If you are cruising with kids, one of the best parts of a Disney cruise is how thoughtfully Disney has designed their kids clubs. Disney Cruise Line is consistently rated the top cruise line for families, and the youth programs are a huge reason why.

Kids clubs for ages 3 to 17 are included in your cruise fare and are completely free. No reservations are required to attend, and you can drop off and pick up your kids as it fits your plans. The only exception is the “it’s a small world” nursery!, which is available for infants and toddlers and does require a reservation and an additional fee.

Each club is supervised by specially trained Disney counselors and designed for specific age groups, so kids are grouped with peers and activities are always age appropriate.

Personal Story: My son LOVES the kids clubs. On Disney cruises, I cannot get him out of there. When he was in the Oceaneer club, each evening I would have to force him to leave for dinner and family time. But when we cruise on any other cruise line, he hates the kids clubs. Disney really does a fantastic job here. On one Disney sailing, I received a text from the counselor letting me know he would like to be picked up. This had never happened before! I headed down to the club to get him and he ran out in a panic yelling “They are having a talent show! I have to go back to the room to get my rubik’s cube!” So he retrieved the rubik’s cube and immediately went back to the kids club 🤣

Disney Cruise Kids Club Overview

Disney Cruise Line offers structured youth programs for kids of all ages, with dedicated spaces onboard every ship. These clubs are immersive, well organized, and genuinely fun for kids.

Here is a quick overview of the kids clubs you will find on all Disney Cruise Line ships:

“it’s a small world” nursery! (6 months to 3 years)
A full-service nursery for infants and toddlers. This is the only kids space that requires reservations and an additional fee.
Disney’s Oceaneer Club (ages 3 to 10)
A themed play space with interactive games, character experiences, crafts, and structured activities.
Disney’s Oceaneer Lab or Walt Disney Imagineering Lab (ages 3 to 10)
Connected to the Oceaneer Club, this space focuses on creativity, problem solving, and hands-on learning.
Edge (ages 11 to 14)
A tween-only hangout with games, activities, and space to relax and socialize.
Vibe (ages 14 to 17)
A teen-exclusive lounge with music, games, and organized events, designed to feel independent and grown-up.

“it’s a small world” nursery! for Infants and Toddlers

For families traveling with little ones, the “it’s a small world” nursery! provides high-quality childcare for children ages 6 months to 3 years. Your baby or toddler will be cared for by trained Disney counselors who handle feeding, diaper changes, playtime, and rest.

Activities vary throughout the day and include storytime, movies, crafts, and character interactions. There is also a quiet, dimly lit nap area with cribs for children who need rest.

Space in the nursery is very limited due to low child-to-counselor ratios. Because of this, reservations are strongly recommended if you think you will use this service.

Nursery Reservations

You can book nursery time online or through the Disney Cruise Line Navigator app based on your Castaway Club status.

You can reserve up to 10 hours in advance, sometimes more on longer sailings. Additional time may be available once onboard, based on availability. There is an hourly fee, and rates may vary.

Be sure to cancel or adjust reservations at least four hours in advance to avoid cancellation fees.

What to Bring to the Nursery

If your child eats solid foods or requires specific items, plan to bring:

Snacks, formula, milk, or bottles
Diapers, pull-ups, and wipes
Extra clothing
Pacifier or baby blanket

Parents can be contacted at any time through the Disney Cruise Line Navigator app if there are questions or concerns.

Disney’s Oceaneer Club and Oceaneer Lab (Ages 3 to 10)

For kids ages 3 to 10, the Oceaneer Club and Lab are often the highlight of the cruise. These spaces are included in your cruise fare, require no reservations, and allow flexible drop-off and pickup throughout the day.

The Oceaneer Club features themed play areas inspired by Disney stories and characters, while the Oceaneer Lab focuses on creativity, science, and hands-on activities. The two spaces are connected, allowing kids to move freely and safely between them.

On Wish Class ships, the Oceaneer Lab is replaced with the Walt Disney Imagineering Lab, where kids can design roller coasters, explore theme park concepts, and experiment with creative challenges inspired by real Disney Imagineers.

Daily schedules are available in the Disney Cruise Line Navigator app, and activities rotate frequently.

Kids Clubs on Disney’s Private Islands

If your itinerary includes Disney’s private island destinations, kids clubs are available there as well.

Scuttle’s Cove at Castaway Cay

Scuttle’s Cove is the kids club on Castaway Cay and is typically open from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Activities include treasure hunts, games, and themed play. Parents must check children in and out at the entrance.

The onboard kids clubs reopen after 4:00 p.m. on Castaway Cay days and are open house before that time.

Sebastian’s Cove at Lookout Cay

At Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point, Sebastian’s Cove serves as the island kids club. Kids can enjoy water play areas inspired by The Little Mermaid and other structured activities. Hours are listed in the Navigator app and may vary.

The nursery remains open onboard while the ship is docked at either island.

Tween and Teen Clubs

Disney Cruise Line does an excellent job creating spaces that older kids actually want to use.

Edge (Ages 11 to 14)

Edge is designed just for tweens and offers games, activities, and social time. Tweens can come and go freely and are encouraged to balance structured activities with downtime.

Locations vary by ship but are clearly listed in the Navigator app.

Vibe (Ages 14 to 17)

Vibe is a teen-only lounge with flexible seating, large screens, gaming systems, music, and organized events like karaoke and dance parties. On some ships, Vibe also includes an outdoor deck and pool area.

Teens can enter and exit without parental check-in, giving them independence while still staying connected through the Navigator app chat feature.

The Hideaway (Wish Class Ships)

On Wish Class ships, teens also have access to The Hideaway, a secondary space next to Vibe that hosts dance events, karaoke, and special teen-only activities.

Registration, Safety, and FAQs

Children can be registered for kids clubs during online check-in, at the terminal, or onboard. Kids ages 3 to 10 receive an Oceaneer Band, which is used to scan in and out of the club. The band must be returned at the end of the cruise or a fee will be charged.

Kids clubs are highly secure, with controlled check-in and checkout procedures. Parents authorize who may pick up their child, and counselors use the Navigator app to communicate if a child needs assistance.

Children must be fully potty trained to attend the Oceaneer Club. Swim diapers are not permitted in pools, though splash pads are allowed.

Older siblings ages 13 and up may be authorized to pick up younger children if approved in advance.

Children with disabilities may participate if they can do so independently. Disney does not provide one-on-one care, but Special Services can help answer questions in advance.

Helpful Tips for Families

Attend the open houses early in the cruise so kids can explore the spaces with you.
Try the kids clubs at least once, even if your child feels unsure at first.
Use the Navigator app chat feature to stay connected with older kids.
Kids clubs are open on port days, though hours may vary.
Quiet areas and rest mats are available for kids who need downtime or a nap.

The Disney Cruise kids clubs are one of the biggest reasons families love sailing with Disney. They give kids independence, creativity, and fun while giving parents flexibility and peace of mind. If you have questions about how the kids clubs will work on your specific sailing, I am always happy to help.

Disney Cruise Kids Clubs: What to Expect on Your Sailing