroller, and if you do, I recommend an umbrella stroller, since space onboard the ship is at a premium.

5) Request a Diaper Genie & Bottle Warmer Before You Sail

Another complimentary service provided by Disney Cruise Line is to give you a diaper genie with the needed bags and a bottle warmer if you need it. Again, you can reserve these items by calling 800-951-3532 before you sail. Or you can reserve at Guest Services when you board the ship.

6) Hire a Babysitter When You Need to Pack

Stressed out about packing ? A few days before your trip, ask a babysitter to watch your infant while you finish preparing to go.

7) Forget to Reserve Online?

No worries. If you need anything, you can ask at Guest Services when you arrive onboard on embarkation day. Or tell your room attendant when you get to your stateroom and they will get it for you.

8) Book a Room with a Verandah

Kayla from Whimsical Wishes Travel gives us this gem of an idea:

When baby naps, Mom & Dad can sit out on the verandah and relax. Carry on a bottle of wine or a 6-pack of beer for your stateroom fridge and order a cheese plate from room service – nap time has never been so good!

9) Use the Nursery & Enjoy Your Time Alone

Disney Cruise has a great nursery called It’s a Small World Nursery . Book yourself plenty of nursery time. The staff at It’s a Small World Nursery is well-trained and take great care of your child for you. With the availability of baby subscription box , every mother’s work has reduced drastically.

You can leave kids ages 6 months to 3 years old at the nursery. The staff (Cast Members) at the nursery are well-trained Disney counselors who will feed your child at the proper time, change diapers, and lead the kids in crafts , activities and games .

There’s a window in the main play area where you can peek in on your kids from time to time without being noticed.

The rates are currently:

• $9 per hour for first child
• $8 per hour any additional child

10) Reserve Nursery Time Online Before You Sail

You have to make reservations because space is limited at It’s a Small World Nursery. I recommend making reservations online as early as you can. You can cancel up to four hours before your reservation without penalty.

11) You Can Leave Snacks at the Nursery

The nursery offers their own food, such as bananas, yogurt, and crackers.

However, you might want to bring your own food. If so, that’s okay, but all baby food or snacks must be sealed/unopened (in other words, nothing from the dining room).

12) Create a Nursery Bag with Supplies for Your Baby

The Nursery allows and encourages parents to bring the following items to help them attend to your child:

• Diapers or pull-ups and diaper wipes
• Extra clothing
• A baby blanket

I suggest you create a “ Nursery Bag ” that is ready to go for this purpose. It is easier than unpacking your entire diaper bag. Instead, make a smaller tote with unopened food, diapers, wipes, blanket, and change of clothes.

13) Bring a Nanny

This isn’t for everyone, but another alternative is to pay for a nanny to join you as a traveling companion to help you watch your children.

Want More Tips? Read My 101 Disney Cruise Tips

The longest list of Disney Cruise tips on the Internet . My best Disney Cruise advice, tips, and tricks all in one place.

14) Onboard Diaper & Supplies are Expensive

Bring more diapers than you think you need because the prices on board are very high.

The same is true for any other of your regular supplies like diaper rash cream, children’s Tylenol, etc.

15) Line Your Suitcase with Diapers to Save Room

By lining your suitcase with your diapers, they take up much less room than a bulky pack of Pampers.

16) Plan Ahead for Cleaning

Take a small bottle of dish soap and a small bottle brush for easy cleaning in your room.

Buy Bounty towels with Dawn infused . Tear them all off and put in a Ziploc bag. These are great for general clean-up of bottles and other things.

BONUS TIP: Disney Cruise has a limited number of approved bottle sanitizers available to use free. Just ask at Guest Services when you arrive on the ship.

17) Put a Spare Outfit in Ziploc Baggies

Place a spare outfit in a ziploc bag or two and carry with you when you’re out and about. Then, if you have a diaper blowout or other mess, you can bring out the clean clothes and put the dirty clothes in the bag(s).

18) Need Something? Stop at Wal-Mart Before You Sail

Forget something at home? Run out of formula? Stop at a local Wal-mart right before you sail for any last minute supplies. You’ll save a lot of money and have peace of mind knowing you have all of your needed items.

19) Other Items to Pack

• Swim diapers , water shoes, and good hat for pool deck
• Teething toys
• Coloring pages
• Baby thermometer
• Infant Tylenol
• Your child’s favorite snacks (they probably won’t have them on the ship)

Thanks to Siera from Destinations in Florida for contributing some of these ideas!

20) Ship Items Before You Go

Are you staying at a hotel or Airbnb the night before your cruise? You can order items from Amazon.com and have it shipped to the hotel in your name so you don’t have to take it on the plane. Just contact the hotel and let them know ahead of time.

21) Find a Cute Disney Themed Outfit

It’s time to play dress-up! Why not prepare your little one to meet Minnie Mouse with a cute new Disney outfit? Some ideas here to get you started.

22) Download Some Shows Before You Go

This tip comes from Kayla at Whimsical Wishes Travel . Download a few of baby’s favorite standby shows directly to your phone or tablet, you don’t want to waste the precious little Wi-Fi you do get on streaming Blues Clues.

23) Request a High Chair

Let your waiter or maitre d’ know that you need a high chair at your restaurant. These are free of charge and the ship has plenty available. Once they know you need a high chair, it will be waiting for you at every restaurant meal.

24) Tell Your Waiter About Special Food Requests

Your first dinner is a great time to tell your waiter about any special food requests you have for your child. They will be happy to bring mashed potatoes, avocados, or bananas, just as a few examples. Don’t be afraid to ask for whatever you want; your wait staff will likely accommodate you.

25) Your Waiter Will Puree or Cut Up Food For Your Child

Again, the principle of “just ask” works wonders here. Just ask your waiter if he or she is able to puree your infant’s food (or cut up food for older children.) Remember, they cater to families, so this is a pretty common request for them. This can be a big saver of luggage space!

This is only available in the three main restaurants. Also, you can add a note to your stateroom reservation preference letting them know you’d like this done.

Tip: you might want to bring small plastic containers with lids. Each night there will be more pureed food than your child can eat. Put the “leftovers” in your containers to keep in your stateroom refrigerator.

MORE GOOD IDEAS

Create a “mini-room” for your infant.

This tip comes from Lindsay H. who shared an tip for those travelling with a baby or toddler that will be in a pack-n-play. The ceiling of your stateroom is metal; magnets will stick to them. Request an extra sheet from your room steward. Fasten safety pins to the edge and hang them from the ceiling using four magnetic hooks. Presto! You have an instant “mini-room” for the baby!

Take a Lot of Pictures

This tip comes from Keri, a former Disney Cast Member, who now blogs at Bon Voyage with Kids . She reminds us this is a very special event and Disney Cruises are perfect for kids of all ages, yes even babies.  So remember to capture the memories!

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29 Tips for Taking a Disney Cruise with an Infant

This man loves his Mickey Mouse and Disney Cruises

Planning a Disney Cruise with an infant can be both exciting and daunting. With so many things to consider, it's important to be prepared to ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip for the whole family. The great thing about a Disney cruise with an infant is that there are amazing things for your little one to enjoy as well as opportunities for you to get a break and do some grownup things (or some grownup pretending to be a kid things. It’s easier to get your picture with Spider-Man when you’re not chasing him with a stroller). Here are 29 tips and great things you might not know about to help you make the most of your Disney Cruise with your little one.

