Disney Cruise Kids Clubs: The Ultimate Guide

Disney Cruise Line is famous for its family-friendly approach, and its kids clubs are a huge highlight!

Designed with kids in mind, the clubs are split into age appropriate sections, designed to entertain children from ages 3 to 18 years!

These clubs provide magical spaces for kids to play, learn, and best of all make friends.

Hi, I'm Sarah, owner of Build a Break and Mum of 4. I was lucky enough to do two Disney Cruises last Summer, both 7 nights around Western Europe and the Norwegian Fjords.

One I travelled with my children and husband, and the other I was very fortunate to be invited to train with Disney themselves.

My kids absolutely loved the kids clubs, and in all honesty we were literally dragging them out at midnight, as we were waiting to go to bed ourselves!

For background, my children are not in to group activities or attending clubs, so this was a real shock for us, plus it meant we could get some adult time together. Something that rarely happens when we go on holiday.

Just a quick note before we begin- some posts on this blog contain affiliate links. This means we may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through these links, at

no extra cost to you. We only recommend products we genuinely love or believe will be helpful in your trip planning journey. Thanks for supporting our work and happy planning!

Are Kids Clubs Included on Disney Cruises?

Yes, all Disney Cruise kids clubs are included in your cruise fare for children aged 3 and up., so there is nothing to pay! The only additional cost is for the Disney Cruise Crèche, which caters to children aged 6 months to 3 years and for the MagicBand for the Oceaneer Lab and Club, which is refunded back to you at the end of the cruise, if you decide to return the band.

Disney Cruise Kids Club Ages 2025

Disney Cruise kids clubs are divided by age groups to ensure every child has the best possible experience:

It’s a Small World Nursery (6 months to 3 years): A cosy crèche with themed activities for little ones.

Disney’s Oceaneer Club (3–10 years): A magical play area with games, storytelling, and interactive activities. You'll often find characters in the Oceaneer Club too.

Disney recently updated the age requirements for the Oceaneer Club & Lab, changing the maximum age from 12 years to 10 years.

Edge (11–14 years): A cool space for tweens to socialise, play video games, and enjoy themed events.

Vibe (14–17 years): A trendy teen lounge with activities like karaoke, dance parties, and creative workshops.

How Strict on Ages Are Disney Cruise Kids Clubs?

Disney Cruise Line strictly enforces age limits for each club. This ensures activities and supervision are tailored to the developmental needs of each group.

Disney Cruise Kids Club Price

Kids clubs for ages 3 and up are free of charge. However, the Disney Cruise Crèche costs around $4.50–$9 per hour depending on the cruise.

Disney Cruise Kids Clubs Hours

Disney Cruise kids’ clubs typically open early in the morning and close around midnight. Times may vary slightly by ship.

Vibe often opens more towards lunchtime and stays open a little later too, into the early hours.

Disney Cruise Kids Club Activities

Kids can enjoy a range of activities, including crafts, character meet-and-greets, interactive games, and storytelling sessions. Themed activities, like pirate nights, are a highlight.

Once on board and connected to the ships wi-fi, you can see a full schedule of everything that's going and add them to your planner.

Do I need to Book a Place at the Kids Club on Disney Cruise?

No you don't. They are all just turn up on the day , although you will need to register your child with the kids club at, or before their first session.

Disney Cruise Kids Club Security

Safety is a priority in Disney Cruise kids clubs. Parents register their children with a secure check-in and check-out system. Any allergies or disabilities are noted on their system along with a password for collection.

Kids also wear MagicBands to track their location at all times- there is a small fee for the MagicBand, but this is refunded on to your room account if you return the band before leaving the ship. The entrance and exit to the Oceaneer Club and Lab are electronically gated with a staff member at the desk at all times.

We found the Oceaneer Lab very secure. If children want to leave at any time, you will receive a message to come to collect them. You can also give permission for children to be able to check themselves out if you wish.

Edge and Vibe are designed for pre-teens and teens to come and go as they please, so they are not subject to the same protocols.

Disney Cruise Kids Club Open House

During open house sessions, families can explore the kids clubs together. It’s a great way to see the facilities.

My advice would be to have something to eat once boarded, then head straight to the kids club open house to get registered and for your children to get familiar with the clubs as a family.

The Clubs always have an open house for the afternoon of boarding. Outside of open house hours, the kids clubs are a parent-free zone.

You can find further open house sessions advertised on the Disney Cruise app once aboard.

Disney Cruise Kids Clubs for Teens

Teens have their own spaces with activities like gaming competitions, trivia, and themed dance parties. The laid-back vibe is perfect for older kids to relax. Vibe is open to teens age 14-17 years.

Vibe is an exclusive part of the ship which has its own pool, sun loungers and smoothie bar too!

For pre-teens there is Edge. Another cool hang out for ages 11-14 years. However, for us personally we found Edge on the Disney Dream, not as appealing as Oceaneer Club or Vibe. To me it seems this age group have been a little short-changed on their hangout, compared to the other two. Edge is a much smaller space with no real theme to it and less tech.

