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dlj97
LIF Adult
Member since 7/10 4399 total posts
Name:
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Kids Club on a Cruise
Would you send your 3 year old (almost 4) to the kids club on a cruise ship?
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Posted 2/23/15 2:03 PM  |
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TwinDani
We are complete <3
Member since 3/11 1750 total posts
Name:
Danielle
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Kids Club on a Cruise
Yes I plan on it. We are going on a cruise in November, they turn 4 on the cruise. I will not send them all day every day but I will send them part of the day. The last cruise we were on they were almost 2 and were not allowed to go to the kids club. The kids looked like they were having a blast. I figure it is very safe. They have many security measures in place. If they hate it then they will not have to go but I think they will love it. Plus my nephew is the same age and will be going too.
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| Posted 2/23/15 2:33 PM |
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dlj97
LIF Adult
Member since 7/10 4399 total posts
Name:
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Re: Kids Club on a Cruise
Posted by TwinDani
Yes I plan on it. We are going on a cruise in November, they turn 4 on the cruise. I will not send them all day every day but I will send them part of the day. The last cruise we were on they were almost 2 and were not allowed to go to the kids club. The kids looked like they were having a blast. I figure it is very safe. They have many security measures in place. If they hate it then they will not have to go but I think they will love it. Plus my nephew is the same age and will be going too.
Thanks. It is totally safety I am concerned with. I have visions of my DD wandering out and falling over the ledge!
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| Posted 2/23/15 2:34 PM |
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TwinDani
We are complete <3
Member since 3/11 1750 total posts
Name:
Danielle
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Re: Kids Club on a Cruise
Posted by dlj97
Posted by TwinDani
Yes I plan on it. We are going on a cruise in November, they turn 4 on the cruise. I will not send them all day every day but I will send them part of the day. The last cruise we were on they were almost 2 and were not allowed to go to the kids club. The kids looked like they were having a blast. I figure it is very safe. They have many security measures in place. If they hate it then they will not have to go but I think they will love it. Plus my nephew is the same age and will be going too.
Thanks. It is totally safety I am concerned with. I have visions of my DD wandering out and falling over the ledge!
I know on Carnival the doors are locked and they cannot leave with out a parent. You have to show your sail and sign card that matches up with the child.
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| Posted 2/23/15 2:59 PM |
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Lillykat
going along for the ride...
Member since 5/05 16253 total posts
Name:
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Re: Kids Club on a Cruise
Not sure what cruise line you sail on. But the one we were on it would be impossible. They are locked in basically. Behind a buzzed in gate. Parents have to give a password and sign them in and out. No one your DC's age would be "wandering". They did take them to the buffet but you knew in advance and could pull them. They took them for ice cream or cupcake decorating. There were lots of staff, kept them holding hands. They looked better supervised than most preschools. You DC won't be going overboard unless you really are not watching and they try very hard. I am 5'8" and the railings are quite high. It is not easy to climb them. When you hear people going overboard, they are adults who were drunk and doing stupid things or trying to jump. My kids were 2and 4 and 3 and 5 when we cruised. Most railings have plexiglass too so your child won't feel the need to climb bc they can easily see out. I would be more concerned about swimming with no lifeguards in the pools than falling overboard.
Btw we sent our girls in the past only to certain activities. They pick the activities they are most interested in and spend the rest of the time with us. So like one hour one day, 2-3 the next. They go in and out. We plan to do that this cruise as well.
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| Posted 2/23/15 6:49 PM |
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dlj97
LIF Adult
Member since 7/10 4399 total posts
Name:
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Re: Kids Club on a Cruise
Posted by Lillykat
Not sure what cruise line you sail on. But the one we were on it would be impossible. They are locked in basically. Behind a buzzed in gate. Parents have to give a password and sign them in and out. No one your DC's age would be "wandering". They did take them to the buffet but you knew in advance and could pull them. They took them for ice cream or cupcake decorating. There were lots of staff, kept them holding hands. They looked better supervised than most preschools. You DC won't be going overboard unless you really are not watching and they try very hard. I am 5'8" and the railings are quite high. It is not easy to climb them. When you hear people going overboard, they are adults who were drunk and doing stupid things or trying to jump. My kids were 2and 4 and 3 and 5 when we cruised. Most railings have plexiglass too so your child won't feel the need to climb bc they can easily see out. I would be more concerned about swimming with no lifeguards in the pools than falling overboard.