Before you leave

1.       book a stateroom with a verandah.

When booking your Disney Cruise with an infant, consider reserving a stateroom with a balcony. This will give you and your family some extra space to relax and enjoy the view while your little one naps. Plus, it can be a great way to enjoy some fresh air without having to leave your room. Bring the monitor, order a cheese platter from room service, and bring some wine. Far and away the best way to be nap trapped.

If you’re gonna be trapped for a nap, this is the ideal situation.

2.       Make Requests for Baby Amenities

Disney Cruise Line offers a variety of amenities to make cruising with an infant easier. You can request ahead of time a variety of items you might need: bottle warmer, umbrella stroller with canopy, bottle sterilizer, pack and play (the crib), and diaper genie (and they’ll empty it every day). These items are first come first serve, so if you don’t request them ahead of time, they might not be available. That being said, if you forget to request, you can go to guest services when you board. Guest services is a mad house during embarkation and disembarkation, so avoid this if you can.

3.       Pack Your Supplies

Make a list of everything you need. Here are a few ideas. As an Amazon affiliate I may earn from qualifying purchases and use that money for more Disney trips.

-Costumes (I’ll say more about in this in a little bit)

-Bottles/sippy cups

The Disney Cruise bathroom counter after the bottles met the bottle brush (below)

-Dish soap and bottle brush (here’s my favorite. It sticks to the counter or wall, so it dries and doesn’t fall in the sink)

-Pacifiers and pacifier clips

-Baby food and/or formula, or if your child transitioned to milk, shelf stable milk (though you can request from restaurants and room service)

-Feeding bowls and spoons

-sunscreen (there’s a lot of sun, here’s a good one)

-Mickey Ears, because why not?

-hats (so much sun). This one is perfect. Comes with swim shoes.

-clothes, obvs

-Swim diapers

-Diaper cream

-Baby monitor (for the verandah)

-Baby blankets and burp cloths

-Sling, Moby Wrap, or baby carrier

-stuffed animal

-Necessary medicine (bring a ton of medicine for any ailment for the whole party)

-Shusher (this was a game changer for us in so many situations)

-protective headphones for fireworks. Here’s a great one.

Hopefully that will get you started, but if you forget anything, the gift shop will have a lot of what you need. It will be heavily marked up, so try not to forget.

4.       Bring a Stroller

When taking a Disney Cruise with an infant, it’s important to bring a stroller to make getting around the ship and ports of call easier. As I mentioned above, Disney provides strollers, but if you have your own, it will be easier to navigate boarding, and if you get something better than an umbrella stroller, you can store supplies under it. Here’s a list of the best strollers for a cruise , if you need it.

5.       Air Travel

If you’re flying in with your little one, make sure you figure out the rules for air travel with an infant. Most airlines will let you bring a stroller onboard. They also will probably let you sit the baby in your lap if you want to save money.

Second Dad to the Right Tip: We live in the Atlanta area, which means it doesn’t make financial sense for us to fly (especially because of all the luggage) to Florida or the Port of New Orleans. However, whenever we go to Disney World or on a cruise, I send my wife and the baby on a plane, and I drive the older girls. They ride Frontier or Spirit with no luggage, and the baby sits in my wife’s lap. The cost ends up being around $39. Then they take the shuttle to our hotel. We get there a lot faster.

6.       Bring Grandparents or other helpful adults

Having some extra help with your little ones gives you even more opportunities for your baby to have some fun while you get to have more relaxation. Then they get to have fun by themselves whenever they aren’t watching the kiddos.

An epic grandparent helping us silently dance at the Silent DJ party

7. Book Nursery Times ASAP

The onboard nursery is one of the best things about the Disney Cruise with infants. Don’t miss out on this opportunity. You can book up to 10 hours of care in the It’s a Small World Nursery before you board the boat, and you need to do it really early if you want the good times. I have an entire article dedicated to the It’s a Small World Nursery here. But here are the basics for early reservations:

Here’s the earliest you can book before your cruise, based on your Castaway Club or Concierge level:

Up to 120 days ahead for concierge and platinum castaway club guests, up to 105 days ahead for gold castaway club guests, up to 90 days ahead for silver castaway club guests, up to 75 days ahead for all other guests, 8. go ahead and book that excursion.

Disney Cruise Lines will allow you to leave your child in the nursery if you want to go on an excursion that does not allow little kids. Not only that, but you also have a guaranteed reservation (if you ask) even if the nursery is full. You may not be comfortable with that, but given the number of crazy things (wrecks, accidents, crime, etc.) that can happen during an excursion, we felt safer with the baby on the boat (not to mention nap time, feeding times, fussiness, sunscreen, etc.). You will not find better care for $9.00 an hour anywhere.

9. Request Early Dining

There are two dining slots on the Disney Cruises: early dining (around 5:45) and late dining (around 8:00). The idea is that the early dining has dinner and a show, and the late dining has a show then dinner. Every time we’ve sailed with our baby, we’ve been assigned the late dining. That didn’t work for us, so we requested through the Disney Cruise Navigator App to have an early seating. They’ve accommodated it every time, probably because they see the baby in our party.

10. Figure Out Parking at the Port

Figure out parking, luggage, and dropping off your family ahead of time. At Port Canaveral, you can drop your luggage off and then go park the car. Then you can enjoy a short walk with your whole family to the ship. At New Orleans (New Orleans is terrible), you have to drop off your luggage then go a mile away to a dirt lot and take a shuttle back to the boat. For us that meant finding a place for everyone to sit with the carry-ons while I went a parked a car. Those are the only ports we’ve sailed out of, so figure out the parking and luggage situation for your port so that you have a plan when you arrive.

Port of New Orleans Parking Lot. The least magical thing that Disney has ever done. $100 for this.

11. Day Bag

When you board the Disney Cruise, it might be several hours before your luggage arrives at your room and your room is ready. Have all the necessities for the baby, as well as a change of clothes for everyone (and probably swimsuits), so that you don’t need anything from your luggage for a while.

Now I want to offer some tips and suggestions for your bundle of cuteness once you board the boat.

12.   Go Directly to the Nursery Once You Board

I’ll say that again. Go directly to the nursery when you board and register your child for all the hours you want beyond your original ten hours. Get more than you need. You cancel them any time if it’s more than four hours beforehand. You want to go immediately because the time slots will fill up, especially for days at sea.

13.   The It’s a Small World Nursery

This deserves it own entry. Again, this is the best part of cruising with a baby. Unlike most vacations, you have a built-in place for your child to explore and have exceptional care while you rest. I can’t say enough about this magical place. If you’re aboard the Disney Fantasy, say hello to Gabby if she still works there (we had her twice).

I could go on and on here. But I went on and on in a separate post if you need more explanation and convincing. Click here for that .

14.   The Splash Pad

Unfortunately, children that are not potty trained are not allowed in the pools on Disney Cruises, even if they are wearing swim diapers. That being said, every Disney Cruise has an infant-friendly splash pad for your precious but incontinent child to hang out. Don’t forget those swim diapers!

