Mom and child as pirates on Castaway Cay; ship in far background
  • On Jan 24, 2025
    Katie from OH Asked Please note that experiences, policies, pricing and other offerings are subject to change and may have changed since the date of this answer.

    How do you keep track of your child without a phone? Since wave phones aren't a thing and he's too young for a smart phone, how do you communicate and keep in touch with your kid when they're not with you on board?

    Ahoy, Katie!

    Welcome aboard planDisney! Keeping in touch with your kiddo while sailing the high seas is an important topic, and one my family has navigated as well. We wanted to give our kids some freedom while still making sure we could reach them—and let’s just say, we’ve tried a few different approaches along the way!

    Since wave phones have sailed off into the sunset, my go-to recommendation is to use an old phone you may have lying around at home. It doesn’t need a cellular plan—just the ability to download the Disney Cruise Line Navigator app and connect to the ship’s Wi-Fi. That’s exactly what we do with our son, and it works like a charm! We set up a family group chat in the app, and it’s been the best way for us to check in, make plans, and track each other down when someone inevitably gets sidetracked by soft-serve ice cream. Bonus: He also gets to browse the daily itinerary, so he can keep up with all the activities happening in the youth clubs and around the ship.

    If the phone option isn’t a good fit, another system we’ve used is a simple magnetic whiteboard in our stateroom. Every time someone leaves, they write down the time and where they’re going. Even the adults play along so that everyone is in the loop. The only downside? You might find yourself making extra trips back to the room to check the board—but hey, it’s a great excuse to work off those Mickey waffles!

    Some families try walkie-talkies, but in my experience, they don’t always work well onboard. The ship’s steel structure can cause interference, and they can be a bit disruptive in quieter areas like lounges or theaters. If you go this route, look for ones with multiple channels in case of congestion and set some communication ground rules before you set sail.

    Katie, I hope this helps you chart a course for smooth sailing with your young adventurer! Whether he’s off having fun in the youth club or hunting for hidden Mickeys around the ship, you’ll have peace of mind knowing you can stay connected. Wishing you a voyage filled with magical moments, spontaneous dance parties, and just the right amount of independence!

    Sea ya real soon, where love is in the air and magic is on the waves!
    Dustin
thumbnail image for Dustin

Meet the Panelist: Dustin, Florida

Ahoy, me hearties! I’m Dustin—a husband, father of two, and active-duty service member living in sunny Florida. My crew and I “just keep swimming” toward our next Disney Cruise Line adventure! From “a whole new world” of ports to “hakuna matata” vibes on deck, we live for the magic at sea. Ready to see what’s “beyond the reef”? Allow me to be your guide as we sail toward your perfect Disney Cruise adventure! Learn More About Dustin

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