There are so many great activities for everyone on the Disney Cruise Line, including the adults. Of course, since it’s Disney, you’ll find countless things to entertain your children. My kids have always enjoyed going to Disney Cruise kids clubs.
Between the fun facilities, the entertaining activities, the other children, and the cheerful staff, the kids’ clubs (often referred to officially as youth clubs) are an attraction themselves. We’ve often found that the kids didn’t want to leave, even when we went to pick them up. If you are planning to take a Disney Cruise, here’s what to expect with the kids’ clubs on the Disney Cruise Line.
Disclosure: I’ve been on one press cruise and two cruises with Disney Social Media Moms. I’ve also paid my way on many Disney Cruises. All opinions are my own. This post contains affiliate links and a purchase/click through one of these links may result in a commission paid to us at no cost to you.
Kids’ Clubs on the Disney Cruise Line
Wristbands on the Disney Cruise Line
While the Disney Cruise Line doesn’t use the same MagicBands that you’ll find at Walt Disney World, there are special bands that are used by the kids’ clubs. Kids eleven and under will receive a band for use in the kids’ club. These are “locked” on the wrist with a holder so that they don’t fall off. You’ll be charged for the band, but can return it for a refund at the end of your trip.
If your child has food allergies, the “lock” on the band will indicate that. Kids use the bands as they enter the Oceaneer Club and Oceaneer Lab, and it checks them into the club. Then, they can use them as they leave so that the system knows that they’ve been dismissed.
it’s a small world nursery
If you are traveling with a baby, you’ll want to check out the “it’s a small world nursery”. They accept kids from ages 6 months to 3 years old (although this may vary for some sailings).
Availability is limited, and reservations are accepted in advance – (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, and up to 75 days ahead for first-time guests).
There is a small hourly fee, unlike the other kids’ clubs. You’ll want to bring your own diapers, wipes, food, etc, and staff members can feed and change babies.
Related: See our reviews of the Disney Wonder, Disney Dream, and Disney Fantasy here.
Oceaneer Club
Offered for kids aged 3 to 12, the Oceaneer Club is inspired by some of Disney’s most popular stories. My kids always loved Andy’s room on the Disney Dream, a play area that immerses them right into the Toy Story world. There’s also a Millennium Falcon on the Disney Dream that is perfect for Star Wars fans.
While there are plenty of things for kids to play with in the Oceaneer Club, there are also a number of activities happening throughout the day. Consult your personal navigator or the Disney Cruise Line app to see a schedule. My kids usually planned their kids’ club visits with activities going on during the day.
Oceaneer Lab
Connected to the Oceaneer Club is the Oceaneer Lab. Kids can move between the two freely, giving them more freedom. The Oceaneer Lab is more about learning while having fun, and activities include science, art, and computer projects. As my kids got older, I generally found that they spent more time in the Oceaneer Lab rather than the Oceaneer Club.
Kids’ Clubs on the Disney Wish
Disney Cruise Line’s newest ship, the Disney Wish, offers some especially impressive kids’ clubs. In this area, you’ll find the Marvel Super Hero Academy, Star Wars Cargo Bay, Walt Disney Imagineering Lab, and Fairytale Hall. These heavily-themed areas are truly amazing, and kids really love spending time there.
Once registered and checked in, kids can slide right into the kids’ clubs from the story above – in the main atrium of the ship. During the open house hours, adults can check out the kids’ clubs, even if they don’t have children. I’d recommend doing that, because they are really amazing, even for adults to see!
Edge
When your kids are a bit older, they can still enjoy spending time at youth clubs. The next step after the Oceaneer Lab and Club is Edge, a tween club.
Edge is for kids aged 11 to 14, and includes activities such as video games, movies, games, and more. There are also Edge activities in other parts of the ship – check the app to see the schedule.
Kids attending Edge have much more freedom and can check themselves in and out as they’d like. It’s a great place to make friends on the ship, and tweens often can’t wait to head back to the club after dinner. It’s a nice way to give your tweens a little more freedom as they get older.
Vibe
Teens also have their own youth club, Vibe, which is for guests aged 14 to 17. Like Edge, Vibe offers a number of activities as well as a comfortable space to relax and make new friends. Again, this can be a great way for your teenagers to have more freedom on the ship, and many spend lots of time in the teen club as they make more friends during their sailing.
There isn’t an official club for young adults aged 18 to 20, but the ship hosts several activities throughout the ship targeting this age range. That way, they can still make friends on the ship if they’d like. Look for the 1820 society listings on the Disney Cruise Line app.
When booking a Disney Cruise, I recommend booking with Get Away Today. Plus, when you mention Family Travel Magazine, you get an extra $25 on-board credit! Give their agents a call at 877-510-2929.
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