Nemo's Reef is located on the Disney Dream and the Disney Fantasy. Dory's Reef is located on the Disney Wonder, and Nephews' Splash Zone is located on the Disney Magic. And Disney’s newest ship, the Disney Wish, little ones can splash it up at Toy Story Splash Zone.

Little Dude at the Nephew’s Splash Zone on the Disney Magic

15.   Dining with Baby: Pureed Food

At every rotational dining facility, the kitchen can prepare pureed food for your baby at your request. In our experience, on the first night they can puree anything on the menu. After that, once you tell them what the baby likes, they’ll make that for you regardless of the menu. You can also ask them to bring out water or milk for you to put in a bottle or sippy cup. I love Disney.

Buddy getting the Chef’s Special at Lumiere’s

Second Dad to the Right Recommendation: Our little buddy was obsessed with the butternut squash soup far beyond anything they could puree.

16.   Dining with Baby: Cut Up Food

If your little man or woman is ready for solid foods, the staff will cut up whatever you like for them to eat. There’s a grilled chicken breast on every menu if you can’t think of anything, but all the food is free. Let them try everything.

17.   Dining with Baby: Highchairs and Napping

If they know your baby is coming to dinner, there will be a highchair waiting at your request. If for some reason your baby passes out during the meal, they’re even ready for that.

Proof that they are ready for your baby to fall asleep at dinner

18.   Dining with Baby: Entertainment and Characters

A lot of the meals on the Disney Cruise are interactive. The character shows (e.g. Tiana’s Place), the animation shows (Animator’s Palate), and the character interactions offer a lot of stimulation to keep your baby entertained during dinner.

19.   Dining Without Baby: The Fancy Restaurants

Since you can leave your baby at the nursery any time you book (and a lot of times you can drop them off if there’s an opening), this frees you up to try the fine dining aboard the Disney Cruise Lines. Every ship has a Palo, an absolutely amazing Italian restaurant. The larger ships (Dream and Fantasy) also have Remy, an even fancier (and more expensive) French restaurant based on the movie Ratatouille where the chefs are rats (I think). On the Disney Wish, they have Enchante, a French Restaurant themed on Beauty and Beast. All of the French restaurants are crafted by 3 Michelin-starred Chef Arnaud Lallement—of L’Assiette Champenoise, near Reims, France. That’s the closest I’ll get to one of his restaurants unless y’all go crazy on my affiliate links and share all my posts with your friends (please?).

A perfect meal with the perfect person at Palo’s

20.   Diaper Dash

One of the most unique and beloved events on the Disney Cruise is Jack Jack’s Incredible Diaper Dash. In this event, cast members roll out a 20ft track for crawling babies to race on. They have to crawl (no walking) to the finish line to be crowned champion. This typically takes place in the atrium around noon on the last day at sea. So if you have a crawling but not walking baby aboard the ship, be ready!

If you think I wrote this entire blog post to brag about my baby winning this event, you guessed correctly. Here’s the footage and a victorious photo. Lucky for you, our little dude is learning how to walk soon, so he’ll no longer be your competition.

An unneccessarily proud Second Dad to the Right after Jack Jack’s Incredible Diaper Dash

21.   Character Interactions

Little babies love character interactions! (Sometimes). Sometimes they are terrified. When my middle daughter was little, she was terrified of anything with a non-human mask. She loved the human characters, as well, as the characters with human masks on (Incredibles, Doc McStuffins, Sophia, etc.), but she was terrified of the Fab Four and Abu. Her greatest accomplishment was overcoming that fear to hug Minnie.

But if your little Mouseketeer loves Disney and characters, Disney Cruise has them everywhere. Get a bunch of pictures, and watch your little one smile in astonishment as the magic becomes reality.

22.   Shows

Just like the character interactions, this one is tricky and based on your child’s temperament. That being said, the shows have recognizable characters, amazing music, and incredible lighting effects that have the ability to captivate small children even if they aren’t old enough to follow the plot. I mentioned earlier that one of the great things about the nursery is being able to watch the shows without a squirming or crying baby, but if your baby is the kind to get lost in silent wonder, check out the amazing productions at the Walt Disney Theater on the Disney Cruise ships.

23.   Parties

This is similar to the shows and completely dependent on your child’s temperament. Disney Cruises have tons of shows on deck and in the atrium full of characters, pirates, fireworks, music, and dancing. The bar of behavior is much lower for your baby because no one will hear them have a meltdown. These parties are also more interactive, allowing you to dance along with your baby to the music.

Little Scalawag ready for Pirate Night (and my awesome shirt)

If your child is sensitive to noise, especially horn blasts and fireworks, look for a good pair of ear protection for them.

24.   Costumes

One of my wife and my favorite things to do is to dress our kids up in costumes. It’s a bonus with infants and toddlers because the baby complains far less than our daughters who are starting to think they are too cool. Disney Cruises offer great opportunities for this: character meals, Halloween nights, Christmas nights, Marvel Day at Sea, and Pirate Night. But, do you really need a reason? Your baby will look cute, and they’ll love the attention. And let’s be honest, we love the attention, too. Below is a link to our dude’s pirate costume because I know you wanted it.

25.   Bathtubs

This may seem random, but it’s really helpful. Disney Cruises have actual bathtubs in their staterooms. That’s a gamechanger for bathing your little bobcat. For a lot of parents, trying to bathe a baby in the shower while they are greased up from soap is a dangerous endeavor. A lot of cruises only offer showers in their lower status rooms, so having a tub, even if it’s small, is amazing for caring for babies.

Also, all of the staterooms on the Disney Cruises have split bathrooms with the toilet separate from the shower. This means you can take your time letting your little one play in the bathtub without having to listen to the rest of your family complain about needing to use the toilet.

26.   Atrium

Here’s another seemingly random tip but was amazing for our bundle of energy. There’s not a lot of room for babies to explore on cruise ships where it’s clean, safe, or they won’t block traffic (unless you take them to the nursery). However, if you go hang out at the atrium when there’s no event going on (or people heading to a meal), it’s a beautiful, wide-open space for them to roam around on soft carpet that’s been rigorously vacuumed. The atrium is great for babies and toddlers to get energy out running back and forth.

It’s great for older kids, too. My older daughters (7 and 9) made paper airplanes in the Oceaneer Lab, so when I picked them up, we threw them off the 5th floor balcony into the atrium two stories below while one us caught them and brought them back up. This was about 3:00 in the afternoon and almost nobody walked by. One of them flew in the elevator shaft and back out. Disclaimer: they were not very good paper airplanes.

27.   Walking Track or Just Exploring the Ship

My baby loves to ride in the stroller. He hates getting in the stroller. He hates sitting still in the stroller, but once it starts moving, he’s either high-fiving everyone or he’s asleep. If you have a baby in need of a perpetual motion machine, put them in the stroller (which you should bring or borrow from guest services), and go explore. If you want some real exercise, each of the 4 older ships have a walking track on Deck 4. Apparently, the designers of the Disney Wish decided that this wasn’t for strollers. In order to do it there you have to go up and down stairs between deck 4, 5, and 6. But you can do a miniature loop around the Senses Spa on Deck 6. I never used it before they started building the Wish in 2020 (because little guy wasn’t born), so I take full responsibility for Disney thinking we didn’t need it. My bad, guys.

