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  • On Jan 28, 2023
    Nic from IL Asked Please note that experiences, policies, pricing and other offerings are subject to change and may have changed since the date of this answer.

    I am planning a Disney Cruise for my family and I need help. I am planning a cruise of 4 to 5 days to western Caribbean. There will be 8 adults and 6 kids ages 2-12 (12 years old -1, 6 yrs-1, 2 -5 years old, 1- 4 years old).

    Hi, Nic! Welcome to planDisney. Thanks for sailing to us for some planning help!

    A Disney Cruise is a perfect vacation for a group like yours, because there will be something fun on the ship for everyone, and great activities for the whole family to enjoy. I'd love to give you some tips as you plan for your adventure at sea. 

    To begin, you may find the best itinerary for your group using the Find a Cruise tool on the Disney Cruise Line website. You can filter the cruises displayed by date, destination, cruise length, and more. You may reserve up to four staterooms using the online booking system. If every stateroom group would like to book their own reservation, they may do so, and you can link your reservations for general planning purposes. Linking your reservations will also indicate that you would like to dine together. 

    If you would rather have a friendly agent from Disney Cruise Line assist you in booking, please call Disney Cruise Line and follow the prompts to book a cruise vacation. Alternatively, you may want to work with a travel agent. I like working with a travel agent, especially when coordinating travel for a larger group. 

    Once your reservation is secure, you can start to think about what additional experiences you might want to enjoy during your sailing. You can look into Port Adventures for your ports of call, or consider booking adult-exclusive dining reservations (the kids can enjoy the youth spaces onboard while you dine), spa treatments, and other onboard fun. If this is your first Disney Cruise, you will be able to make reservations for such activities 75 days before your sailing, as long as your cruise fare is paid in full. 

    I recommend you download the Disney Cruise Line Navigator app to explore the ship, and day-to-day itinerary, and to make plans for all the fun you'll find onboard. Once you are on the ship, the app will point your compass toward the entertainment and scheduled activities for your voyage.

    Disney's Oceaneer Lab and Oceaneer Club are youth spaces for toilet-trained children ages 3-12. Secured programming is offered from morning to night, with plenty of space for kids to play on their own or join in on counselor-led activities. If the adults want to join in on the adventures, keep an eye out on the daily activity schedule for Open Houses. These are times when kids and adults of any age can come and play in the immersive spaces. 

    The 12-year-old in your sailing crew will also be able to visit Edge, the space just for tweens ages 11-14. One difference to note between Edge and Disney's Oceaneer Club and Lab is that Edge does not require kids to check in and check out of the activities.  

    When it comes to spending time all together as a family, there are trivia games, family-style game shows, shows in the theatre, movies, pools, and more! Meal time is the perfect time to gather together and share your experiences from the day over delicious food. It's going to be one amazing vacation!

    Nic, please sail back to planDisney if you have more questions. My pals and I are happy to help!

    Happy Planning, 

    Adrianna 

thumbnail image for Adrianna

Meet the Panelist: Adrianna, California

Welcome, fellow voyagers! Like my favorite bibliophile princess, I want adventure in the great wide somewhere! I’m a wife, a mom of two, and my favorite way to find adventure is on board the Disney Cruise Line. I’d love to help you and your sailing crew plan for your own adventures, filled with magic and memories that last a lifetime. Learn More About Adrianna

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