Ahoy, Mary!
Years ago my family made the decision to sail for the first time with Disney. My kids were one and four, and since our first cruise we have cruised numerous times at all different ages. They started with the nursery and the Oceaneer Club/Lab and are now old enough for Edge and Vibe. Every single voyage has been magical even the first one that they don't remember very well except for all the pictures and videos we have shown them; so it's hard to pinpoint an ideal age because Disney Cruise Line really does have something for everyone! If you have a sailor under the age of three,
"it's a small world" nursery! is available for a nominal hourly fee so even the youngest cruisers onboard have a wonderfully themed play area to enjoy. The cruise staff offers programming like Wake Up with Disney Junior, Jack-Jack's Diaper Dash and dance parties with little ones in mind. Also, the Oceaneer Club and Lab will be available for Open House each day, so Guests of all ages can enjoy these immersive areas. Although little ones need to be potty-trained to swim at sea, each ship offers water plays areas for those still in diapers.
Sailors, who are potty-trained and range from ages 3-12, can experience the Oceaneer Club/Lab. These imaginative spaces offer age appropriate planned programming as well as free play and exploration. My kids have spent countless hours in these areas enjoying activities like GAGA Ball, Super Sloppy Science, Magic PlayFloor, Anyone Can Cook and Pluto's Pajama Party. Not only does Disney have the best youth clubs at sea in my opinion, they offer so much for families to experience-shows, crafts, character appearances, fun ashore, first-run movies and more!
Every age we've cruised with Disney has been both memorable and magical even now with a tween and teen! If you have further questions, please write back!
Nancy