Earlier today, Disney Cruise Line notified guests about an upcoming change to the age range for its popular Oceaneer Club and Oceaneer Lab Kids Clubs that are available on their fleet of cruise ships. In less than a week, DCL is changing participation from children aged 3-12 to ages 3-10, beginning with cruises departing on and after December 21, 2023. This significant change is causing displeasure among parents with older children who enjoy the Oceaneer Club and Lab.
DISboards posters are now expressing their dissatisfaction and disappointment with the sudden changes, particularly affecting families with older children. Concerns are being raised about the impact on families who have already booked cruises, with some expressing the issue of not being informed earlier. With only a week’s notice from the first cruise that will feel these changes, it’s too late to cancel without losing your entire cruise fare.
Impact on Family Dynamics:
Parents with children ranging from ages 11-12 are frustrated as they will now need to split up their families during cruise activities where they might not have had to. Posters highlight the importance of having an age overlap to accommodate 11-12-year-olds who may not be ready for more independent activities. Children tend to react better to changes such as these when things are a bit more flexible.
Booking Reconsideration:
Some posters mention that they are reconsidering their Disney cruise bookings due to the unforeseen policy change, expressing disappointment in the lack of consideration for families in this situation. Some posters are voicing major frustration with the short notice, emphasizing that a one-week notice for such a significant change is unacceptable. Others are suggesting that affected guests contact Disney Cruise Line directly to discuss the impact on pre-existing bookings with this sudden and impactful policy change.
Immediate Impact on Planned Cruises:
Posters are also sharing personal experiences of how the policy change will affect their upcoming cruises, with some contemplating cancellations due to the new restrictions. Concerns are being raised about the lack of an overlapping age, making it challenging for older siblings to participate in activities with younger ones which seems to be the biggest issue for parents who are participating in the discussion.
Visit the Kids Club Age Change thread on the Disney Cruise Line forum at DISboards.com to join in on the discussion!
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