Hi, JoAnn! The
Youth Clubs aboard Disney Cruise Line ships are amazing -- they are fantastical spaces specifically designed for the ages of the children intended. Plus, the counselors are chosen and trained for those areas in order to best cater to the children's needs and expectations.
For the youngest aboard (ages 3 months to 3 years), Flounder's Reef Nursery (Wonder and Magic) and It's a Small World Nursery (Dream and Fantasy) have the facilities and staff available for parents who need a little adult-only time. Reservations are required, and there is an extra fee associated with the nurseries. Of course, an adult must check the children in and out.
For children ages 3-10, the Oceaneer's Club and Oceaneer's Lab aboard all four ships are secured areas with trained counselors who provide both scheduled activities and impromptu play. You can register your child online or at the port terminal, and you'll want to visit on Embarkation Day to complete the process and meet the counselors. An adult will need to check children in and out of the Oceaneer's Club and Oceaneer's Lab.
There are special spaces for teens and tweens aboard each ship, and these areas usually require prior registration and/or a specially-coded stateroom key. These kids are allowed to check themselves in and out of these areas without the presence of an adult, and therefore, a wave phone or other ways of communicating with the family becomes necessary. (We usually pack a small white board for our stateroom door and require our teens to check in/out with us there.)
I hope this helps you plan. Have a wonderful day and a magical vacation. Bon voyage!