How does Family Time Dining work?

I've never had the early dining seating before. We're bringing our kids this cruise and like the idea of not having to leave the table halfway through dinner and take the kids to AO when they get squirrely. Does the staff come to your table to escort the kids to AO? How does it work?

I've never had the early dining seating before. We're bringing our kids this cruise and like the idea of not having to leave the table halfway through dinner and take the kids to AO when they get squirrely. Does the staff come to your table to escort the kids to AO? How does it work?

If I recall correctly, the staff comes to the entrance to the dining room and meets the kids there.

From what I can gather staff from AO wait in the MDR to escort kids to the club after they have finished their meal.

If I recall correctly, the staff comes to the entrance to the dining room and meets the kids there.

Thanks. Do parents meet with the staff to sign them in at the entrance of the MDR?

Yes, this is how it worked on Independence in January 2013 as well. They had a set time where they would meet the parents with their kids at the entrance to the MDR. If your kids weren't ready at that time, you could take them up to Adventure Ocean anytime after that as well.

Just mention to the waiter that they'll be leaving early for Adventure Ocean and they'll be sure to get them served in time.

The part I liked is that you didn't have to sign up in advance or anything in order to meet at the entrance, so if things are slow or your little one doesn't want to leave (like mine) there's no worry.

Is there an extra cost to 'family dining'? Do I have to sign up in advance for the program if I'm already signed up for early dining? Thanks for your insights. :)

Is there an extra cost to 'family dining'? Do I have to sign up in advance for the program if I'm already signed up for early dining? Thanks for your insights. :)

No cost. In my experience on Indy last year you didn't have to sign up. I just asked about in Adventure Ocean and they told me the meeting time, then I mentioned it to our waiter on the first night.

Fantastic, thanks!