Welcome aboard, Leslie! I've been waiting anxiously for the first part of the 2016 cruises to be released, and was thrilled to see some of the new options that just came out!
If this is your first time sailing with Disney Cruise Line, your
online check-in will begin 75 days prior to setting sail. It is during that time that you can book any fun extras like Port Adventures, Adult Exclusive Dining, and Spa Treatments. During online check-in, you can also register your children for the Youth Clubs. Registering them is all you'll need to do if they are over the age of three. There are no reservations required for specific times for playing in the clubs (except for the nursery for kids under three). You'll just want to check your Personal Navigator each day which will list the events and activities that will be taking place, and take your kiddos when they see a must-do listed in the club spaces. While most of the time, it's kids only, there are certain times each day when the clubs hold Open House hours when parents stay and play with their kids! We love to stay and make Flubber or bake cookies with our kids during those times!
After you've completed online check-in, you'll print your boarding documents and be all set. When you arrive at the port, you can head over to the Youth Club registration area to pick up your kids' Oceaneer Bands which they'll wear to allow them entrance into the clubs. But, if the line is long, just wait and pick them up during Open House hours that first day at the clubs themselves.
Kids who will be in Edge (ages 11-14) or Vibe (ages 14-17) do not need to register or wear Oceaneer Bands. They'll simply show up to their clubs space when they're ready to join in on the tween or teen fun! Stop back if you have more questions as you continue to plan, Leslie! There's so much magic in store!