Entrance To Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Walt Disney World’s Animal Kingdom is the newest and the biggest of Disney’s Theme Parks, but it is also the easiest to navigate with a baby or toddler. If this is your first visit to Walt Disney World and you are planning on spending a few days in the parks, Animal Kingdom is a great one to start with – you’re eased into seeing how you all fare with the rides, attractions, and crowds without being overwhelmed and without the expectations that sometimes are associated with seeing Magic Kingdom for the first time. While nothing can beat that initial glimpse of Cinderella’s Castle, as the penultimate Disney experience, starting smaller and slower is an ideal way to ease yourself into your Disney Vacation. I would also say the same about Epcot, although I personally would find it difficult to spend a whole day there.

Don’t forget to download the “Mobile Magic” or “My Disney Experience” app to your smartphone for park opening hours, ride wait times, dining option availability, character greeting places and times, and more. And if you’re not from the US, don’t worry about data roaming, Walt Disney World has free WiFi at all their resorts and parks. It can be a bit spotty at times, as all free WiFi can be, but hey, it’s free – as are the Disney apps!

Elephant Spotting On Kilimanjaro Safari, Animal Kingdom

Animal Kingdom Basics

Don’t be alarmed by Animal Kingdom’s size – most of the over 500 acres is for all the animals’ habitats. Disney’s Animal Kingdom is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, meaning they have met or exceeded the standards in education, conservation, and research. The icon (and centrepiece) of the park is the Tree Of Life, it is located on Discovery Island and the park’s six remaining sections (Africa, Rafiki’s Planet Watch, Asia, DinoLand U.S.A., Oasis, and Camp Minnie-Mickey) all revolve around the tree.

Animal Kingdom is a little remote, but Disney’s transportation system serves the park by bus from every resort – and obviously Animal Kingdom Resort is the closest one. Stroller rentals are to the right of the main entrance and as with the other Disney Parks they are the same molded plastic ones (different colour) and rental prices are consistent – $15.00 USD per day for a single-passenger stroller and $31.00 USD per day for a double. Disney offers a reduced-rate length of stay rental ticket for a one-time payment for as many days of stroller rental you will need. When you enter a Disney park, show your receipt at the stroller rental location and you will be zipped to the front of the line. The multiple day stroller rental fee is $13.00 USD per day for a single stroller, and $27.00 USD per day for a double stroller.

Festival Of The Lion King, A MUST See!

Getting Around Animal Kingdom:

As with all the Disney Theme Parks, Animal Kingdom is fully accessible. And the nice thing about all the trees is it’s probably the shadiest as well. While everything is quite spread out, it is pretty easy to navigate your way from one area to the next, although your day will be simpler if you can arrange your activities and must-dos to go either clockwise or counter-clockwise around the Tree of Life. With little ones, you’ll probably be spending the most time in DinoLand U.S.A., which is fine since you’re right next to the Oasis area and the park’s main entrance. Stroller parking is strictly enforced, and for the big shows like Finding Nemo The Musical and Festival of The Lion King (a MUST see!), the stroller parking areas can get a little crowded. As with the other parks, Disney Cast Members are constantly organizing and re-organizing the stroller parking areas, so don’t panic if your wheels aren’t exactly where you left them.

Great walks for baby’s nap time are the Pangani Forest Exploration Trail in the Africa area, Maharajah Jungle Trek in the Asia section, and there’s a small dinosaur walking area beside the Dinosaur ride.

We Liked The Wildlife Express Train. A Lot

Animal Kingdom Rides

Speaking of the Dinosaur ride, it’s awesome. It’s also really, really scary. It does have a height requirement of 40″, but even then if you think your child will be ok, prepare them for the dinosaurs and help cover their ears and eyes if you need to. My 7-year-old kept her eyes shut! There really are only two rides a baby or toddler can go on at Animal Kingdom – the Kilimanjaro Safaris (awesome and totally grab a Fast Pass as soon as you arrive at the park), and the TriceraTop Spin – Animal Kingdom’s version of the classic Dumbo ride at Magic Kingdom. TriceraTop Spin’s line usually moves quite quickly, and also in the DinoLand, U.S.A. area is The Boneyard – a play area with mazes and slides that yes, you can fit through as you chase your toddler! The Kali River Rapids has a height requirement of 38″ – it’s really not very scary but you might get very wet! The Wildlife Express Train to Rafiki’s Planet Watch goes back and forth to Africa – we rode it without getting off (park was not busy) for about four trips – at two-and-a-half, my son absolutely loved it!

Animal Kingdom Dining

As with all the Disney Parks, they don’t blink when you bring in your own food, which is obviously great when you’ve got a baby or toddler in tow.  The Rainforest Cafe is a pretty big draw, and it has entrances both inside and outside the park, Tusker House restaurant in Africa has character meals with Donald Duck & friends for breakfast and lunch, the Yak & Yeti Restaurant in Asia has Pan-Asian cuisine, and there is plenty of quick-service dining and kiosks throughout the park.

On very busy days you may not save a table in the restaurant if you haven’t already purchased food, but we had no issue getting a table for our party of eight at Restaurantosaurus in DinoLand, U.S.A.  The cast members directed us once we had our trays. There are plenty of high chairs (the larger, open wood kind), and strollers are not allowed inside most restaurants.

The kids’ meals automatically come with carrots or grapes and milk, and if you would prefer a different (read: less healthy) side or drink you must specifically request that substitution.  The restaurants do not have the means to heat bottles, but that brings us to the Baby Care Center…

This Way To Animal Kingdom’s Baby Care Center!

Animal Kingdom Baby Care Center

Animal Kingdom’s Baby Care Center is located on the way to Africa - on the left-hand side just past Pizzafari restaurant and before the bridge. The First Aid Center is located there too, as are companion restrooms. Animal Kingdom’s Baby Care Center is very spacious – probably the biggest and certainly the best equipped in terms of items for purchase but no toddler toilets! There’s a nursing room, a large changing room, a feeding room with a microwave and highchairs, as well as a decent selection of baby care items available to buy (diapers biggest size is 4). In fact, even the vending machines in the park’s restrooms sell a reasonably priced “diaper emergency kit” for sale. And though Animal Kingdom is a decidedly less-bustling theme park, a visit to the Baby Care Centre allows you all a bit of cool and quiet and a break from the heat and the people.

Tips For Animal Kingdom With A Baby Or Toddler

The Tree Of Life, Animal Kingdom

•Since Animal Kingdom is large, and the attractions are spread out, it is certainly possible to do a full (slower-paced) day here. Plan your must-dos and must-sees in advance, get your Fast Passes out of the way first, and take your time.

•Because Animal Kingdom is further out, leaving for a nap in the middle of the day is probably not the best use of your time. Plan for a stroller nap in one of the park’s lovely walking areas, or make it a shorter day and spend the morning or late afternoon back at the hotel by the pool. Since mornings are cooler, the animals are more active early in the day rather than later. If you’re staying on Disney property and there’s Extra Magic Hours available in the morning for Animal Kingdom – take advantage!

•The full-time character meet and greets are at Camp Minnie-Mickey and in DinoLand U.S.A. – you can quickly check the “Mobile Magic” or “My Disney Experience” apps to see who is where. Mickey’s Jammin’ Jungle Parade does the circle around Discovery Island every afternoon, and is great fun to watch.

