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If you're planning a Disney Cruise and have kids in tow, we already know that you probably have a ton of questions. You may be wondering how the Disney Cruise Kids Club works. "What exactly is a kids club?" "Is it safe?" "What's included?" Or "How do we even start?" Don't worry momma and poppa frogs, we got you! If anything, you'll want to start getting very excited, both for the kiddos and for you! The Disney Cruise Line kids clubs might just be the secret ingredient that turns a sea voyage into a magical experience for the whole fam. So, buckle up (or, more appropriately, anchor down) as we explore the ins and outs of everything you need to know about the Disney Cruise kids clubs. Let's hop in, shall we?
Disney Cruise Kids Club Overview
Did you know that Disney Cruise Line is the number-one-rated cruise line for families? It's true! One of the biggest reasons for this is because of the Disney Cruise kids clubs that are offered on all the ships in the fleet. Except for the "it's a small world" nursery!, the Disney Cruise kids clubs onboard are complimentary and do not require reservations. Specially trained counselors lead these top-notch immersive clubs, and it's no surprise that they are outrageously fun, engaging, and, well, magical!
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Disney Cruise Line offers structured youth programs and activities for kids of all ages. Each program is designed for specific age groups with dedicated spaces. Trained Disney counselors supervise every club and lead age-appropriate activities.
Here's a breakdown of the kids clubs available on all Disney Cruise Line ships:
- "it's a small world" nursery! (6 months to 3 years) — a nursery providing childcare services for infants and toddlers, featuring a safe and stimulating environment with trained staff and age-appropriate activities (note that the nursery requires a reservation and is an additional cost).
- Disney's Oceaneer Club (3 to 10 years) — a club offering themed play areas, interactive games and Disney character encounters for younger children. Activities cater to different age groups within this range.
- Disney's Oceaneer Lab (3 to 10 years) — similar to Oceaneer Club, Oceaneer Lab provides interactive play and educational activities but with a focus on creativity and experimentation. The Oceaneer Lab and the Oceaneer Club are connected.
- Edge (11 to 14 years) — a tween-exclusive space featuring high-tech entertainment, games and activities, providing a cool hangout spot for older kids.
- Vibe (14 to 17 years) — a teens-only lounge where older kids can socialize, enjoy various entertainment options and participate in themed events and activities.
"it's a small world" nursery! for Infants and Toddlers
For infants and toddlers ages 6 months to 3 years old, the "it's a small world" nursery! provides both quality and convenient childcare services onboard all the ships in the Disney Cruise Line fleet.
Your baby or toddler will be well cared for and entertained by trained Disney counselors to include feeding, changing and, of course, play! Activities include games, arts and crafts, character meet-and-greets, movies and storytime. And if your little one is ready for a nap, there are cozy cribs and dimly lit quiet areas designed just for resting. For this age group, many of the activities are unscheduled and vary depending on the mood and needs of your child.
Because of the personalized care and the low child-to-counselor ratio, space is extremely limited. There are typically a maximum of four infants and 16 toddlers allowed at any given time (also dependent on the number of counselors available). You must make a reservation and space is available on a first-come, first-served basis. If you know that you will need or want to use this service, be sure to make advance reservations as soon as you can. You can book up to 10 hours of reservations online before your sail and the booking window is based on your Castaway Club membership level.
- Concierge & Pearl Castaway Club members — 123 days in advance
- Platinum Castaway Club members — 120 days in advance
- Gold Castaway Club members — 105 days in advance
- Silver Castaway Club members — 90 days in advance
- First-time cruisers — 75 days in advance
Reservations can be made online or in the Disney Cruise Line Navigator app. You can also make reservations during the open house on embarkation day or anytime throughout your cruise, based on availability. There is a fee for this service and rates may vary.
If you need to cancel or make changes to your reservation, be sure to do that at least four hours before your reservation time to avoid any cancellation fees. You'll also want to note that the minimum reservation time is one hour.
