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Disney Cruise Kids Clubs – What You Need to Know Updated 2024

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If you have children and are sailing on a Disney cruise you need to know about the amazing clubs they offer for kids.

The Disney Cruise Kids Club really is an amazing facility for all ages from 6 months to age 17.

There are different spaces on all of the Disney Cruise Ships for children of all ages.

I have sailed on many Disney Cruises with kids of all ages for over a decade. And they have all had an amazing time in the kid’s clubs.

Let’s explore what is available for children in the kid’s clubs on a Disney Cruise.

Note that there have been some recent changes to the age groups for each of the kids clubs and a change of policy about flexibility so make sure you read on to see the new rules.

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Overview of Disney Cruise Line’s Kids Club

Did you know that Disney is one of the very few cruise lines that have a facility to care for children under the age of 3? 

One of the biggest reasons why Disney Cruise Line is the top-rated cruise line for families is because of the different kids clubs that they offer on all the ships in the fleet. 

Apart from the “it’s a small world” nursery!, Disney Cruise kids clubs do not require reservations and are complimentary for guests. 

The Disney Cruise Line provides structured youth activities and programs to meet the needs of both children and families. They are categorized by specific age groups and offer tailored spaces for each group. 

Age-Specific Kids Clubs

All youth programs are led by specially trained Disney counselors to create highly immersive and magical clubs. 

They facilitate age-appropriate fun and engaging activities in all of the clubs throughout your cruise vacation. Let’s dive into a complete list of Disney Cruise kids’ clubs!

How Long Can Kids Stay at Kids Club on a Disney Cruise?

Your children can stay as long as you want them to at the Kid’s Clubs. There is no limit on the time they can spend there.

If the kid’s clubs are open and your child is happy to be there – they can be there all day if they want to. And they may very well want to.

How Does the Disney Kids Club Work on a Cruise?

There are 5 different Kids Clubs on each Disney Ship:

  • It’s A Small World Nursery 6 months to 3 years – this is the only one with a fee
  • Oceaneer Club ages 3 to 10
  • Oceaneer Lab ages 3 to 10
  • Edge ages 11 to 14
  • Vibe ages 14 to 17

Note that effective on sailings that depart on or after December 21, 2023 the age range in Disney’ Oceaneer Club and Oceaneer Lab changes from 3 to 12 to 3 to 10. With no exceptions.

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.

This change is also applicable to Scuttle’s Cove which is the kids club for the younger ones at Castaway Cay. This has also changed from 3 to 12 years of age to 3 to 10 years of age.

It’s A Small World Nursery

It’s a small world” nursery! is available on all of the Disney Cruise ships for children aged from 6 months to 3 years old. 

It is the only childcare center on the Disney ships which is not provided free of charge, and you have to book ahead. 

Even if you don’t use the Small World Nursery for many hours on your Disney Cruise, it can be great to get a break so you can take advantage of all that a Disney Cruise has for Adults

The cast members provide nothing short of quality care and unmatched convenience. 

While the programs at “it’s a small world” nursery! will vary depending on your child’s mood, activities like story time, movie time, and arts and crafts projects will keep them smiling and engaged. The nursery consists of three distinct areas: 

  • Acclimation zone designed to help your little ones adjust to their new environment
  • Main play area that features a 3D facade of the “it’s a small world” attraction that is filled with interactive wonders
  • A separate quiet room for infants and toddlers to take naps.

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Disney Wonder It’s A Small World Nursery

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It’s A Small World Cribs and Quiet Area

It’s a Small World Nursery that charges $4.50 for each half-hour, and you must book for at least one hour. Therefore, the minimum charge is $9 for the first child.

There is a discount for children who are in the same family as they are only charged $4 per hour. So the minimum charge is $8 per hour for the second child.

Advance reservations are required and can be made online:

  • 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

If you don’t make reservations online you can go to the Nursery to see if there is any additional time available.

Numbers are very strictly controlled as there needs to be the correct amount of Cast Members to care for the babies and infants.