•Take a picture of your kids in the morning of your visit, and make it clear to them (if they are old enough to understand) exactly what they are to do should they become separated from you. You can establish a meeting spot with older kids, and for little ones, finding a Cast Member who works at one of the shops or rides is the best course of action. The Cast Member will first contact Lost Children and register any information that they have, including the child’s name, age, location and a parent’s name, and then try to retrace the child’s steps and see if a meeting spot was established. Next the lost child will be taken to the Lost Children Center, which in Magic Kingdom is located next to the baby care center. Attach a tag or sticker your child’s clothing with your name and cel phone number on it, or these wristbands from Mabel’s Labels are a great solution as well.

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Epcot’s Spaceship Earth

Epcot opened as Epcot Center in 1982, and I believe that was my 2nd visit to Walt Disney World. I’m giving away my age when I tell you that I was 11-years-old on that trip, but to say that was my dad’s last visit to Walt Disney World and that he teared up talking about it just shows you the kind of impact a Disney vacation has on your psyche. I remember Epcot opening being a BIG DEAL, and we’re spoiled these days with how Disney continually tops themselves (and so quickly!) with their Disney Cruise Line and Adventures By Disney.

There really aren’t that many attractions or rides geared to small children at Epcot, but it still truly is a wonderful place to bring a baby or toddler. Though it’s almost twice as big as Magic Kingdom, Epcot is quieter, the pace is less busy, and strolling through the World Showplace (especially at night!) is a wonderful way to while away naptime or even bedtime with a heavy sleeper.

Epcot Basics

Epcot is divided into two sections: Future World (East and West) and World Showcase. It is the only Disney World Theme Park to have two entrances. There’s the main one that’s serviced by a parking lot, buses, and monorail that will take you to the Ticket & Transportation Center, and the secondary one off beside the entrance to the World Showcase that connects to Disney’s Boardwalk. You can get to Epcot via Monorail or bus, but the Boardwalk resorts (Boardwalk Inn, Yacht & Beach Club, Swan & Dolphin) offer boats to the International Gateway (Epcot’s smaller entrance), but we always walk it because it’s so short.

Entrance and Stroller Rentals at International Gateway Entrance…

Because there are two entrances, there are two spots for stroller rentals – to the left of the main entrance, and then again towards the Boardwalk. The strollers are the same molded plastic ones as at the other parks (different colour) and rental prices are the same – $15.00 USD per day for a single-passenger stroller and $31.00 USD per day for a double. Disney offers a reduced-rate length of stay rental ticket for a one-time payment for as many days of stroller rental you will need. When you enter a Disney park, show your receipt at the stroller rental location and you will be zipped to the front of the line. The multiple day stroller rental fee is $13.00 USD per day for a single stroller, and $27.00 USD per day for a double stroller. A Kolkraft umbrella stroller can be purchased at Epcot for under $60 – we saw them at the gift shop beside the United Kingdom Showcase en route to the Boardwalk.

Strollers For Sale At Epcot…

Epcot’s hours are usually a little shorter than Magic Kingdom‘s – it really depends on the time of year. The same “Extra Magic Hours” apply at Epcot to Disney Resort guests, and you can pick up the pamphlet with the week’s opening hours as well as showtimes and character greetings pretty much everywhere, or download the “Mobile Magic” or “My Disney Experience” app to your smartphone. No data worries – all Walt Disney World Parks & Resorts have free WiFi and the apps are free too!

The IlluniNations: Reflections Of Earth fireworks and music show happens most nights – usually at either 9:30pm or 10:30pm (times can be confirmed from the Times Guides around the parks). It takes place on the lake in front of the World Showcase Pavillions, and it is definitely worth a late night. Here is where a Park Hopper pass would come in handy – you can be in one park all day and then go take a break and head to Epcot for dinner and the fireworks. They are pretty loud, and we were able to see most of them from our balcony from the Boardwalk Inn.

Getting Around Epcot

Epcot is a very large (geographically) space, so getting where you need to go can take a while. Fortunately it doesn’t usually get as busy as Magic Kindom, so you’re not dodging as many crowds. There are often lots of interesting things along the way – sidewalks that light up, an awesome fountain, etc. – that can easily distract you. We’ve found we never get around Epcot as quickly as we think we will. As with the other parks, though, you’re wise to determine the things you simply can’t miss, and do those first. Our favourite is The Seas With Nemo & Friends – we typically head there first, go on the ride, and spend a while in the aquarium – we have a picture of us in Bruce’s jaws from every visit, and the kids can’t get enough of Turtle Talk With Crush. It’s really good!

Bruce Is Our Friend!

Epcot Rides

There are not that many rides at Epcot, and really the only one that’s good for wee ones is the aforementioned The Seas With Nemo & Friends. However, once your child is tall enough (40″), Soarin’ is awesome and not too intense. Other rides at Epcot with height requirements are Mission Space (44″), and the brand new Test Track (40″). There are lots of fun, interactive areas inside the iconic Spaceship Earth, as well as ImageWorks in the Imagination! building. Captain EO might be too scary for little ones.

Fast Passes are also available at Epcot, as is the Child Swap option for grown-up rides. Definitely do Fast Pass for Soarin’ and Test Track, those are the busiest attractions at Epcot by far.

Epcot Dining

Meeting Aurora At Epcot’s Princess Lunch…

The big draw for us with Epcot is the food. While there is great dining throughout the park, every single pavillion in the World Showcase has dining – usually more than one as well. As we’ve stayed at resorts in the Boardwalk area a few times, often (thanks to our Park Hoppers) we’ll nip over to Epcot for dinner. The kids love the Quick Service Chinese Restaurant (Lotus Blossom Cafe), and the Princess Character Meals at Akershus Royal Banquet Hall in Norway is excellent and well worth the time and effort to get reservations. We had the Princess Lunch, and it was a great selection of food, the desserts were awesome, and my daughter was delighted as the Princesses come by each table and spend a decent amount of time with each guest. Character meals are great fun but they must be booked well in advance.

Epcot Baby Care Center

Entrance To Epcot’s Baby Care Center…

Epcot’s Baby Care Center is off on its own little nook en route to Mexico as you approach the World Showcase from the main park. It is surprisingly large for the size of the park, and when I popped in midday on a Saturday it was completely empty. As with the Baby Care Center at Magic Kingdom, there is a main lounge with high chairs, tables, toys and movies, a nursing room, and a change room. No tiny toilets at Epcots Baby Care Center – it seems MK’s is the only one with that distinction. there is also a large kitchen area with facilities for you to heat bottles and food, as well as a number of baby and baby care products should you run out or forget something.

The Epcot Baby Care Center was so clean, spacious, and cool, I could see just coming by with your kids for a chill-out if the heat and hustle is proving to be too much.

Tips For Epcot With A Baby Or Toddler

-Epcot’s Character Spot pretty much guarantees good character greetings (Mickey and Minnie!) without the usual super-long wait in the heat. And the heavy hitters are always there. Character greeting times elsewhere in the park are listed in the daily times guide, as well as on the Mobile Magic and My Disney Experience free apps.

