disney cruise baby room

Posted on Last updated: May 20, 2024 Categories Disney Travel

By: Author Kate

10 Tips for an UNFORGETTABLE Disney Cruise with a Baby

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Thinking of doing a cruise with a baby? Disney offers the ultimate in baby-friendly cruise amenities.  We just returned from our first Disney Cruise with a baby on board the Disney Dream ! Our cruise was the 3 night Bahamas itinerary with one day in Castaway Cay (also known as PARADISE!). We traveled with our 3.5-year-old and 8-month-old sons. The trip was a blast and you can read my full review of the pros and cons here . Cruising with a baby is easy, and Disney goes out of their way to provide you will LOTS of baby amenities on board.

Cruising with an infant is a super easy way to travel. It’s great to be able to unpack only once, especially when I end up bringing the entire house for one 8-month-old baby! A Disney cruise with an infant is really the ultimate for a carefree vacation with a little one. Disney offers so much for every age and I found their cruise daycare to be absolutely top-notch.

There are a few tips that I think will make your cruise easier with a baby on board.

Here are my top 10 tips for a Disney Cruise with a baby

1. get on the ship early.

Ok, so this one isn’t really baby-specific because it’s ALWAYS a good idea to get on the ship early! However, with all of the extra stuff we were lugging in I was certainly glad to have booked the earliest possible entry time for my cruise. You can do this by adjusting your check-in time on ‘ My Disney Cruise’ section of the Disney website. We got on at 11 am and had time to eat lunch and check out the pool and splash pad before we even left port.

Remember that you might not have your luggage for a few hours after departure, so it’s really important to have a day bag with all everything you need! I’ve included my Disney cruise day bag packing list below. For a full list of what to pack for a vacation with kids, you can check out my family packing list pdf!  Or if you are looking for some Disney must-haves, head on over to Fill My Passport for an awesome  Disney Packing List.

Our Day Bag Packing list: Disney Cruise With a Baby:

• Change of clothes each child
• Floatie (we love this one )
• Portable Safe for Valuables 
• Swim Diaper
• Regular Diapers
• Diaper Cream (this spray kind is the best for travel!)
• My emergency medical kit  (click through to my post!)
• Water Shoes
• Two baby bottles
• Powdered formula Travel Packs

Being that this was our first Disney experience we were totally underprepared when it came to all the Disney themed accessories to wear on the first day. Next time we will be on it for sure! Check out this  great list of Disney accessories and gifts  for ideas.

2. Use the small world nursery

One of the main reasons that we decided to book with Disney was because of the Disney cruise nursery on board. The nursery is called “the small world nursery” and it was amazing for our children. Childcare for babies and toddlers is hard to come by at other resorts and having this service was amazing! We got to enjoy an AH-MAZING evening at Remy (see below) and we also booked our 8-month-old in for a few hours while we were at Castaway Cay with our older son. 8-month-old babies just don’t really care for sand, unless they are eating it, and this way we got to have a little date with our older son.

The ladies at the small world nursery on the Disney cruise are amazing. They were all so caring and clearly very experienced with young kids. I loved that they gave me a full report on how my son did when we would come to pick him up. As I was still nursing they also had a nice area for me to sit and nurse my son when he got hungry. It was perfect. The small world nursery does cost extra, but given the cost of the cruise, it was a small fee to pay for an amazing service!

Check out this youtube video by PassPorter Guides that details the entire nursery space.

3. Book Remy for an Adults-Only Dinner Date

Remy is the adults-only restaurant on the ship. We booked both our kids into the Small World Nursery and enjoyed the BEST MEAL OF OUR LIFE at this amazing restaurant. I seriously can not say enough good things about the food here. We are not novices when it comes to eating out, but Remy topped all of our expectations. Traveling with young kids can be exhausting, treat yourself to a date night on the Disney cruise and you won’t be disappointed! Remy does cost extra, but IMHO it was well worth the price!

4. Watch the shows from your room

I’m always amazed when I go on vacation and I see so many kids up and about at 9 or 10 pm enjoying the night. I guess there are two types of kids: those who can stay up late, and those, like mine, who absolutely have to go to bed by 8 pm or EVERYTHING WILL BE AWFUL for the rest of the trip. To be fair, I think they came by it honestly, I’m pretty grumpy when I don’t get my beauty sleep. With the kids tucked into bed, my husband and I would watch the shows on the TV in our rooms. We would also sit out on our balcony and enjoy a glass of wine before bed. The blackout curtain that separates the “kids sleeping quarters” from the adults was perfect for this. Also, we were basically both asleep by 9 pm as well. My kind of vacation!

If you have a ‘tough sleeper’ like we do, make sure to check out my post on how we get our kids to sleep on vacation.   We have a lot of tricks for getting our kids to sleep just like they do at home.

5. Use the SAFE-Go to lock up your stuff by the pool

If you’ve read any of my other blog posts , you will know that I am kind of obsessed with this product . Seriously though, this is literally the best “travel gadget” I have ever purchased. The Safe-Go is a portable safe that is big enough for a couple of cell phones and a wallet and attaches to pretty much anything (stroller, beach chairs, etc etc). I loved having this thing on the cruise. It was especially great for a cruise with an infant because you can leave your stuff while you chase around a toddling baby.   With two young kids, there is really no such thing with ‘one person staying back with the valuables’ My kids were all over the place and being able to lock up my cell phones and my room card was key. I felt more at ease knowing my stuff was safe wherever I left it.

6. Stay on the ship in Nassau

Unfortunately, this wasn’t much of a ‘secret tip’ on my cruise as I estimate that at least 75% of people seemed to stay on the ship in Nassau. Despite it being a bit crowded, we still had a great day on the boat in Nassau and I’m glad we decided to stay on the ship. My sons both loved the splash pad, and it was great that little ones who are not potty trained were allowed to use this area. We also took advantage of the Small World Nursery again this day for a few hours during my son’s nap and my husband and I got to relax in the adults-only section. Win!

7. Bring a stroller for your Disney Cruise with a baby

Before going on my cruise I joined a few Disney facebook groups and read a whole bunch of blog posts on Cruising with a baby. MANY people said not to bother with a stroller and just bring a carrier. When I mentioned on a facebook group that I was thinking of bringing a DOUBLE stroller I got a lot of comments about how it was really NOT a good idea. Of course, I didn’t listen (what else is new!) and I brought a double stroller on the cruise and ABSOLUTELY DO NOT REGRET IT!

My kids love the stroller and I love the stroller too. Both of my kids will sleep in a stroller, and if the kids are asleep in the stroller, the adults can be outside enjoying the fresh air and not cramped up in a small stateroom. Yes having a double stroller was a bit awkward in the tight hallways on the trip, and yes getting it into and out of the room required fully folding it up, but I WILL BRING IT BACK AGAIN AND AGAIN!

We chose the ZoeXL2, which is a great double travel stroller.  It folds up super small but still has a lot of the features of a full-size stroller (recliners, great canopy, decent under-basket). If I did it again, I might consider taking two super compact travel strollers as it would have been easier to navigate the halls.

8. Get a Balcony Room

We booked our trip somewhat last minute (1 month before departure), and when I compared prices at this time the balcony room was not much more expensive than an inside stateroom. The balcony is great for the adults when kids are napping or sleeping in the room. We used it at night to have a drink and watch the sunset. According to the concierge, we also could have watched the fireworks from our balcony but my husband and I didn’t make it to 10 pm when they were happening (HA!!)

At first, I was nervous about the balcony room safety because my 3.5-year-old son is definitely a climber and could easily climb up onto the furniture and jump overboard. There is a really good childproof bolt at the top of the sliding door so I immediately felt much more comfortable knowing that he couldn’t try to open the door.

9. Get the early dining seating

Since we booked so last minute the only seating that was left was the late seating. I have to give it to Disney though, my travel agent called to tell them that we were cruising with an infant and the seating was immediately changed. I am so glad because I think it would have been a big struggle to try to keep my kids up for the late seating. If you do end up with a seating that is not your first choice you are able to go to the Cabanas buffet instead, but my understanding is that Disney tries their best to give everyone the seating of their choice.

10. Bring a reusable swim diaper

Most cruise ships do not let toddlers and babies who aren’t potty trained near the pool. This is the same for the pools on Disney. They are quite strict with this rule, I was asked a few times if my 3.5-year-old was potty trained when he went swimming in the pool.   Babies and toddlers ARE allowed to use the Nemo’s Reef splash pad. This cute splash area was perfect for the little ones and both my son’s loved it. The splash pad is a huge plus compared to other cruise lines I looked at.

Reusable swim diapers  help to save on space and they come in lots of cute designs! Save some packing room (and the environment!) and go with a reusable diaper.

Disney Cruise Baby Facts

• The minimum age for a Disney cruise with an infant is 6 months. Some specific Disney cruises require infants to be over 12 months of age.  Check with your booking agent for more details.
• Infants are not free! As compared to an all-inclusive, you will pay more for a Disney Cruise with a baby.
• You can request amenities like a diaper disposal unit, bottle sterilizer, pack and play and pureed foods from guest services when you arrive on your cruise.