At the time of our cruise, our two older kids qualified to attend Vibe and the youngest daughter Oceaneers. Luckily our 12 year old was able to choose from Edge or Oceaneers- Disney has recently changed the age limit to 10 years for Oceaneers, which is a shame for those in between.

Are there different kids clubs on different Disney ships

All the ships have the same kids clubs on board, however there are some slight differences in theming.

The Disney Dream kids club includes Star Wars and Toy Story-themed play areas in the Oceaneer Club.

Disney Fantasy kids club features immersive experiences like Marvel Super Hero Academy and Pixie Hollow, designed to spark children’s imagination.

Disney Magic kids club includes spaces like the Avengers Academy and Rapunzel’s Art Corner, perfect for adventurous and creative children.

Disney Wonder kids club combines classic Disney charm with themed areas like the Frozen Adventures section in the Oceaneer Club.

Disney Wish kids club takes kids club magic to the next level with spaces like Walt Disney Imagineering Lab and Fairytale Hall.

The newest ship, Disney Treasure, offers cutting-edge kids clubs with fresh themes and exciting activities.

Disney Cruise Kids Clubs Adult Sessions

We stumbled across an adult takeover of the Oceaneers Lab scheduled on the app for 11pm one evening and let me tell, it was the best thing we did on the cruise!

In this adults only session we made space-goo with Stitch and every single adult in the room was in roars of laughter the whole time. I won't spoil it for you, but if you can get chance to do it, then it's a must!

My daughter's had done the same session in the kids club and had come back raving about it, but we just didn't anticipate how good it was going to be.

For more guides on Disney Cruises and Disneyland Paris click here

Join Our Mailing List

Disney Cruise's: An Easy Guide to What's Included in the Cost

It's no secret that a Disney Cruise is typically more expensive than other cruise lines.

However, the value that is included in your fare is incredible, leaving you to spend as little or as much as you want on board.

What Makes a Disney Cruise So Special?

Disney Cruise Line combines seamless service, family-focused ships, and magical experiences that only Disney can provide.

From character dining to immersive themed parties, every moment is filled with joy and wonder and in my personal opinion, worth every penny.

In our latest blog we'll detail everything included in the cost of your fare, to show you just what incredible value they provide.

A Disney Cruise VS Disneyland

In terms of experience, these are two completely different holidays. When comparing them in relation to cost, initially a cruise may seem like the more expensive of the two options.

However, when you factor in everything that's included in the cruise fare as opposed to what you would spend in the parks, a cruise tends to come in cheaper.

How Much Does a Disney Cruise Cost?

Typically, you can expect to pay anywhere from $3,000 (£2360) to $8,000 (£6300) for a family of four, depending on your destination, length of sailing, stateroom chosen, and time of the year sailing.

Prices fluctuate based on demand and booking timeframes.

Delight in the Magic of Unique Family Vacations and World-Class Service on Disney Cruise Line! Book Disney Cruise Line Today, Only at CruiseDirect.com!

An Overview of What's Included on a Disney Cruise

An Overview of What's Not Included on a Disney Cruise

So let's get starting exploring what each of these bullet points mean!

Staterooms on a Disney Cruise

Each stateroom type varies in size, features, and amenities, allowing guests to choose the best option for their needs and preferences while enjoying a magical Disney cruise experience.

The cost of the room is included in your cruise fare.

Most room types include the following:

Split Bathrooms (Separate Toilet to Bathroom)
TV with Disney Movies pre-loaded plus other channels
Hairdryer
Mini Fridge
Complimentary toiletries
Housekeeping twice a day
Adequate storage and hanging space
A room dividing curtain
Ability to book two adjoining inter-connecting rooms

Inside Staterooms

These rooms do not have windows and are located in the interior of the ship. They are typically the most affordable option and come with all the essential amenities. Some inside staterooms also feature a virtual porthole that provides a view of the outside with animated characters appearing at intervals.

An Inside Stateroom. Photo credit- Disney Cruise Line

Oceanview Staterooms

These rooms feature a porthole or a window that allows guests to enjoy views of the sea. They provide a bit more light and a greater sense of connection to the ocean compared to inside staterooms.

room types on a disney cruise — An Ocean View Room. Photo credit- Disney Cruise Line

Verandah Staterooms

These rooms come with a private balcony (verandah) where guests can enjoy fresh air and ocean views. Verandah staterooms are perfect for those who appreciate having outdoor space to relax.

Concierge Staterooms

Located in a special section of the ship, concierge staterooms offer a higher level of service and luxury. Guests have access to a dedicated concierge team, priority boarding, exclusive lounge access, and other premium amenities.

Suites

Disney Cruise Line also offers various suite options, which are more spacious and often feature separate living and sleeping areas. Suites come with additional luxury amenities and may include larger balconies, whirlpool tubs, and enhanced services.

Meals on a Disney Cruise

Main Dining Restaurants

Disney Cruise Line features a rotational dining system which is included in the cost of your cruise. Guests rotate through three themed main dining restaurants each evening which vary by ship.

