Summary
Disney Cruise Overview
A Disney Cruise Line vacation offers numerous opportunities for families to spend time together while allowing kids to enjoy activities with their peers in the Disney youth clubs. These clubs provide entertainment throughout the day and into the evening, tailored for five separate age groups.
The youth programs aboard the Disney Magic are comparable to those found on other Disney cruise ships as well as at various shoreside resorts.
It’s a Small World Nursery
This nursery accommodates children from ages 6 months to 3 years. On longer sailings, children must be at least 1 year old.
For an additional charge, It’s a Small World Nursery allows parents to enjoy excursions both on and off the ship, with trained Disney counselors caring for their children. Operating hours may differ while in port, so it’s important to check the Personal Navigator, the daily newsletter and app that outlines activities available onboard.
There are three distinct areas within It’s a Small World Nursery:
- The acclimation zone, designed to ease youngsters into the nursery environment.
- The main play area, featuring a soft surface floor surrounded by colorful tables and chairs where children can enjoy crafts, books, and games, as well as an interactive facade of the beloved “it’s a small world” attraction.
- A quiet room for peaceful naps.
Activities
Activities at It’s a Small World Nursery are flexible and depend on the children’s moods. Counselors offer programs including movie time, story time, and craft projects.
What to Bring
Parents should provide baby food, formula, milk, and bottles as Disney’s trained counselors can assist with feeding. Additionally, it is advisable to pack diapers or training pants, wipes, extra clothing, and a comfort item like a blanket or pacifier.
Disney’s Oceaneer Club
Disney’s Oceaneer Club serves as a multi-themed activity center for children aged 3 to 12. Operating daily from around 9 a.m. to midnight, the club provides opportunities for creativity and social interaction while parents partake in their own adventures.
The central library acts as the main gathering point and gateway to four enchanted “storybook worlds,” including:
- Andy’s Room from Disney•Pixar’s Toy Story.
- MARVEL’s Super Heroes Academy, where aspiring heroes train under the guidance of The Avengers.
- Disney Junior, inviting children into the worlds of their favorite characters.
- Pixie Hollow, where children can experience the magical domain of Tinker Bell and her fairy companions.
Activities
With a vast array of themed activities, children of various ages can participate based on their interests and maturity levels. This encourages siblings and friends aged 3 to 12 to join in without limitations.
A wealth of toys, games, and art supplies, along with ongoing Disney movie screenings, enhances the allure of Disney’s Oceaneer Club. Mats for naps are also provided.
The Personal Navigator features complete activity details, including schedules for all onboard experiences.
Open House
The Open House event allows families to engage in exciting activities available at Disney’s Oceaneer Club and Disney’s Oceaneer Lab. Guests aged 13 and older are welcome only during these designated times. Be sure to reference the Personal Navigator for the Open House schedule.
Dining
Children can enjoy meals at Disney’s Oceaneer Club, providing convenience for parents wishing to have private dining experiences, such as at Palo. If participating in the second seating for dinner, children can join the Dine and Play program, allowing them to finish their meals early and be taken to the youth clubs while parents enjoy a more leisurely dining experience.
Disney’s Oceaneer Lab
Disney’s Oceaneer Lab, located on Deck 5, Midship, is a pirate-themed area for children aged 3 to 12. Open from approximately 9 a.m. to midnight, it serves as an exciting place for creative play and exploration.
Design
The Oceaneer Lab features a range of enjoyable amenities including:
- A large plasma screen for Disney movie screenings.
- A stage for storytelling and dramatic play.
- A pirate workshop filled with hands-on activities and culinary experiments.
Several engaging play spaces branch off from the main room:
- Animator’s Studio for children to create original art.
- Captain’s Workshop, a dynamic area filled with themed tables and exciting activities.
- Craft Studio for those looking to dive into hands-on arts and crafts.
- The Wheelhouse, featuring navigational simulators for kids to steer their own ships.
Activities
Oceaneer Lab offers a variety of stimulating, age-inclusive activities that allow siblings and friends to play together freely. The Personal Navigator lists specific times for each activity.
Open House
Similar to the Oceaneer Club, the Open House event at Disney’s Oceaneer Lab invites families to join in numerous activities. Guests 13 years and older are only permitted during these designated times, as outlined in the Personal Navigator.
Dining
Children can also dine at Disney’s Oceaneer Lab. This is particularly advantageous for parents seeking time alone at places like Palo. During second dinner seating, the Dine and Play option allows kids to eat first before heading to the youth clubs.
Edge and Vibe
The Edge serves as an interactive space for kids aged 11 to 14, located on Deck 9, Midship. Open from around 9 a.m. to midnight, it includes video games, television, and arts and crafts, as well as karaoke and themed events.
Edge features:
- A computer lab with age-appropriate technology.
- Latest video game consoles.
- Comfortable seating and artistic workstations.
Meanwhile, Vibe caters exclusively to teens aged 14 to 17. This vibrant space on Deck 11, Midship, provides a perfect setting for socializing, video games, and a variety of activities woven throughout the day.
Vibe is designed to resemble an inviting college-style lounge with:
- Multiple flat-screen televisions for entertainment.
- A selection of video and board games.
- A relaxed atmosphere for engaging with peers.
While Vibe is designated for teens, it is supervised by counselors who ensure a comfortable experience.
Beverages and Snacks
Vibe includes a full-service bar offering a broad selection of non-alcoholic beverages, including delicious fruit smoothies available for a fee, while soda remains complimentary.