Have you cruised with a baby? Do you have any tips for a Disney cruise with a baby? Drop me a line in the comments below if you have any questions or suggestions. Enjoy your cruise!

Update: Here is an honest review of a Disney Wish cruise which includes the pros and cons of the Disney Wish.

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7 Things To Know About Disney Cruise Lines “It’s a Small World Nursery”

      1.   What age? “It’s a Small World Nursery” is for your little ones 6 months to 3 years old. 1 – 3 years old on select cruises (minimum age restriction on some cruises; Panama canal etc)

    2.  Peace of mind. In your Disney Cruise stateroom, you will have 2 Wave Phones. If you don’t know what they are, they are 2 phones for you to use while onboard your ship or even at Castaway Cay. You can call or text each other, or others onboard as well. You can also get calls from the Nursery (the Oceaneers Club/lab, Edge and Vibe too) If they need something, have a question or concern, they will give you a ring. You are never too far from the Nursery and always able to be in contact. Also, know that your baby is being cared for by expert Disney counselors.

   3. Cost.  Childcare is available at $4.50 per half hour ($9/hr) for the first child and $4.00 per half hour for any additional children in your family (Same stateroom) There is a minimum of 1 hour per reservation. It will be charged to your stateroom directly after pick up. Cancellation must be 4 hours prior to avoid a fee. Less than 4 hours will be penalized half the cost of the childcare. No Shows pay the entire cost of childcare that was reserved.

  4. Security.  Just like older kids, you will choose a secret word for pick up. Along with your Key to the World card and sign them in and out. You can add additional adults to pick up. Friends and family, you may be traveling with. They provide a bag you put supplies in at every drop-off. There is a single gate, they will come get your babies and also bring them to you at check out after getting the official call once all the procedures are complete. There is a little 2-way mirror you may be able to sneak a peek of your kiddo. No pictures are allowed by parents. Privacy concerns. Characters will come to the Nursery. Sometimes you will even get a pic from a counselor at check out. Super cute!

   5. Reservations. Space is limited. Reservations can be made onboard on a first-come, first-served basis. The best time is during the Open House on Embarkation day. They can be made anytime throughout the cruise. Availability will vary. Advance reservations are required and can be made online for up to 18 hours during your cruise (so try for those MUST have hours to begin with and add more onboard.)

• 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.

6. What they do.  Everything. The counselors are angels. You drop off your sweet little babies and you get know rest easy knowing they are in good hands. Little one wants to lay down for a nap? Done. Hungry? They got it covered. Need a drink? Of course. Potty training? They continue the work! Seriously though. They play with them, watch movies, make crafts, Characters come and play with them, they can nap, fed bottles, have snacks throughout the day, and serve meals at mealtime.

7. What you need to know. You provide your own supplies. While they do have food, drinks, and snacks, you will have to bring diapers, wipes, ointments, etc. If you run out, Hakuna Matata, you can buy some at the shops. Children with Special Needs are welcome to the nursery! In stateroom , babysitting is now permitted or offered. You will fill out a form with all medical information, allergies, etc. So they are knowledgable about your child’s needs. With the character interaction, if your child has fears, this is a great time to overcome them.

Basically, It’s a Small World Nursery is nothing short of amazing. Even the littles get Disney Magic . Your child is completely cared for. If an issue arises they will be in contact with you. I didn’t know what to expect going into it, but I couldn’t have asked for more. At the beginning of the cruise, my baby was scared of the characters. The picture they took with Minnie, my little was literally running away. By the end, she was running UP to multiple characters. Tiana even told me how she was just in the Nursery playing with her earlier that day. How awesome!

Have you used It’s a Small World Nursery? What did you go do? We took advantage of things we couldn’t do together otherwise. My name is Jamie and I love all things Disney. I am an Independent Travel Agent with Amazing Magical Adventures and love being a part of the magic. I would love to help you plan your own vacation and help make the memories last. Feel free to email me [email protected].

Let our friends at Destinations to Travel help you book your next Disney Vacation. They are the preferred Travel Agency of Chip and Company and Disney Addicts, and who we use ourselves.

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29 Tips for Taking a Disney Cruise with an Infant

This man loves his Mickey Mouse and Disney Cruises

Planning a Disney Cruise with an infant can be both exciting and daunting. With so many things to consider, it's important to be prepared to ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip for the whole family. The great thing about a Disney cruise with an infant is that there are amazing things for your little one to enjoy as well as opportunities for you to get a break and do some grownup things (or some grownup pretending to be a kid things. It’s easier to get your picture with Spider-Man when you’re not chasing him with a stroller). Here are 29 tips and great things you might not know about to help you make the most of your Disney Cruise with your little one.

Before you leave

1.       book a stateroom with a verandah.

When booking your Disney Cruise with an infant, consider reserving a stateroom with a balcony. This will give you and your family some extra space to relax and enjoy the view while your little one naps. Plus, it can be a great way to enjoy some fresh air without having to leave your room. Bring the monitor, order a cheese platter from room service, and bring some wine. Far and away the best way to be nap trapped.

If you’re gonna be trapped for a nap, this is the ideal situation.

2.       Make Requests for Baby Amenities

Disney Cruise Line offers a variety of amenities to make cruising with an infant easier. You can request ahead of time a variety of items you might need: bottle warmer, umbrella stroller with canopy, bottle sterilizer, pack and play (the crib), and diaper genie (and they’ll empty it every day). These items are first come first serve, so if you don’t request them ahead of time, they might not be available. That being said, if you forget to request, you can go to guest services when you board. Guest services is a mad house during embarkation and disembarkation, so avoid this if you can.

3.       Pack Your Supplies

Make a list of everything you need. Here are a few ideas. As an Amazon affiliate I may earn from qualifying purchases and use that money for more Disney trips.

-Costumes (I’ll say more about in this in a little bit)

-Bottles/sippy cups

The Disney Cruise bathroom counter after the bottles met the bottle brush (below)

-Dish soap and bottle brush (here’s my favorite. It sticks to the counter or wall, so it dries and doesn’t fall in the sink)

-Pacifiers and pacifier clips

-Baby food and/or formula, or if your child transitioned to milk, shelf stable milk (though you can request from restaurants and room service)

-Feeding bowls and spoons

-sunscreen (there’s a lot of sun, here’s a good one)

-Mickey Ears, because why not?

-hats (so much sun). This one is perfect. Comes with swim shoes.

-clothes, obvs

-Swim diapers

-Diaper cream

-Baby monitor (for the verandah)

-Baby blankets and burp cloths

-Sling, Moby Wrap, or baby carrier

-stuffed animal

-Necessary medicine (bring a ton of medicine for any ailment for the whole party)

-Shusher (this was a game changer for us in so many situations)

-protective headphones for fireworks. Here’s a great one.

Hopefully that will get you started, but if you forget anything, the gift shop will have a lot of what you need. It will be heavily marked up, so try not to forget.

4.       Bring a Stroller

When taking a Disney Cruise with an infant, it’s important to bring a stroller to make getting around the ship and ports of call easier. As I mentioned above, Disney provides strollers, but if you have your own, it will be easier to navigate boarding, and if you get something better than an umbrella stroller, you can store supplies under it. Here’s a list of the best strollers for a cruise , if you need it.

5.       Air Travel

If you’re flying in with your little one, make sure you figure out the rules for air travel with an infant. Most airlines will let you bring a stroller onboard. They also will probably let you sit the baby in your lap if you want to save money.

Second Dad to the Right Tip: We live in the Atlanta area, which means it doesn’t make financial sense for us to fly (especially because of all the luggage) to Florida or the Port of New Orleans. However, whenever we go to Disney World or on a cruise, I send my wife and the baby on a plane, and I drive the older girls. They ride Frontier or Spirit with no luggage, and the baby sits in my wife’s lap. The cost ends up being around $39. Then they take the shuttle to our hotel. We get there a lot faster.

6.       Bring Grandparents or other helpful adults

Having some extra help with your little ones gives you even more opportunities for your baby to have some fun while you get to have more relaxation. Then they get to have fun by themselves whenever they aren’t watching the kiddos.

An epic grandparent helping us silently dance at the Silent DJ party

7. Book Nursery Times ASAP

The onboard nursery is one of the best things about the Disney Cruise with infants. Don’t miss out on this opportunity. You can book up to 10 hours of care in the It’s a Small World Nursery before you board the boat, and you need to do it really early if you want the good times. I have an entire article dedicated to the It’s a Small World Nursery here. But here are the basics for early reservations:

Here’s the earliest you can book before your cruise, based on your Castaway Club or Concierge level:

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, 8. go ahead and book that excursion.

Disney Cruise Lines will allow you to leave your child in the nursery if you want to go on an excursion that does not allow little kids. Not only that, but you also have a guaranteed reservation (if you ask) even if the nursery is full. You may not be comfortable with that, but given the number of crazy things (wrecks, accidents, crime, etc.) that can happen during an excursion, we felt safer with the baby on the boat (not to mention nap time, feeding times, fussiness, sunscreen, etc.). You will not find better care for $9.00 an hour anywhere.