For babies and toddlers who eat solid foods, snacks such as crackers and juice are provided between meals. If applicable, bring the following items when dropping off your child:
- Baby food, formula, milk or bottles
- Diapers, pull-ups and diaper wipes
- Extra clothing
- A baby blanket (as a safety precaution, children under 12 months are not permitted to bring items other than a pacifier into a crib)
- Pacifier
If you're anything like this mommy frog, sometimes you just need a little reassurance that your little one is doing OK. Should there be any concerns, the Disney counselors will contact you via the messaging feature in the Disney Cruise Line Navigator app.
"it's a small world" nursery! Locations:
Disney's Oceaneer Club & Disney's Oceaneer Lab
The Oceaneer Club and Lab are open to children ages 3 to 10 years of age. If you have kids in this age group, this is where they'll probably want to spend most of their time! These clubs are available on all of the Disney cruise ships and the service is included in your Disney Cruise package. The best part? Reservations are not required! You can drop off and pick up your children whenever it is convenient for you and your vacation plans.
These dynamic spaces are a treasure trove of excitement and imagination. In the Oceaneer Club, young cruisers can immerse themselves in themed play areas inspired by beloved Disney characters and engage in interactive games and activities. Some of Lily's favorite activities were marshmallow Olympics, the Magic Play floor, cooking classes and Sloppy Science. (Activities are listed in the Disney Cruise Line Navigator app.)
Meanwhile, at the Oceaneer Lab, creativity takes center stage as kids explore hands-on, educational experiences and experiment with innovative projects. From crafts to interactive games, this space provides a mix of entertainment and enrichment. Disney's Oceaneer Club and Lab are designed differently on each ship, but they function the same. The main hub connects to a variety of themed rooms. A hallway also connects both the Club and Lab, allowing the tadpoles to freely explore both areas securely.
What Are the Disney Cruise Kids Club Hours?
Except for embarkation day, the operation hours for the Oceaneer Kids Club are typically from 9 a.m. until about midnight. The times can vary and may be shorter during the days at port. You can find all of the youth club operation hours in the Disney Cruise Line Navigator app.
How Does the Check-in and Checkout Process Work? Are the Disney Cruise Kids Clubs Safe?
When you arrive at the club, you'll find the dedicated check-in area where youth counselors are there to assist you. To ensure security, each child will be issued an Oceaneer Band. This looks and functions similarly to a MagicBand. The check-in and checkout process is smooth and secure. Tadpoles will scan their band upon entry and exit. Linked to your child's Oceaneer Band is important info such as your child's name, age, stateroom, dietary concerns and medical information. Additionally, the RFID chip inside the band ensures that the youth counselors can pinpoint your child's location within the clubs at all times.
During the initial registration, parents can indicate who can pick up their child, and a special password adds an extra layer of protection. You will also need to present your Key to World card at every checkout to confirm your identity.
The Oceaneer Club is a very secure area. All children can check themselves into the club. However, to exit, you can rest easy. Parents must accompany kids when leaving the club. However, for a touch of independence, children ages 8 and older have the option to leave at will if their parents have granted permission in advance.
When Tad turned 10, he was in that in-between age where we knew he might not want to spend all of his time in the Oceaneer Club. Because he had a cell phone, we felt it was safe for him to check himself out of the clubs. This way he could hop over to other areas of the ship for a change of scene or a break from his little sister. Our rule was that he had to send us a message in the Disney Cruise Line Navigator app so we knew where he was at all times.
Disney's Oceaneer Club Locations:
Scuttle's Cove
If you'll be making a stop at Disney Castaway Cay, Scuttle's Cove is where you'll find the kids club on the island. The clubs onboard the ship will not be available until 4 p.m. (However, the clubs become an open house during this time — so if you want to take a peek, this is an ideal time!). Scuttle's Cove is open from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Exciting activities such as a "dig" and treasure hunt are just a couple of the highlights in store here. If water safety is a concern, Scuttle's Cove is located away from the shoreline. And for everyone's safety, both parents and kids need to check in and out at the front entrance.