-Once your toddler enters the preschooler phase, they might enjoy getting their Epcot passports (available in the Epcot shops) stamped at the “Kidcot” stations around the World Showcase. Or you could make one or use their autograph books.

-Consider a stroller even if your child is older and is used to a lot of walking. There is A LOT of walking at Epcot.

-As with all park visits, have a plan in case you become separated. Take a picture of your kids in the morning of your visit and attach a tag or sticker your child’s clothing with your name and cel phone number on it, or these wristbands from Mabel’s Labels are a great solution as well.

-Take the time to smell the roses. Epcot has lovely gardens, and often has special events surrounding food, wine, and their famous gardens. Take advantage of these events when your little ones are little, chances are they won’t be interested when they’re older.

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Cinderella’s Castle, Magic Kingdom

Seeing Cinderella’s Castle in the distance from the start of Main Street, USA is just as magical a view from a stroller as it is from an infant carrier or your own two (little) feet. But there’s a lot riding on a visit to Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World, and if you’ve got a baby or toddler in tow, you’ve got more on your mind than just coping with crowds or wait times for rides. Luckily, Disney is very intuitive when it comes to parents’ needs, so while you still need to plan your day and also be flexible enough to deal with the unexpected, things like stroller accessibility, high chairs in restaurants, and change tables in restrooms are things you can cross off the worry list.

Magic Kingdom Basics:

At approximately 133 acres, Magic Kingdom really expanded in size with the recent addition of the New Fantasyland, which is now open but will have more new attractions opening up in the future. Magic Kingdom is comprised of six areas – Main Street U.S.A., Adventureland, Frontierland, Liberty Square, Fantasyland, and Tomorrowland.

Stroller Rentals Under The Overpass, On The Right

When you first pass through the gates, restrooms, lockers, and wheelchair rentals are on the right. Stroller rentals are located under the right hand side of the bridge that the Walt Disney World Railroad goes over. Daily rentals for strollers (they are the molded plastic kind – good for toddlers and preschoolers but not suitable for infants or even older babies) are $15.00 USD per day for a single-passenger stroller and $31.00 USD per day for a double-passenger stroller. In case you misplace your stroller, replacements (hang on to your receipt!) can be found at Frontierland at the Frontier Trading Post, Fantasyland at Tinker Bell’s Treasures, and Tomorrowland at Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin. If you need to rent a stroller for multiple days, Disney offers a length of stay rental ticket (at a reduced rate) for a one-time payment for as many days of rental you will need. When you enter a Disney park, show your receipt at the stroller rental location and you will be zipped to the front of the line. The multiple day stroller rental fee is $13.00 USD per day for a single stroller, and $27.00 USD per day for a double stroller.

Opening hours for Magic Kingdom vary, but if you stay at a Disney Resort you are entitled to “Extra Magic Hours” – where the park opens early or stays open late specifically for resort guests – great for early risers or night owls. You can pick up the pamphlet with the week’s opening hours as well as showtimes and character greetings pretty much everywhere in the park, or download the “Mobile Magic” or “My Disney Experience” app to your smartphone. And if you’re not from the US, don’t worry about data roaming, the smart folks at Walt Disney World have free WiFi at all their resorts and parks. It can be a bit spotty at times, as all free WiFi can be, but hey, it’s free – as are the Disney apps!

Getting Around Magic Kingdom

Disney Parks are probably the most accessible theme parks I have ever visited, so they are a breeze to navigate with strollers. In the different areas there are stroller parking lots where you’ll need to leave your ride before you check out some of the rides and attractions. Be aware that the Disney Cast Members frequently move the strollers around to keep the area neat and tidy, so don’t panic if your stroller is not where you left it. Some attach a balloon so they can see it from a distance. Nobody seems terribly concerned about theft, as you will see everything from Bugaboos to cheapie umbrella strollers (and you can buy a Kolkraft umbrella stroller at most Disney gift shops on resort for less than $60). While I don’t leave our camera or my wallet in the stroller when we park it, nothing has ever gone missing from our ride. If you’re concerned, a good idea might be to invest in one of those cute locks that you can put through the wheel – I would hesitate to actually lock it to Disney property in case a cast member needed to move it.

First Stop For Us Is Always Adventureland…

Now of course, depending on when you go and what time you arrive, Magic Kingdom might be very busy. Your best bet is to plan out which rides and attractions are must-dos for you, and aim to do those first. Convention dictates that when most enter a theme park they tend to go right. When we visit Magic Kingdom, we head left – to Adventureland. Our first ride of the day is almost always Pirates Of The Caribbean, although sometimes we don’t make it past The Magic Carpets Of Alladin without going on that one first. Find out which of your must-ride rides offer Fast Passes and grab those first as well. You will be given a time to return to the ride where your wait will be minimal to none. Dumbo is a good ride to do Fast Pass – even with the new Double Dumbo there is almost consistently a 60min wait to ride. Keep in mind that you aren’t able to get a new Fast Pass for a different ride until a certain time – usually until your time at the current Fast Pass ride has passed.

Magic Kingdom Rides

I’ve already mentioned Pirates Of The Caribbean and Dumbo – and they are classic Disney rides. And the beauty of Magic Kingdom is that there are SO MANY rides you can all go on as a family – even with a baby in your lap. But just because you can go on a ride with a little one, doesn’t always mean you should. The Disney rides are experiential, and magnificently so. But some are dark inside, the music and sound effects can seem loud, and some of the imagery can be quite scary for toddlers. Of course, you know your child best and what they can handle, but I will warn you that it is no fun sitting through a ride listening to your toddler cry. A quick tip is that a zip through It’s A Small World cures all – and the line for that may seem long but it always moves quickly.

A Trip Through It’s A Small World Cures All…

Our favourite rides at Magic Kingdom are the aforementioned Pirates Of The Caribbean, The Magic Carpets Of Alladin, It’s A Small World, Dumbo, Prince Charming’s Regal Carousel, the Tommorrowland Speedway, Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin, and the new Under The Sea – Journey Of The Little Mermaid. Rides with height restrictions are Splash Mountain (40″), Big Thunder Railroad (40″),  Goofy’s Barnstormer (35″ – and always a super-long line for this and it’s a really short ride. Best to Fast Pass), Tomorrowland Speedway (32″ to ride, 54″ to ride alone), Space Mountain (44″), and Stitch’s Great Escape (40″). Rides that do not have height restrictions but little ones might find scary due to darkness/loudness/imagery are Peter Pan’s Flight, Pirates Of The Caribbean, The Haunted Mansion, and The Many Adventures Of Winnie The Pooh.

If you’d like to go on a “big person” ride, ask the cast member at the start of the line up (or Fast Pass entrance) for a Child Swap pass. This will allow one of you to ride while the other stays back with your child, and then you can switch off so the other can ride. Combine this with a Fast Pass and you should be sailing through your grown-up rides.

