Baby sitting for the "almost 3 year old"

[Julz226]

I'd love to hear reviews of the babysitting service, as it pertains to the "almost 3" crowd.

 

My extended family decided we should do a Disney cruise because it will have such great programs for the kids, but my son will be two weeks shy of his 3rd birthday when we sail, so if we're not with him, he'll be stuck in babysitting, instead of getting to whatever their kids programs are called. Is it just "baby sitting" or do they do activities?

 

Seems odd to me that Disney, who markets themselves to families, requires the kids be a year older to participate. Carnival welcomes 2 year olds to the Camp Carnival programs.

 

I don't mind paying the fee - I just want to know that he's going to be doing activities and having fun rather than being shoved in front of a TV and locked up in a nursery all day.

[OneParticularHarbour 71]

Disney is now offering "Open House" times in the 3&up kids clubs where all ages are welcome to come in with a parent so that is an option for your little guy to experience the clubs. Also, it has been our experience that If a child is within one month of their birthday, they have been allowed to move up into the next club. They do need to be fully potty trained though.

[Julz226]

Thanks - They just told me the same thing when I called them. He's potty trained now so they said he'd be able to join into the 3 year old program provided he was able to follow the instructions and was potty trained.

[luv2sleep]

Don't be surprised if get a different story from the cm's on board. On disboards I've heard it's very cruise dependent and lately they've been enforcing strict age limits. Just wanted you to be prepared just in case. Have a fun trip!

[Shmoo here]

Don't be surprised if get a different story from the cm's on board. On disboards I've heard it's very cruise dependent and lately they've been enforcing strict age limits. Just wanted you to be prepared just in case. Have a fun trip!

 

Yes, you'll often find the CMs that answer the phone don't know how it actually works on the ships (in fact a number of them and never been on any of the ships).

 

In previous years, if a child was "almost" 3 and fully potty-trained they would be allowed a trial run in the kids club. If sucessful, they could stay.

 

In Dec 2011 DCL started enforcing their age policies in the kids clubs. There have been reports that this is still happening. The policy for the kids club is 3 and fully potty-trained. If a child is 2 and potty-trained OR 3 and not potty-trained, they must use the nursery.

 

:)

[Julz226]

Hmm.... Maybe I should get it in writing from the CM before I make my final payment. My son will be turning 3 a week after he gets off the cruise. I do understand and respect the age limit, and I don't mind paying the babysitting fee, but I heard that babysitting is essentially sitting around in a room with no sort of activities. I want to make sure he's going to have something to do - otherwise, I'll just keep him the whole time, and that is not much of a vacation for me! I waited till he was 2 to cruise on Carnival. Might be more worth our while to wait till after he's 3.

[luv2sleep]

Hmm.... Maybe I should get it in writing from the CM before I make my final payment. My son will be turning 3 a week after he gets off the cruise. I do understand and respect the age limit, and I don't mind paying the babysitting fee, but I heard that babysitting is essentially sitting around in a room with no sort of activities. I want to make sure he's going to have something to do - otherwise, I'll just keep him the whole time, and that is not much of a vacation for me! I waited till he was 2 to cruise on Carnival. Might be more worth our while to wait till after he's 3.

 

From what I've read on disboards people have been getting official emails stating that the policies are strict. I think even if you get the cm to but what she said in writing they could still maintain their strict adherence to the guidelines when you make it to the ship. To play it safe if you can move your cruise date I would do that.

[Julz226]

I'd love to but my extended family (mother & sisters) wanted to do a New Year's cruise. We are sort of "expected" to be there. I'd rather go on Carnival any day.... Kids Club that welcomes my son, less expensive and on board Casino for my husband.

[luv2sleep]

I'd love to but my extended family (mother & sisters) wanted to do a New Year's cruise. We are sort of "expected" to be there. I'd rather go on Carnival any day.... Kids Club that welcomes my son, less expensive and on board Casino for my husband.

 

Well if you cruise Disney just be prepared that he might not be able to be dropped off at the 3 and up club. If you don't want to chance it and it's really going to bother you, maybe consider another line so you don't have to deal with that issue. If it won't bother you much to keep him with you or utilize the nursery care I'm sure you wil have fun. I think many people don't choose Disney because of the lack of a casino also. I hope you and you and your family have a great trip whatever you end up doing! :)