Sebastian's Cove
Similarly, if your itinerary includes Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point, Sebastian's Cove is the kids club at this new Disney island destination. The clubs onboard the ship become open houses, while Sebastian's Cove is open on the island (you can check exact hours in the Disney Cruise Line Navigator app). Kids can splash around at this water play area inspired by "The Little Mermaid." Sebastian's Cove is located away from the shoreline, and parents and kids need to check in and out at the entrance.
Disney Cruise Kids Club — Tweens & Teens
The youth clubs onboard the Disney Cruise ships are inclusive for your tween or teen too! Disney designed Edge as a space for tweens ages 11 to 14. Meanwhile, Vibe is for teens ages 14 to 17. Both clubs schedule a good mix of age-appropriate activities and downtime. Teens can choose to participate in the organized activities or relax on their own terms.
Edge
Kids ages 11 to 14 will find their perfect hangout at Edge. On the Magic and the Wonder, Edge can be found midship on Deck 9. On the Dream and the Fantasy, Edge is located on Deck 13 inside the forward funnel. This fall, Disney will relocate Edge to Deck 5 on the Disney Dream. On the Wish, Edge is on Deck 5.
Vibe
Vibe is the ultimate hangout exclusively for teens ages 14 to 17. Located on Deck 5 forward on the Dream and Fantasy, Deck 11 midship on the Magic and the Wonder, and Deck 12 on the Wish, this club is both hip and casual. The furniture is modular, so teens create their own chill zones. The central area is a tech paradise, with a giant screen for movies and video games. A dance club area lets teens show off their dance moves, complete with colorful lights and a video wall. There's even a stage for talent shows and karaoke contests. Vibe also has a fountain bar that serves nonalcoholic drinks such as soda, juice, smoothies and coffee drinks.
On the Dream and Fantasy, the fun extends outside with a private pool area, deck and loungers.
On the Disney Wish, Vibe’s design draws inspiration from a Parisian artist's loft. It features vibrant neon signs, funky pop art and floor-to-ceiling windows.
The Hideaway
The Wish is the first to introduce a third posh retreat just for teens called The Hideaway. Located on Deck 12, there's a dance floor and DJ booth — perfect for karaoke contests and dance-offs. The Hideaway features a bright color scheme with retro design touches. It also has a friendly "Hiya, pal" mural and a disco ball. This space can open to the teen club or be reserved for special events. Check the Disney Cruise Line Navigator app for the latest hoppenings.
Chill Spa
Teens, there's a spa just for you! It's called Chill Spa on Deck 11 of the Dream and Fantasy, and Deck 9 on the Magic and Wonder. The spa offers special treatments including facials, massages, body treatments and mani-pedis, made just for guests ages 13 to 17.
Disney Cruise Kids Club FAQs
How do I register my child for the Disney Cruise Kids Club?
Register your child during online check-in, at the port terminal or at the kids' club check-in locations onboard. When you check in at the terminal or onboard, provide your child’s details and authorize who can pick them up from the club (for kids under 10). Children aged 3 to 10 receive an Oceaneer Band, which works like a MagicBand, to scan in and out of the club. The band is free to use during the cruise, but if you don’t return it by the end of the trip, the cruise line will charge $13 (subject to change) to your onboard account. Return the band before leaving the ship to avoid the fee. Many families keep it as a souvenir, so the charge applies if they don't return it.
What are the hours of operation for the Kids Clubs?
The kids clubs open around 9 a.m. and close around midnight/1 a.m. You will find daily operation hours listed in the Disney Cruise Line Navigator app.
Does my child need to be potty trained to visit the Disney Cruise Kids Clubs?
Yes, your child must be fully potty trained to attend Disney's Oceaneer Club. Also, swim diapers are not allowed in the pool areas. Children with swim diapers are welcome to play in the splash pad areas.