Magic Kingdom Dining

One of the great things about Disney Parks is they don’t blink twice about you bringing in your own food and drinks. Which is great with a baby and younger toddlers, obviously, but also for you and your wallet and waistline. That said, however, eating at Magic Kingdom is as junk-y or as healthy as you want to make it. Lots of people scoff at the giant turkey legs, but if you figure you could probably feed your whole family from it plus some veggie sticks or fruit, and you’ve got decent food at a decent price. There are lots of Quick Service options – from hot dogs and french fries on Main Street, U.S.A., to the Mediterranean Salad at Pinocchio Village Haus (Fantasyland) that I actually really enjoy. Character dining is great fun but usually always must be booked in advance (sometimes MONTHS in advance), so have a look at The Crystal Palace and Cinderella’s Royal Table when you first book – same for dinner at the new Be Our Guest Restaurant. While it and Gaston’s Tavern are the newest additions to the Disney dining experience, the wait times tend to be longer than most since everyone wants to give them a try.

Disney is great with crowd control, so if the restaurants do seem busy, fear not. On very busy days you may not save a table in the restaurant if you haven’t already purchased food, so even though the restaurants were super-busy, we got a table no problem – the cast members will direct you. There are plenty of high chairs (the larger, open wood kind), and strollers are not allowed inside most restaurants.

The kids’ meals automatically come with carrots or grapes and milk, and if you would prefer a different (read: less healthy) side or drink you must specifically request that substitution.  The restaurants do not have the means to heat bottles, but that brings us to the Baby Care Center…

This Way To The Baby Care Center…

Magic Kingdom Baby Care Center:

Each Disney Park has a baby care center, and the one in Magic Kingdom is located on the left as you walk towards Cinderella’s Castle on Main Street U.S.A. – it’s beside the First Aid Station. **Just outside the Baby Care Centre is a great photo op spot with lovely, unobstructed view of the castle – even if you don’t have a baby you should swing by here to snag that great shot!** The Baby Care Centre at Magic Kingdom is probably the largest one of the four theme parks, and inside there’s a nursing room, a large changing room, a washroom with small toilets for potty trainers, a feeding room with a microwave and highchairs, as well as a small selection of baby care items available for purchase. In fact, even the vending machines in the park’s restrooms sell a reasonably priced “diaper emergency kit” for sale. And although all the washrooms in Magic Kingdom are clean with change tables inside, a visit to the Baby Care Centre allows you all a bit of cool and quiet from what can be a bustling and stimulating experience.

Tips for Magic Kingdom With A Baby or Toddler:

Our Disney Expert – She’s Been Four Times (Lucky Duck!)

•Plan your day ahead of time and plot out a few can’t-miss attractions and do those first. Don’t expect to cram everything into one day – you will feel cranky and rushed and will likely be disappointed. Walt Disney World will always be there, so missed rides or attractions are a good excuse to return

•If you’ll be visiting more than two days,to stay on resort at one of Disney’s properties, and get a Park Hopper option attached to your park tickets. The convenience of Disney’s transportation system, combined with the freedom to pop into a different park for the afternoon, for dinner, or just for the fireworks or a show can certainly make the expenditure worthwhile, and usually ends up saving you money.

•Take a picture of your kids in the morning of your visit, and make it clear to them (if they are old enough to understand) exactly what they are to do should they become separated from you. You can establish a meeting spot with older kids, and for little ones, finding a Cast Member who works at one of the shops or rides is the best course of action. The Cast Member will first contact Lost Children and register any information that they have, including the child’s name, age, location and a parent’s name, and then try to retrace the child’s steps and see if a meeting spot was established. Next the lost child will be taken to the Lost Children Center, which in Magic Kingdom is located next to the baby care center. Attach a tag or sticker your child’s clothing with your name and cel phone number on it, or these wristbands from Mabel’s Labels are a great solution as well.

•Know when it’s time to take a break – either to take off back to your hotel for a nap or even to just go for a ride on the monorail and back. The most resilient and laid-back kids can become overstimulated and/or overwhelmed, and taking a break to recharge and reset the mood will mean a more harmonious day for all of you.

•Character meet & greet times are available on the handouts, via Guest Services, and also on the Mobile Magic app. Before waiting in line for a character meet & greet though, make sure your baby or toddler will actually be excited to meet the character, and not freaked out. Kids react differently and at different times – my son was delighted to meet Chip & Dale and the princesses when he was only 20mos., but at 2-and-a-half was completely freaked out and would not go near any of them. Shortly before his 3rd birthday he loved the characters again, but I’m glad I didn’t wait for an hour in line for him to drop motionless on the floor to find out! You’ll see lots of kids with autograph books for the characters. Mine were too little to care about that, and drew in the books instead. The many parades offer a great chance to see everyone without line-ups or hassles.

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It’s A Small World Nursery Lobby

One of the facilities I was most interested to check out on our Disney Fantasy cruise, was the It’s A Small World Nursery. Not every family resort or cruise offers infant and baby care, but if they do it’s usually pretty good. The Disney Fantasy was no exception. It’s not free, like at Beaches Turks & Caicos, but it’s not a full day rate like at Club Med. In fact, the pay-as-you-go rate of $6.00 USD per hour is incredibly reasonable, and Bub couldn’t wait to go!

Since he was just shy of his third birthday, I was a little worried that he would find the area a little too babyish. Not the case! He really seemed to enjoy the smaller scale of Small World, and when my husband went to pick him up after an hour there, he didn’t want to leave – a good sign, I think. We let him stay for another hour

It’s A Small World Nursery Play Area

I spoke with Manda, one of the lovely staff members about the policies the It’s A Small World Nursery follows. For infants aged 14mos. and younger, the ratio of staff to babies is 1 – 4. For older babies aged 14mos. and up, the ratio is 1 – 6. There is usually a staff of 8 standing by, but they can always call someone in if things get busy. On the Dream the maximum number of babies they could manage was 28, and Manda anticipated the same for the Fantasy. Reservations are recommended, but they can take walk-ins as capacity allows. As with the Oceaneer Club and Lab, you can pre-register your kids online-  -check under “My Cruise Plans” in your online cruise profile for the option for registering. Wristbands are not given for the little ones. The It’s A Small World Nursery is open from 9am to 11pm – sometimes opening at 7am – and they offer open house time during the first two at-sea days.

It’s A Small World Nursery Nap Area

When dropping off your baby, you leave with the staff their food and/or bottles, diapers and wipes, and napping instructions. If your little one is not exactly thrilled with being left, the staff will try to comfort and distract. Manda advised that usually most calm down within that time frame, but they will page parents for further instructions if the baby cannot be comforted after 15 minutes. If your little one cannot be comforted after 30 minutes, the staff will page you to come pick him or her up.

If your baby or toddler falls down and goes boom while in the care of the Disney Fantasy It’s A Small World Nursery, the staff will administer ice packs and/or band-aids, and will call you straight away. Usually they are fine to stay but they leave that decision at your discretion. If a “protein spill” happens (Disney-speak for vomit – love it!) they will call you to come pick up your child, and they can return to the nursery once you’ve received clearance from the medical team. They need to determine if the “protein spill” was a one-time upset stomach, or a virus that could affect the staff and other attendees of the nursery.

It’s A Small World Main Area

The cost of the It’s A Small World Nursery is $6.00/hour – remarkably reasonable, I think, considering the level of care and quality of the surroundings. It’s spotless, and the various zones are so nicely decorated and soothing (and clutter-free) it makes me wish our daycares at home could maintain that level of cleanliness and tidiness. One thing I noticed about the staff at It’s A Small World (and most of the kids’ staff, actually) is that they’re mostly Brits, Aussies and Kiwis – I think it’s the accent (think Mary Poppins) that inspires extra confidence in the child care department.