9. Request Early Dining

There are two dining slots on the Disney Cruises: early dining (around 5:45) and late dining (around 8:00). The idea is that the early dining has dinner and a show, and the late dining has a show then dinner. Every time we’ve sailed with our baby, we’ve been assigned the late dining. That didn’t work for us, so we requested through the Disney Cruise Navigator App to have an early seating. They’ve accommodated it every time, probably because they see the baby in our party.

10. Figure Out Parking at the Port

Figure out parking, luggage, and dropping off your family ahead of time. At Port Canaveral, you can drop your luggage off and then go park the car. Then you can enjoy a short walk with your whole family to the ship. At New Orleans (New Orleans is terrible), you have to drop off your luggage then go a mile away to a dirt lot and take a shuttle back to the boat. For us that meant finding a place for everyone to sit with the carry-ons while I went a parked a car. Those are the only ports we’ve sailed out of, so figure out the parking and luggage situation for your port so that you have a plan when you arrive.

Port of New Orleans Parking Lot. The least magical thing that Disney has ever done. $100 for this.

11. Day Bag

When you board the Disney Cruise, it might be several hours before your luggage arrives at your room and your room is ready. Have all the necessities for the baby, as well as a change of clothes for everyone (and probably swimsuits), so that you don’t need anything from your luggage for a while.

Now I want to offer some tips and suggestions for your bundle of cuteness once you board the boat.

12.   Go Directly to the Nursery Once You Board

I’ll say that again. Go directly to the nursery when you board and register your child for all the hours you want beyond your original ten hours. Get more than you need. You cancel them any time if it’s more than four hours beforehand. You want to go immediately because the time slots will fill up, especially for days at sea.

13.   The It’s a Small World Nursery

This deserves it own entry. Again, this is the best part of cruising with a baby. Unlike most vacations, you have a built-in place for your child to explore and have exceptional care while you rest. I can’t say enough about this magical place. If you’re aboard the Disney Fantasy, say hello to Gabby if she still works there (we had her twice).

I could go on and on here. But I went on and on in a separate post if you need more explanation and convincing. Click here for that .

14.   The Splash Pad

Unfortunately, children that are not potty trained are not allowed in the pools on Disney Cruises, even if they are wearing swim diapers. That being said, every Disney Cruise has an infant-friendly splash pad for your precious but incontinent child to hang out. Don’t forget those swim diapers!

Nemo's Reef is located on the Disney Dream and the Disney Fantasy. Dory's Reef is located on the Disney Wonder, and Nephews' Splash Zone is located on the Disney Magic. And Disney’s newest ship, the Disney Wish, little ones can splash it up at Toy Story Splash Zone.

Little Dude at the Nephew’s Splash Zone on the Disney Magic

15.   Dining with Baby: Pureed Food

At every rotational dining facility, the kitchen can prepare pureed food for your baby at your request. In our experience, on the first night they can puree anything on the menu. After that, once you tell them what the baby likes, they’ll make that for you regardless of the menu. You can also ask them to bring out water or milk for you to put in a bottle or sippy cup. I love Disney.

Buddy getting the Chef’s Special at Lumiere’s

Second Dad to the Right Recommendation: Our little buddy was obsessed with the butternut squash soup far beyond anything they could puree.

16.   Dining with Baby: Cut Up Food

If your little man or woman is ready for solid foods, the staff will cut up whatever you like for them to eat. There’s a grilled chicken breast on every menu if you can’t think of anything, but all the food is free. Let them try everything.

17.   Dining with Baby: Highchairs and Napping

If they know your baby is coming to dinner, there will be a highchair waiting at your request. If for some reason your baby passes out during the meal, they’re even ready for that.

Proof that they are ready for your baby to fall asleep at dinner

18.   Dining with Baby: Entertainment and Characters

A lot of the meals on the Disney Cruise are interactive. The character shows (e.g. Tiana’s Place), the animation shows (Animator’s Palate), and the character interactions offer a lot of stimulation to keep your baby entertained during dinner.

19.   Dining Without Baby: The Fancy Restaurants

Since you can leave your baby at the nursery any time you book (and a lot of times you can drop them off if there’s an opening), this frees you up to try the fine dining aboard the Disney Cruise Lines. Every ship has a Palo, an absolutely amazing Italian restaurant. The larger ships (Dream and Fantasy) also have Remy, an even fancier (and more expensive) French restaurant based on the movie Ratatouille where the chefs are rats (I think). On the Disney Wish, they have Enchante, a French Restaurant themed on Beauty and Beast. All of the French restaurants are crafted by 3 Michelin-starred Chef Arnaud Lallement—of L’Assiette Champenoise, near Reims, France. That’s the closest I’ll get to one of his restaurants unless y’all go crazy on my affiliate links and share all my posts with your friends (please?).

A perfect meal with the perfect person at Palo’s

20.   Diaper Dash

One of the most unique and beloved events on the Disney Cruise is Jack Jack’s Incredible Diaper Dash. In this event, cast members roll out a 20ft track for crawling babies to race on. They have to crawl (no walking) to the finish line to be crowned champion. This typically takes place in the atrium around noon on the last day at sea. So if you have a crawling but not walking baby aboard the ship, be ready!

If you think I wrote this entire blog post to brag about my baby winning this event, you guessed correctly. Here’s the footage and a victorious photo. Lucky for you, our little dude is learning how to walk soon, so he’ll no longer be your competition.

An unneccessarily proud Second Dad to the Right after Jack Jack’s Incredible Diaper Dash

21.   Character Interactions

Little babies love character interactions! (Sometimes). Sometimes they are terrified. When my middle daughter was little, she was terrified of anything with a non-human mask. She loved the human characters, as well, as the characters with human masks on (Incredibles, Doc McStuffins, Sophia, etc.), but she was terrified of the Fab Four and Abu. Her greatest accomplishment was overcoming that fear to hug Minnie.

But if your little Mouseketeer loves Disney and characters, Disney Cruise has them everywhere. Get a bunch of pictures, and watch your little one smile in astonishment as the magic becomes reality.

22.   Shows

Just like the character interactions, this one is tricky and based on your child’s temperament. That being said, the shows have recognizable characters, amazing music, and incredible lighting effects that have the ability to captivate small children even if they aren’t old enough to follow the plot. I mentioned earlier that one of the great things about the nursery is being able to watch the shows without a squirming or crying baby, but if your baby is the kind to get lost in silent wonder, check out the amazing productions at the Walt Disney Theater on the Disney Cruise ships.

23.   Parties

This is similar to the shows and completely dependent on your child’s temperament. Disney Cruises have tons of shows on deck and in the atrium full of characters, pirates, fireworks, music, and dancing. The bar of behavior is much lower for your baby because no one will hear them have a meltdown. These parties are also more interactive, allowing you to dance along with your baby to the music.

Little Scalawag ready for Pirate Night (and my awesome shirt)

If your child is sensitive to noise, especially horn blasts and fireworks, look for a good pair of ear protection for them.

24.   Costumes

One of my wife and my favorite things to do is to dress our kids up in costumes. It’s a bonus with infants and toddlers because the baby complains far less than our daughters who are starting to think they are too cool. Disney Cruises offer great opportunities for this: character meals, Halloween nights, Christmas nights, Marvel Day at Sea, and Pirate Night. But, do you really need a reason? Your baby will look cute, and they’ll love the attention. And let’s be honest, we love the attention, too. Below is a link to our dude’s pirate costume because I know you wanted it.

25.   Bathtubs

This may seem random, but it’s really helpful. Disney Cruises have actual bathtubs in their staterooms. That’s a gamechanger for bathing your little bobcat. For a lot of parents, trying to bathe a baby in the shower while they are greased up from soap is a dangerous endeavor. A lot of cruises only offer showers in their lower status rooms, so having a tub, even if it’s small, is amazing for caring for babies.

Also, all of the staterooms on the Disney Cruises have split bathrooms with the toilet separate from the shower. This means you can take your time letting your little one play in the bathtub without having to listen to the rest of your family complain about needing to use the toilet.

26.   Atrium

Here’s another seemingly random tip but was amazing for our bundle of energy. There’s not a lot of room for babies to explore on cruise ships where it’s clean, safe, or they won’t block traffic (unless you take them to the nursery). However, if you go hang out at the atrium when there’s no event going on (or people heading to a meal), it’s a beautiful, wide-open space for them to roam around on soft carpet that’s been rigorously vacuumed. The atrium is great for babies and toddlers to get energy out running back and forth.

It’s great for older kids, too. My older daughters (7 and 9) made paper airplanes in the Oceaneer Lab, so when I picked them up, we threw them off the 5th floor balcony into the atrium two stories below while one us caught them and brought them back up. This was about 3:00 in the afternoon and almost nobody walked by. One of them flew in the elevator shaft and back out. Disclaimer: they were not very good paper airplanes.

