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Fulfilling the needs of children and families is one of the things that Disney does best and the Disney Cruise Line ships are no exception. Children may choose to participate in the organized programs of the Oceaneer Club and Lab, or enjoy a variety of activities that are available throughout the day. Slipping and sliding down the chute into Mickey's Pool, splashing and having fun in the sun in Goofy's Family Pool, stretching in a morning workout at Goofy's Family Fitness, family line dancing and ping pong are some of the many physical activities that you'll find aboard these magnificent ships. For more relaxing entertainment, see a current Disney movie in one of the theatres, play a board game or learn how to draw Mickey Mouse. Play video games at Quartermasters or see some of the live entertainment shows featuring some of Disney's most beloved characters, the fun is yours to discover aboard one of the Disney Cruise Line ships. Throughout the day, Disney characters are on hand to meet and greet the little cruisers as well. The Oceaneer Club and the Oceaneer Lab offer age-specific programs with lots of fun, interesting hands-on activities to keep the younger set entertained. All children must wear a wristband with vital information such as name, age group, stateroom number, pertinent medical information and whether or not they have parental permission to sign themselves out of the Lab on their own. Parents are given pagers for the duration of their child's stay so that they can be contacted if necessary. Children with special needs are welcome, simply give the Oceaneer Club or Lab advance notice so that they can schedule an extra counselor if necessary. There are also some counselors who know sign language to assist children who are hearing impaired. With Cast Members from over 50 countries around the world, many foreign language needs can also be addressed. Family Time in the Oceaneer Club/Lab is offered where parents are invited to join their children for family fun. Check your Personal Navigator for days and times. With the exception of Embarkation Day, the operating hours for the Oceaneer Club and Lab are 8:30 a.m. to midnight or 1 a.m. Crash mats are provided for children whose parents may be out past the little one's bedtime. Oceaneer Club Stepping through the doorway of the Oceaneer Club, you will find yourself transported into a Neverland pirate ship scene. Here a treasure chest holds a television and the barrels double as lamps. Be sure to check out the "night sky" for a sparkling surprise. Parents and children must check-in at the desk and security is of the utmost importance here. The Oceaneer Club is for children 3 to 8 years of age and they must be toilet-trained. Here the children can slide and cavort in the play area, dress up as their favorite Princess, villain or pirate, play games, create at the Lego table or play in the computer lab where the large mouse is specifically designed for the little ones. Children can stay here for as much or as little time as they like, even over meal times with the exception of Embarkation Day. The children are split into two age groups, from 3 to 5 years old and from 6 to 8 years. The 3 to 5 year olds enjoy character-based programs that include "Tea with Wendy Darling" where Peter Pan's favorite gal pal spins stories and teaches children the etiquette of drinking tea. In "Do Si Do with Snow White", they will delightfully discover the "Dance of the Seven Dwarfs" or celebrate an Unbirthday Party with Alice in Wonderland. There is a 15:1 child to caregiver ratio here. The 6 to 8 year old group will enjoy a number of sport and team activities and relay games. In supervised treks around the ship, they will search for treasure, travel to the Lab to make their own Flubber and experience simple hands-on experiments. Utilizing the Club's play area and dress-up station, posing for a picture with a famous Mouse, hearing pirate stories that may include a visit from a well-known pirate, learning simple animation techniques and rehearsing for a stage show will keep this group busy and entertained. On Castaway Cay, the little beachcombers never know what they'll uncover in the dig at Monstro Point. The maximum child to caregiver ratio for this group is 25 to 1. Oceaneer Lab The bright room with the funky, futuristic space look is the Oceaneer Lab. Here, children 9 to 12 years of age can play Nintendo on a jumbo screen or check out computer games on one of the ten terminals that surround a larger than life Buzz Lightyear. They can let their imagination run wild as they construct with K-Nex and other building materials and have fun with hands-on experiments in the lab areas. The 9 and 10 year olds can also participate in sports activities, go on mystery tours, make Flubber and have fun with science at the interactive lab stations. They'll play bingo, learn how to make a radio commercial, create a mouse pad, perform magic tricks, learn the art of animation and rehearse for a stage performance for the big production for all to see. On Castaway Cay, they will enjoy playing mariners' games of old and participating in the whale dig. In addition to the regular Lab activities, the 11 and 12 year olds will enjoy a fun and educational program that includes sports challenges and activities, table-top games, space and science-based experiments, bingo, "true" ghost ship stories and rehearsing for their debut in the stage show. Castaway Cay activities include a hunt for treasure and a whale dig exploration. Teens Activities for family members 13 to 17 years of age are centered in "Common Grounds", a New York-style coffeehouse on Deck 10. Music, a large screen TV, a lounge and coffee bar provide a place for teens to meet others and have fun with some planned activities in addition to less structured modes of entertainment. Board games, magazines, CDs and computer games are available from 10 a.m. to 1 a.m. with the exception of limited hours on Embarkation Day. Planned activities such as solving a mystery using a digital camera and Disney trivia clues, sports activities, ping pong, Pictionary Challenges, Disney trivia and programs in photography, movie making, improv and poetry are outlined in the schedule. On Castaway Cay, there are beach events and a team challenge to build and race bamboo boats, provided they are seaworthy! On the "Wild Side" teens can bike, snorkel and kayak through remote parts of this private island in a special adventure. Flounder's Reef Nursery This group babysitting center is designed for little ones from 12 weeks to 3 years of age. This is the only option open to parents of the little ones as there is no in-room babysitting service. Unlike the planned programs for the older children, there is a charge of $6 per hour with a minimum of 2 hours. For additional children in the same family, the charge $5 per hour. Cancellations can be made without penalty 12 hours in advance. The pale sea blue walls adorned with cut-out clams, seahorses, snails and bubbles, and the floor with waves of sparkling blues and greens give a soothing feel to the Little Mermaid themed childcare center. The center is well-equipped with fun music, a television and VCR, baby swings, walkers and a lot of good quality toys designed to stimulate and entertain the little tykes. Reservations are on a first come-first serve basis and are based on babysitter availability. To reserve, go to the nursery on Embarkation Day. There are a maximum of 4 infants (those not yet walking) and 16 toddlers allowed, depending on the number of volunteer Crew Members on hand. Parents are required to provide their own diapers/Pull-Ups, baby wipes, extra clothing, pre-made bottles labeled with the child's name, baby food in jars, sipper cups and security items such as blankets, pacifiers or a favorite toy. Parents are given a pager so that they can be contacted in case of a medical or emotional need. Caregivers are not qualified to administer medication but there is a trained CPR/First Aid Crew Member present at all times.
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