Hi Nicole and welcome to planDisney! Thanks for cruising our way with your questions today. I would love to help point your compass towards adventure with the Disney Cruise Line. You've got lots on your mind so let's get to it!
The "it's a small world" nursery! onboard provides opportunities for play and rest for Disney Cruise Line's youngest sailors. To view the current hourly rates for the nursery, follow
this link to the "it's a small world" nursery! page and scroll down to select "Reservations and Rates". Because the cruise you are considering is this August, nursery reservations for your sailing are not available to be booked in advance. You can reserve nursery times once you have boarded your cruise ship. For cruises later this year, nursery reservations will once again be available to be booked when your
advanced booking window opens. For more information on all of the amenities that Disney Cruise Line provides when
traveling with little ones, follow this link. Your young children will receive the royal treatment and your whole family can focus on what matters most: making magical memories!
When you choose a cruise itinerary that includes a stop on Disney's private island of
Castaway Cay, you can expect to enjoy a beautiful day at the beach with amazing amenities included in your cruise fare. There is no additional charge to enjoy the beach, umbrellas, lounge chairs, water play areas, and games. You'll see characters and scheduled activities around the island as well. A delicious lunchtime buffet is served in three locations on the island with soft drinks and soft-serve ice cream included. The service on Castaway Cay truly feels like an extension of the ship.
You can have an incredible day on Castaway Cay without spending a dime. If you'd like to snorkel, you can even bring your own snorkeling gear from home to use in the snorkeling lagoon. Just be sure to use one of the bright yellow complimentary life vests before entering the water. You can also look into the
Port Adventures offered at Castaway Cay and book any additional activities that suit your fancy. You can tailor a day that's perfect for you and your travel budget.
If you decide to book a cruise just one month in advance, the best news is that you have a VERY short countdown till your next vacation! I can't guarantee that there will be the Port Adventures, adult-exclusive dining reservations, or experiences available that you want to book with just a few weeks to go. However, I do know that guests change their plans frequently. If you'd like to snag a spot at
Palo for brunch (you do!! It's delicious!) and it's all booked up before boarding, don't give up hope! Simply visit Palo or call Palo from your stateroom to inquire about availability once you are on the ship. With the current policy for cruises this summer, you'll have the same nursery reservation opportunities as all of the other guests that need to wait till they are on the ship to schedule a time slot.
I hope that helps you make your decision about your travel plans. In my experience, a Disney Cruise is always a good idea. I wish you magical moments and happy memories in the days ahead. Please visit planDisney again if you have more questions as you plan. My pals and I would be happy to help.
Have a wonderful day,
Adrianna