27.   Walking Track or Just Exploring the Ship

My baby loves to ride in the stroller. He hates getting in the stroller. He hates sitting still in the stroller, but once it starts moving, he’s either high-fiving everyone or he’s asleep. If you have a baby in need of a perpetual motion machine, put them in the stroller (which you should bring or borrow from guest services), and go explore. If you want some real exercise, each of the 4 older ships have a walking track on Deck 4. Apparently, the designers of the Disney Wish decided that this wasn’t for strollers. In order to do it there you have to go up and down stairs between deck 4, 5, and 6. But you can do a miniature loop around the Senses Spa on Deck 6. I never used it before they started building the Wish in 2020 (because little guy wasn’t born), so I take full responsibility for Disney thinking we didn’t need it. My bad, guys.

28.   Elevators

Elevators. Yes. Elevators can be boring. But not on a Disney Cruise, and not for a baby. Most of the elevators have mirrors, much to the delight of most babies. The mirrors are also much to the delight of a dad who likes to watch people’s reactions when my son makes intense eye-contact with them in the mirror. The central elevators on the older ships also have 3 story views of the atrium followed by character murals going all the way up to the to deck.

Not baby related, but elevators are also nice if you have seven-year-old that won’t go to sleep at 4 AM, so you make her run 8 flights of stair over and over while you greet her every two floors or so on the elevator….if somehow you find yourself in that situation.

29.   Castaway Cay

Many of Disney Cruise Line’s sailings stop at Castaway Cay, a Disney-owned private island in the Bahamas with great beaches, food, snorkeling, 5k track, kid’s club, family beach, water slide, adult beach, etc., etc., etc.

Castaway Cay

If you want to take your baby out on the beach, they have trams that will take you to each stop, and they will give you a wagon to put your little rugrat (wait, that’s not Disney, your little Jack Jack) and supplies in to cart them around the island. Since the beaches and transportation are so close to the island, it’s easy to go back to the boat for naptimes or just to get out of the sun.

Also, if you reserve a spot, the It’s a Small World Nursery will care for them while the rest of the family enjoys the beach.

There you have it, 29 things you need to know about taking a baby on a Disney Cruise. If you found this helpful, please share it with all the other sleepless parents who are thinking about taking their infant on a Disney Cruise.

If I left anything out, drop it in the comment section.

If you’re ready to book a cruise, and you want to do it on your own, consider using the Cruise Direct link below. As an affiliate, I’ll get a commission if you book, and it won’t cost you any extra.

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Cruising With A Baby On Disney Cruise Line

Pick A Itinerary With a Castaway Cay Stop

Disney’s private island in the Bahamas, Castaway Cay, is simply incredible and the perfect port if you have a small child. Jogging strollers and wagons with wheels that can easily navigate sand are available to transport your little one more easily. The beaches have a very gradual drop-off that allows babies and toddlers to wade safely. Free life jackets in small sizes are stocked on every beach to borrow, just like on the ship. There is even a splash pad on the island, which we spent most of our time at.

Don’t Overpack, Disney Has Your Back

You will still want to bring baby necessities like diapers, wipes, pumps, infant formula, bottles, pacifiers, baby shampoo, stroller, baby carrier, etc, Disney Cruise Line provides a lot that you don’t need to tug along. Pack ‘N Plays, bed rails, diaper genies, bottle warmers, high chairs, booster seats, toddler-sized utensils, and kid plates can all be provided by the ship! There is even a refrigerator in the room to store snacks, milk, or formula for ease.

The Ship is Designed For Families

Seriously, don’t forget this! There is a nursery on board, kids clubs, family activities all day long such as the diaper dash specifically for crawling babies during at-sea day, a splash pad swim diaper babies and tots can play in, cabins equipped with bathtubs and two separate bathrooms one with a toilet and sink, one with a bath/shower and sink, plenty of storage in the cabins, a swivel TV loaded with on-demands to use during nap or early bedtime, even a curtain separating the kids sleeping area from the parents bed.

Take Advantage of Kids Club Open House Hours

While you are in port during embarkment day and at various times throughout the cruise there will be open house hours at the kids clubs. Utilize those hours to explore the kids clubs with your toddler or baby. Our son loved Andy’s Room and we went to toddler time in Andy’s Room every day. We also loved playing on the Magic Floor during open house hours and the Star Wars section! Really he just loved it all and we loved getting to play in there as a family. If you have older kids this gives everyone a chance to play together as well.

Stick to Low-Key Excursions or Port Adventures

Depending on where you are sailing, most of the port adventures or local excursions in port won’t be age appropriate or even allow babies and toddlers. This is not an issue! If their is a nearby beach or a port adventure offering an all inclusive beach day head to the beach! The beach club we went too was perfect mix of pool, beach and shade and offered a buffet lunch. In other ports we walked around and explored closet to the port. The one excursion we did that was more active (semi-sub tour) our son loved for about 5 minutes of the 45 minute tour… it was super cool and we would have loved it if our son had been older. He was however bored quickly as were all the other kids his age. Exploring the port or doing a low-key tour like a beach day is a much better plan (and cheaper) and gives you easy access to return to the ship if you need too.

Utilize The Nursery During Dinner

The only time our son was really fussy was during dinner. Dinners were long. It wasn’t uncommon for dinners to last more 1.5 hours before we even had dessert. After the first couple nights of him being bored and unhappy at the long meals, we decided to take him to the nursery once he was done eating. We even had him eat in the nursery one night. He loved the nursery and was much happier being there than sitting at a table. It gave him a chance to play with other kids and us the chance to enjoy our meal and even go see a show or do one of the many adult only activities on board before we picked him up. The nursery has a crib area where babies and toddler can sleep if parents are out past bedtime or need to nap during the day. I will definitely book more and use more nursery hours when we cruise again. Currently, it cost $9 per hour for children under 3 to attend the nursery. The staff is amazing and I highly suggest using the nursery as often as you need while cruising, but especially during the long dinners.

Take Breaks and Naps

There is a lot to do on the ships and babies and toddlers tire out quickly and still need their naps. The room setup is perfect to allow for nap time and breaks if your child doesn’t nap or rest well in a stroller or while baby wearing. We tried to stick with our home schedule as much as possible and keep our sons nap at the same time every afternoon. This helped him have a much more enjoyable cruise. We took turns hanging out in the room and watching movies or napping ourselves during nap time. This also gave the other parent the option to go enjoy the Quiet Cove pool, spa, or activities!

Only Bring a Small Stroller

The cabin doors as SUPER narrow and lesson learned our smaller stroller was still too wide for the door. This was actually probably our biggest issue. The stroller seat had to be taken off and folded to get in and out of our stateroom, which was a huge pain. I will bring a very small compacting easy fold style stroller when we cruise again. We loved having the stroller so our son had a place to sit and rest while we walked around from A to B on the large ship and taking it in the ports the days we planned to walk around. Getting it in and out of the room and storing it was an issue. Our stroller is 40.9 x 23.6 inches to give you an idea of size. I think would need something smaller than 20 inches to get through the door. We also used and loved having our baby carrier, so I recommend bringing one as well.

Do Meet & Greets With Short Lines

There are so many amazing character meet and greets on Disney Cruises! Many characters have special appearances like Captain Hook and Smee and some have special outfits like Captain Mickey. The lines can get really long and a few even may be ticketed like the Princess Gathering. Unless your children are very patient in lines I suggest only doing the character meet and greets when the lines are shorter. Some characters are available almost every day others are only available on certain days. Do a little research, so you know who you may expect and when. Try to take advantage of any short line you see! Also, try to avoid any activities that have a long wait.

Enjoy The Family Activities

There is so much to do on the ship and many of the additives are geared towards families or you can bring your child of any age too. Most of the activities you can come and go as you please, so perfect for a toddler with a short attention span! You can stay 10-15 minutes then move on to something else. Our son loved dance parties, sail away party, pirate night shows, fireworks at sea, seeing characters, Nemo’s Reef Splash Pad and all of the activities you know a small child would like, but he also enjoyed pushing the holes in the cards when we played Bingo, exploring the ship,  “helping” us play the Midship Detective Agency game and many of the family activities that weren’t geared to a child his age.

Disney Cruise Is Amazing

Seriously, a cruise is one of the best ways we have traveled with our toddler. From the amazing service to the amount of activities for all ages there is something for everyone on board. Having a young child should not hold you back because Disney has your back! They had everything covered from the family friendly staterooms, children utensils and plates, and strollers to use at Castaway Cay. Our waitstaff, room attendants and all the cast members made us feel like royalty and made sure our experience and our sons was the trip of a lifetime. We will cruise on Disney Cruise Line again and I definitely think you should too.

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Ultimate Guide To Disney Cruise Child Care and Kids Clubs

By Lisa Gilmore Leave a Comment

Ah, you’ve booked a cruise. You’re thinking of relaxing poolside, tasty beverages adorned with little umbrellas, exotic destinations, and child care.

