Welcome aboard, Allison! Your cruise on the newly re-imagined Disney Magic is going to be (here comes the pun, but it's totally true...) magical! I was just on the Magic last month and loved all of the brand new spaces and updates, especially in the Oceaneer Club and Lab. Wow, your kids are in for a great time there!
The
Oceaneer Club and Oceaneer Lab are for children ages three to 12, so both of your kids can participate in these spaces. In fact, there is a secret tunnel passageway between the two spots so the kids can go between each. Once you check them into the clubs, they can explore on their own or participate in one of the many exciting events and activities that are planned there, day and night. Counselors don't separate the kids into groups, really, it's just that the kids can choose to join in on each activity or not. So, if you drop them both off, they can stay together or each choose their own activity or space to enjoy. I promise that even if one is normally nervous without the other, once they set foot in this amazing club space, they may find they're each drawn to a different favorite spot.
Feel free to take them both there on your embarkation day during Open House hours when parents can stay and explore the clubs with the kids. Your 11-year old is also able to go to
Edge, the tween club onboard too. Let him or her check it out the first day too, in case you all find that's a better fit than the Oceaneer Club and Lab, but your 8-year old will not be able to join in on Edge.
I hope those details help as you continue to plan, Allison! Stop back if you have other questions! I'm happy to help!