Personally, I wasn’t able to utilize baby and kids clubs at resorts until my daughter was past-two. But that’s me and my helicopter parent tendencies, not lack of confidence in any of the facilities I’ve come across. Bub did great at FDR Resort and his vacation nanny in Jamaica when he was 16mos., but my mother-in-law was also there with him. But I recognize that other (most?) parents are not as hover-y as I am, plus having 2nd and 3rd kids often means A) you’re more relaxed about leaving them in the care of others & B) you’re in more need of a break (!) so knowing there are resorts and cruises like Disney Cruise Line that offer exemplary infant and toddler care is a real bonus for parents who just need some grown-up time.

For more information on Disney Cruises, please visit www.disneycruise.com

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Andy's Room, Oceaneer Club

It took a long time for me to warm up to the idea of kids clubs. After all, the whole point of a family vacation is to spend time together, right? Perhaps I was scarred from seeing two miserable kids half-heartedly make sandcastles with a bored Mexican teenager while on my honeymoon, but I was certain I’d never dump MY kids off while on vacation. But once my daughter started nursery school (and would pretend not to see me when I’d come to pick her up) I knew that kids’ clubs would be a part of our lives. That’s usually the first place she asks to go to when we go anywhere – insert Marge Simpson grumble here…

Kids clubs and children’s activities at resorts and on cruises differ wildly in quality and sometimes cost extra. The Oceaneer Club and Oceaneer Lab on the Disney Fantasy is probably the  most awesome I’ve seen for kids 3-12, and is included in your cruise fare. My daughter concurs.

Making New Friends In Pixie Hollow...

Located on Deck 5, the Oceaneer Club and Lab are side by side, and supervise children from ages 3-12. This is a pretty big span but the supervisors group the kids according to their ages and abilities, and in a nutshell the Lab offers more structured programs. According to the (lovely) Cast Members that operate the Oceaneer’s facilities, typically younger kids prefer the Club, and older kids like the Lab. My 6yo. daughter agreed. All kids, including the three year olds, need to be potty-trained, however they will make exceptions for younger siblings if they want to stay with big brother or big sister, you just need to promise to stop by and check them every hour to make sure they don’t need changing. Luckily Bub was happy to go to the It’s A Small World Nursery, so our daughter got to immerse herself in the Oceaneer fun without Bub cramping her style

Oceaneer Club Dining Room

On the first day, you register your children at the club and they will be wristbanded. The wristband will stay on for the duration of your cruise, and it is sand and waterproof. For your convenience, you can pre-register your kids online -check under “My Cruise Plans” in your online cruise profile for the option for registering.. Children with special needs can be accommodated at the Oceaneer Club and Oceaneer Lab, just notify the staff and they will make special arrangements as best they can. Children can move back and forth between the Club and the Lab, and the staff will direct appropriate activities for all. There are special “open house” times where parents and other family members can come in and participate with the kids and check out what they’re doing, otherwise the Club and Lab are secure environments – no adults will be permitted inside for extended periods of time. Consult The Daily Navigator (the daily newsletter left in your stateroom each day) for the Oceaneer Club and Lab hours of operation and schedules. If you (or they) prefer, kids can have lunch and dinner there too.

Monster Academy...

On the Oceaner Club side, you’ll find Andy’s Room, Monster’s Academy, Pixie Hollow, and Disney’s Explorer Pod. There is a reading area, computer banks,  a small stage for games, multiple televisions, play structures, colouring, dress-up costumes, and a giant (and I do mean giant) TV screen.

Over on the Oceaneer Lab side, there’s a media room with bean bag chairs and so kids can watch movies, play video games or read, a working animation studio where kids can create original art or learn to sketch their favorite Disney characters, a tech space with numerous computers and large, high-definition LCD screens, a sound studio to create music, and a craft area (my daughter’s favourite!) with the biggest supply of crafty-type materials I’ve ever seen.

Nemo's Lab...

Scuttle’s Cove, on Castaway Cay, is the island’s extension of the Oceaneer Club and Oceaneer Lab. The staff transfer over to the island for those days at port, and you can enroll your kids there if you’d prefer some grown up time on the beach.

I was highly impressed by the kids club offerings on the Disney Fantasy Cruise. The rooms were spotless, the staff amazing, and the activities and amenities impressive – and it’s all included in the fare.

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View Of Castaway Cay From Cabanas Restaurant

On our Disney Cruise, we only had one port of call, on our second day we stopped at Disney’s private island – Castaway Cay. Now one of the things that most appealed about this stop is that it was a true opportunity for us to beach it guilt free. No local strip to check out or exotic foods to seek out and sample. Just a clean stretch of white sand, turquoise water, and delicious food without any fear of the unknown. While I adore getting off the beaten track and always seek out local markets and delicacies on our travels, it was kinda refreshing not to have to do any of that, just stop, drop, and play.

The Way To The Beach!

Disembarking the Disney Fantasy at Castaway Cay could not be easier, just walk off. No tethers, and really no waiting in line. You can always pop back on board if you’ve forgotten something as well – just be sure to always have your “key to the world” handy. You’ll come across water vendors when you first get off the ship, but water is available at the food area should you prefer to refill your own containers as well. Do remember that there is no coffee or milk available on Castaway Cay. So if you need your caffeine fix or an afternoon bottle before a nap, you’ll have to nip back inside or bring travelers with you. It’s a very short walk to the beach, or you can hop on board the little tram (fun for toddlers).

First Come, First Served Strollers, Wagons, and Sand-Ready Wheelchairs

What I love about everything Disney is that everything is always so accessible, and Castaway Cay is no exception. On a first-come, first-served basis, there are beach-ready strollers, wagons, and wheelchairs (I had never seen these before!) that you can grab as you approach the beach. I saw few families take advantage of these, mostly I think because they weren’t planning on doing much walking around the island (the ship does do a 5k run in the morning if you are so inclined). Beach loungers are plentiful, as are umbrellas, and towels are also provided on the island. The gift shop sells a number of pail and shovel options, but we were too cheap to buy them. Our kids made do with their drinking cups and seemed to make out ok.

The sand is soft, clean, and white. The water is crystal clear, but a little cooler than we are used to. The chill was quite refreshing at first, but it did not take long for us all to get used to the water, and other than our late lunch (more on that later) we really did not leave the water’s edge. For babies and toddlers, the slope to the water is nice and gentle, but do ensure they’re hatted and sunscreened (if they’re old enough) up because that Bahamian sun is strong. You can rent any number of water sport equipment, and the cabanas look lovely (albeit expensive – starting at $500/day), but we simply just lazed in the sand.

Scuttle's Cove

Scuttle’s Cove is the Castaway Cay-equivalent of Oceaneer’s Club on board the Fantasy. We didn’t go in, even though my daughter really (really) wanted to go. I insisted on family time at the beach and I’m glad that I did. I suppose it’s a good thing that your kids want to ditch you for the kids’ clubs but I convinced her to hang out with boring old mom and dad and she could go to the Oceaneer’s Club in the afternoon. Deal.

