Overview of the Kids Clubs on Disney Cruise Line
How much fun will my kids have on a Disney Cruise Line sailing?
Disney is known for their exceptional kids' clubs on all their ships, in addition to character meet and greets, movies, and shows.
DCLcruisingDAD Pro-Tip: Make sure to stop into any of the clubs on embarkation day to get the kids familiar with the area and staff and then make sure they attend the ice breaker later that night to make friends and then the kids will look forward to going back to the clubs.
Kids Clubs
There are clubs available for children of all age groups on the cruise ship, which offer various activities to keep them entertained, active, and happy throughout the journey. It is not uncommon for children to develop an attachment to these clubs and prefer spending time there rather than with their parents. During my own cruise experiences, I had to try to schedule meetups with my children a few times a day, or else I might not have seen them for the whole week.
It’s a Small World Nursery: Ages 3 and Under
On most cruises, children between the ages of 6 months and 3 years old (or 1-3 years old on some longer cruises) can be left in the care of Disney counselors. The children will be both cared for and entertained during their stay in the nursery, with activities such as napping, games, crafts, and movies. The Disney counselors will also change and feed your child. You are welcome to bring your child's formula, milk, bottles, diapers, baby blankets, and pacifiers. You can also check in on your children through a window into the main play area without being noticed. It's important to note that an additional fee applies for the nursery, which it costs $4.50/half hour, or $9.00/hour for your first child and then $4.00/half hour, or $8.00/hour for every additional child. If you need to cancel your appointment, contact the nursery at least four hours before your appointment. If you are a no-show, you will be charged the full amount of your reservation.
Oceaneer Club / Oceaneer Lab: Ages 3-10
Entering the Oceaneer Club and Oceaneer Lab is like stepping into a magical world created by Disney Imagineers. These elaborately designed spaces are filled with high-tech interactive activities, playgrounds, TVs, computers, drawing tables and even lit disco floors. Disney characters like Elsa, Anna, Brave, Minnie or Belle lead special storytelling sessions, while Tinkerbell might show up and ask kids to help her find her shadow or some special pirate characters might ask the kids to help keep the ship safe. Both spaces are connected, and kids have the freedom to move between them. Disney's expert youth counselors keep the kids safe and entertained, helping them make friends from all over the world. With the modified age range, children aged 3 and 4 will have specially assigned youth counselors and separate activities from the other age groups. The Oceaneer Club and Lab usually open around 9:00 a.m. and remain open until midnight or later, although the hours may vary.
Edge: Ages 11-14
Tweens between the ages of 11 and 14 can enjoy their own exclusive youth club on every Disney Cruise ship. The club called 'Edge' has a private space that's brightly decorated with retro décor. The club is equipped with high-tech gadgets and games and is staffed with fun and experienced youth counselors from around the world. The club includes computer stations, tablets, karaoke machines, trivia games, and even a dance floor, providing endless entertainment for the kids. The counselors keep the activities running from morning until after midnight, ensuring that the kids are never bored. If you're lucky enough to catch your kids during their brief visits, they'll likely tell you about the exciting scavenger hunts, pizza cooking classes, video karaoke sessions, and pirate trivia games they participated in. Edge remains open most nights from 10 am to 1 am.
Vibe: Ages 14-17
Disney Cruise Line offers a unique experience for teenagers that is hard to match. Vibe is a private club exclusively for teens aged 14 to 17. It provides a space for them to socialize and mingle with other teens away from their families. The club is equipped with state-of-the-art technology, including large LCD screens and digital surround sound. Inside, teenagers will find computers, video games, a dance floor with a DJ mix station, and even a stage for karaoke or dance performances. If you get a chance to tour the club, be sure to check out the private "porthole nooks" that come with built-in seats and TVs - a perfect getaway spot even during peak hours. On Disney Fantasy and Disney Dream, teenagers also have access to a private deck area with hot tubs, pools, ping pong, and foosball. Just like the other youth clubs, professional Disney counselors supervise and plan exciting experiences that are both entertaining and socially rewarding for your kids. The whole experience is designed to be fun and relaxing, making your teenager feel right at home. Vibe's hours may vary, but typically, it's open from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 or 2:00 a.m.
Hideaway: Ages 18 – 20
Located on the Disney Wish/Treasure and is right next to Vibe.
How Safe Are My Kids in any of the Clubs
Children who are at least eight years old are allowed to check themselves out of the Oceaneer Club and Oceaneer Lab, but only with the permission of their parents. However, any child can check themselves into these clubs as a safety measure. In case a child gets separated from their parents, they can go to the club and contact their parents through the Disney Cruise Line Navigator App via a text or message. Additionally, the bands that kids are required to wear for the Oceaneer Club have GPS, which helps locate them in the clubs or anywhere on the ship. Children who are 11 years old and above are not required to have parental check-in and check-out.