Disney cruises are tailor-made for multi-generational vacations. And for parents (and/or grandparents) traveling with toddlers, it’s nearly impossible to envision a vacation where you might get some alone time while the preschooler(s) are safely engaged with childcare activities.

Childcare on a cruise ship? Yes, indeed! The Disney ships have world-class supervised spaces for your little ones.

So, you’re ready to book a voyage with Disney Cruise Line and want to pick the best Disney ship for your toddler?! Well, we’re here to breakdown your choices among the current fleet of five ships.

First up – is your child old enough to sail? The minimum age for most Disney cruises is 6 months by your sailing date. Rules tend to differ when sailing itineraries that include Hawai’i, Panama Canal, or transatlantic voyages. For these sailings, your child must meet their 1-year milestone by embarkation day.

Disney Cruise Ships

Let’s meet the fleet!

There are currently five ships sailing for Disney Cruise Line:

• Magic, 1998
• Wonder, 1999
• Dream, 2011
• Fantasy, 2012
• Wish, 2022

These are impressive, family-friendly ships!

Staterooms

Most accommodations aboard cruise ships are small. Disney ships, however, have split bathrooms with tubs! This is especially beneficial for families with toddlers.

Consider a suite if you would really benefit from more space, however you’ll want to be aware that suites are premium priced. Or you may want to consider an inside stateroom if having a balcony would rattle your nerves.

While safety features (door locks, etc.) are present, some parents may worry about their little climber.

It might be a great time to save money and book an inside stateroom!

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Rotational Dining

You’ll find the popular rotational dining on all ships. Each night your server will follow you to your assigned restaurant. One thing to keep in mind: if your toddler is fond of a specific Disney character like Rapunzel or Tiana, you may want to consider booking a cruise on the ship that features characters and/or artwork with those Disney friends.

Some of the restaurants include: On Disney Magic, dine at Rapunzel’s Royal Table. Aboard Disney Wonder, you’ll eat dinner one night at Tiana’s Place. Royal Palace is themed to Disney Princesses on the Disney Dream, while Royal Court is also princess-inspired on Disney Fantasy. Finally, the new Disney Wish features Arandelle: A Frozen Dining Adventure.

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Disney Cruise Ship Toddler-Friendly Items Available

All of the Disney cruise ships have toddler-friendly items free of charge. Subject to availability you can request the following from your Room Steward:

• Stroller
• Diaper Genie
• Pack n Play
• Bed Rails

To avoid premium prices and lack of your preferred brands, you should pack supplies which your toddler typically needs when away from home. If you forget or run out of something, these items should be available at the store:

• Diapers/Pull Ups
• Baby Wipes
• Lotion
• Baby bath supplies

We advise bringing extra when traveling via a cruise ship.

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“it’s a small world” Nursery

Quality care is offered by highly trained counselors at it’s a Small World Nursery. The nursery actually supervises children from 6 months old to 3 years old  (1-3 years old on transatlantic, Hawai’i, and Panama Canal sailings) with a charge of $9 per hour. Additional children in the same family are charged at $8 per hour.

There are 3 areas that make up the Nursery. Children adjust to the new space in the acclimation zone. There is a main play area as well as a separate room for naps.

Not sure if your child will like the Nursery? Every day between 8-9 am there is an open house where you can spend time with your kiddo in the Nursery!

There are only 16 toddlers permitted in the Nursery, so reserve your child’s stay early. You can book ahead online before your cruise or when you get onboard the Disney ship. According to your Castaway Club status, you may have an advantage at getting the hours that you need.

Here is the schedule for how many days in advance you can book the It’s A Small World Nursery online:

• 120 days for Concierge and Platinum Castaway Club Guest
• 105 days for Gold Castaway Club Guest
• 90 days for Silver Castaway Club Guest
• 75 days for First-Time Cruisers

What should you bring to the nursery? Bring your own diapers, wipes, spare clothes, beverage, and food. It is also a good idea to bring anything which is likely to make your toddler feel secure such as a favorite blanket or stuffed animal.

Food is provided for lunch and dinner in the Nursery. However, this is only solid food such as mac & cheese and chicken nuggets. Crackers and juice are available for snacks. If you want your child to have anything different, then you will need to provide it.

As you would expect, Disney Cruise Line staff are very good when it comes to accommodating food allergies. Tell the Counselors if your child has any special dietary requirements. Please note that nuts and peanuts are not allowed in the Nursery.

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Toddler Friendly Cruise Activities

Meet Characters. All ships offer ample opportunity to meet Disney pals.

Watch movies or Broadway-style live performances. On Disney Magic, see Tangled: The Musical. Frozen: A Musical Spectacular can be watched on Disney Wonder. When sailing on Disney Dream, make time to view Beauty and the Beast. Disney’s Aladdin — A Musical Spectacular plays to audiences on Disney Fantasy. Or sit back and watch The Little Mermaid on Disney Wish.

Does your toddler love the water? Toddler splash areas are a great diversion.

And many little ones are ready for a nap after a good splash session! While the splash zones are less elaborate on Disney Wonder and Disney Magic, young toddlers will still have a memorable time here. Older toddlers will likely enjoy Nemo’s Reef on Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy and the Toy Story Splash Zone on Disney Wish.

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Which Ship is BEST for Toddlers?

The Disney ship that is best for toddlers will depend on your destination, vacation duration, and cruising season. If you consider the ships alone, Disney Magic and Disney Wonder offer a charming atmosphere that can be easier to navigate.

These ships are likely to be the most accommodating for little legs. And grown-ups won’t have as much traipsing around to do. And let’s face it — when you’re carrying a tired youngster or pushing a stroller with a cranky child, distance between point A and point B matters!

Plus, there are plenty of elevators to help parents and families with strollers and luggage and tots in tow. These classic ships hold 2,700 passengers compared to the over 4,000 guests sailing aboard the newer ships.

We know that families with toddlers find it difficult to travel light! In fact, you’ll want to check out our Cruise Line Packing List to make sure you’ve got ALL the stuff that you’ll need for your sailing.

Another consideration for first time cruisers would be the duration of your vacation. Shorter cruises (3 to 4 nights) might be better suited to your family, however traveling and packing isn’t easy with a toddler so a longer vacation allows time for everyone to finally relax and unwind before having to pack up again!

Click HERE for the Ultimate Guide To Disney Cruise Line!

Have you sailed with a toddler? Share in the comments below!