If you need to cancel a reservation make sure that you do that at least 4 hours ahead of time or you will pay for all of the sessions that you have booked.

Related: Disney Wish Nursery

Is Food Provided in the It’s A Small World Nursery?

Juice and crackers are available for snacks for your child.

Lunch and dinner is no longer provided as it used to be prior to the shutdown.

Milk is not provided so you need to bring your own formula and bottles. If you have baby food you can bring this as well.

What Else Will My Child Need for the Nursery on a Disney Cruise?

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You will need to provide diapers, wipes, and pull-ups for your child if they are not potty trained.

Pack a bag that is clearly labeled for your child with extra items such as a change of clothing, a special blanket, a pacifier, or perhaps a favorite toy.

Make sure that you label items because things do sometimes get lost.

If you think that your child may be anxious or not settle well in the Nursery, it can also be a good idea to go to the open house which is held every day.

This can help your child get used to the new environment and the counselors.

Make sure that you download the Navigator’s App as the Counsellors will use this to contact you if you need to pick up your child early.

Counselors can’t give any medication to your child, but there is a trained First Aid Cast Member in the Nursery at all times.

Disney’s Oceaneer Club

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Andy’s Toy Room in the Oceaneer Club on Disney Wonder

Children aged between 3 and 12 have a choice between the Oceaneer Club and the Oceaneer Lab. On all of the Disney ships, the Oceaneers Club and Lab are on Deck 5 mid-ship.

The Oceaneer Club is themed for Disney fantasy and imagination, while the Oceaneer Lab is about learning while having fun. 

They are separate spaces but are connected by a closed corridor. Your child can move from one space to the other via this corridor. If they need help, the Counsellor will accompany them!

From character-driven performances and special story-telling sessions to larger-than-life play areas and dress-up opportunities, your kids will be delighted to step into a world inhabited by some of their favorite characters. 

The Oceaneer Club-themed play spaces include: 

  • Andy’s Room 
  • Disney Infinity Game Room
  • Pixie Hollow
  • Star Wars: Millennium Falcon
  • Star Wars: Command Post
  • Star Wars: Cargo Bay
  • Marvel Super Hero Academy
  • Disney Junior
  • Mickey and Minnie Captain’s Deck
  • Frozen Adventures
  • Fairytale Hall.

They also provide one-of-a-kind guided group activities to add more enchantment and fantasy: 

  • Disney’s Once Upon a Time
  • Puzzle Playtime with Mickey and Friends
  • Jedi Training: Experience the Force
  • Woody’s Round Up
  • Doctor Strange: Defy the Dark Dimension
  • Thor Becoming Worthy
  • Mickey and the Roadster Racers
  • Disney Royal Academy
  • Join the Lion Guard
  • Captain America’s Super Hero 101
  • Walt Disney Imagineering Lab.
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Disney Wonder Path from the Oceaneers Lab to the Oceaneers Club

Disney Oceaneer’s Lab

You will probably find that your children want to spend every possible moment in the Kids Clubs! There are lots of organized activities, but if your children want to be independent that is fine too.

You can see the daily schedule for the day on the Navigator so you can plan if your child wants to do a particular activity. 

The only times that you can spend time in the Oceaneers Clubs as a parent is during Open House. Look at your Navigators for when these times are scheduled.

From highly interactive spaces and games to crazy experiments and all kinds of activities, Disney Oceaneer’s Lab is dedicated to exploration and designed just for kids. The Disney Oceaneer’s Lab-themed play spaces include: 

  • Animator’s Studio
  • Craft Studio
  • Media Room
  • Playmation
  • The Wheelhouse
  • Captain’s Workshop.

They also provide one-of-a-kind guided group activities to add more discovery and learning: 

  • Get the Hook!
  • Piston Cup Challenge
  • Anyone Can Cook
  • Super Sloppy Science with Professor Make-O-Mess
  • What Goes Up
  • Zootopia Mystery Trek
  • Stitch’s Space Goo
  • Disney Pals Pajama Party.

