Welcome aboard, Jamie!
Disney Cruise Line's Youth Clubs are so fantastic! Did you know that they are included in the cost of your cruise for ages three and up? There is no need to make reservations or limit your four year-old's time in the Oceaneer Club or Oceaneer Lab. Both of these spaces are designed for cruisers ages three to 12. During your online check-in (which begins 75 days prior to sailing), you can register him for the club and create a password for you to use when picking him up.
Stop by the Youth Club Registration desk in the terminal or the club itself onboard to get his Oceaneer Band, which he'll wear throughout the cruise. When he's ready to go play, bring him to the club, where he'll scan his band to enter. This allows the counselors there to know who all is in the club at the time, and to contact parents should they need to reach them about their children. He can then wash his hands in the coolest automatic hand washer on earth (I'm totally serious - it is so cool, I want one at home so my kids will love washing their hands like they do in the clubs!), and head off to play! Stop back to get him when you're ready, but you may find he's having too much fun to leave!
Swing by the Open House at the clubs on your first day, when parents get to come into the clubs to explore with their kids. You can help him get acquainted to all the cool spaces and meet the counselors. Then, check out your Personal Navigator or the
Disney Cruise Line Navigator App, which will list all of the activities and times. If you see one he'd love, bring him by to participate. There will be other Open House hours throughout the cruise when your whole family can stay to play with him there, even your two year-old!
You're all in for a lot of family fun, Jamie! Happy planning!
Marcy