The Disney Wish

Wait, what? Child care? Why would child care thoughts pop up in a cruise daydream?  Well, when you’re booking a Disney Cruise, why  wouldn’t world-class child care be one of your top vacation fantasies?

The name and brand of Disney has proven itself time and time again when it comes to family-friendly entertainment and family-friendly vacations, and on a Disney Cruise , these two concepts merge into a synergetic force, giving your family a vacation tailor-made for each individual as well as your whole family unit.

Mickey and Minnie on the Disney Wish!

That’s a big brag. Ok, let’s back it up by looking at the child care and kid’s clubs aboard the Disney Cruise Line ships to see what all they offer, and why your kids may never want to leave these custom-designed areas on the ships!

The Disney Cruise Line  fleet is comprised of  five world-class ships : the  Disney Magic , the  Disney Wonder , the  Disney Dream , the  Disney Fantasy,  and the newest ship in the fleet: the  Disney Wish .   The fleet will be joined by the  Disney Treasure in 2024, and Disney Cruise Line has also   recently purchased the Global Dream cruise ship .  Each ship has a classic cruise line theme from the glory days of those turn of the (20th) century transatlantic luxury cruiseliners, but with modern twists and amenities.

Disney Magic

All of the cruise ships provide youth and teen clubs to keep the kids entertained during the cruise. There’s even a nursery for those wee ones (for an extra fee). Each youth club is tailored to a different age range and includes different entertainment elements. And each ship has its own unique take on each space.

Oceaneer Club

“it’s a small world” Nursery (Ages 6 months to 3 years)

Yes, there’s even a spot for your baby! So, if you’re looking to book a massage or enjoy a nice dinner with your partner, or even take a nap (because we know you’d love an undisturbed 3-hour nap), you can take your tyke to the nursery.

“it’s a small world” Nursery

Once you get that spot secured, you can rest assured that your little one will have a fun, safe, and Disney-riffic time. This nursery spot is different than the kids clubs for the older children, there is a per-hour charge with a minimum of 1 hour. For additional children in the same family, the charge is a little less per hour for an additional child. And cancellation fees do apply if you cancel your arrangements without at least 4 hours notice.

There are two main rooms in the nursery. An activity room filled with perfect items for tiny hands, like horns to honk, wheels to spin, and buttons to push. The second room has the lights turned down for a calm setting, perfect for naptime.

Nursery on the Disney Wish

The reservations are set for a capacity of four infants (those not yet walking) and 16 toddlers, depending on the number of counselors on hand. Parents are required to provide their own diapers, baby wipes, extra clothing/pajamas, pre-made bottles of milk/formula, baby food in jars, sippy cups, and security items such as blankets, pacifiers, or a favorite toy, and everything should be labeled with the child’s name — just like any daycare or child care facility at home. The nursery counselors use the chat feature in the DCL app to communicate any needs or situations to parents.

Toddler play area

To book your child’s time in the nursery, you’ll want to make a reservation as soon as you can, since space is so limited. Depending on your Stateroom or your Castaway Club status, you can start booking his option between 75-120 days out. Or, check on Embarkation Day for any availability. Daily operating hours may vary, so check the Disney Cruise Line Navigator mobile app while on board the ship.

Disney’s Oceaneer Club (Ages 3 to 12):  

When kids are checked into the Oceaneer Club, they enter a common hub area and other themed activity rooms split off from this main room.  A stage in the main area provides a platform for kids to express their creativity and storytelling, and is the centerpiece of the Club when Disney characters stop by to visit! There are large-screen TV showing movies that may feature a surprise Disney character interaction from time to time!

Rapunzel’s Art Studio on board the Disney Wish

In the different rooms that split off from the main hub, kids can play in Andy’s Room (Wonder, Magic, Fantasy, Dream), Star Wars: Command Post (Fantasy), Marvel Superhero Academy (Wish, Wonder, Magic, Fantasy ), Pixie Hollow (Magic, Fantasy, Dream), Disney Infinity Game Room (Dream),  Star Wars: Millennium Falcon (Dream), Disney Junior (Wonder, Magic), Frozen Adventures (Wonder), Fairytale Hall (Wish), Walt Disney Imagineering Lab (Wish), Mickey & Minnie’s Captain’s Deck (Wish), or Star Wars: Cargo Bay  (Wish).

Mickey & Minnie’s Captain Deck

Disney’s Oceaneer Lab (Ages 3 to 12):  

Is another spot for when your young crew is feeling creative. Your junior Imagineers can create in Animator’s Studio (Dream, Fantasy, Magic), Craft Studio (Dream, Fantasy, Magic), Media Room (Dream, Fantasy, Wonder), Playmation (Dream), The Wheelhouse (Dream, Fantasy), Sound Studio (Fantasy), Captain’s Workshop (Magic), Navigation Game Station (Magic), Marvel Avenger Academy  (Wonder),  Andy’s Room  (Wonder), Frozen Adventures (Wonder).

The Disney Wish includes an Imagineering Lab for kids!

The Club and Lab are connected with a secure, kids-only hallway, so children can go between the two areas freely. Be sure to pre-register your kids (through the Disney Cruise Line website) for access to these kids clubs before your cruise, so they can be that much closer to experiencing these fun spaces!

Edge (Ages 11-14)

Tweens have their own space aboard Disney ships. Located in different nooks and secret spots around the ships, these tween clubs provide kids with a chance to hang out with others their age, play games, have dance or karaoke parties, and engage in counselor-led activities, or just hang out and play video games. Their own little mini vacation within a vacation.

This tweens-only space is open from 9AM – midnight daily. Disney GETS how much the kids love technology and there is no shortage of it here! Tweens can play video games, sing karaoke, watch TV, and use the computer lab. The space is filled with couches for hanging out, arts and crafts tables, and flat-screen TVs. Counselors will keep the kids busy until midnight with activities, so you may never see your kid the whole cruise long!

Vibe (Ages 14-17)

While designated as a teens-only hangout, Vibe is chaperoned by some of the coolest counselors at sea, in a laid-back way that allows teens to feel as unrestricted and comfortable as they can possibly be.

This is a club built with teens in mind, where technology and social media reign supreme. Giant screens (complete with surround sound) for watching their favorite films or even concerts, plus so many fantastic selfie backgrounds!

“Bar” area

And it wouldn’t be a full club if it didn’t have refreshments like the adult night-clubs do (just non-alcoholic versions, like soda, coffee, and smoothies).

If you’re cruising on the Dream or Fantasy, Vibe extends to a private deck area outside! Poolside deck chairs and loungers offer sunbathing, and access to two wading pools, fountains, jets, and misters. Competitive teens can try their hands at ping pong and foosball.

Additional Spaces

You could argue that the whole ship offers something for everyone, but there are even more spaces beyond just designated kids clubs that are tailored for each unique demographic.

On the Disney Wish , tweens and teens can enjoy Hideaway , a unique “third teen/tween space” adjacent to Vibe. It’s a sort of flex space that can be opened to the teen club or closed off for tween-only events.

There is also  Hero Zone   on the Disney Wish, which isn’t kid-exclusive (it’s a great event space for the whole family), but it is conveniently close to the Vibe, which is a not-so-mini indoor sports hub. Kids can challenge each other in friendly competition with basketball, soccer, and a variety of table-top games, including Ping-Pong, air hockey, foosball, and shuffleboard.

Incredi-Games at Hero Zone

Chill Spa for Teens is located inside Senses Spa onboard the Disney Dream, Fantasy, and Magic , exclusive for cruisers ages 13 – 17.  This spa-within-a-spa has a unique space with treatment rooms, showers, and a separate seating area just for the teen clientele. There is also a menu of services tailor-made for their relaxation and pampering needs, including facials, massages, body treatments, manicures, and pedicures.

Outdoor Oasis © Disney

The Chill Spa does cost extra, so make sure your kiddos save up their allowances for this treatment!

Adults who want to stop by these locations just to get a peek at what the fun is all about can stop by during open house days/hours.  The kids clubs on Disney Cruise Line are pretty amazing, so you’ll want to stop by those open houses, even if you’re just a big kid at heart.

What is the Best Age for a Disney Cruise?

What you need to know about disney cruise line, learn all about disney cruise line and its various ships, explore disney’s mega cruise ship – the wish, a full list of what you can’t bring on a disney cruise, these are the best times to book your disney cruise, the best ways to save space in your tiny cruise cabin, 10 things you need on your next cruise (that you won’t think to pack), what it’s like to live on a cruise ship for 6 months, join the dfb newsletter to get all the latest disney news delivered right to your inbox click here to subscribe.

Have your kids utilized the child care or kids clubs on the Disney Cruise Line? Tell us your thoughts in the comments below!

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Tips For Travelling With A Baby On Disney Cruise Line.

Cruising with a baby or toddler is a magical experience, its also a wonderful way to get a little parent chill time as you can book your baby into the It’s A Small World Nursery. Incredibly this is not a service all cruise lines have check out The Best Cruises For Babies to see what other cruise lines offer. With this in mind we have done all the research for you and wanted to share what its like Travelling With A Baby On Disney Cruise Line. So grab a cuppa and enjoy dreaming of your next Disney Cruise.