Btw we sent our girls in the past only to certain activities. They pick the activities they are most interested in and spend the rest of the time with us. So like one hour one day, 2-3 the next. They go in and out. We plan to do that this cruise as well.
Thanks. It would be a Disney cruise.
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| Posted 2/23/15 8:52 PM |
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BargainMama
LIF Adult
Member since 5/09 15660 total posts
Name:
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Re: Kids Club on a Cruise
The kids stay in the club at that age on Disney, so you don't have to worry about them falling overboard! Their kids clubs are BEYOND awesome! I highly recommend the Pluto Pajama Party programming in there. Check your Navigator. Pluto pays a visit, and gives them a Pluto PJ Party pillowcase. My DD loved it!
Also the gate are locked, you have to be buzzed in, and someone stands at the check in, so kids can't just walk out and leave.
Message edited 2/23/2015 10:27:46 PM.
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| Posted 2/23/15 10:26 PM |
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dlj97
LIF Adult
Member since 7/10 4399 total posts
Name:
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Re: Kids Club on a Cruise
Posted by BargainMama
The kids stay in the club at that age on Disney, so you don't have to worry about them falling overboard! Their kids clubs are BEYOND awesome! I highly recommend the Pluto Pajama Party programming in there. Check your Navigator. Pluto pays a visit, and gives them a Pluto PJ Party pillowcase. My DD loved it!
Also the gate are locked, you have to be buzzed in, and someone stands at the check in, so kids can't just walk out and leave.
Thanks!
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| Posted 2/24/15 6:28 AM |
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ml110
LIF Adult
Member since 1/06 5435 total posts
Name:
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Kids Club on a Cruise
we've been on 3 cruises (NCL, Disney and RC) with DS (who turned 4 in november). the kids clubs are GREAT!!!! and i feel very safe- like other people said, they have locked doors, you need to give a personal password, and show your card to pick them up. and on disney they have the Wave phones, so they will call you if they need to.
NOW- if only DS had actually stayed in one :-/ i'm a SAHM, and he's SUCH a mommas boy... that the one time we dropped him off, they paged us like 10 minutes later saying he was crying and to come get him... guess we'll try again when he's older.
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| Posted 2/24/15 8:05 AM |
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dlj97
LIF Adult
Member since 7/10 4399 total posts
Name:
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Re: Kids Club on a Cruise
Posted by ml110
we've been on 3 cruises (NCL, Disney and RC) with DS (who turned 4 in november). the kids clubs are GREAT!!!! and i feel very safe- like other people said, they have locked doors, you need to give a personal password, and show your card to pick them up. and on disney they have the Wave phones, so they will call you if they need to.
NOW- if only DS had actually stayed in one :-/ i'm a SAHM, and he's SUCH a mommas boy... that the one time we dropped him off, they paged us like 10 minutes later saying he was crying and to come get him... guess we'll try again when he's older.
Thanks! Not sure if my DD would stay either! DH doesn't want her to go to the kids club (if we decide to do the cruise) - he thinks it is like sending your kid to a babysitter, but I think you send them to have fun!
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| Posted 2/24/15 2:11 PM |
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BargainMama
LIF Adult
Member since 5/09 15660 total posts
Name:
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Re: Kids Club on a Cruise
Posted by dlj97
Posted by ml110
we've been on 3 cruises (NCL, Disney and RC) with DS (who turned 4 in november). the kids clubs are GREAT!!!! and i feel very safe- like other people said, they have locked doors, you need to give a personal password, and show your card to pick them up. and on disney they have the Wave phones, so they will call you if they need to.
NOW- if only DS had actually stayed in one :-/ i'm a SAHM, and he's SUCH a mommas boy... that the one time we dropped him off, they paged us like 10 minutes later saying he was crying and to come get him... guess we'll try again when he's older.
Thanks! Not sure if my DD would stay either! DH doesn't want her to go to the kids club (if we decide to do the cruise) - he thinks it is like sending your kid to a babysitter, but I think you send them to have fun!
I do KIND OF agree with your husband. I couldn't imagine sending my kids in there for hours on end. I go on vacation to have fun WITH my family, not for us to all do separate things. But a couple hours here and there is totally fine! I do know of people that let their kids stay in there the entire time. Different strokes for different folks I guess!
