1st time cruisers, we have a 1yr old and 4yr old. Are assigned dining time is the second seating which seems to be pretty late eating for our little ones. Can you go into how the assigned seating time work with food and shows?? thanks.

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Answer 1

Ahoy, Melissa!

Congratulations on your first cruise! I think -- as parents of young children -- you are going to be amazed at really how easy it is to enjoy your family on a Disney Cruise with very little details to consider. The second seating for dinner is late (usually around 8:30 p.m.) -- even on vacation for little ones. Therefore, I suggest a couple of ideas. Once you're on board on embarkation day, proceed to Guest Relations to request the earlier dinner seating (usually around 6 p.m.) if that's what you want for your children. That means that instead of the show at 6 p.m. and dinner at 8:30 p.m. -- you'll experience the opposite.

Yet, let me give you some food for thought. Since dinner is usually long, I would rather feed my little ones a quick-service meal early and then let them see and enjoy the show at the earlier time when they are less tired. Then, I like to let them experience the children's areas while hubby and I savor our dinner and time alone. The Oceaneer's Club and Lab and the nursery (with prior reservations) will feed the kids a snack and settle them down for a nap/bedtime, too.

Another option we like is to ask our server to bring the children's meals when our appetizers are served. Then, we check the kids into their various areas in between appetizers and the main course. That option gives the kids the chance to experience the restaurant without having to sit through a long meal experience. I hope this helps you plan!

Have a wonderful day and a magical vacation. Bon voyage!

1st time cruisers, we have a 1yr old and 4yr old. Are assigned dining time is the second seating which seems to be pretty late eating for our little ones. Can you go into how the assigned seating time work with food and shows?? thanks.

Meet the Panelist: Andi, Alabama

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1st time cruisers, we have a 1yr old and 4yr old. Are assigned dining time is the second seating which seems to be pretty late eating for our little ones. Can you go into how the assigned seating time work with food and shows?? thanks.”

Meet the Panelist: Andi, Alabama

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1st time cruisers, we have a 1yr old and 4yr old. Are assigned dining time is the second seating which seems to be pretty late eating for our little ones. Can you go into how the assigned seating time work with food and shows?? thanks.