Disney Cruise Edge

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Disney Wonder Edge

The Edge is for those aged 11 to 14.

Note that whilst there used to be an overlap for kids aged 11 and 12 who could choose to go either to Oceaneers or Edge, this is no longer then case. There is no flexibility with the ages groups.

My children have all formed some long-lasting friendships with people who they met in Disney Cruise Edge because of how the space on each ship is designed to appeal to that age group. 

There is a lot of interaction with the Disney counselors for this age group, with an emphasis on smaller groups! 

Disney Cruise Edge is designed for tweens to engage in cool and engaging daily activities such as: 

  • That’s Hilarious
  • Heroes and Villains
  • Crowning of the Couch Potato
  • A Pirate’s Life for Me
  • Descendant’s Den DJ Spin Off.

From karaoke to video games, puzzles, challenges, and scavenger hunts to arts and crafts, there is something to appeal to all in this Disney Cruise Kids Club age group. 

That’s not to mention that Disney characters also visit the Kids Clubs at certain times!

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The Edge on the Disney Fantasy

Disney Kids Clubs Vibe

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Disney Wonder Vibe

Disney Kids Club Vibe is for teens aged from 14 to 17. 

To access the Vibe on the Disney Fantasy and the Dream, teenagers have to have their own key card which is specially coded.

On the Disney Magic and the Wonder, the loft-inspired space is in the forward Funnel. 

The Disney Fantasy and Dream have wonderful indoor and outdoor spaces that might even make you wish you were a teenager again!

Lastly, the different spaces on the Disney Dream Class ships are perfect for teens to hang out and make friends.

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Disney Fantasy Vibe Interior Space

Vibe is a teen-exclusive haven where your kids can chill out, watch TV, listen to music, play group games, and more with cruisers their age. It is fully equipped with multiple flat-screen TVs, video games, board games, and tablets. 

From catching some rays to day-and-night dance parties, Vibe also hosts a range of daily fun-filled activities that include: 

  • Teen Download 
  • Vibe Movie Makers 
  • Gotcha.

Is There a Kids Club on Castaway Cay?

Yes, Disney has thought of everything. There is even a Kids Club on their private island Castaway Cay.

When the ship docks in Castaway Cay they can still use the Kids Clubs on board.

However, there is also a place on the island where they can be looked after by the Disney Counsellors. This is a more convenient option if you are planning to spend some of the time with the kids on Castaway Cay, as you don’t have to go back to the ship to collect them.

Scuttle’s Cove is available to any child aged 3 to 10 who is registered with the Kids Clubs.

How To Register for the Disney Cruise Kids Clubs

For any of the kid’s clubs on a Disney Cruise, you do need to register your child.

The easiest way to do this is online. You will have the option to do this once you have paid in full for your cruise.

It does save some time if you do this prior to your cruise.

You can also do this at the terminal on embarkation day. The lines do tend to be quite long for this, but it can keep you occupied whilst you wait for your boarding party to be called.

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Disney Fantasy Edge Kids Club

You will fill out all the paperwork (it doesn’t take long). You will then get a Disney Cruise Line Youth Activities Magic Band for each child.

This has to be handed back at the end of the cruise or you will be charged.

You can keep the Magic Band as a souvenir if you want, but you will be charged $12.95.

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When you get on board the ship there will be an open house.

You can tour all the kid’s clubs at this time – it is a great opportunity to see what is available.

Disney Cruise Lines has a downloadable PDF for younger cruisers so that they can know what to expect on the cruise.

It has some good information and includes some coloring pages that younger children may like.

Safety and Security Measures of the Kids Clubs

Parents can download the Navigator’s App and use it to directly contact the youth counselors at any given time. 

Counselors cannot give any medication to your child, but there is a trained First Aid Cast Member in the Nursery at all times.

At Disney Cruise kids clubs, each child has a wristband for identification. These spaces are secure because only adults who you authorize can collect your child and they have to know the password.

