Top Five Tips for Sailing with Little Ones on Disney Cruise Line

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From the Disney Parks Blog:

Photo: Disney Parks Blog

The thought of traveling with a little one can sometimes feel daunting, which is why so many parents with babies and toddlers choose a Disney cruise for their family’s vacation. Disney Cruise Line caters to all members of the family, and that includes even the youngest sailors.

If you’re setting sail with a child age 6 months to 3 years old, keep these tips for sailing with little ones on Disney Cruise Line in mind for smooth sailing during your family getaway…

Photo: Disney Parks Blog

1. Take advantage of all that’s included. Traveling with little ones on a Disney cruise is easier than ever with diaper disposal units, bottle warmers, bottle sterilizers, cribs, playpens and high chairs available complimentary for use during the voyage. Strollers are also available, but since there are a limited number, plan to bring your own – one that’s lightweight and foldable for ease of maneuvering and storing it on board. When you visit our private island, Castaway Cay, wagons are available at no charge to facilitate navigating the island’s sandy beaches with toddlers in tow. Most of these items are first-come, first-served, so be sure to add the request to your reservation before the cruise. 

Photo: Disney Parks Blog

2. Reserve time in the nursery before you set sail. Inside “it’s a small world” nursery hosted by Huggies, trained counselors care for and entertain infants and toddlers up to age 3 with toys, books, videos, crafts and games. At the back of the nursery, a separate and serene room is reserved for naptime. The nursery offers some of the longest operating hours and some of the lowest hourly rates for baby and toddler care in the cruise industry, allowing you to enjoy time on your own. You can roam the ship “worry-free,” thanks to an onboard mobile phone service that allows counselors to contact you anytime and anywhere on the ship. And if you want to peek in on your child without disturbing him or her, you can glimpse into the nursery’s main play area through a one-way window.

Photo: Disney Parks Blog

3. Check the Navigator for special activities and play areas. Toddler Time is a scheduled playtime where parents can join the fun. You can also play with your little one at Disney’s Oceaneer Club and Lab during Open House. If you have a crawler, do not miss Jack-Jack’s Diaper Dash in the atrium. I repeat, do not miss it! And for water babies, each ship has a fanciful water playground exclusively for toddlers up to age 3—and their parents, of course!

Photo: Disney Parks Blog

4. Let us help you make mealtime easier. For babies, you can request fresh pureed vegetables and meat, both in the main dining rooms and through room service. When ordering off the kids’ menu, your server will be happy to cut up the food into bite-sized pieces for your little one. And when you’re grabbing a quick bite out on deck, ask a Crew Member to grab a highchair for you. These are just a few of the things you can do to take the stress out of mealtime for your whole family.

Photo: Disney Parks Blog

5. Don’t sweat it if you forget it. Essential baby supplies are available for purchase at the onboard merchandise shops, including diapers, training pants, rash cream, infant formula (ready to feed), bottles, pacifiers, baby food, baby shampoo, baby lotion and baby powder. We’ve got you covered!

What are your favorite tips for sailing with little ones on Disney Cruise Line?

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