The food on Castaway Cay is a varied buffet – I’m not sure if it’s the same everyday but for us it was hamburgers and hot dogs, as well as a number of different chicken and rib selections (yum) and salads. You could grab any number of soft drinks or water (no coffee or milk though – remember!) and you could order alcoholic beverages to be charged to your stateroom. We thought the food was delicious – it was as good as the food on board the ship, which my clothes will tell you was a little too good Of course for dessert, there was the self-serve soft-serve ice cream bar. The food on Castaway Cay is included in your fare, just the alcoholic beverages and bottled water are extra.

Fabulous Day At Castaway Cay

And because Castaway Cay is a Disney destination, the facilities are baby and toddler friendly, and spotless – in spite of the sandy location. There are change tables in the washrooms, and the showers are located outside each restroom – it took us a while to figure that out.

Of course there are adult-only areas of Castaway Cay that are lovely, I’m sure, but for us this was a glorious family day at the beach, with an easy stroll back to our stateroom for naps.

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Disney Fantasy – Outside Cabanas

I was a pretty adventurous traveler in my single days, and my husband shared my wanderlust, which is one of the (many) reasons I knew he was “the one”. When we first had our daughter, and I expressed to people that we still hoped to travel WITH her, one of the most popular responses was “Well now I guess you’re stuck going to Disney.” Like that was a bad thing.

There is a sometimes a difference between traveling and taking a vacation. And a Disney Vacation is just that -a vacation – especially when you have a baby or toddler in tow. I am all about going on adventures and not having to specifically stay in properties labeling themselves as family-friendly, but if you need a break and don’t want to have to even think about high chairs or change tables or stroller access, Disney’s hotels and cruises have you covered.

I had never cruised before, and I wanted our Disney Fantasy Reviews to be as in-depth as possible – so here’s our day three…

Day 3:
For our Magical Preview Cruise, day three of our itinerary was a day at sea – to give everyone a chance to explore and enjoy the Disney Fantasy’s amenities.  I was also looking forward to a lazy morning. We slept really well on the ship – the beds are very comfortable and the motion really seemed to keep me knocked out. I had a fancypants brunch to attend at Palo – one of the ship’s two adult-exclusive restaurants that require advance reservations (and are an additional cost), but I joined my husband at Cabanas to help get the kids off for breakfast. I may or may not have had bacon.

Palo serves Northern Italian cuisine and is open for dinner but also occasionally brunch while the ship is at sea. I was there for a special event with fellow bloggers to meet and chat with some Disney execs, but that didn’t stop me from enjoying a Prosecco (or three) and devouring the Blue Cheese, Grape, & Port Wine Pizza. While I waited for my pizza I also enjoyed some of the offerings from the brunch buffet, so essentially you had to roll me out of there. The additional dining fee is very reasonable – $20.00 per person – but apparently reservations are difficult to come by. Online reservations well in advance are strongly recommended.

It’s A Small World Nursery

While I was off stuffing my face, my husband decided to check out the kids’ clubs. At almost three, they would have let Bub stay with his sister and play in the Oceaneer’s Club, with the proviso that we check in every hour since he was not yet fully potty trained (more on that later). I was concerned that the It’s A Small World Nursery would be too baby-ish for him, but they decided to check it out on the way to the Oceaneer’s Club. My husband said Bub didn’t even look back as he tried to barge into the play area, and had to be convinced to return for a hug and kiss goodbye. At $6.00 for infant care for babies as young as 12 weeks up until 36 months, the It’s A Small World Nursery is a clean and fun place, with wonderful doting Cast Members who will care for your baby. They do accept walk-ins (like us) however when the ship is closer to capacity, reservations are recommended – as is checking in your child online in advance.

Oceaneer’s Club

My daughter was next to be dropped off at the Oceaneer’s Club. I have always had reservations about Kids’ Clubs at resorts, so therefore I have kids who would rather go there than hang out with me! (At Beaches Turks and Caicos, toddlers were crying as they were being dropped off – mine cried when I came to pick her up! But I digress…) The difference between the Oceaneer’s Club and the Oceaneer’s Lab is that the Lab has more structured activities and an itinerary to follow. Most of the kids were a bit older in the Lab, and the Club often has “open house” hours where you can come in and play with your child, as well as supervise younger siblings so the whole family can play together. All the Cast Members working with the kids were bright and friendly – both my kids instantly felt comfortable with them, so I did too.

With both kids happily ensconced in supervised activities, and me happily consuming a week’s worth of calories in one sitting, my husband went for a run and relaxed by the pool. When he went to pick the kids up, both of them begged for another hour. I met him when I was finished my meet-ups and we had blissful thirty minutes alone together. I wanted to do the “King Of The World” bit from Titanic, but that part of the boat is not accessible, and the bow section of the ship is where the teen club is. Darn teenagers After we grabbed the kiddos we whooped it up at the character dance party in the lobby, where both my kids bailed from the conga line into the gift shop. Then it was time for some pool action!

Meeting Tiana – Worth The Wait

Bub was a bit grumpy, so my husband did the Deck 4 walk (2 laps!) while I watched my daughter splash around. Then I was on Bub watch duty (and pool-side cocktail duty) while they waited in line for the AquaDuck – the waterslide that goes out over the ocean. It was a good thing that Bub was napping for this, because at 40″ he was not quite tall enough (minimum height for both slides is 42″) to go on. Then we swapped out as it was time for the Princess Meet & Greet in the lobby. The Character meeting times are all in the daily newsletter, but I recommend arriving a bit early or at least on time. While there is less of a wait and more opportunities to meet the characters on the cruise than in the parks, you still do actually have to wait a bit – which is nice because when it’s your turn you don’t feel like you are being rushed through. (A tip to the tantrum-throwing mom with two very disappointed little princesses in tow: don’t show up for a character greeting at 5:00 when it says it starts at 4:30. And don’t give me the side-eye because I almost ran over your foot with the stroller because you refused to make room for us in the elevator. *rant over)

Bub’s nap wasn’t great, and dinner was a bit stressful. The Royal Court was our last in the rotational dining plan, and my daughter (well we all) loved the Cinderella’s Ball feel. I had the chicken, which was delicious, and my husband had the ravioli, which was divine. Again, as with all our meals, our servers Jorge and Brent were so awesome – entertaining and feeding (!) the grumpy Bub, and making an appropriate fuss over our princess dress-clad daughter. When serving the ketchup they do so in the shape of a Disney character (usually Mickey) but Brent can do Minnie – complete with bow. We left dinner and came out to another dance party – this time with live music. Bub had a party going on in his pants which required his swift removal, and though we feared the kids were too spun to settle, we made it to the showtime of “Believe” – and I’m so glad we did.

Disney Fantasy – “Believe”

As with the previous night’s show, “Wishes“, “Believe” has a pretty corny storyline but phenomenal musical numbers. Both kids were entranced, and as someone with a background in such things, I am totally impressed with Disney’s incredible production value – the costumes, lighting (indoor fireworks, even!) all were fantastic. And probably the most incredible? My daughter was convinced that the little Tinkerbell light was real, and I get to keep my pixie-dust believing girl for just a little while longer.