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| Posted 2/24/15 2:25 PM |
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dlj97
LIF Adult
Member since 7/10 4399 total posts
Name:
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Re: Kids Club on a Cruise
Posted by BargainMama
Posted by dlj97
Posted by ml110
we've been on 3 cruises (NCL, Disney and RC) with DS (who turned 4 in november). the kids clubs are GREAT!!!! and i feel very safe- like other people said, they have locked doors, you need to give a personal password, and show your card to pick them up. and on disney they have the Wave phones, so they will call you if they need to.
NOW- if only DS had actually stayed in one :-/ i'm a SAHM, and he's SUCH a mommas boy... that the one time we dropped him off, they paged us like 10 minutes later saying he was crying and to come get him... guess we'll try again when he's older.
Thanks! Not sure if my DD would stay either! DH doesn't want her to go to the kids club (if we decide to do the cruise) - he thinks it is like sending your kid to a babysitter, but I think you send them to have fun!
I do KIND OF agree with your husband. I couldn't imagine sending my kids in there for hours on end. I go on vacation to have fun WITH my family, not for us to all do separate things. But a couple hours here and there is totally fine! I do know of people that let their kids stay in there the entire time. Different strokes for different folks I guess!
That is what I said to him - if she goes for 1-3 hours a day I don't think it is a big deal. I would never send her all day - she isn't even 4! But the club looks like so much fun - I want to be a kid again so I can play in there!
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| Posted 2/24/15 2:29 PM |
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Xelindrya
Mommy's little YouTube Star!
Member since 8/05 14470 total posts
Name:
Veronica
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Re: Kids Club on a Cruise
Posted by BargainMama
Posted by dlj97
Posted by ml110
we've been on 3 cruises (NCL, Disney and RC) with DS (who turned 4 in november). the kids clubs are GREAT!!!! and i feel very safe- like other people said, they have locked doors, you need to give a personal password, and show your card to pick them up. and on disney they have the Wave phones, so they will call you if they need to.
NOW- if only DS had actually stayed in one :-/ i'm a SAHM, and he's SUCH a mommas boy... that the one time we dropped him off, they paged us like 10 minutes later saying he was crying and to come get him... guess we'll try again when he's older.
Thanks! Not sure if my DD would stay either! DH doesn't want her to go to the kids club (if we decide to do the cruise) - he thinks it is like sending your kid to a babysitter, but I think you send them to have fun!
I do KIND OF agree with your husband. I couldn't imagine sending my kids in there for hours on end. I go on vacation to have fun WITH my family, not for us to all do separate things. But a couple hours here and there is totally fine! I do know of people that let their kids stay in there the entire time. Different strokes for different folks I guess!
I sort of agree.. But I think taking your kid with you on cruise is the point. I never vacation without her. But she's 6 now so alone time with new friends her age is a whole adventure for her, why NOT send her? At 5 I sent her off on a 4hour pirate cruise at Disney World on my hotel property. We dropped her off, waved, took photos then went to our room and relaxed, had a nice lunch outside and enjoyed ourselves immensely. When her ship came in they finished their pirate hunt and she was ecstatic. I think tis a win win for everyone. I'd love to take her on a cruise and let her experience that for a few hours.
Need to take her to the Star Wars cruise...
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| Posted 2/24/15 2:35 PM |
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JandJ1224
Member since 6/06 5911 total posts
Name:
Jannette
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Re: Kids Club on a Cruise
We recently went on a Disney cruise and my 4yo wasn't really into the kids club. A big disappointment for me. One of the main reasons I had booked Disney was for the kids club.
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| Posted 2/24/15 2:36 PM |
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JDubs
different, not less
Member since 7/09 13160 total posts
Name:
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Re: Kids Club on a Cruise
I wouldn't have a problem sending my kid but it wouldn't be all day. We would be on a family vacation after all!
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| Posted 2/24/15 2:44 PM |
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dlj97
LIF Adult
Member since 7/10 4399 total posts
Name:
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Re: Kids Club on a Cruise
Posted by JDubs
I wouldn't have a problem sending my kid but it wouldn't be all day. We would be on a family vacation after all!
ITA! My original question is more of a safety question - a 3 year old on a boat needs very close supervision!
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| Posted 2/24/15 2:58 PM |
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dlj97
LIF Adult
Member since 7/10 4399 total posts
Name:
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Re: Kids Club on a Cruise
Posted by JandJ1224
We recently went on a Disney cruise and my 4yo wasn't really into the kids club. A big disappointment for me. One of the main reasons I had booked Disney was for the kids club.
Sorry! It could definitely go either way at that age.
