Greetings, Melanie, and welcome to planDisney! I love that you're looking to set sail with your family on a Disney cruise. As a mom of two young kids, I’m excited to help you chart a course for a
toddler-friendly adventure at sea.
Let's start with
Castaway Cay. On this island, there's a water play area called Spring-a-Leak that's great for toddlers. It has misters and a splash pad with geysers that shoot water from the ground. The last time I visited, there were a few water tables, too. Pelican Plunge is out in the water on a platform – Guests should be good swimmers and at least 38 inches tall to go there. For those reasons, you'll want to save that for when your son is older. Instead, head to the family beach. The water at the lagoon is calm, and there are plenty of shallow areas for little ones to splash around in. Complimentary lifejackets are available, too. I appreciate how easy it is to access the island from the ship.
If splash pads are a priority for you, Melanie, you can also check out
Lookout Cay. There's a family water play area called Rush Out Gush Out, with a splash pad and a dedicated space for toddlers. There's a lot to discover here, including geysers, falling water, water drums, and other interactive features. However, the beaches are open water, so you should expect some waves.
Castaway Cay would be my personal choice for a family visiting for the first time with young children. However, both islands offer good water play opportunities for little ones. If you want the best of both worlds, I see that there are a few 4-night itineraries in June 2026 on the Disney Wish that stop at both islands! Take a peek at the June 8 and June 22 departures.
Onboard the
Disney Wish, you'll find the Toy Story Splash Zone on Deck 12. This fun area was designed specifically for children ages four and younger. It features little slides, geysers, a very shallow wading pool, recognizable Character figures, and more. I'm sure your son will absolutely love it! Just make sure you pack swim diapers, as they are required for children who are not yet potty-trained. And just so you know, Melanie, the pools on board are for Guests ages three and up, so the splash pad is the place to be!
At 23 months old, your son will be able to spend time in the
“it’s a small world” nursery! – there are plenty of engaging activities here, all under the care of expert Disney counselors. It's available for an additional fee and requires reservations. Look into this option if you'd like to have some adult time during your cruise.
Before we say goodbye, I have to say that I really admire the Disney Wish. The details throughout the ship are enchanting, like the bronze statue of Cinderella (and the sparkling glass slipper nearby) in the Grand Hall. Kids enjoy the immersive dining locations, including Worlds of Marvel and Arendelle. Like other Disney cruises, there will be plenty of fun onboard activities – be sure you download the
Disney Cruise Line Navigator App to get the updated schedules once you're on the ship.
Melanie, if you think of any other questions, please reach out to us again – we're always happy to help here at planDisney.
Wishing you magic,
Kriss