28.   Elevators

Elevators. Yes. Elevators can be boring. But not on a Disney Cruise, and not for a baby. Most of the elevators have mirrors, much to the delight of most babies. The mirrors are also much to the delight of a dad who likes to watch people’s reactions when my son makes intense eye-contact with them in the mirror. The central elevators on the older ships also have 3 story views of the atrium followed by character murals going all the way up to the to deck.

Not baby related, but elevators are also nice if you have seven-year-old that won’t go to sleep at 4 AM, so you make her run 8 flights of stair over and over while you greet her every two floors or so on the elevator….if somehow you find yourself in that situation.

29.   Castaway Cay

Many of Disney Cruise Line’s sailings stop at Castaway Cay, a Disney-owned private island in the Bahamas with great beaches, food, snorkeling, 5k track, kid’s club, family beach, water slide, adult beach, etc., etc., etc.

Castaway Cay

If you want to take your baby out on the beach, they have trams that will take you to each stop, and they will give you a wagon to put your little rugrat (wait, that’s not Disney, your little Jack Jack) and supplies in to cart them around the island. Since the beaches and transportation are so close to the island, it’s easy to go back to the boat for naptimes or just to get out of the sun.

Also, if you reserve a spot, the It’s a Small World Nursery will care for them while the rest of the family enjoys the beach.

There you have it, 29 things you need to know about taking a baby on a Disney Cruise. If you found this helpful, please share it with all the other sleepless parents who are thinking about taking their infant on a Disney Cruise.

If I left anything out, drop it in the comment section.

If you’re ready to book a cruise, and you want to do it on your own, consider using the Cruise Direct link below. As an affiliate, I’ll get a commission if you book, and it won’t cost you any extra.

Omni Orlando Resort at Championsgate is a great, luxury resort for families looking to do a little Disney and a lot of enjoying the pools, golf, and spa.

Having the right stroller can make a trip to Disney World with kids so much easier. If you’re looking for the best double stroller for Disney World, I’ve tallied up Facebook poll data, Amazon reviews, and tested a bunch of strollers myself. I compiled all the data here for you, so that you can pick the best double stroller for Disney that fits your storage, budget, and family needs.

What to wear and pack for Disney World in January, as well as average weather and January events and crowds.

Packing and weather tips for Disney World in December. I also cover crowds and events to check out for the holiday season!

Alex is a Disney Dad. Maybe not a perfect Dad, but at least the Second Dad to the Right. As an Amazon affiliate he earns from qualifying purchases. And he will use that money to go to Disney or to pay for his children’s orthodontic work.

The 25 Scariest Rides in Disney World (In a Chart)

The definitive guide to it's a small world nursery: disney cruise.

The Disney Cruise Line Blog

An unofficial disney cruise line news, information, weather, and photo blog..

Revised Age Ranges Rolling out for Disney Cruise Line’s Youth Activity Spaces

In an email to guests booked on upcoming cruises, Disney Cruise Line is sharing an update on revised age ranges for Disney’s Oceaneer Club and Disney’s Oceaneer Lab.

Based on guest feedback, and to enhance the youth activities experience for the youngest and tween guests , Disney Cruise Line is updating the age ranges effective on sailings that depart on or after December 21, 2023, revised age ranges for Disney’s Oceaneer Club and Disney’s Oceaneer Lab is as follows:

The age range in Disney’s Oceaneer Club and Disney’s Oceaneer Lab will change from 3 to 12 years of age to 3 to 10 years of age . Kids of all ages can continue to experience these spaces during Open House hours.

During all other times, kids 3 to 10 years of age will have Disney’s Oceaneer Club and Disney’s Oceaneer Lab reserved just for them, with specially guided activities for children ages 3-4 years old.

As for EDGE and Vibe , Disney Cruise Line’s email states the following:

Children 11 and 12 years of age may visit Edge. Edge will continue to be available to tweens 11 to 14 years of age.

Vibe will continue to provide Guests ages 14 to 17 with their own special place where they can connect with other teens.

During youth activities Open House times, Guests of all ages are permitted in youth activity spaces, including Disney’s Oceaneer Club, Disney’s Oceaneer Lab, Edge and Vibe.

Guests with children 11 and 12 years old no longer need to complete youth activities registration as part of Online Check-in for these children. If you have a child within this age range and have already completed online registration for Disney’s Oceaneer Club or Disney’s Oceaneer Lab, know that your child will attend Edge. Guests with children 3 to 10 years of age may continue to utilize the online youth activities registration process as part of Online Check-in.

While NOT included in the email, I have independently confirmed the change is also effective for Scuttle’s Cove at Castaway Cay which will also change from 3 to 12 years of age to 3 to 10 years of age .

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15 Replies to “Revised Age Ranges Rolling out for Disney Cruise Line’s Youth Activity Spaces”

Must have younger kids.

Why did this make this change?

According to the email, “Based on guest feedback, and to enhance the youth activities experience for the youngest and tween guests”

Please consider there are inequities and inaccessibilities with this change for children with disabilities.

Best way to share this is to use the following contact form on DCL’s website.

https://disneycruise.disney.go.com/help/email/

such as what?

It’s too bad this isn’t an optional change where parents can choose where they want their 11 or 12 year old to go. Some 11 year olds still need the structure of the “younger” clubs.

Completely agree. I don’t like the idea that the kids in vibe need to use the bathroom outside of the club and can check in and out by themselves. I don’t feel comfortable going on Disney cruise anymore. After reed this, my last cruise is going to be July 2024 because is already booked. The last one ☝️

Likely staffing issues. Disney can do better

Likely the lawsuit .

This case was between a 3 year old and a 7 year old which the courts found the reported assault didn’t occur per video evidence. That has nothing to do with 11 and 12 year olds being part of the kid’s club.

Our last cruise was the only time I have EVER been disappointed in DCL. My twins were 12 and they had been looking forward to visiting Ocean-ears Lab one more time after every cruise we had booked from 2020-2022 was cancelled.

They went from being 9 to 12 years old in the time we were unable to sail, but still had a very fond place in their hearts and minds for the adventures they had and friends they made in both Club & Lab. Unfortunately the cast members there were so unwelcoming to my kiddos and repeated made them feel uncomfortable when all they wanted to do was color, see some characters and go down the slide in Andy’s room. This lead to them not wanting to go into the club that they had looked forward to for three years.

Edge was of no interest to them as the Edge on DCL Wonder is a subpar club that literally looks like an afterthought put together in the closet that once was the arcade.

There are far to many other things in this world that force your kids to grow up to quickly. Why does this once magical place need to be another? I get it, kids 11 & 12 may feel “to cool” to go to club or lab but why should kids that just want to be kids a moment longer be denied the opportunity. They will be grown before we know it, why does it have to be today?

Even my 13 year old son would rather be in Oceanears club/lab. He said they have way cooler things to do, then Edge does. I also feel we should also have a choice as parents if they can check themselves out even in the Edge age group. Not all kids between 11-14 are ready to just wander the ship on their own, especially when the don’t have siblings in the same age group so can’t use the buddy system. This is partly why we do not use the clubs on Disney.

What does “specially guided activities” for 3 and 4 year olds mean? Will my 4 year old be separated from their siblings?