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| Posted 2/24/15 2:58 PM |
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JandJ1224
Member since 6/06 5911 total posts
Name:
Jannette
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Re: Kids Club on a Cruise
Regarding safety something a little different when parents pick up they are given a necklace and they go into the camp and get their child.
On past cruises with different lines parents aren't allowed into the club...
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| Posted 2/24/15 3:11 PM |
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JandJ1224
Member since 6/06 5911 total posts
Name:
Jannette
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Re: Kids Club on a Cruise
Posted by dlj97
Posted by JandJ1224
We recently went on a Disney cruise and my 4yo wasn't really into the kids club. A big disappointment for me. One of the main reasons I had booked Disney was for the kids club.
Sorry! It could definitely go either way at that age.
My daughter is difficult so it wasn't too shocking...
I did feel that since there were so many kids there wasn't really that personalized attention that we've experienced in the past on cruises. A lot of time the counselors will know the girls by name and welcome them. Depending on that connection they like or dislike kids club. With Disney there are just so many kids/counselors I feel like you lose that connection.
Disney did offer some cool experiences my 6yo enjoyed the cupcake class and science experiment and they had a computer room with paint program which both girls really liked.
Hope your daughter has a great cruise and you get some alone time! 
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| Posted 2/24/15 3:15 PM |
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dlj97
LIF Adult
Member since 7/10 4399 total posts
Name:
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Re: Kids Club on a Cruise
Posted by JandJ1224
Posted by dlj97
Posted by JandJ1224
We recently went on a Disney cruise and my 4yo wasn't really into the kids club. A big disappointment for me. One of the main reasons I had booked Disney was for the kids club.
Sorry! It could definitely go either way at that age.
My daughter is difficult so it wasn't too shocking...
I did feel that since there were so many kids there wasn't really that personalized attention that we've experienced in the past on cruises. A lot of time the counselors will know the girls by name and welcome them. Depending on that connection they like or dislike kids club. With Disney there are just so many kids/counselors I feel like you lose that connection.
Disney did offer some cool experiences my 6yo enjoyed the cupcake class and science experiment and they had a computer room with paint program which both girls really liked.
Hope your daughter has a great cruise and you get some alone time!
Thanks - we haven't decided if we are going to go. My parents get a discounted interline rate, so it is "only" $2300 for a balcony room on the Dream for 4 nights, but that, plus airfare and spending money is a lot!
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| Posted 2/24/15 3:21 PM |
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cheryl28
LIF Adult
Member since 2/10 4657 total posts
Name:
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Kids Club on a Cruise
We went on roual Carribean in Aug. I had all intentions of sending her to the kids camp and younger dd tot the daycare just for some alone time here and there. It was very strict and very safe etc. Dh wasn't thrilled. About sending her. I figured we would see how it goes. If she gets bored with its a nice change of pace out of the sun etc. We never wound up sending her. She loved the pool. We didn't get off at all ports so the boat was empty and we had a blast. Our friends with us sent their
Kid to the day are all the time and we felt so bad for him lol. We wouldn't have sent them that much but here and there but we didn't need to. We did however get an in room sitter every night we could and that was the absolute best thing. We had fun at night and didn't have to worry. It was weird at first but they were super nice and we felt comfortable after the first night. My kids were already asleep when we would leave. They always sleep so if they were up we knew there was a problem. Never happened they didn't even know we were gone lol
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| Posted 2/24/15 4:45 PM |
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Lillykat
going along for the ride...
Member since 5/05 16253 total posts
Name:
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Re: Kids Club on a Cruise
Posted by dlj97
Posted by ml110
we've been on 3 cruises (NCL, Disney and RC) with DS (who turned 4 in november). the kids clubs are GREAT!!!! and i feel very safe- like other people said, they have locked doors, you need to give a personal password, and show your card to pick them up. and on disney they have the Wave phones, so they will call you if they need to.
NOW- if only DS had actually stayed in one :-/ i'm a SAHM, and he's SUCH a mommas boy... that the one time we dropped him off, they paged us like 10 minutes later saying he was crying and to come get him... guess we'll try again when he's older.
Thanks! Not sure if my DD would stay either! DH doesn't want her to go to the kids club (if we decide to do the cruise) - he thinks it is like sending your kid to a babysitter, but I think you send them to have fun!