AD We have been or could be if you click on a link in this post compensated via a cash payment, gift or something else of value for writing this post. See our full disclosure policy and privacy policy for more details.

Travelling With A Baby On Disney Cruise Line.

Do disney offer free baby places.

Disney Cruise line  offer an excellent baby discount, especially when you consider the facilities and service Disney Cruise Line provide for babies. Expect to pay on average the quarter or third of the full adult price.

What Age Does My Baby Have To Be To Cruise With Disney?

Your baby must be at least 6 months old on the day of sailing for most itineraries. However for Transatlantic and Panama Canal itineraries due to more days at sea the minimum age is 1 year old on the day of sailing.

What Services Are Available When Travelling With A Baby On Disney Cruise Line?

What baby facilities are available in your cabin.

The following complimentary stateroom items are available upon request.

• Diaper disposal units
• Bottle warmers
• Bottle sterilisers
• Formula (ready to feed)
• To help with cabin space portable cribs are available, which your stateroom host or hostess can set up and take down for you each day.

Can You Buy Nappies And Formula In The Store On A Disney Cruise?

Baby supplies such as diapers, training pants, rash cream, infant formula (ready to feed), bottles, pacifiers, baby food, baby shampoo, baby lotion and baby powder are all available to buy onboard.

What About Dining In The Restaurants?

High chairs are available at all of the restaurants onboard, thus taking the stress out of dinner time.

Also the main dining rooms and room service can prepare fresh pureed vegetables upon request .  Of Course Disney Cruise Line  also sells formula (ready to feed) and baby food in the ship store.

However guests may also bring their own baby food and formula onboard the ship as carry-on items. Food must be pre-packaged, unopened and not require food preparation from the kitchen . 

Getting Around A With A Baby On A Disney Cruise.

Complimentary strollers are available to borrow at Guest Services. However there are on a first come first serve basis. If you take you own stroller check out our stroller guide , in our experience its always better to take your own.

In addition to this at Castaway Cay in the Bahamas, complimentary wagons are available for navigating the island’s sandy beaches. ( Seriously? Disney have thought of everything)

Can Babies Use The Pool On Disney Cruise Ships ?

For non potty trained babies? The following ships offer splash zones. (Babies are not permitted to use the main pool. And must wear training pants in the splash zones.)

• The Disney Dream: Nemo’s Reef.
• Disney Wonder : Dory’s Reef
• On the Disney Magic: Nephews’ Splash Zone
• Disney Fantasy: Nemo’s Reef and AquaLab

Baby splash areas are shaded from the sun and have a safe soft wet-deck surface.

Be aware swim diapers are not permitted in any hot tubs, spas or any Disney Cruise Line pools or waterslides.

Are There Life Vests Available For Use In The Pools?

Yes, complimentary swimming vests are available on the pool decks onboard all Disney ships. These are for the use of potty trained toddlers to wear in the pool.

Do Disney Cruise Line Offer A Nursery For Babies?

Yes, it’s A  Small World Nursery  is available onboard all Disney Cruise Ships. This is popular service that can be booked in advance. However if you are flexible the Small World Nursery can also be booked on a first come first service daily.

It’s advisable to book in advance to avoid disappointment, especially if you have an anniversary meal or special occasion planned.

How Far In Advance Can I Book The Nursery?

• 120 days ahead for Concierge and Platinum Castaway Club Guests
• 105 days ahead for Gold Castaway Club Guests
• 90 days ahead for Silver Castaway Club Guests
• 75 days ahead for all other Guests

What Is The Rate In The Nursery ?

The rates for Its A Small World Nursery are $4.50 per half hour for the first child and $4.00 per half hour for any additional children in your family. Please not the minimum reservation time is an hour.

Will We Get The Opportunity To Meet Disney Characters On Our Cruise?

Yes, there are character around the ship all the time, in shows, parties and special events. However you can also book character meet-and greets on select sailings.

Additionally Disney Junior Character Breakfasts and the Disney VIP Character Breakfasts are available to book.

You can reserve tickets for these special Character experiences online before you board your ship. Once your cruise is paid in full you are able to reserve within your advance booking window.

When Can I Book Special Character Meets and Greets?

• First-Time Guests, 75 days prior to sailing
• Silver Castaway Club Member, 90 days prior to sailing
• Gold Castaway Club Member, 105 days prior to sailing
• Concierge Guests and Platinum Castaway Club Member,  120 days prior to sailing.

Additionally check with guest services on the first day of your cruise as a limited number of tickets may also be available.

Extra Tips For That Extra Sprinkle Of Disney Magic!

To add Disney magic you can request character bed sheets for your children from your room host/hostess.

Decorate your stateroom door with Disney Characters – and also have fun checking out everyone else’s. See our post here with free downloadable  printable door magnets.

Book Mickey wake up calls or character calls and get Mickey or his pals to give your little ones a wake up call every morning.

If you are traveling on Disney Dream  and  Disney Fantasy  the inside staterooms have Magical Portholes that show real time views of the outside on an LCD screen with Disney characters floating by on the screen every few minutes. That is way more magical for little ones than a real view!

Are Children’s Drinks Free On A Disney Cruise?

There is no charge for soft drinks at the Beverage Station on Deck 9 of the Disney Magic and the Disney Wonder, so this is a great place to fill juice cups.

Also check out our top Disney Tips from seasoned  Disney Cruise Fans for more tips and more about the kids clubs for 3-12 years on Disney Cruise Line.

Sarah also writes for Mini Travellers Family Travel Blog and Extraordinary Chaos Craft and Lifestyle Blog. Both are award-winning blogs with a travel and family focus. She is married and has two boys, aged 18 and 22, who all love cruising as a family. Nothing is better than waking up every day in a new port with new and exciting things to explore. She aims to share how cruising as a family with young adults is the perfect choice for family travel. Her boys are sporty and love the activities, sports and dining options cruising offers. Sarah has worked with brands such as Walt Disney World, Mark Warner, Ikos Resort, Center Parcs, Laura Ashley, Belling and Next.

1 thought on “Tips For Travelling With A Baby On Disney Cruise Line.”

This is great. Thanks! We are planning to stay on a cruise ship next January. I love cruises.

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Are Infants Free on Disney Cruises?

Disney Cruises are known for their amenities and family-friendly atmosphere, so they’re a popular vacation choice for families with young children. Parents planning to bring their little ones on a Disney Cruise should know the important details, including the prices of Disney cruises and the regulations set by the cruise line.

Disney Cruises are priced per-person . Disney does not waive the fare for infants traveling onboard its cruise ships, but infant fares are a good bit lower than the standard rate for children. They’re also significantly lower than adult fares. Let’s look at a few examples to see how the pricing works in real life.

Example prices:

3-Night Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral on March 1, 2024 — Category 11B Inside Stateroom

• Adult Rate: $942
• Child (age 5): $564
• Infant (age 1): $319

7-Night Alaska Cruise from Vancouver on July 3, 2023 — Category 5B Verandah (Balcony) Stateroom

• Adult Rate: $5,516
• Child (age 5): $1,908
• Infant (age 1): $1,059

Get Personalized Advice and Answers for All Your Cruise Questions

What’s the Minimum Age for Infants on a Disney Cruise?

As part of Disney Cruises’ regulations, the minimum age for a child to go on most cruises is at least six months. For some international routes such as Transatlantic, Panama Canal and Hawaii itineraries, the minimum age is 12 months.

The infant must reach the required minimum age no later than the day the cruise begins. Turning the correct age during a mid-cruise birthday is not sufficient.

It’s also worth noting that while an infant may be allowed onboard, they may not be of an age to fully comprehend and enjoy the cruise. We believe that the best age for children to cruise is a bit older.

Is Babysitting Provided on Disney Cruises?

All Disney ships have a dedicated babysitting facility for children aged three and younger. Its main play area has books, toys, and videos, while separate quiet rooms have cribs where the little ones can nap.

Inside the facility, there are Disney youth counselors to watch over young children. They are also willing to handle feeding and diaper changes — parents dropping off their child may also bring baby food, formula, milk, bottles, diapers/wipes, and pull-ups. You’re also welcome to bring extra clothes, baby blankets, and the all-important pacifiers.

There’s lots for little ones to explore at Disney Cruise Line’s it’s a small world nursery | Image © Disney

The “it’s a small world” nursery! has extremely limited space, so parents must book ahead of time to secure space for their infants. The booking window opens at the same time all other onboard activity reservations become available — it’s a sliding scale based on your Castaway Club level (how many times you’ve sailed with Disney). For first-time cruisers, this is as early as 75 days in advance of your sail date. You can also make reservations once onboard the ship, subject to availability.

The nursery service does require an additional fee, but it’s very reasonable. As of March 2023, the standard rate is $4.50 per half-hour, with additional infants/toddlers in the same family charged $4.00 per half-hour. The minimum reservation length is one hour. The total amount will be charged to your shipboard account.