A little tidbit that I held from my husband (such info tends to stress him out) is that our bags needed to be packed and outside our stateroom door by 10pm for disembarkation the next morning. After the show, we headed back to our room, threw pretty much EVERYTHING into our luggage, and out the door it went  - just in time. I had the foresight to leave our and the kids’ clothes for the next day out, and our carry-on bags were just fine to manage the next day needs. Now, had we been going straight to our flight after our cruise, I would have ensured I was more organized, but our flight home was not scheduled to depart until 7pm, and though we were going straight to the airport the next day, we were going straight to the Hyatt Regency Orlando Airport – to rest and relax for those precious final hours of vacation.

Stay tuned for a wrap-up, and a detailed account of our stay at the Hyatt Regency MCO, but first – a few tips:

• Remember, your luggage needs to go out the night before you leave. Set aside a few minutes to get organized on your last day, so you’re not scrambling.
• The additional fee of $20 per person for the exclusive dining at Remo and Palo is well worth it – if you’ve a wee one under three be sure to book your It’s A Small World Nursery time for the same time if reserving online in advance.
• The shows are fantastic, and worth the late nights. Be sure to grab drinks and snacks from Deck 11 before the show so you’re not tempted by the sweets at the snack bar next door.

Revisit our Disney Fantasy Preview Cruise Day 1 and Day 2, and stay tuned for our post-cruise stay at the Hyatt Regency Orlando Airport coming soon!

The post Travel Stories: Disney Fantasy Preview Cruise – Day 3 appeared first on Have Baby Will Travel.

Castaway Cay, Bahamas

It’s been over a month now since we returned from our Disney Cruise, and both kids keep referring to the trip as something that’s going to be happening again and again – as in “When we go back on the boat…” and “On our next Disney cruise…” I’m not sure if the kids have been this affected by a trip or if they’re just that much more verbal now they can express their feelings afterwards. I had a feeling this trip on the Disney Fantasy blew their minds, and I guess I’m right!

Day 2:

We all slept really well on board the ship, and upon waking we were delighted to see the clear turquoise waters as we docked at Castaway Cay. Getting ready took no time at all, as the stateroom’s split bathrooms allow one to shower while the other brushes teeth, washes faces, etc. I was pleased my husband was so organized when putting our stuff away, as finding clothes for everyone was easy as we all had our “zone”.

Breakfast at Cabanas is a buffet so vast I recommend you remind yourself you’ll have plenty of opportunities to try everything. I tend to have a bit of a self control problem when it comes to buffets, so I ate enough to last me most of the day! The food is fresh and delicious, and there is plenty of coffee, juice, and milk at hand. The lattes and specialty coffees are extra – I think it was $5 for a large, non-fat vanilla latte. I had one the first day but didn’t bother for the rest of our trip. We tried to eat outside but the morning was a bit breezy so in we went – the interior of Cabanas is lovely anyway. I was astounded by the attention to detail with the beautiful tile work.

View Of Castaway Cay From Cabanas Restaurant

The nice thing about docking at Castaway Cay is you can walk directly off the ship. And the fact that we were there all day meant that we didn’t have to rush – although we did hustle since we were so excited to hit the sand. We are beach people, and Castaway Cay satisfied our need for sandcastles and salt water in a very beautiful and easy way. The water was a little cooler than the Caribbean we are used to, but we quickly adjusted to the temperature and spent most of the day in it. Sand toys were a tad pricey at the gift shop, so our kids made do with cups from the restaurant for their scooping and filling needs. Lazing in the sand, splashing in the sea, floating in the salty water – this is our ideal way to spend a vacation.

The food at Castaway Cay is included in your cruise fare, and there are also included beverages available as well – including water. There is no milk or coffee available, though, so if you need a caffeine fix or a nap-inducing bubba you’ll have to nip on board or bring a traveler. As you approach the beach, you’ll come across beach-friendly strollers, wagons, and wheelchairs that you are free to borrow (first come, first served), and there are also lots of rentals for watersports.

Post-Beach Nap...

We had a lovely late lunch – barbecue chicken, potato salad, fresh fruit and, of course, self-serve ice cream, before heading back to the boat. My daughter wanted so badly to go to Scuttle’s Cove kids’ club on Castaway Cay (I insisted on family time!) that I agreed to let her play in the Oceaneer’s Club while her brother napped. Of course being tired and grumpy was not a good enough reason to sleep, so it was back to Deck 4 for a few laps. While the boys slept and the girl played under the supervision of the fab Oceaneer’s Club staff, I had a few minutes to explore the ship and take a few pictures, and pop into the gift shop for some Pirate trinkets.

Like Father, Like Son

Bub napped late, which I typically try to avoid but I wanted us all to enjoy the shows that evening. He was very tough to wake, so my daughter and I headed to The Enchanted Garden first so we wouldn’t be late for dinner. This evening was a pirate party, so each guest was given a red bandanna to wear, and my daughter was delighted with her newly procured “pirate princess” outfit. A quick tip- packing a few costumes or accessories means fun at the theme parties without expensive trips to the gift shop!

Dinner was really delicious, and our awesome servers (hi, Jorge and Brent!) had the kids’ drinks ready, my glass of wine poured (leftover from the bottle I purchased at dinner the previous night) and were ready with a quick smile or joke to entertain the kids. Bub was pretty grumpy when dinner first started, and Brent not only had him laughing, he cut up his food and fed him. I sipped my wine and marveled at the Disney magic My husband’s tuna and avocado appetizer was delicious, and my prime rib was really good. Actually all our food this evening was wonderful, but I think the fabulous service made it taste even better.

Arrrr! Pirate Dinner At The Enchanted Garden

This evening’s show was called “Wishes” , and while the interstitial bits were a little corny, the song and dance numbers were really wonderful – fabulous production value with fantastic costumes and special effects. The kids absolutely loved it, even Bub – who at still only 2 has trouble sitting still for very long. I’m so glad we were able to see it all as a family.

But by the end of “Wishes”, the kids were cooked. Back to #5152 for a quick battle over the top bunk (again) and bedtime – except for Bub. I’m not sure if it was the late nap or the excitement of the evening (probably a combination of the two) he was spun, and would not settle to go to sleep. Back to Deck 4 for some laps (I really didn’t mind doing this – felt the exercise was good for me!) but even with his woobie and the fresh night air, sleep was not coming. We headed up to Deck 11 for the Pirate Party, where in spite of the sometimes scary imagery (he finds all the skeletons a bit freaky, and we tell them they’re silly so he laughs) Bub enjoyed the stage show. The fireworks off the boat? Amazing. Not exactly conducive to settling a toddler at bedtime, but amazing.

Eventually he did go down, and then my husband and I finished our beer from the previous night (yes, we’re lightweights now) and slept. Hard. The (slight) rocking of the boat and the supreme comfiness of the bed meant I had probably the best sleeps on vacation in a long, long time.

