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Are you planning a Disney Cruise Line vacation with your littlest tadpole? Disney makes it easy with “it’s a small world” nursery!, available on every Disney Cruise Line ship. This cheerful nursery is designed for little cruisers ages 6 months to 3 years, giving them a fun, safe place to play while parents enjoy some well-deserved downtime. From how to book to what to expect, here’s everything you need to know for a smooth (and hoppy!) experience onboard.
“it’s a small world” nursery! Overview
You might have heard about the infamous Disney's Oceaneer Club for kids ages 3 to 10, but did you know there’s also a nursery onboard every Disney ship? The “it’s a small world” nursery! is designed for the littlest sailors, ages 6 months to 3 years. It’s a colorful and safe space where tadpoles can play, nap and explore under the care of specially trained counselors.
(The nursery is available for children ages 6 months to 3 years on most sailings. On Transatlantic, Hawaiian and Panama Canal cruises, the age range is 1 to 3 years.)
Feeling a little nervous or have questions? Toadally understandable — we’ve been there! That’s why on embarkation day, DCL offers open house hours at the nursery and other kids club areas. The open houses allow you to tour the space as a family, meet the counselors and help your little one get comfortable before their first visit. It’s also a great time to ask questions and make reservations (based on availability), so you can enjoy an adults-only dinner, a spa treatment or relax in Quiet Cove while knowing your baby or toddler is in good hands.
“it’s a small world” nursery! Spaces
“it’s a small world” nursery! is designed with bright colors, playful shapes and sweet details inspired by the attraction found at Disneyland and Walt Disney World.
On the Disney Magic, Wonder, Dream, and Fantasy, the nursery draws from Mary Blair’s original artwork for the ride, featuring a soft “river” floor, colorful 3D facades and interactive elements. On the Disney Wish and Disney Treasure, the space switches up a bit with murals and play areas themed to "Peter Pan," "Aladdin" and "Frozen." These newer ships also include a cute clock tower with Peter Pan and Tinker Bell.
Every nursery includes three main areas:
- Acclimation/Decompression Zone – helps children settle in and get comfortable.
- Play Area – filled with age-appropriate toys, games, books and interactive features.
- Nap Room – a quiet, cozy spot for rest and naps.
What To Expect
Cruise fun isn’t just for big kids and adults — babies and toddlers have their own special adventures at the nursery!
During your child's time in the nursery, they might:
- Play games
- Participate in crafts
- Watch Disney movies
- Enjoy storytime
- Meet some of their favorite Disney and Pixar characters
Because the group changes throughout the day, activities aren’t set on a fixed schedule like in the older kids’ clubs. Instead, counselors create a flexible, personalized experience based on the needs and moods of the children in their care.
When it’s time to rest, tadpoles nap in their own cozy crib in the nursery’s dimly lit quiet room. Counselors are there to help them feel comfortable and settle in. You’re welcome to bring a favorite blanket or stuffed animal to help them feel more at home. (For safety, children under 12 months of age are not permitted to bring items other than pacifiers into the crib.)
The “it’s a small world” nursery! also provides snacks and drinks for toddlers who eat solid food, including milk and juice. If your child isn’t eating solids yet, be sure to bring bottles, baby food and any other necessary items with you at drop-off. All meals and snacks are supervised, and if your child has dietary needs, just let the counselors know and bring any specific food or drink with you.
Want to check in without interrupting? A window from outside the nursery allows you to peek in and watch your little one engage and play with other children and nursery counselors in the main play space, unnoticed!
Children with support needs are welcome at all locations and can participate in activities as they are able. However, it is important to note that the facility does not offer one-to-one care.
@undercovertourist 🚢 Taking a Disney cruise with kids? Here’s everything you need to know about the onboard kids clubs! From the nursery to teen hangouts, DCL has amazing spaces just for them. ✨ Head to our stories for more details + a giveaway! 📖Get the full DCL Kids Club guide on our blog at UndercoverTourist.com! #disneycruise #disneycruiseline #disney #cruise #cruiselife #cruisetravel #undercovertourist ♬ original sound - Undercover Tourist
How to Make Reservations at "it's a small world" nursery!
Reservations for “it’s a small world” nursery! are something you will want to secure as early in your trip planning process as possible. Since space is limited, booking in advance is highly recommended.
Parents can reserve nursery time in several ways:
- Before the cruise — Book online through the Disney Cruise Line website under "My Cruise Activities" or on the Disney Cruise Line Navigator app.
- Onboard — Check availability and book at the nursery or through the app. Reservation increments are available in one-hour blocks, with a minimum one-hour booking required. Each family can reserve up to 10 hours in advance. Additional hours can be booked onboard based on availability.
Booking Windows
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
Disney Cruise Nursery Pricing
The hourly cost is typically:
- $9 per hour for the first child
- $8 per hour for additional children from the same family
Fees are charged to the onboard account at the time of service. Parents should cancel at least four hours in advance to avoid a cancellation fee. If planning an adults-only dinner at Palo or Remy, securing nursery reservations early is best, as peak evening hours tend to fill up quickly. (Pricing is subject to change.)
"it's a small world" nursery! Operating Hours and Locations
The nursery offers flexible hours to accommodate a variety of schedules. Most days, it operates from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m., though hours may vary by ship and itinerary. On port days, extended hours may be available for parents heading off on excursions.
Ship Locations
- Disney Magic & Disney Wonder – Deck 5
- Disney Dream & Disney Fantasy – Deck 5
- Disney Wish, Disney Treasure & Disney Destiny (sailing Nov. 2025) – Deck 2
Check-In & Pick-Up Procedures
Disney Cruise Line makes drop-off and pick-up simple. When checking in, parents provide counselors with feeding, sleeping and care instructions. Any personal items, including diapers, bottles, extra clothes and comfort items, should be labeled with the child’s name. Parents receive notifications through the Disney Cruise Line Navigator app in case they need to be contacted.
Only adults listed at check-in can pick up a child from the nursery, and a photo ID is required. At pickup, parents will get a quick update on their child's day.
What to Bring
To ensure a smooth stay, parents should pack:
- Diapers and wipes
- Extra clothing
- Bottles and formula/breast milk (if applicable)
- Snacks for children with dietary restrictions
- A favorite blanket, stuffed animal or pacifier for comfort
Disney Cruise Line’s “it’s a small world” nursery! is a game-changer for families cruising with infants and toddlers. With attentive staff, immersive play areas and a simple reservation process, the nursery makes a Disney Cruise enjoyable for parents and tadpoles alike. Still have questions about "it's a small world" nursery? Drop them in the comments below!
Related: Get to Know the Disney Treasure Kids Clubs
Related: Top 10 Tips for Sailing with Kids on Disney Cruise Line
Hoppy planning!