Tips for Parents

To give your children the best Disney Cruise kids club experience, we’ve rounded up some of the most practical tips that parents can use in planning their perfect Disney Cruise vacation:

  • Familiarize yourself with the corresponding Disney Cruise kids club ages to find out the best options for your child
  • Explore the different clubs and attend the open houses with your children during their specified times
  • Make sure to provide diapers, wipes, and pull-ups if your child is not potty-trained
  • Use the family playtime hours (8 AM – 9 AM) in the nursery as an opportunity to spend quality time with your toddlers
  • Quiet spaces and movie rooms are always available if your kids need to take a break or a nap!

Disney Cruise Kids Clubs – Final Thoughts

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Disney Fantasy Outside in the Vibe Teen Space

The Kid’s Clubs on all of the Disney Ships are excellent.

The environment is well designed, the Counsellors are wonderful and the mix between scheduled activities and free choice of things to do is just right.

Most kids will love it. And parents too!

You do have to be prepared so that your child may not want to spend much time with you! Other children, never really take to it and won’t want to spend time there.

It just depends on the individual.

My eldest, who is now an adult, never really wanted to spend time there. My two sons would spend all the time they possibly could in the kid’s clubs.

Be prepared for either scenario!

One thing which is particularly great about the kid’s clubs is that my sons have formed lasting friendships with people who they have met on the Disney Cruises. It can be a wonderful bonding experience.

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Jenny

Thursday 11th of January 2024

Is a 2 year old able to play in Andy’s Room on the Fantasy, with his parents of course, during Open House? Is there an Open House for this room, guess is apart of Oceaneers Club, everyday? Many thanks!

Alison

Sunday 14th of January 2024

Yes you can take your 2 year old to the Open House. They are usually scheduled every day and you will find out the time on your Navigator App

Gabrielle

Sunday 23rd of July 2023

This may seem a silly question but we're doing our first cruise soon and my child will be 3 1/2. She's worried about how she asks me to come and get her if she's not having fun or she misses me? Do you know what the process is for them letting parents know that a kid wants/needs to be collected? I don't want to be going back every 1/2 hour to check she's ok, but I also want to be able to tell her the plan to reassure her that she won't be stuck there if she's not feeling comfortable

Alison

Wednesday 26th of July 2023

Don't worry! The Cast Members at the Kids Club are very aware that this can happen. You will be contacted by text if they need to collect here. You can also spend some time with her at the Open Houses that they have so that she feels more comfortable.

Joseph

Friday 9th of June 2023

I was wondering what, if any, separation there is in the younger (3 to 12 yr.) club space? We are planning a cruise next year and my daughter will be 4. I want her to have fun in the club space, but if she is around 9, 10, 11, year olds, I can foresee there being possible issues, given the age and size gap. Any advice or recommendations would be appreciated. Thank you.

Alison

Sunday 11th of June 2023

The are different spaces for each age Group so all kids are with the same age Groups. On all the ships there is a corridor connecting the spaces, but this is more for the older children to use so they can go between the different areas if they want. At 4 years old she would be with her own age Group. Disney Kids Clubs really are the best at sea.

Sarah

Tuesday 24th of January 2023

Just got off magic. They do not feed your kids anything in the kids club. FYI.

Thomas Carter

Wednesday 25th of January 2023

@Sarah, do you know if they just flat don’t allow eating and drinking there or can I drop off quick food instead of having to pull him out? Also, my son doesn’t have a cell phone. Is there a way for kids to communicate with their parents besides giving them their own device with the navigator app?

Going on the Wonder to Alaska in May for 7 days as my first cruise with a 10 year old and 8 month infant

Emily

Thursday 12th of January 2023

Thanks for this post. My only question… Is eating at the kids club for lunch and dinner available every day? I thought I read elsewhere that it was only select days.

Thanks for all the other info. Looking forward to hearing from you.

Alison

Monday 16th of January 2023

I don't believe that lunch and dinner in the Kids Clubs is an option at the moment.