Stay tuned for the final installment – a recap of our Day 3, but first a few more tips:

• If you’ll be enjoying the beach at Castaway Cay, apply sunscreen before you disembark. The kids will run straight for the water (trust) and it’s hard to put lotion on wet, sandy, and squirming kids.
• In spite of wanting to keep luggage to a minimum, pack a few costumes and accessories for your kids. Everyone makes an effort for the themed parties, and this way you can avoid pricey trips to the gift shop. These fun themed parties might be a good excuse to hit the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, however…
• Be prepared for your baby or toddler sleep routine to get a little screwy. There is A LOT going on and Bub’s naps suffered. Luckily he was too busy to be too grumpy and he was so tired by the end of it he was right back on track. They always find their routine again, anyway. With some (and some trips) it just takes a little longer.

Disney Fantasy Magical Preview Cruise, Day 3 – coming soon! 

The post Travel Stories: Disney Fantasy Preview Cruise – Day 2 appeared first on Have Baby Will Travel.

The Disney Fantasy, March 2012

Pre-kids, a Disney vacation is one I never saw myself taking with kids, never mind taking again and again. In my previous life as a certified travel snob, I had not yet come to the realization that a vacation and traveling can be two separate things, and that one is not better than the other and each has its value. While I am itching to get out and explore somewhere new, after the death of my father on New Year’s Day and the grief, stress, and everything else added on to a working parent’s plate, this Spring I needed a vacation. I’m grateful to Disney Cruise Lines for inviting us on a preview sailing of their newest ship, the Disney Fantasy, as this busy break from reality allowed us to escape from winter’s doldrums and provided me the impetus to create a new Cruising section of Have Baby Will Travel.

Day 1:
After three action-packed days at Walt Disney World, we were excited to board the Disney Fantasy and check out our “Boat House” for the next three nights. Our itinerary was for three nights on board – with Day 2 being a port of call at Castaway Cay, and then a day at sea to enjoy the ship. Having never cruised before, I found the boarding experience a little overwhelming, and had I followed advice on my own site about how to prepare for a Disney Cruise, I would have had an easier time of finding our cabin and getting us something to eat! First impression of the Disney Fantasy? It’s beautiful. Really, really beautiful. The fixtures and finishings are lovely and totally what you’d expect for a top-of-the-line, luxury cruise ship. Our first stop was Flo’s V8 Grill, on Deck 11, for some lunch. We enjoyed a smorgasboard of pizza, hot dogs, wraps, salad, and fresh fruit before venturing down to our stateroom on Deck 5 to get organized. For future reference, next to Flo’s on Deck 11 is the 24hr beverage station, where you have round-the-clock access to pop, coffee, water, and milk.

Stateroom 5152

Our stateroom on Deck 5 (Cabin #5152) is classified as a Deluxe Oceanview Stateroom With Verandah, and we had the added good fortune of having an oversized verandah. The thought did make me nervous, but there was a child-proof lock that was high up on the door so that gave me some peace of mind.

The sail away party on Deck 11 was crazy – song & dance numbers, characters, fireworks – I thought it was for the special inaugural sailing, but apparently it’s like that to kick off every trip. Dolphins waved us off as we pulled away from Port Canaveral – we joked that they were animatronic ones created by Disney! Shortly after setting sail, we took part in the emergency drill, and then we were free to enjoy our cruise.

Just a few weeks shy of his third birthday, my son still usually has an afternoon nap. That didn’t happen on this day, as he was quite overstimulated – both kids were. Instead of venturing out and exploring the ship, we relaxed in our stateroom and took our time getting organized before dinner.

Animator's Palate, photo courtesy Disney Cruise Lines

Our dinner seating was at 5:45 – a good one for us. Our first meal at the Animator’s Palate was probably our least memorable food-wise, but most memorable experientially. As you sit down you are given a placemat and some markers to create a character. After your waiter whisks your placemat away, some real Disney magic happens. And I don’t mean your servers cut your kids’ meat and get them to eat broccoli – although that happens too During the animated dinner show, your creations are there in the classic Disney cartoons, singing and dancing with Mickey and friends. It’s truly incredible, and even our overtired kids were entranced and impressed. The food was decent, but it pales in comparison to the wonderful overall dining experience.

Wandering back from dinner, we spotted a number of characters and princesses in the lobby. That was a delightful surprise, but had I been more on top of things I would have realized that all character appearances and their times are listed daily in the Daily Navigaor – the Fantasy’s newsletter that your stateroom host places in your room each day. Our host was Carlos, and although I’ve since learned that this how a cruise works. There’s no housekeeping, per se – your stateroom host makes up your room each morning, and turns it down at night. And for our room that included setting up the bunkie while we were away at dinner.

Belle Gets Five

That evening’s show at the Walt Disney Theater was Alladin, and I heard it was great. Unfortunately the kids were utterly spent, so after a quick war over the top bunk, it was bedtime. Bub was too wired to sleep, so I packed him up in his stroller and set off to walk Deck 4 – the uninterrupted route around the ship that can also be used as a running track. Two and a half laps and he was gone – and slept the whole night through.

We were not far behind, but we did enjoy a few beers on our private verandah (approx. $30 + tip for six Corona from room service). The night air was fresh and we indeed slept like babies – if babies truly slept soundly and didn’t stir until morning

Stay tuned for a re-cap of Day II but first a few first-day tips:

• There is good storage but the staterooms are compact. We were glad to bring our compact travel stroller, as once folded it fit under the bed and out of the way.
• You can’t live out of a suitcase on a cruise; to keep your stateroom liveable you have to be organized. After we unpacked we stored our luggage in the closets. But beware you don’t accidentally bring home the fabric laundry bag belonging to the ship. Still waiting for the credit card bill to see how much that accidental souvenir cost!
• Acquaint yourself with the map of the ship and your place on it. Had I been a little more familiar with where things were and how to get there, our arrival process would have been a lot smoother.

Read on for: 
Disney Fantasy Magical Preview Cruise, Day 2…

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Castaway Cay, Bahamas

We are only just back from a whirlwind trip to Walt Disney World, and our Disney Fantasy Magical Preview Cruise… an incredibly delayed flight home plus keeping my sea legs for a few extra days means only now am I just beginning to process everything. It was a truly magical (and busy!) trip and it’s safe to say I think we blew the kids’ minds. From watching ostriches and giraffes from our hotel room balcony to fantastic fireworks and light shows to a giant boat filled with Disney magic, this was truly a trip of a lifetime.

I can’t wait to share with you all that I’ve learned – and I thought I knew a lot about Disney – as well as the tips and tricks I picked up as a first-time cruiser. I definitely think that bar has been set high should we go on any other cruises, and many of my fellow passengers concurred. And not only was this an amazing family vacation, this was the first time that my husband and I actually snuck away for a bit of grown-up time on our own. This, of course, is due to the fact that both Bub and our daughter did not want to leave their respective kids’ clubs. Oh excuse me, that’s the Oceaneer’s Club and the It’s A Small World Nursery **said in the newly acquired exasperated tone of my six-year-old**.

As with everything Disney, the quality was top notch, it was so spotless you could eat off the ground, and we were so busy that I’m glad I have pictures and my notes to refer to. Although we began it on a family vacation to Cuba, this year got off to a terrible start, and this trip has energized me back into the land of the living – or at least conscious

It will take some time to process everything, and I want to do it properly, but know that I now understand why people love cruising so much, and I’m so glad there’s cruise lines like Disney that welcome family members of every age.

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