No longer need your reservation? Be sure to cancel at least four hours in advance, or you’re on the hook for the entire charge for the reserved slot.

Book With The Vacationeer to Get Credit Toward Onboard Purchases Such as Babysitting

Infant Amenities on Disney Cruises

Disney Cruises offers several infant-friendly amenities. Among these:

In-Room Baby Supplies

You can borrow a complimentary stroller from the Guest Services desk on the ship. Meanwhile, your Stateroom Host will be happy to provide diaper disposal bins, a playpen / pack-n-play, and bottle sterilizers / warmers for the room. When it’s time for bed, your Stateroom Host is also able to set up a crib or bed rails during your nightly turndown service.

Freshly-Made Baby Food

There’s no need to find space for tons of baby food in your bags when you’re packing for your Disney cruise . The onboard galley kitchens are happy to puree fresh vegetables for your infant to eat.

This service is primarily provided in the main dining rooms, so it may not be available at some quick-service locations you visit. But don’t worry — you can always get it through room service, which is available 24 hours a day and is included in the cost of your cruise.

One further note for meal time: complimentary high chairs are available at all restaurants on the ship. If you don’t see them, just ask!

Fun in the Sun

Disney’s private island in the Bahamas , Castaway Cay, offers another way to make traveling with an infant easier: you can borrow a complimentary wagon to make it easier to get your little one around to everything there is to do on Castaway Cay . It’s SO much easier than trying to plow those sandy beaches with narrow stroller wheels!

Safety First!

Upon boarding, be sure to check and make sure that an infant life jacket has been provided inside your stateroom — if not, let your Stateroom Host know right away!

Buy Last-Minute Needs Onboard

Don’t fret over whether you’ve remembered everything — or worry that you’ll suddenly run out of an essential item. You can buy most of the basics onboard the ship if needed — diapers and pull-ups, rash cream, formula / bottles / baby food, pacifiers, and toiletries such as baby shampoo / lotion / powder.

Disney Cruises Activities for Infants

While you might be disappointed to have to pay a fare for infants on your cruise, you’ll be pleased to know that you get access to a number of special amenities for infants and toddlers.

Splash Zones

Each of Disney’s Cruise ships offer a water play area that’s made especially for the tiniest cruisers. Toddlers do not need to be toilet-trained, but swim diapers are required.

You’ll find Nephews’ Splash Zone on the Disney Magic , Dory’s Reef on the Disney Wonder , Nemo’s Reef on the the Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy , and Toy Story Splash Zone on the Disney Wish .

Worried about safety? You’ll be comforted to know that Disney Cruises have lifeguards on duty.

Character Experiences

The character meet-and-greet is one of the best parts of sailing on a Disney Cruise Line. It is a magical moment that all ages will enjoy.

While some character meet-and-greets are available to all, others take place on a more private basis. The characters present are different for each ship and cruise. Your little one might not remember meeting the Disney characters, but photographs of the event will last forever.

Deck Parties and Live Entertainment

There’s always something going on onboard, from dancing deck parties to live shows. And while not everything might be ideally suited to a young infant (you know best whether your child gets fussy in a theater setting or just takes a nap), you’ll usually find something to keep them entertained.

Get Answers Without Waiting on Hold

Tips For Taking Disney Cruises With Infants

Book ahead of time.

When you book early, you can be sure you book the amenities you want and secure yourself the ideal room. Also, the closer you get to your cruise date, the more expensive cruise tickets can be.

Seek Help From a Travel Agency

Especially when traveling with a large big group and an infant, it is best to seek assistance from an experienced travel company or agency, like our friends at The Vacationeer . They can help you find the best deals and will make the arrangements for you so you can avoid spending money on unnecessary things.

It is best to travel light when going on a cruise; you can do this in part taking advantage of the complimentary cribs or strollers onboard. They’re given out on a first-come, first-served basis — but we definitely suggest making a request ahead of time either on your own or through your travel agent. Of course, to absolutely guarantee you have access to a stroller onboard, you’ll want to bring your own .

Bring the Essentials

Even if you will pack light, bring all the essential items. Remember to bring documents, jackets, pajamas, snacks, essential medicines, and the little one’s bath items.

Board Early

The sooner you arrive, the more time you will have to enjoy the ship’s amenities. Remember that there will be many people and pieces of luggage getting on and off the ship. If you’re traveling with young children, schedule extra time for boarding. You can schedule your boarding time during online check-on.

Final Thoughts: Bringing Your Baby Onboard

Going on a cruise is the experience of a lifetime. With proper planning, you can ensure that your cruise with your little one will be smooth-sailing.

Even though infants are not free of charge on Disney Cruises, we certainly think it’s worth it . And there are many ways to save money; you can book early, pre-reserve amenities, and take advantage of the complimentary items so that you can have peace of mind throughout the whole journey and enjoy every moment with your family.

How To Book a Disney Cruise With an Infant

One of the best ways to book your Disney Cruise — especially in special situations such as traveling with an infant — is to use the services of an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner such as The Vacationeer .

The dedicated Disney Cruise experts at The Vacationeer cheerfully provide free help booking your Disney Cruise , and will handle all the logistics for you .

You’ll have one dedicated agent from start to finish — great for busy parents who don’t have time to wait hours on hold navigating the phone menus for a giant call center.

And because they take the time to learn about you and your family , they can help you pick the best Disney Cruise ship for your kids .

Best of all, their services are completely free to use! You’ll never pay a planning fee , and your cruise won’t cost a penny more than if you’d booked it yourself. It might even cost less , because they know all the latest discounts and will even watch for new ones to be announced after you’ve booked!

Speaking of saving money, they even provide a generous onboard credit — that’s free spending money that can be used on the ship toward expenses such as babysitting or purchasing last-minute supplies .

Being a parent requires a lot of time and energy — The Vacationeer handles your Cruise details so you can focus on your family .

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Leaving baby in room to nap? Thoughts and discussion!

• Thread starter kirby klopper
• Start date Nov 29, 2021

kirby klopper

Earning my ears.

• Nov 29, 2021

Capitalangel

Mouseketeer.

PrincessShmoo

Dis veteran.

kirby klopper said: Hello All! We will have a 20 month old when we go on our cruise in January 23’. She will need at least one nap a day, has anyone left their child in the room to take a nap alone? If so, did you have a closed circuit camera that you could watch? Disney would probably be the only cruise line we would consider this. If not, did you all just stay in the room with them? Thank you! Click to expand...

Cheburashka

No, I can't recommend leaving your precious baby alone in a cruise ship room for a significant amount of time. Being on the veranda is okay because you're right there and can see through the glass, but it sounds more like you're talking about exploring the ship while your baby is actually alone in the stateroom. I totally understand the longing to get away from baby duty for a while (single mom here), but that just isn't safe or responsible. If your stateroom host entered and saw the baby unattended & noticed you'd been gone for a while (they take note of guests' comings & goings to time their cleanings), I wonder if they might even feel the need to report the matter to make sure the baby is protected, otherwise they and/or DCL might be liable.  

DIS Veteran

I don’t even leave my kid alone in a room at home. The Charles Lindbergh baby was seared into my head long before I ever had children.  

DCL many not even allow this. When we took our granddaughter onboard without her parents (about the same age as your child) we just all went back to the cabin and hung out while she napped. It would scare me to leave a child alone by themselves, especially if they woke up and you were not there they would be frightened in a new environment.......also in case of an emergency it would be so upsetting to be away from your child. You and your husband could take turns getting out of the cabin while the little one naps. Enjoy your cruise. MJ  

GBBTomorrow

I think maybe you're kidding (??), but I'll answer anyway, in case you are serious. No, I would not leave my baby alone in a hotel room of any kind, ever, for any length of time. Too many people have access to that door, and as a previous poster said, a cast member entering your room would probably report an unattended baby. A better idea for time to yourself would be to make use of the nursery, which has great accommodations for napping babies.  

100% no. Not even a question. You stay in the room or take turns with another adult in your party.  

GBBTomorrow said: I think maybe you're kidding (??), but I'll answer anyway, in case you are serious. No, I would not leave my baby alone in a hotel room of any kind, ever, for any length of time. Too many people have access to that door, and as a previous poster said, a cast member entering your room would probably report an unattended baby. A better idea for time to yourself would be to make use of the nursery, which has great accommodations for napping babies. Click to expand...

The nursery is closed, which is why some parents are feeling desperate for a baby break. It's like I said to the OP, I really do understand their longing. They want to be baby-free for awhile. All parents feel that way at times, and I'm sure it's been challenging having a baby at home throughout the pandemic. But it's a longing that a parent simply has to resist. This really isn't a good time to cruise with a baby: no nursery available, no Covid vaccinations available for babies, etc. They seem to want to enjoy adult time together on the cruise, but that just isn't possible for them right now unless they can pay for a nanny or doting relative to join them. They'll need to manage their expectations about what their cruise experience will be like.  

kirby klopper said: Hello All! Thank you for all the helpful comments. New parents here. And thank you for all the judgmental ones. Click to expand...