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The Family Vacation Guide

What’s the Best Age for a Disney Cruise?

posted by James Brockbank on December 7, 2022 // last updated on December 7, 2022

Nothing beats the magic of a Disney Cruise.

If you have kids, you’re likely excited to take them on a Disney Cruise so they can experience the magic for themselves. However, you’re probably also wondering what’s the best age for this?

All kids and families differ, so there isn’t one perfect age. Still, certain ages will get to have special experiences and may also appreciate some onboard entertainment more than others. Read on to find out more.

Factors To Consider When Determining the Best Age for a Disney Cruise

Activities by age, experiences by ship, special events, destinations, so what’s the best age for a disney cruise, final thoughts.

When choosing the best age for a Disney cruise, you need to start by considering your child. What do they enjoy? What is their maturity level? What needs do they have?

You’ll then consider your cruise options. Consider the destination and duration of your voyage. You should also think about what types of entertainment and activities will be available on board. Will your child be old enough to attend a children’s club? Do you want some free time while on board?

Below are some activities and clubs available to kids on a Disney cruise. The ages overlap so that kids can attend the right club for them. There is no childcare available for babies under six months.

Six Months to Three Years Old

Starting at six months (12 months for Transatlantic, Hawaii , and Panama Canal destinations), kids can attend the “it’s a small world” nursery. There’s plenty for little ones to do. There’s a free play area with toys and climbing objects, and Disney films playing in the background.

The cast members engage kids in crafts projects, but there is no set schedule. There’s also a quiet area for naps that parents pay for by the half-hour.

Three to 12 Years Old

Kids in this age range can attend the Oceaneer Explorer Club or Lab. Kids can move between these two spaces. The Club is less structured, with several play areas, including climbing structures, film, arts and crafts, toys, games, and more. In the Lab, kids get a chance to learn through hands-on experiments.

Depending on the ship you choose, kids can participate in structured activities like Jedi training, Marvel Super Hero Academy, and Disney Junior. They also get the chance to meet Disney characters.

11 to 14 Years Old

Edge is the perfect club for kids who are too old for the younger kid stuff but too young to join the older kids. The area has video games, computers, and Disney movies. 

There are also a lot of fun guided activities. Kids can learn improv skills, participate in arts and crafts lessons, and go on a ship-wide scavenger hunt based on heroes and villains. There is also trivia, other fun challenges, and a DJ dance party.

14 to 17 Years Old

Vibe is Disney’s club for teens. It’s a lounge with opportunities for teens to mix and mingle with others. While Vibe differs slightly from ship to ship, most feature a nightclub with dancing and karaoke, video games, movies, and a coffee bar.

On some ships, teens get a chance to learn the art of filmmaking and participate in a ship-wide game. For cruises to the Bahamas, there’s a unique group excursion just for teens.   

Once they turn 18, kids can experience adult activities on the ship. They can eat at adult-only restaurants and go to lounges. For kids who want to mingle with others their age, these activities may not be as fun.

Only Disney Wish provides an experience for guests between 18-20. It’s called The Hideaway and features dancing, karaoke, and areas to hang out. If your kids are in this range, the Wish is the best ship for them.

Each ship offers many of the same features, like swimming pools, water slides, nightly entertainment, fireworks, and kid-friendly dining. The ships also offer some experiences unique to each ship.

All ships feature water play areas for little ones. The shows and dining areas are great for kids of all ages, but kids between seven and 12 will likely get the most out of these experiences.

As Disney’s newest ship, the Wish has some incredible new features. There are two themed dining events based on Frozen and the Avengers. The vessel also boasts Aqua Mouse, a part water slide – part immersive experience.

Guests can also participate in a digital interactive storytelling experience and view Broadway-style productions of The Little Mermaid and Aladdin .

Guests on board the Magic can experience shows like Tangled: The Musical , Disney Dreams , and Twice Charmed (a Cinderella-themed show).

Kids will also enjoy eating at Rapunzel’s Royal Table character dining featuring music.

The AquaDunk is a three-story water slide that older kids and teens will enjoy. 

The Wonder features three shows: Frozen: A Musical Spectacular , Disney Dreams , and The Golden Mickeys .

Kids will enjoy the animation-inspired dinner show at the Animator’s Palate or the jazz show at Tiana’s Place (based on The Princess and the Frog ).

On board the Dream are musicals like Disney’s Believe , The Golden Mickeys , and Beauty and the Beast .

Kids can dine at the Animator’s Palate and the Royal Palace, inspired by Disney’s princess fairy tales.

Goofy’s Sports Deck features virtual sports simulators that teens will enjoy. The AquaDuck water slide is fun for bigger kids and teens. Little kids will enjoy Nemo’s Reef, an interactive water play area.

The Fantasy offers many of the same dining and entertainment options as the Dream, including the Sports Deck, the AquaDuck, and Nemo’s Reef.

Both ships also feature the Midship Detective Agency, an interactive hunt that takes kids all over the ship looking for clues.

Certain Disney cruises feature special events. Some seven-night Caribbean excursions include Pixar Day at Sea, which features favorite Pixar characters in entertainment, dining, and special meet-and-greets.

Marvel Day at Sea is a similar event on certain cruises to the Bahamas and Western Caribbean. It features some of your kids’ favorite Marvel heroes and villains.

If you sail around Halloween or Christmas, you can also expect special events and parties.

The best age for a Disney cruise will also depend on your destination. Disney cruises go all over the world, including:

• The Caribbean
• The South Pacific
• Australia / New Zealand

Some destinations only require a three- or four-day itinerary. These would work well for younger kids. Trips to the Bahamas include a day on Castaway Cay, Disney’s private island, with adventures for kids of all ages, particularly older kids and teens.

Older kids may enjoy longer trips with interesting ports of call. For example, teens may enjoy visiting Alaska or some European spots.

Let’s break things down by age:

Kids Under Three

Kids under three will have fun seeing some of their favorite characters come to life and splashing around in the water features designed for smaller kids. 

The childcare center has much to offer, but they likely won’t want to spend the day there. There aren’t as many activities in some of the clubs designed for older kids. Some kids under three may not want to sit during dining events and evening entertainment. 

Kids Four to 12

Kids between four and 12 are the ideal age for a Disney cruise. The Oceaneer Club and Lab are the best the ship has to offer when it comes to fun for kids. There’s so much to do there that they may not want to leave.

They’re also the perfect age for shows, dining, and other special events. They’re still young enough to be in awe of the magic only Disney can offer.

Kids between 12 and 14 are a toss-up. The fun they have on a Disney cruise will come down to their interests. If your tween is still into Disney and isn’t quite ready to grow up, they’ll enjoy Edge. There’s plenty to do there, and they’ll get to spend time with other tweens.

Many kids this age still enjoy the evening entertainment and dining as well. Those who love Disney movies will have a great time.

However, some kids this age have more teen-oriented interests. They may enjoy a cruise with activities designed for older kids.

Kids 14 and Up

If your older teens are major Disney fans, set sail! Like the Disney theme parks, a Disney cruise is designed for people who love Disney. They’ll love it, even if they are “too old.”

However, if your kids feel they’re “too cool” for a Disney cruise, you may want to consider another cruise line. There are several that have more activities for the teenage set.

While kids between five and 12 are likely to get the most out of a Disney cruise, kids of all ages can have a great time. If your kids are big Disney fans or will enjoy some of the special events, then their trip should be a blast.

