I recently took my two-year-old, Owen, on his first Disney Cruise! We had such a memorable vacation, and in many ways, it was one of the easiest trips we’ve taken. I tried to plan as much as I could before setting sail, but there were so many things I learned along the way!
1. Don’t Stress About Packing
In my experience, I usually over-pack things I don’t need and under-pack the things I do. If you do happen to over-pack, the porters at the cruise ship terminal assist in getting your luggage from your car to your stateroom and from customs to your car at the end of the cruise. This is a tremendous help when you have your hands full with a diaper bag, little one, passports, etc.
There’s also so much included in your cruise that you may not need to pack. For example, I was able to request a Pack ‘n Play and Diaper Genie for our stateroom, and there was a sippy cup and crayons waiting on Owen each night at dinner. I also didn’t pack snacks like I normally would and relied on room service, the buffet, and quick-service options. In the morning, I grabbed cereal, bananas, and milk from the buffet to keep in the room. I would also order room service in the morning and late afternoon to ensure no hangry toddler meltdowns. Pro tip: mac and cheese was not listed on our room service menu but was available by request. I also always requested glasses of water (free) to fill up Owen’s sippy cups.
One other thing that has changed since having a child, I almost always do laundry on vacation. Not because I want to but because either spills happen or I forget to pack something. Luckily, laundry onboard is super easy and affordable. On our cruise it cost $1 for laundry detergent, $3 to wash, and $3 to dry. You can pay using your Disney Band+ or Stateroom Key. The best part is I received notifications in the DCL Navigator app when the laundry was done – no guesswork or forgetting your laundry!
Thankfully, we didn’t have to purchase any “essentials,” only souvenirs. However, diapers, baby wash, infant Tylenol, pacifiers, etc., were available for purchase.
2. Splash Pads are Your Best Friend
If you have children, you know all about splash pads. One thing to keep in mind on Disney Cruise Line is that swim diapers must be worn in the splash pad, and if your little one is not fully potty-trained, they cannot enjoy the pools onboard. But don’t worry because the splash pads are incredible! The splash pad could have been Owen’s entire cruise and he would have been happy. There’s even a splash pad called “Spring-a-Leak” on Castaway Cay near Cookie’s BBQ.
3. Be Flexible
I knew traveling with a two-year-old would mean a completely different cruise experience, but in the moment, it meant constantly pivoting. We only watched one of the evening stage shows and did not see the fireworks (by the way, they’re at 10:30 pm). One of the biggest surprises was how challenging dinner time could be. We were either running late for our main dining seating or Owen didn’t want to sit throughout the entirety of the meal. Our servers were amazing and even gave Owen little toys when he got upset. If screen time is allowed, you can also watch select Disney+ shows through the DCL Navigator app using the ship’s Wi-Fi or just download them before your cruise. Another pivot was skipping the Pirate Night dinner to enjoy room service and food by the pool. We also had to leave dinner early one evening and our server was kind enough to let me take it to go. She even sent my husband back with several desserts!
4. Make Time for Yourself
Having only ever cruised with adults, I loved being able to relax at the quiet Cove Pool, Serenity Bay, Senses Spa, and the various lounges. The point being, the adult spaces on Disney Cruise Line ships are truly incredible! The good news is there are still ways to enjoy these spaces when traveling with a little one. Probably the easiest way to do so is the “it’s a small world” Nursery for ages 6 months up to 3 years old. There is an additional charge of $9 per hour, and advance reservations are highly recommended. Owen is going through a strong “mama” stage and only went to the nursery once, but he was well taken care of and I got to enjoy the stunning infinity pool.
Another way to enjoy the adult amenities; trade off nap time. I was lucky enough to have my husband cover nap time one afternoon so I could venture into Senses Spa. At Castaway Cay, he also made a trip to the Serenity Bay buffet to bring back steak and seafood to the family beach… not all heroes wear capes.
You can also take children to many of the lounges onboard before 9 PM. I know what you’re thinking – why would you want to do that? We would go for very brief periods of time to enjoy the specialty beverages and entertainment. The highlight was being able to enjoy the Hyperspace Lounge together!
5. Let the Small Moments Happen
This is the moment it all clicks and you remember why you fell in love with Disney vacations! Seeing Owen light up and hug the characters brought me priceless joy that was better than any port adventure or other onboard activity. The beauty of a Disney Cruise is that the characters are everywhere and visit throughout the day. I also find the interactions to be much more personal since the lines are usually shorter than they are in the parks. There was even a character dance party that I would absolutely recommend!
I also so enjoyed watching Owen being able to run and play, especially during Toddler Time at Mickey & Minnie’s Captain’s Deck and the Oceaneer Club Open Houses. I would often treat myself to a latte and let Owen play until his heart’s content – it was a parent win!
I was also pleasantly surprised by how much we all enjoyed our verandah! I was nervous about an active toddler and a door that opens to the ocean. However, the safety measures quickly calmed my anxiety and this kid LOVED sitting and looking at the ocean. There are two locks on the verandah door, including one that is impossible for a child to reach, and the verandah rail has a guard at the bottom so no toys fall off.
We loved sharing our love of Disney Cruise Line with Owen! I learned a lot along the way and am ready for our next cruise! What are your tips for cruising with a toddler?
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