Ahoy there, Cody! Welcome aboard planDisney, and thanks for sailing my way with your question!
As a Disney Cruise Line dad who took multiple cruises before our little one came along, I know exactly what you're feeling! My wife and I always make time for fun at Adult-Exclusive activities aboard the ships like dining at
Palo and Remy, relaxing at
Senses Spa & Salon, and generally enjoying everything that's included on a Disney Cruise.
With little sailors too young to take part in the fun at Disney's Oceaneer Club and Disney's Oceaneer Lab,
“it’s a small world” nursery! offers adults a chance for some much-needed time to reconnect with one another! Unfortunately, as of the most recent
"Know Before You Go" information, I'm sorry to say “it’s a small world” nursery! is still currently unavailable. I know that bit of rough seas may make planning for May a little difficult, especially if you were looking to partake in some Adult Exclusive dining, but if the last few years have taught us anything, it's that policies are subject to change frequently, so I'd keep a weather eye on the horizon for any updates.
In the meantime, you can get extra excited about experiencing all the fun that awaits families on a Disney Cruise Line vacation! But I've got three tried-and-true, planDrew-approved ways to carve out a little special time, even with a little sailor in tow:
- Two words: Room Service! While you may not be able to enjoy a multiple-course dinner at Palo or Remy, you can have what we like to call "Casual Charcuterie" in your stateroom! From the "All Hands on Deck" cheese platter to chicken wings and everything in between, It's a fun way to manufacture a private dining experience - complete with a Mickey Premium Bar! Can't get those at Palo...well, I bet you could, but admittedly I've never tried.
- Check the Disney Cruise Line Navigator app for any family activities located in one of the lounges! On one of our recent cruises on the Disney Wonder, we enjoyed learning to draw everyone's favorite Cajun Firefly, Ray, at the French Quarter Lounge, and my wife and I were able to order some specialty cocktails to enjoy alongside the fun!
- If you REALLY want to have some time to enjoy on your own, it's the perfect opportunity to convince some friends or family to cruise along with you! That way, even if the nursery is still unavailable by the time May rolls around, you could have someone there to watch the tiniest castaways for a bit! You may need to offer to do the same for them in exchange, but sounds like a perfect time to catch a movie in the Buena Vista Theatre together!
Well, Cody, I hope that helps you and your crew set a course for adventure! With any luck, the nursery will be open shortly, but if not you'll have to let me know if my tips worked for you - especially if you convince some friends and family to tag along! Thank you for your question, and if any others arise as you continue planning, please drop me a line here at planDisney!
Fair winds and following seas!
Andrew