More about our TFVG Author

James Brockbank

A seasoned traveller, Dad, and avid sports tourist, James foundered The Family Vacation Guide to share his expert vacation experiences- especially when it comes to being a travelling family man.

Featured in Travel articles such as Travel + Leisure, TripSavvy and SFGate, you know you're reading some of the best vacation tips online.

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4 Important Rules You NEED To Know About the Kids Clubs on the Disney Treasure Cruise Ship

The kids clubs aboard Disney Cruise Line are at the next level!

With clubs for kids of all ages, Disney really knows how to keep infants, toddlers, children, tweens, and teens all occupied. When the Disney Wish set sail in 2022 , it combined two of its kids clubs into one. There is no Oceaneer Lab aboard the Wish ; and instead, there is just the Oceaneer Club. The Disney Treasure will set sail at the end of 2024 and is part of the Triton/ Wish Class of ships, which means the Treasure will have the same Kids Club layout as the Wish . Here are three things you need to know before your kids go and set their imagination free in the kids clubs aboard the Treasure .

The Disney Treasure will sail its first voyage on December 21st of this year, and we are counting down the days! Although this ship is a sister ship to the Wish, there will be different theming throughout. On the Treasure, you will find “it’s a small world nursery” along with the Oceaneer Club on Deck Two. Edge can be found on Deck Five, and Vibe can be found on Deck 12.

Kids wanting to enter the Oceaneer Club or kids at heart during open house hours can take a slide from Deck Three down to Deck Two into the Oceaneer Club by checking in before going down the slide. Before all the fun starts, there are four things you need to know before heading into the kid’s clubs aboard the Treasure.

You Must Register Your Child for the “it’s a small world nursery” and the Oceaneer Club.

On Embarkation Day, make sure to head to Deck Two to register your child for youth activities and programming.

This ensures that your child will be able to check in and out of the club. This is also when adults can register their children eight years or older to have self-checkout privileges, which means they can enter and leave the Oceaneer Club without an adult.

You must also register your child at “it’s a small world nursery.” Kids going to Edge and Vibe do not need to be registered.

Age Restrictions

Each of the youth clubs has certain age restrictions. For the Oceaneer Club, kids between the ages of three to 10.

Kids wishing to enter must be toilet-trained. If your kiddo does not fall into this age range, there are other clubs for them. The “it’s a small world nursery” is for children from 6 months to three years old.

Edge , the tween club, is for ages 11 to 14 , and Vi be , the teen club, is for ages 14 to 17 . Edge’s age range overlaps one year with Vibe’s age range.

Wash Your Hands Before Entering

Hand washing is crucial aboard a cruise ship! You will find signs posted throughout the ship’s bathrooms telling you to wash your hands. There are even hand washing station before you can enter the buffet, Marceline Market .

The Oceaneer Club requires that children wash their hands before entering, as there are tons of hands-on activities. There are super cool hand washing stations that make it easy for children to wash their hands.

They simply stick their hands into the hand washing machine, and the machine washes their hands for them!

No Food or Drink Allowed in the Clubs

The Oceaneer Club does not allow children to bring food or drinks into the club. This is due to dietary restrictions and allergy risks for all children. However, there are water fountains available.

Food is usually allowed in both Edge and Vibe, and free non-alcoholic drinks are sometimes available inside the clubs.

We can’t wait to see everything the Disney Treasure has to offer! Keep following along with AllEars for more Disney Cruise Line and Disney news.

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Will you be sailing aboard the Disney Treasure? Let us know in the comments!

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What Is the Best Age for a Disney Cruise?

By Sara McOmber Leave a Comment

Are you going on a Disney cruise soon? You might want to consider leaving the little ones at home! No, we’re not heartless monsters — there are just some ages that are generally better than others when it comes to cruising with Mickey and his pals (although note that every Disney cruise ship has spaces just for babies, kids, tweens, and teens on board).

Set Sail with Disney Pals!

So who would really enjoy a Disney cruise , and when should you decide to wait a couple more years or leave the kiddos with grandma and grandpa? We’ve got all the information you’ll need to make the best decision .

Of course, the best choice for your group will depend on the personalities and preferences of your kiddos. But you should also consider what activities are available to them on board the cruise ships and where kids of certain ages are NOT allowed to go. Based on our experiences from years of cruising with Disney, we’ve compiled the pros and cons of taking kids of all ages on Disney cruise ships .

6 Months to 3 Years Old

When you see videos of babies meeting Mickey and Minnie for the first time and being completely delighted with the experience, it’s hard to resist immediately booking a Disney trip for your own littles . And there are some pros to bringing your babies on a Disney cruise! For example, you can meet lots of characters with much shorter waits than you’ll see in the Disney parks .

Captain Mickey

In Magic Kingdom, the Mickey Mouse meet-and-greet often has a wait time of 45 minutes or more, but the line to meet Mickey on a cruise ship is almost always MUCH shorter. And there are usually plenty of other meet-and-greets close by, including Minnie, Disney princesses, and other characters.

Belle aboard the Disney Wish!

You might be nervous about the idea of having your baby with you 24/7 on a cruise ship, but don’t forget that they can go to the “it’s a small world” nursery for a few hours to give you a bit of “me” time.

Nursery on the Disney Wish

Although many excursions and port adventures have a minimum age requirement of at least 3 years old, there are still a few experiences that are open to kids of all ages , such as museum tours and some speedboat trips. And a trip to the beach to enjoy the sand and water is often more than enough to entertain the littles!

Castaway Cay

If you’re dying to take the babies on a Disney vacation to get that coveted picture with Mickey, a cruise might be the easier option compared to a Disney park . Whereas Disney parks often require hours of walking out in the heat, a cruise offers more flexibility and potentially a much more relaxing experience. You can enjoy the activities on board, always knowing your stateroom is just an elevator ride away (and not miles away like in Disney World) just in case you should need to run back for a nap or to collect a forgotten item.

Disney Dream stateroom

It’s easy for little kids to get overstimulated and exhausted in Disney World with so much going on around them, but a cruise can have a much slower pace to accommodate their preferred schedules.

As fun as it is to see your littles meet Mickey, there are a few warnings we have to give before you start to pack their suitcases. First, most port adventures have a minimum age requirement of at least 3 years old. If you were planning to go snorkeling, rent bikes, or swim with the dolphins, your baby won’t be allowed to come along.

You also can’t bring the littles into adults-only areas , such as certain fancy restaurants on board or the adults-only swimming pool and deck.

Adult only pool

The “it’s a small world” nursery offers babysitting for these little ones, but you’ll have to pay by the hour and reservations at the nursery do run out quickly . Space in the nursery is very limited, so you’ll want to book your child’s stay as soon as possible. Here’s a schedule of when you can book reservations, which depends on your Castaway Club status:

• Up to 120 days ahead for Concierge and Platinum Castaway Club Guests
• Up to 105 days ahead for Gold Castaway Club Guests
• Up to 90 days ahead for Silver Castaway Club Guests
• Up to 75 days ahead for all other Guests

Disney notes that “reservations can also be made on a first-come, first-served basis during the open house on Embarkation Day or anytime throughout your cruise.” The nursery costs $4.50 per half-hour for the first child and an additional $4 per half-hour for any additional children in your family.

