Traveling with a Toddler on a Disney Cruise AMA
We just got off a 7-day Disney Treasure Western Caribbean cruise (Cozumel, Castaway Cay, Falmouth, and Grand Cayman) with our 18-month-old daughter and grandparents as a first cruising experience. It was a great time and Disney really served this age group as well, with lots to do during the day (and the regular baby/toddler amenities, like the Diaper Genie, Pack N Play, and high chairs).
Some of her favorite experiences:
-The Toy Story splash pad and the Spring-a-Leak water play area on Castaway Cay
-The open houses at all the kid's clubs (she loved being able to go into the "bigger kid" areas and 2x/daily Toddler Time in Oceaneer's Club)
-Meeting and dancing with characters (usually one parent can wait in line on the family's behalf for characters, if the little one gets fussy)
-The Disney cartoons on the in-room TVs
What was helpful?
We brought a travel stroller, the Hiccapop blackout tent for Pack N Play (super helpful if you want to do things in the room as adults after bedtime), extra toddler snacks and formula for excursions, our own sand toys, magnets for the cabin doors, and multiple sippy or straw cups for the drink machines.
Also, bringing the grandparents helped us to switch off for the evening shows. She was able to sit through some of the musical entertainment and the shorter 30-minute show, but not Beauty and the Beast or Moana. Where possible, we also tried to do the matinee version of the Broadway-style shows, so we could put her to bed in the evenings.
What we didn't expect?
-We weren't able to use the Disney nursery as much as we wanted to because our daughter refused to stay alone there mid-way through the ship. Meals were tough with an active toddler, so we used nursery most for this purpose (some adult conversation).
-Since our daughter is lactose intolerant, it does take some searching to find Lactaid milk. We would call in advance to room service to stock up well before bed or an excursion.
-There is some down-time, where the only activity open to toddlers is the splash pad, so you may want to bring some toys for the room or let them roam in the open areas like the Grand Hall.
If you are unsure about taking a child under 3 years old, it can definitely work! Let me know if you have any questions or feel free to share your own tips with a young toddler. :)