Are the kids clubs available on Castaway Cay and Lookout Cay?
Scuttle's Cove is the kids club location on Castaway Cay, while Sebastian's Cove is on Lookout Cay. They're usually open from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. (the app will list the exact hours, which may vary). Onboard, the kids clubs will open after 4 p.m. During the day it is an open house, which is a great time to check out the club and play with your kiddos if you're staying on or heading back to the ship before 4 p.m.
The "it's a small world" nursery! will remain open on the ship when docked at either Castaway Cay or Lookout Cay.
What about during the days at other ports? Are the kids clubs open then?
Disney Kids Clubs are open on port days, but they may reduce or vary the hours. If you booked an excursion or plan on exploring sans the kiddos, you can leave your child at the kids club onboard. Keep in mind that you will need to have your cell phone with you, just in case the crew members need to contact you about your child.
Can older children pick up younger children from Disney's Oceaneer Club?
Parents can pre-authorize children aged 13 years and older to pick up their younger siblings from the club. You can complete this authorization during the online registration process or by visiting the club registration desk and adding the information to the younger sibling's file. Your older child will need to know the family password as well.
What about my tween and teen? Do they need to be checked in and out by a parent?
Nope! The biggest difference here from Disney's Oceaneer Club is that kids ages 11+ can come and go as they please from either Edge or Vibe. We recommend using the chat feature in the Disney Cruise Line Navigator app to communicate with your tweens and teens while on the ship.
How will I be notified if my child needs me?
Disney youth counselors use the Disney Cruise Line Navigator app to communicate. If a child asks to be picked up, the crew member will notify you and contact you via the onboard chat feature. They will also alert you if your child gets injured or doesn't feel well.
My child has a disability. Can they participate in the youth clubs?
Disney Cruise Line provides inclusive and accommodating services for children with disabilities, although specific details may vary. Children must be fully potty trained, able to participate independently and comfortable interacting with peers. Disney cannot provide services to children requiring one-to-one care.
Parents should communicate their child's specific needs and preferences to the youth counselors. For further assistance, you can also contact Disney Cruise Line Special Services at (407) 566-3602 or send questions via email to [email protected].
More Hopful Disney Cruise Kids Club Tips
- Before you book your cruise, make sure your children will be old enough to embark. Babies must be at least 6 months old to sail, or 1 year old for transatlantic cruises. Children as young as 6 months old are welcome in the "it's a small world" nursery!
- Most kids love Disney Cruise kids' clubs, but it’s OK if yours doesn’t. They might feel nervous about being on their own. Help them prepare by chatting about what to expect, the fun activities and watching YouTube videos of the spaces.
- Take advantage of the family playtime in the nursery from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. This is an opportunity for quality time with your toddlers, but it also helps them get familiar with the location. They will be more comfortable when it's time for you to leave them with the Disney counselors.
- Don't froget to attend the open houses to explore the clubs with your children. Leap and I had just as much, if not more fun than the kiddos here! It's also a great way for your child to become familiar with the space.
- Even if you or your child are unsure, we recommend giving the kids clubs a try at least once. Most kids (and parents) love the fun and flexibility of the clubs. If it’s not your child’s favorite, no worries — you can check out the many other family-friendly activities onboard!
- Movie time and quiet spaces are available if your kiddos need a break or even a nap. If your child is ready for a nap, mats will given out. The counselors won't disturb them (or you) if they take a nap while they are visiting.
And that's a wrap on everything you need to know about the Disney Cruise Kids Clubs! Shew! That was a lot of info we just threw at ya. But now you and your family should be more ready than ever to set sail on a magical Disney Cruise. What questions do you still have about the Disney Cruise Kids Club? Let us know in the comments!
Related: Our Top Ten Tips for Kids Sailing on Disney Cruise Line
Related: Choosing the Right Disney Cruise Stateroom for Your Family
Hoppy planning!
