Ahoy there, Bonnie, and welcome to planDisney! Thanks for dropping us a line with your question!
Ah, such an exciting time to be welcoming a new Castaway! I'll be hoping for smooth sailing as they arrive next month, and getting them on the road to Platinum
Castaway Club status right away - now that's what I call a planDrew-approved idea! My wife and I were in this precise situation before the birth of our son, and lucky for us - and you - the process to add a little one to a reservation is as easy as snagging some shawarma from
Pete's Boiler Bites (which is super easy, and I highly recommend it, if you couldn't tell!)
I'd suggest you make your reservation now with your current party, and then
call a crew member directly to have them add a placeholder for the child! It's a bit funny, but our son's "name" on our reservation was "TBD" until he was born, which still makes me laugh to this day!
Alternatively, since you'll be calling anyway, you can do the entire process of booking on that call instead - just be sure to have the dates you'd like to sail so the crew member gets you booked on the correct itinerary! Once the little one embarks on this incredible voyage known as life, a quick call back to a Disney Cruise Line crew member to update their name and information and your entire crew will be ready to set sail! Oh, and don't forget to request some of the infant-specific items available for cruisers: complimentary diaper disposal units, bottle warmers and sterilizers, cribs, and playpens, are all available upon request - but are very limited, so it's best to get these requests on your reservation early!
...April, May, June, July, August, September, October, NOVEMBER! Just double-checking that November was more than six months away from their projected due date! All Disney Cruise Line Guests need to be six months (or 1-year-old for Transatlantic, Panama Canal, or Hawaii itineraries_ to meet
minimum age requriements. What's that? You already knew that? Again, great planning! Are you sure you haven't done this before?
With all that checked off the list, it'll be time to dream of
Port Adventures,
onboard activities, Broadway-style shows, incredible gourmet dining options, and everything else that's
included in a Disney Cruise Line vacation!
And don't forget, although it's currently unavailable, the
"it's a small world" nursery! is a wonderful place for the littlest cruisers to safely play and nap while giving adults a chance to escape to Senses Spa & Salon or dine at Palo or Remy! I'd keep an eye on the
Guide to Updated Experiences page for the latest news about its potential return to service between now and your sailing! Fingers crossed!
I hope that clears the way for you to get your booking out to sea, Bonnie! I can't wait for your crew - especially the little one - to embark on this adventure together. Thank you again for your question, and if any others bubble to the surface, please drop me another line here at planDisney!
Fair winds and following seas!
Andrew