I agree with your DH to a point. Many do use it as daycare. But most don't. Not sure about disney but on Celebrity they break the times up into themes. Pirates, superheros, music instruments, etc. so from 2-5 they offer say prirate treasure hunt, certain games, face painting etc. morning might be zoo theme. They have activities based on the theme. Just as the ship has adult activities to choose from. My kids would say oh I am interested in the treasure hunt, or the cupcake making and that is what they would go to. So they might swim at the pool with us all day then go for an hour after dinner for a movie, or after lunch for an hour or two. We have never used it for meals, or paid times, but we use it to supplement some kids activities if they chose. Our last cruise they went in a total for 2-3 hours the entire week. I would say maybe let your child look at what they offer let them pick one activity and see if they like it. You can still swim together, eat together, but it gives them a little kid/fun time. Not sure how much she will want it on a disney cruise versus say a line where there are no slides and fewer family activities. Most times I hear parents say they dragged their kids out.
Our ship on Easter is having the Easter bunny stop by, giving candy, egg hunt and some special activities. My kids are very excited about that.
Message edited 2/24/2015 7:56:02 PM.
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| Posted 2/24/15 7:54 PM |
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BargainMama
LIF Adult
Member since 5/09 15660 total posts
Name:
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Re: Kids Club on a Cruise
Posted by dlj97
Posted by BargainMama
Posted by dlj97
Posted by ml110
we've been on 3 cruises (NCL, Disney and RC) with DS (who turned 4 in november). the kids clubs are GREAT!!!! and i feel very safe- like other people said, they have locked doors, you need to give a personal password, and show your card to pick them up. and on disney they have the Wave phones, so they will call you if they need to.
NOW- if only DS had actually stayed in one :-/ i'm a SAHM, and he's SUCH a mommas boy... that the one time we dropped him off, they paged us like 10 minutes later saying he was crying and to come get him... guess we'll try again when he's older.
Thanks! Not sure if my DD would stay either! DH doesn't want her to go to the kids club (if we decide to do the cruise) - he thinks it is like sending your kid to a babysitter, but I think you send them to have fun!
I do KIND OF agree with your husband. I couldn't imagine sending my kids in there for hours on end. I go on vacation to have fun WITH my family, not for us to all do separate things. But a couple hours here and there is totally fine! I do know of people that let their kids stay in there the entire time. Different strokes for different folks I guess!
That is what I said to him - if she goes for 1-3 hours a day I don't think it is a big deal. I would never send her all day - she isn't even 4! But the club looks like so much fun - I want to be a kid again so I can play in there!
Just so you know, YOU can play in there too during the open house times! They have an hour or two each day, maybe twice a day, I would have to look at my old navigator. I went in and we all played together. It was great since my son is too old for the Club and Lab, but developmentally delayed, and wanted to play in there also.
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| Posted 2/24/15 7:56 PM |
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BargainMama
LIF Adult
Member since 5/09 15660 total posts
Name:
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Re: Kids Club on a Cruise
Posted by dlj97
Posted by JandJ1224
Posted by dlj97
Posted by JandJ1224
We recently went on a Disney cruise and my 4yo wasn't really into the kids club. A big disappointment for me. One of the main reasons I had booked Disney was for the kids club.
Sorry! It could definitely go either way at that age.
My daughter is difficult so it wasn't too shocking...
I did feel that since there were so many kids there wasn't really that personalized attention that we've experienced in the past on cruises. A lot of time the counselors will know the girls by name and welcome them. Depending on that connection they like or dislike kids club. With Disney there are just so many kids/counselors I feel like you lose that connection.
Disney did offer some cool experiences my 6yo enjoyed the cupcake class and science experiment and they had a computer room with paint program which both girls really liked.
Hope your daughter has a great cruise and you get some alone time!
Thanks - we haven't decided if we are going to go. My parents get a discounted interline rate, so it is "only" $2300 for a balcony room on the Dream for 4 nights, but that, plus airfare and spending money is a lot!
I paid $2300 for 3 of us last year for 4 nights. This year it's $4,000 for 4 nights, but granted that includes 2 stops at their gorgeous private island, and it's peak season (July). My saving grace was airfare was free and hotel stay before/after with miles and points. So it kind of balances out 
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| Posted 2/24/15 7:58 PM |
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Kelly9904
Mommy to 2 amazing little boys
Member since 5/05 9306 total posts
Name:
Kelly
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Re: Kids Club on a Cruise
Disney Cruise YES.
They were so good in there. I went to check on my son and his friend and they were able to tell me exactly what are a of hte club they were in.
My only reservation would be if your child is shy because its big, there are lots of kids and it can be overwhelming.
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| Posted 2/25/15 10:43 AM |
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