All Disney Cruise Line ships not only have childcare available on board, but also clubs that are exclusive for kids, tweens, and teenagers.
The Disney Magic has five options: Disney's Oceaneer Club, Oceaneer Lab, Edge, Vibe, and the lovely "it's a small world" nursery.
If adults need a break or want to attend an adult-exclusive experience, sending their kid(s) to one of the following clubs or nursery available is a great option.
Below is everything you need to know about each facility.
Overview
One of our favorite things about cruising with Disney Cruise Line is that so many of the amenities are covered in the price, and that includes most of the Youth and Teen Clubs aboard the ship.
In fact, the only Youth Club that charges a fee or requires reservations is the "it's a small world" nursery, which is for children under three.
All of the clubs are well-themed and packed with a variety of age-appropriate activities.
Want to check them out?
Embarkation day is a great day to explore all that they have to offer. It's also a fun way to get kids that are a little bit nervous about trying them an opportunity to explore with mom and dad.
Disney Magic Youth Clubs
Kids ages 3-12 have a couple of different options for Kids Clubs.
Both offer a variety of activities and fun Disney-themed play areas.
Disney's Oceaneer Club
Deck: 5
Ages: 3 to 12
Requirements: Must be fully toilet-trained
Disney's Oceaneer Club is all about Disney fantasy with character-driven performances, special storytelling sessions, larger-than-life play areas, dress-up opportunities, and interactive activities.
Kids can play with toys and games, enjoy an arts and crafts area, and watch Disney movies.
THEMED-PLAY AREAS
There are four lands to explore that also offer different activities.
- Andy's Room: A multi-level room inspired by Toy Story that even has a supersized Slinky Dog slide.
- MARVEL Super Hero Academy: Kids can wield the weapon of their favorite Avenger, like Captain America's shield, play video games, and do arts and crafts. There might even be surprise visits from Marvel characters.
- Disney Junior: There are games, character experiences, and more.
- Pixie Hollow: Kids can visit Tinker Bell's home, play dress-up, create art projects, use kid-friendly computers, and listen to stories.
CHARACTER EXPERIENCES
Kids will even have a chance to meet characters and enjoy unique experiences with them, including:
- Thor Becoming Worthy: Join Thor and learn what it takes to become part of the next generation of heroes.
- Mickey and the Roadster Racers: Kids can build their own roadster and compete for the Cruise Line Cup.
- Join the Lion Guard: Kids will channel their inner animal and learn if they have what it takes to join the Lion Guard.
- Puzzle Playtime with Mickey and Friends: Mickey Mouse and company stop by to play games with kids and their families.
- Disney Royal Academy: Kids can join the Oceaneer Royal Court, while learning about Disney princes and princesses. They can even create their own royal outfits.
It's also important to note that the Club and Lab are connected. Kids can move between each space and partake in all of the activities. But, Youth Activities counselors are available at all times to assist children, including going back and forth between each space.
Disney's Oceaneer Lab
Deck: 5
Ages: 3 to 12
Requirements: Must be fully toilet-trained
Disney's Oceaneer Lab has a pirate theme and is a great learning experience for kids. They can participate in themed-activities and games that are not only fun, but also educational.
From experiments, to guided experiences, to dancing, to interactive games, to special character appearance, there's a lot to look forward to.
THEMED-PLAY AREAS
There are four lands to explore that offer different activities.
- Animator's Studio: Kids can create artwork and learn to sketch Disney characters.
- Captain's Workshop: A spacious play area for kids to watch Disney movies, relax, play video games, and play with priate-themed props.
- Craft Studio: A spot to unplug and focus on hands-on arts and crafts.
- The Wheelhouse: Kids can steer their own Disney ship through the Caribbean Sea courtesy of LCD screens and navigation simulators.
GUIDED GROUP ACTIVITIES
There are several activities that are of course themed and offer different types of fun.
- Anyone Can Cook: Inspired by Ratatouille, kids will learn how to measure and mix ingredients before baking chocolate chip cookies.
- Piston Cup Challenge: Kids can build race cars from bars of soap based on Cars.
- Super Sloppy Science with Professor Make-O-Mess: Kids can make discoveries with the world-famous scientist who also just might leave "a trail of mayhem behind."
- Zootopia Mystery Trek: Help Officer Judy Hopps figure out a mystery that's going on in the city of Zootopia.
It's also important to note that the Club and Lab are connected. Kids can move between each space and partake in all of the activities. But, Youth Activities counselors are available at all times to assist children, including going back and forth between each space.
Other Important Information
REGISTRATION & CHECKING IN
Children can be pre-registered for both the Oceaneer Club and Oceaneer Lab or they can be registered aboard the ship as well.
When boarding the ship on Embarkation Day, children and parents are required to check in and fill out final paperwork at the front desk at the Club or Lab.
At this time, parents can tour each club and meet the trained counselors. Kids will also get a Disney Cruise Line Youth Activities wristband, which gives them access to both the Club and Lab.
DINING
On select days, children can have lunch and dinner at both the Club and Lab. Activities are still available during meals for those who don't want to dine.
For parents attending the ship's second dinner seating, they can take advantage of the Dine and Play program. This allows kids to have their meals early and to be escorted by counselors to the clubs.
If parents choose to participate, they should let their server know when arriving at their dining destination.
CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL NEEDS
Children with special needs are welcome at both the Club and the Lab.
The Youth Activity programs are available to all children, but they must be fully toilet-trained, able to individually participate in the counselor-to-child ratio groups, and interact socially and comfortably with anyone their own age and physical size.
One-on-one counselor care, a counselor with specialty training, or counselor-assisted medical attention isn't provided. If children can self-address their own medical needs, they can store medical supplies at the Youth Activities desk.
YOUTH ACTIVITIES OPEN HOUSE
This open house is exactly what is sounds like and allows guests of all ages to experience a variety of activities at the Club and the Lab.
The open house also serves ass an opportunity for kids who don't meet age requirements or aren't fully toilet-trained and for adults to explore the facilities.
Both centers will still be open for anyone who wants to utilize childcare.
Teens & Tweens Clubs
Like the kids clubs, there are also two places for both teens and tweens to hang out and have fun, all while meeting new people. They are:
Edge
Deck: 9
Ages: 11 to 14
At Edge, tweens can watch movie, play games, do arts and crafts, and enjoy their own special hangout, where they can also meet other kids of the same age.
Edge is open daily from 10 a.m. to 1 a.m. Be sure to check the Personal Navigator newsletter or Disney Cruise Line Navigator mobile app while onboard for exact hours and activity dates and times.
On Magic, the lounge looks like an old boiler room and features video gaming systems, TVs for watching Disney movies, a dance floor, and more.
There are also a variety of free-form and structured activities, including taking photos at the selfie wall, doing scavenger hunts, singing karaoke, and more. The following activities are subject to change.
- That’s Hilarious: Inspired by Disney Channel's So Random!, tweens will learn improv and scene interaction basics to create their own comedy show using special effects, costumes, and camera tricks. They'll even perform their show live in the club.
- Heroes and Villains: Teams will compete to solve clues and complete challenges across the ship in order to win a prize.
- Crowning of the Couch Potato: An "outrageous" movie trivia contest.
- A Pirate's Life for Me: A pirate-themed activity that includes physical challenges and trivia questions.
- Descendant’s Den DJ Spin Off: Descendants fans can enjoy a photo booth, DJ lessons, games, singing, and dancing.
Vibe
Deck: 10
Ages: 14 to 17
Vibe is located in the red Forward Funnel of the ship and is for older teenagers.
Even though this is a teens-only hangout, there are counselors at sea who serve as chaperones. At the beginning of the cruise, teens can also select the activities they want to participate in at Vibe. On the Magic, Vibe is modeled after an urban loft and has industrial elements throughout.
There are video and virtual-reality games, TVs for movies, board games, and even tablets available. Teens can even enjoy dance parities, karaoke competitions, and games promoting group interaction.
In addition to a coffee bar that serves a variety of nonalcoholic beverages, other activities include (these are subject to change):
- Teen Download: With help from the latest media technology, together, teens can design their own dream vacation that includes games, activities, Port Adventures, and down time.
- Vibe Movie Makers: Teens can create a a movie based on the best of Disney and learn movie-making skills in the process.
- Gotcha: A game of elimination and trying to be the last one standing, teens will spend the day tagging out competition across the ship.
Childcare Center
There is one childcare center on board that's perfect for anyone traveling with little ones.
"It's A Small World" Nursery!
Deck: 5
Ages: 6 months to 3 years old 1 to 3 years old on Transatlantic and Panama Canal itineraries
Expert Disney counselors will take care of little ones and keep them entertained with games, crafts, story time, and, of course, nap time at the nursery inspired by the Disneyland attraction. Activities are unscheduled and vary depending on a child's mood.
For parents who want to check up on their children but without disturbing them, there's a special window looking into the main play area. The nursery also has three different areas:
- An acclimation zone that helps little ones adjust to their new environment
- A main play area with a 3D façade of the "small world" attraction that also has hidden interactive elements
- A separate room for naps
MAKING RESERVATIONS
The nursery has limited space, so making reservations is recommended. There's a minimum reservation time of one hour. Here's when you can make advanced bookings online:
- Concierge and Platinum Castaway Club Guests: up to 120 days ahead
- Gold Castaway Club Guests: up to 105 days ahead
- Silver Castaway Club Guests: up to 90 days ahead
- All other Guests: up to 75 days ahead
Guests can also make reservations on a first-come, first-served basis during the open house on Embarkation Day or any other time throughout the cruise.
PRICING
The nursery is available at the following rates:
- $4.50 per half hour for the first child
- $4.00 per half hour for any additional children in your family
WHAT TO BRING
If parents want, children can be fed and changed in the nursery. Parents can also bring the following:
- Baby food, formula or milk and bottles
- Diapers or pull-ups and diaper wipes
- Extra clothing
- A baby blanket
- Pacifier
Children under 12 months of age are not permitted to bring any items other than pacifiers (without an attachment) into a crib. Also, in-stateroom babysitting services are not available.
CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL NEEDS
Children with special needs are welcome at the nursery.
They must be fully toilet-trained, able to individually participate in the counselor-to-child ratio groups, and interact socially and comfortably with anyone their own age and physical size.
One-on-one counselor care, a counselor with specialty training, or counselor-assisted medical attention isn't provided. If children can self-address their own medical needs, they can store medical supplies at the Youth Activities desk.
