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Which Changes Are Impacting Guests With Kids Sailing on the Disney Cruise Line?
On 15th December 2023, the Disney Cruise Line sent the following email to guest with cruises already booked to sail.
12/15/2023
Dear Guest,
We look forward to welcoming you aboard the Disney Cruise Line and are writing with important information about our onboard youth activities spaces. Based on Guest feedback, and to enhance the youth activities experience for our youngest and tween guests, we are updating the age range for Disney’s Oceaneer Club and Disney’s Oceaneer Lab.
The revised age range will begin on sailings that depart on or after December 21, 2023.
Disney’s Oceaneer Club and Disney’s Oceaneer Lab
The age range in Disney’s Oceaneer Club and Disney’s Oceaneer Lab will change from 3 to 12 years of age to 3 to 10 years of age. Kids of all ages can continue to experience these spaces during Open House hours. During all other times, kids 3 to 10 years of age will have Disney’s Oceaneer Club and Disney’s Oceaneer Lab reserved just for them, with specially guided activities for children ages 3-4 years old.EdgeChildren 11 and 12 years of age may visit
Edge
Edge will continue to be available to tweens 11 to 14 years of age.
Vibe
Vibe will continue to provide Guests ages 14 to 17 with their own special place where they can connect with other teens.
During our youth activities Open House times, Guests of all ages are permitted in youth activity spaces, including Disney’s Oceaneer Club, Disney’s Oceaneer Lab, Edge and Vibe.
Guests with children 11 and 12 years old no longer need to complete youth activities registration as part of Online Check-in for these children.
If you have a child within this age range and have already completed online registration for Disney’s Oceaneer Club or Disney’s Oceaneer Lab, know that your child will attend Edge.
Guests with children 3 to 10 years of age may continue to utilize the online youth activities registration process as part of Online Check-in. We appreciate you sailing with us and look forward to creating magical memories at sea for your family.
Sincerely,The Cast and Crew Disney Cruise Line
What Has The Reaction Been To This Announcement?
People have been very upset by these sudden changes to the Oceaneer Club age range, with many quests reporting that they had booked their upcoming cruises specifically so that their kids would be young enough to still experience the Oceaneer’s Club.
One guest said “Disney has always been about preserving childhood, not forcing kids to grow up too quickly, this feels like the opposite of that”
Is There Any Flexibility Following These Changes?
Disney shoreside guest services have only been able to apologise for any upset caused and confirm that tis is the new policy. They have confirmed that kids of all ages can experience all kids clubs during the open house times. They have also said that the final decision will ultimately be up to cast members on board and for any guest who has concerns to speak to club counsellors on the ship if they would like to request that their child attend a club outside of their current age range.
Helping You Maximise The Magic Of Your Disney Cruise
Magical Cruise & Parks Planners
Want help planning your cruise in order to make the most of the magic? Either grab a pen and paper and make nites of everything said in there video, or check out my Magical Cruise Planners, available in digital (printable or to be filled out on a tablet), coil bound or perfect bound book versions.
Monzo Card For Spending Abroad Without Fees
All spending on board is in dollars, so by using a Monzo card we avoid currency conversion fees.
Use the link below to get your free Monzo account. Get £5 added to your account when you make your first purchase (and I’ll get £5 too).
AirTags & Straps