It’s a Small World Nursery

Also, remember that swim diapers are not permitted in any Disney cruise ship pools . There are splash areas on each ship where kids in swim diapers can play instead. Some pools and water attractions have height and age requirements. Here’s a full list of those restrictions:

• AquaDuck (Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy) – height 42 inches or taller
• AquaDunk (Disney Magic) – height 48 inches or taller
• AquaLab (Disney Fantasy and Disney Magic) – ages 3 and older
• Donald’s Pool / Goofy’s Pool (all ships) – adults and children ages 3 and older
• Mickey’s Pool (Disney Dream, Disney Fantasy, Disney Wonder) – ages 3 and older
• Whirlpool Spa tubs (all ships) – adult supervision required for Guests under age 16
• Mickey’s Slide – ages 4 to 14; height at least 38 and no more than 64 inches tall
• Nephews’ Splash Zone / Dory’s Reef / Nemo’s Reef (all ships) – ages 3 and younger (swim diapers required)
• Quiet Cove Pool – ages 18 and older only
• Twist ‘n’ Spout Slide (Disney Magic and Disney Wonder) – height at least 38 inches or taller

Toy Story Splash Zone

In addition, having a little one with a strict nap schedule might make it harder for the adults and older kids to do all the activities they want to do on board. And don’t forget that most of the rooms on board Disney’s cruise ships (and all cruise ships, for that matter) are smaller than your average hotel room, which means tight spaces with little ones.

3 to 10 Years Old

Lots of the same pros of bringing a baby on board a Disney cruise ship also apply to 3- to 10-year-olds. You can meet characters with shorter wait times , the trip will likely be more relaxing than a Disney parks vacation , and it’s not hard to entertain them with just a visit to the beach.

In addition, some of these kids might be old enough and tall enough to ride on the water slides, and, as long as they’re potty-trained, they can swim in the pools on board .

Pool and a movie!

There are a lot of activities for the kids to participate in at the Oceaneer Club . There’s an Oceaneer Club on every ship, and each has different themed lands, such as a Star Wars area, a Marvel superhero area, a pirates area, and a princess area. (The themes may be different on the different Disney cruise ships.)

Oceaneer Club

The Oceaneer Club is free , and parents are allowed to drop off the kids and go do their own thing while the little ones hang out there.

Star Wars Cargo Bay in the Oceaneer Club

In addition, kids this age may be old enough to skip nap time, which means they’ll have more time to enjoy the ship and their schedules won’t interrupt the rest of the family’s plans.

Just like the babies, the little ones aren’t allowed in adult-only areas on board the ship . If you wanted to enjoy those spots, you’d need to do so while your child was being taken care of by another member of your group or while they were playing at the Oceaneer Club.

Adult-only beach

Also, there are some port adventures that kids this age are not able to go on , such as some Segway tours and certain animal encounters (like swimming with the stingrays, which is only for ages 10 and up).

11 to 14 Years Old

Kids ages 11 to 14 years old are able to enjoy the ship’s character meet-and-greets, pools, and (as long as they meet the height requirements) water slides and attractions.

The AquaMouse

They can also visit Edge , which is a tween hangout space on board each Disney cruise ship. This space has a dance floor, a lounge area, and “the latest high-tech music, video, and gaming systems.” There’s also karaoke, scavenger hunts, themed nights, and other events. Kids this age would likely think it was cool to be able to have some independence on vacation (parents don’t need to check them in or out of the club) and hang out with other kids their own age without their parents around.

At this age, they’re able to participate in most port adventures and excursions . Plus, kids ages 13 and up can enjoy the Chill Spa , which is a spa just for teens on the Disney Dream, Fantasy, and Magic.

At 11 to 14 years old, some kids are still into the “Disney Magic,” and others may be less interested in Mickey, superheroes, and princesses. A cruise offers options for both Disney-related activities and normal vacation activities, so the kiddos might be more interested in it than in a Disney Parks visit.

At ages 11 to 14 years old, the kids can’t go into adult-only areas, and they also can’t visit the Oceaneer Club. However, they do have the Edge Club, which provides lots of fun activities.

Disney Cruise Edge

We know how much tweens and teens value their phones, so the limited phone service on board may cause a problem if your kiddos need their social media fix. In a pinch, you can always pay for the onboard internet service, but that can add quite a bit to the bill for your vacation.

14 to 17 Years Old

We think that kids ages 14 to 17 would really enjoy a Disney cruise. The main reason is that they can head over to Vibe — the club for teens ages 14 to 17 with music, movies, video games and more — to hang out with other kids their age and get away from the parents. They can enjoy their independence and the parents can rest easy knowing that a Disney cruise ship is a relatively safe environment for the kids to be on their own.

When you might not let the kids go out on their own in an unfamiliar city or even in the Disney theme parks, it seems much safer for them to be away with friends on a Disney cruise ship.

How cool is this deck?

In addition, kids ages 14 to 17 years old can do almost every excursion at the ports. They can also go to the Chill Spa on the Disney Dream, Fantasy, and Magic for a relaxing spa day.

The cons for taking kids ages 14 to 17 years old on a Disney cruise ship are similar to those for kids ages 11 to 14. They’re still not able to go into the adult-only pool areas or restaurants, although they have their own spaces to enjoy and the parents can enjoy the adult-only spots while the kids chill at Vibe.

Adult-only area

Also, any teens who can’t live without their phone might have trouble with the limited service onboard a Disney cruise ship . Onboard internet service is available at an extra cost, so you may need to factor that into the budget.

In addition, some teens might think they’re way too cool for Disney, so they might not be super excited about the “magical” elements on board. That really depends on the individual kid, though!

18+ Years Old

So what about bringing your adult kids on a Disney cruise? Finally those kids are old enough to enjoy the adult-only areas on board with you , such as the Palo and Remy restaurants and the adult spa.

Palo Steakhouse

Although a Disney cruise might not be everyone’s cup of tea, it can certainly make those older kids feel like a little kid again. And being able to get your photo with Mickey and indulge in free ice cream cones all day but still relax at the adult-only pool and book a massage at the Senses Spa sounds like the best of both worlds

Your adult kids might want their own space more so than the younger ones, which is tough in those small staterooms. And if they’re not big fans of Disney, it’s possible that they’ll think they’re too old for a Disney cruise (hopefully, they’ll learn better soon).

Final thoughts

There’s something for everyone on a Disney cruise, but it might not be a super chill trip if you bring young kids on board with you. There are some places where they can go to give you “me” time, but cruising with older kids only might be the way to go if you want a truly relaxing experience. However, a Disney cruise might be easier for the littles than a visit to the Disney theme parks, as it’s less exhausting for them but still has Disney magic!

The Disney Wish

The sweet spot for taking kids on a Disney cruise might be ages 14 to 17. They get all the independence of going out on their own with friends while still being in a safe environment. They can enjoy almost all of the port excursions and activities on board, excluding the adult-only areas.

Disney Magic

However, the best option will ultimately depend on your group and your specific kids, so talk with them to see how they’d feel about sailing with Mickey. You can explain what they will and won’t be able to do and let them be part of the decisioin (provided they’re old enough, of course. Probably the 6-month-olds won’t contribute much to the planning process).