Maybe the nursery will be open again by 2023. We used it when our babies were that age and it was wonderful. We would book them in there at nap time. There is a whole quiet room full of cribs. We would also book them in the evening. We would drop them off with a bottle and the staff would rock them to sleep. We could go explore the adult areas of the ship and then pick them up sleeping at the end of the night.  

No. Just no. If cast member finds child alone they are obligated to report neglect.  

No, get a veranda room and take a drink, snack, and book out while they nap.  

becauseimnew

Planner-aholic.

Carol_ said: I don’t even leave my kid alone in a room at home. Click to expand...

becauseimnew said: This is a joke right?!? My kids used to take 2 - 2 hour naps plus sleep 12 hours at night, that’s 16 hours of sleep, I would get nothing accomplished if I was always in their room when they slept. Click to expand...

I am going to hope you are just a really young naive parent. It’s not a house - you cannot Leave a child alone in your room on vacation. Ever. Leave them home with grandma and grandpa if you can. my advice for for vacations is toss schedules Out the window. Naps may or may not happen on the go. I was really scheduled but On vacation went with flow. I read when baby is asleep with a reading light. My husband sleeps. It is what it is.  

martikus said: I am going to hope you are just a really young naive parent. Click to expand...

CampbellzSoup

Son. husband. father..

Under no circumstances would I EVER leave my baby unattended, sorry.  

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Disney Cruise with a 6 month old

Before getting pregnant with our third, we’d planned two trips out of the country: a trip back to Cabos with our two girls to celebrate our 15th wedding anniversary and a Disney Cruise to the Bahamas in May. Well, we had to cancel Cabos because of this pregnancy. I have to have a c-section and baby would’ve only been 7-8 weeks by the time we went. I’m still disappointed we can’t go since we go every 5 yrs to celebrate our anniversary b/c we were married there.

I decided to keep our Disney cruise. At the time of our cruise next year, my oldest will be 9, middle kid 3��, and the baby will be 6 months. I’ve read that Disney cruises are the best for babies but I’m still a bit nervous that I’m crazy for doing this.

so jealous you can go disney world!!! we will be going to america in couple years i cant wait for take my girls i cant wait todo everything disney! (i went for my 21st)

We went on a Disney cruise this past Feb when my daughter was 11 months, a 3 yo and 5yo! It was a great time!!! I mean yeah there were times they were a little crazy lol but they did go to the nursery a bit which was nice! The baby went every day for a couple hours, you can reserve it before hand. We tried to put her in during one guaranteed nap time and then we did dinner time for her bc she was always crazy at dinner, but at 6 months they will be a little less mobile and probably do better at the dinners!

Disneys island was the best part! Everyone loved it!!

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How my family of 4 spent $10,000 on a Caribbean cruise — and what we'll cut next time even though we had a blast

• My family of four splurged on a seven-night Caribbean cruise aboard the Disney Fantasy .
• We stayed in an inexpensive class of stateroom, but paid $7,000+ to cruise during spring break.
• We didn't watch our onboard spending and money spent on excursions, which quickly added up. 

My family of four – my husband, two teens, and myself – sailed on the Disney Fantasy this spring. Our cruise was seven nights and left from Port Canaveral , Florida, near Orlando.

Our ship stopped in Grand Cayman, Falmouth, Jamaica, Cozumel, Mexico, and Disney's island, Castaway Cay . This was our first time sailing on the Fantasy and our ninth Disney cruise.

Our trip cost just over $10,000. Perhaps surprisingly, this is on par with the higher end of what a family can expect to spend on a seven-night Caribbean cruise: about $270 to $2,600 a person .

Here's a rough look at what we spent:

Cruise: $7,300 (includes interior room, meals, and entertainment)

Excursions: $1,160

Alcohol: $334

Bingo: $152

Here's the value we felt we got and what we might do differently next time.

We got the cheapest room type but would've saved by sailing at a different time of year

Even though we stayed in the cheapest stateroom category — interior cabins — our cruise was still pricey because we sailed during spring break.

We could've saved $3,000 on the cruise if we'd went in September, which is during hurricane season and while school is in session for our kids. In the end, we couldn't justify our sons missing that week of school.

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Sadly, there's not much getting around this cost in the next few years. It's hard for us to travel during cheaper times since cruises almost always cost more during spring break, summertime, and over the winter holidays when most kids are out of school.

I don't regret our WiFi or bingo budgets

We bought an intermediate WiFi package for $490 and spent $152 on bingo.

We don't usually spend money on WiFi while cruising, but decided to get a package since this was a longer sailing . This allowed my kids to play their online games at night and me to keep an eye on my inbox.

No one was glued to their device, and even though this was quite a chunk of change, I'd consider it again for a longer cruise like this one.

The bingo turned out to be an OK investment since we won $145 and almost broke even. We usually play at least one round of bingo and usually don't win much, but my kids enjoy it, and it's something we do as a family.

Still, excursions, spa treatments, and drinks added up

We booked excursions in Grand Cayman, Jamaica, and Cozumel, and my husband and I had a couple's massage on the beach at Castaway Cay.

We didn't book super elaborate excursions, but costs added up for four people. Even so, I don't regret any of the experiences or the time spent with my family.

We could've cut back on our excursions budget by not booking directly with Disney Cruise Line or finding a spot to snorkel on our own, but I liked the ease and security of booking directly with the cruise line.

We've heard a lot of horror stories lately about cruise-ship passengers getting left behind in ports , and we always figure our odds are better if we're on an excursion arranged by the ship.

Next time, we might cut back on drinks and spa treatments

Since we're limited by when we can travel, we're honing in on alcohol and spa treatments as areas we can spend less money on.

We're not huge drinkers, but my husband and I enjoy having a glass of wine with our dinner and a couple of cocktails on deck or while lounging on the beach at Castaway Cay.

On future trips, we may cut back. When we looked at our bill, we saw that some of the wine we ordered was as much as $18.50 per glass!

And, as much as we loved the massages on the beach, they cost $289 a person (including automatic gratuity). Getting a massage in a beachside cabana while on vacation was super relaxing, but we can get massages at home for a fraction of that price.

Overall, we loved our cruise and have no regrets

The longer cruise with four ports of call was pricier than we realized, and we got a bit of sticker shock when we saw the final bill with our onboard extras.

I don't have any regrets since my family has always been more focused on experiences than stuff : We don't drive fancy cars or wear expensive clothes, but we prioritize nice vacations.

Although we know we need to curb the spending in a few areas and be a little more aware of what things cost when charging things to our room, we came away with fond memories that were worth every penny.

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Disney Employee Claims Co-Workers Drugged Him

in Disney , Disney Cruise Line

Everyone who has worked in an office knows that feeling when you head into the breakroom to find a special treat left by a coworker. There is always that person who makes excellent bread, or there is cake for someone’s birthday, but either way, we all indulge without thinking.

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We all eat those treats without considering what may be in that special dessert. Unfortunately for a Disney Cruise Line crew member, he found out that you should always ask what’s in the bread.

According to a new lawsuit, Disney Cruise employee Elmir Marin at a piece of Jamaican coconut bread that was laced with marijuana, which caused him to get sick while on the job. Marin said he was ill; he couldn’t breathe, and his vision was blurry. Disney Cruise Line took him to the ship’s hospital, where he tested positive for marijuana.

Marin is suing The Walt Disney Company, claiming emotional distress, breach of contract, and other charges. After testing positive for drugs, Disney Cruise Line fired Marin from his job as a stateroom host aboard the Disney Wonder.

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Marin’s attorney, Luis Perez, said: 

His life was turned upside down by this incident and the unjust, draconian way Disney handled the situation after my client was served drugged, contaminated food. My client is no longer employable in the cruise line industry after Disney tarnished his name and reputation. He tried to get work with other cruise lines but was unable to do so.

Marin and Perez also claim that The Walt Disney Company did not fire the other crew members who ate the bread and the people who purchased the bread while the ship was docked in Jamaica.

The Disney Cruise worker claims he has been blackballed from the cruise industry since Disney fired him. Marin spent a decade working for Walt Disney Co.

Perez said: 

He worked hard as a passenger stateroom attendant and enjoyed working for Disney. He needed his job and had planned on working for Disney for many years to provide for his wife and young children.

Marin filed his lawsuit in Brevard County, Florida. Lawyers representing The Walt Disney Company seek to move the lawsuit to U.S. District Court. The former Disney Cruise employee seeks unspecified financial compensation for his wrongful termination.

Let this be a lesson for all of us: ask what’s in the bread before you eat it.

Have you ever gotten sick from something a coworker made? 

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Traveling with Infants & Young Children – Frequently Asked Questions

Can I request a Pack 'n Play for my stateroom?

You can request a crib by signing into My Reservations , selecting "Special Requests" and filling out our Special Request form.

We’ll provide a Pack 'n Play or similar convertible crib, which can be used as both a sleeping crib and playpen for children under 35 inches tall.

Keep in mind, cribs are furnished at no extra charge but are subject to availability.

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