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.
FAQs
- What ages can use the “it’s a small world” nursery? The nursery is for babies and toddlers 6 months to 3 years old.
- Is the nursery included, or is it an additional cost? The nursery is not included in your cruise fare. It is an hourly, extra fee.
- Do I need to reserve the nursery in advance? Advance reservations are strongly recommended, as space is limited and fills quickly. Advance reservations can be made based on your Castaway Club level on the Disney Cruise Line website or in the Disney Cruise Line Navigator app. You can also make reservations onboard, subject to availability.
- Is "it's a small world" nursery! available on all the Disney cruise ships? Yes, all the ships in the Disney Cruise Line fleet offer nursery services.
“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 clean 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, 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 favorite Disney films such as "Peter Pan," "Aladdin" and "Frozen." These newer ships also include a cute clock tower with cute Disney characters.
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, dimly lit space with cribs and rocking chairs 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 crib in the nursery’s 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.)
Want to check in without interrupting? A window from outside the nursery allows you to peek in and watch your little one unnoticed!
While your child is in the nursery, you may receive notifications through the Disney Cruise Line Navigator app. These are standardized updates to keep you informed. The messages can’t be replied to, but if the nursery needs to speak with you directly, they’ll send a note asking you to contact them. You can stop by the nursery in person or use any ship phone to call the nursery extension.
If your itinerary includes Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point, communication works a little differently. The ship docks farther from shore than at Disney Castaway Cay, which can affect phone access to the nursery. During our visit, we went to Sebastian’s Cove (the kids' club) on the island and asked a crew member for assistance. They were able to contact the nursery using walkie-talkies and get information quickly.
One especially sweet surprise we experienced was a character visit during nursery hours. Cinderella stopped by to visit the children, and the crew took Polaroid photos and gave them to us to keep. It was such a thoughtful touch and a keepsake we didn’t expect.
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.
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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. Each family can reserve up to 10 hours in advance (more for longer cruises). Additional hours can be booked onboard based on availability.
- 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.
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
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Disney Cruise Nursery Pricing
The hourly cost is typically:
- $10 per hour for the first child
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 – 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.
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
The nursery provides a few light snacks, such as crackers, teething crackers, milk and juice, which can be helpful during longer visits.
If you plan to bring formula and want the nursery team to handle feedings, there’s one thing to be aware of ahead of time. Any formula used by the nursery must be approved before the crew can prepare it for your baby. Each ship carries a list of pre-approved formulas. If yours isn’t on that list, no worries at all — it can still be approved onboard. Until approval is complete, parents can prepare bottles themselves and bring them to the nursery. Just note that pre-made bottles need to be used within one hour. The approval process is usually quick, but it’s a good tip to know in advance.
Your first visit to the nursery includes completing a detailed intake form for your child. This covers basics like name, birthday, primary language and developmental info such as diaper use, walking status and feeding routines. You can also share any important notes the staff should know. After that, each drop-off requires a shorter daily form that focuses on that specific visit, including the last time your child ate or slept and any special instructions for the day.
When it’s time to pick up your child, the nursery team will give you a full rundown of their visit. They’ll share details about meals, naps, playtime and diaper changes so you know exactly how your child’s time was spent.
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!