Want to learn more about Disney cruises? Check out these posts!

• Complete Guide to the Disney Cruise Line
• An Overview of EVERY Disney Cruise Line Restaurant
• Full Guide to the NEWEST Disney Cruise Line Ship — the Disney Wish
• 10 Forgotten Things You NEED on Your Next Cruise (That You Won’t Think to Pack)
• Everything You CAN’T Bring on a Disney Cruise
• Everything that’s Included with Your Disney Cruise

Keep following DFB for more updates on all the latest Disney Cruise Line news.

What’s the BEST age to take your kids to Disney World? Find out here.

What You Need to Know About Disney Cruise Line

Learn all about disney cruise line and its various ships, explore disney’s mega cruise ship – the wish, a full list of what you can’t bring on a disney cruise, these are the best times to book your disney cruise, the best ways to save space in your tiny cruise cabin, 10 things you need on your next cruise (that you won’t think to pack), what it’s like to live on a cruise ship for 6 months, join the dfb newsletter to get all the latest disney news delivered right to your inbox click here to subscribe.

What age do you think is best for a Disney cruise? Let us know in the comments!

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What's really the ideal age to take kids on a Disney Cruise?

• Thread starter rdearth
• Start date Jan 24, 2011

Ears Earned

• Jan 24, 2011

Obviously you see advertisements for Disney Cruises and they show kids from 0-18 having the times of their lives, but what do you think is the real age kids get the most out of a Disney cruise ?  

disneymagicgirl

Been there, done that, going back.

I would guess the 3-6 group might like the character aspect the most, but the tweens and teens probably really like the independence factor. Just depends.  

marshmellow86

Mouseketeer.

"Ideal" in my opinion is any child 3 or older and fully potted trained, so they can go to the kids clubs and attend the activities there. We took ours at 18 months and while fun, she had a much better time on the 5 voyages after that where she could go to the kids club. I have a 7 & 13 year old and we have gone 6 times. They both still LOVE the Disney cruise and ask when are we going back.  

addicted_to_WDW

<font color="darkorchid">he's a teenaged skate rat, dunbarfamily, i'm a proud wdw-loving wife and mama to six, dis veteran.

Under 3 was hard because she was with us alot and didn't "get it". My 12 year old was bored at times this last cruise because she didn't get to correspond with anyone from the trip beforehand so she felt "alone" (we surprised them with the cruise, normally they have had time to get to know kids from our meet group and have built in friends the minute we board the ship). So I'd have to say based on our experience 4-11ish.  

Marshmellow: You must be soooo excited! We still have two and a half weeks! I can't wait to hear all about the maiden voyage!  

Little Cinderella's Mommy

stevenpensacola

<font color=red>sometimes i sits and thinks, and s.

"If I were not upon the sea..." I'd want to be!

When they started cruising my kids were 4, 13 and 10, and it was awesome. They have cruised a number of times since and are now 14, 23 and 20 and still love the whole experience. So it really depends on your children, but for mine any age was perfect!  

Tough question.... We've cruised DCL with kids as young as 8 months old and as old as 13 (our oldest's current age). Everyone has always had fun. I guess, in some ways I'd say the ideal age is 3-8 yrs old. They still believe in all the magic and yet old enough to travel a bit easier than toddlers. In other ways, I'd say the ideal age has been 9-12 yrs old...because they had some extra freedom at that age and were very self-sufficient. My 13 yr old still loves DCL. I would not say he is out of the ideal age, but I would say that once the kids hit 11, while they still were at a great age for DCL, they were also at an ideal age to enoy the bigger RCI ships too....so, that 11 and up age group has more options for an ideal vacation (including DCL). Jess  

I'm trying ton convince DH to do a Disney cruise with our boys, later this year when they are 3&5 and he is concerned that they wouldn't like it because they wouldn't be able to run around. I disagree, so I'm going to tell him about this thread. I just need to get DS2 potty trained!  

dragonfly08

"Ideal" depends on your kids. My girls were 4 (we embarked on her birthday, actually!) and 7, which many might say is a great age. But for us it didn't work out as well as I'd hoped. First, we couldn't get switched to early dining so we missed all of the dining rooms because they simply couldn't wait that long or stay up that late. They don't nap and wake up early no matter what you do so it's bed by 9:30/10:00 and even that's risking a major meltdown. My younger DD, in particular, likes to talk/sing herself to sleep so the two of them in the same room ended up being interesting. And DD #2 absolutely HATED the kids club and refused to go after the first day. So no Palo (we had to cancel last minute), no adult beach on CC (we managed to get her to Scuttles Cove only to be paged to pick her up after less than an hour), no Cove Cafe/adult pool, no shows (the girls weren't interested in seeing them). Not that it was a bad thing to have more family time, but it definitely changed our overall plans for the trip. We spent a day at MK after disembarking, and they were FAR happier and much more interested in that, so while I'm taking them back to Orlando in April we won't be planning another cruise for several years!  

Even if you could figure out the perfect age, life is too uncertain to wait to that ideal age. I can tell you story after story about people who were 'waiting' until this or that and then something happened ... they then spend the rest of their life regretting not doing it while they were able. carpe diem!  

stsomewhere

We took our kids on their first DCL cruise when my son was in 5th grade and daughter in 2rd. They had cruised about 8 times. so, we knew they loved to cruise. I wanted to try Disney before the kids got too old. They had been on RCI, NCl and Carnival (once- they hated it). We loved it. My son said it was the best cruise he ever went on. We booked another cruise onboard. We had a wonderful the cruise again following year, I was a little worried since my son was in 6th grade. He was worried about being cool. etc. He said it was even better than the one before. This year, my son is in 7th grade. He went on Allure of the Seas over Christmas with a friend.` He thought he would complain about our DCL cruise to Alaska this summer. While he had a good time on Allure, he is really looking for to cruising on DCL again. We have not sailed on another line going on DCL. I had such a good time. I am leaving my husband and kids home and going on the transatlantic by myself in a few months. ETA: My DD was in 2nd grade loved all the characters. She wanted to do everything she could. She had a terrific time.  

Magic3forme

Grand slam club members.

<font color=green>They can sit & spin<br><font col

I'd say grade school aged. Old enough to have fun, but (hopefully!) not so old that they're "too cool".  

If you mean ideal age on the young end, then I'd say for the easy trips (Bahamas, Carribbean), anything over 3, and for the more exotic ports (Europe, Alaska, etc), then whatever age is old enough to appreciate those ports. But I honestly don't think otherwise that there is an ideal age. My kids have been going since they were around 8 and now the oldest is almost 15 and she cannot wait for our 2 cruises this year. They have no interest in any other line. It really depends on the kids and what they are into. My kids are not so interested in the characters (except for Captain Jack), but they love the ships and the clubs and the atmosphere.  

DD did her first DCL cruise at age 7 (MV of the Magic). She still tells me that it was her favorite cruise because the Oceaneer's Club was so awesome. There have been special moments at various cruises thru the years, but I would strongly recommend a cruise at about age 5-6 if at all possible. We did WDW at 4 and again at 5, and it was amazing. The interaction with the characters is delightful. Oh, and if you care, she now thinks that Palo is awesome!  

Earning My Ears

Any age is the right age!! Memories are precious and they grow too fast!  

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