The cuisines and atmospheres, showcasing the unique Disney touch. Servers accompany guests throughout their cruise, creating a personalised dining experience.

Casual Dining Options

Throughout the cruise, there are casual dining venues offering quick-service and buffet options for breakfast, lunch, and snacks.

These include places like Cabanas (a buffet restaurant), Flo’s Café, and more, where guests can enjoy food in a more relaxed setting without reservations at no extra cost.

What's Included in the cost of a Disney Cruise- Cabanas Buffet — Cabanas Buffet

Room Service

Room service is available 24 hours a day and includes a selection of complimentary food items, allowing guests to enjoy meals in the comfort of their stateroom. Some items may have an additional charge but the majority are included in your cruise fare.

Most dining options are included in the cost of your Disney Cruise. The exceptions are adult only dining restaurants such as Palo and Remy, special items on the room service menu and speciality events that you book on to such as the Royal Court Tea Party.

Soft Drinks, Hot Drinks & Ice Cream on a Disney Cruise

Complimentary Drink Options

Tap Water: water is available and can be requested at any dining venue or bar. Additionally, you can fill up water bottles at stations throughout the ship.
Coffee and Tea: Regular coffee, decaffeinated coffee, and a selection of teas are offered free of charge in the dining areas and at the beverage stations.
Iced Tea and Lemonade: These refreshing beverages are typically available at self-service stations in casual dining areas or during meals.
Juice: Complimentary juice options, such as orange and apple juice, are available during breakfast and may also be available at self-service locations during the day.
Soft Drinks: Non-alcoholic beverages, including soda, are included at meals and from the self-service drink stations.

What drinks are included in the cost of a Disney Cruise — Self service coffee's and soda's can be found on the pool deck

Paid Drink Options:

Alcoholic Beverages: Beer, wine, cocktails, and mixed drinks are available for purchase. There are various drink packages that guests can buy to save on costs if they plan to drink several alcoholic beverages. If you purchase a wine package, any opened bottles will be brought by your server for you to enjoy the next evening or you can take these back to your room.

Drink of the Day on a Disney Cruise — Drink of the day can be purchased for around $7

Specialty Coffees: Certain coffee drinks, such as espresso and cappuccino, may have an extra charge at coffee shops or select dining venues.
Bottled Water: While tap water is free, bottled water is not included in the cruise fare and will incur an additional charge.
Premium Beverages: Drinks from specialty bars or lounges, which may feature craft cocktails or unique offerings, will typically require payment.

Desserts, Treats & Ice Creams

On a Disney Cruise, guests can enjoy a variety of complimentary snacks and treats from Cove Café and Vista Café, as well as unlimited self-serve ice cream. Desserts are also available as part of your evening dining and at buffet restaurants.

Cove & Vista Café- Complimentary snacks like pastries, cookies, and seasonal treats are often available throughout the day.

What's included in a Disney Cruise? Desserts from Cabanas — Desserts from Cabanas

Self-Serve Ice Cream- Disney Cruise Line offers a self-serve ice cream station, which is a favourite among guests. Multiple flavours of soft-serve ice cream, such as vanilla, chocolate, or swirl options, are available. The ice cream machines are typically located near the pool deck, making it easy to grab a delicious snack while enjoying the sun.

What's Included in the cost of a Disney Cruise- Unlimited Ice Cream — Unlimited Self Serve Ice Cream

Snacks at adult themed bars- of an evening you'll find a selection of party food and canape type items for you to help yourself to.

Venelope's Ice Cream Palour — Speciality ice cream & cakes can be purchased from Venelope's can be separately

Paid for options include the cinema counters where popcorn, drinks & sweets can be purchased before shows. Shops onboard offering speciality Disney cakes, ice creams and sweets such as Venelopes are also extra.

Meals & Beverages at Castaway Cay

When you dock at any of Disney's private Islands, there is a selection of food and beverages included in your cruise fare for you to enjoy.

What's included in the cost of a Disney Cruise- Food at Castaway Cay — Castaway Cay- Photo Credit @Dreaminofmagic Instagram

These include:

BBQ Lunch- The primary dining area for lunch is Cookies BBQ, which is located near the family beach. Guests can enjoy a range of delicious BBQ items, typically including grilled chicken, pork ribs, hot dogs, hamburgers and vegetarian options. The meal is accompanied by salads, corn on the cob, and various sides, along with fresh produce like watermelon and other fruits.

Food options at Castaway Cay — Photo credit @Dreaminofmagic Instagram

Snacks-Throughout the island, you may find snack stations offering items such as cookies, fresh fruit, and other light snacks.
Non-Alcoholic Beverages- Soft Drinks, water, tea and coffee.

While food and non-alcoholic beverages are included, alcoholic beverages are not complimentary. However, bars and lounges are available throughout the island for those who wish to purchase cocktails, beers, and other drinks.

Kids Clubs on a Disney Cruise

Disney Cruise Line offers a variety of clubs catering to different age groups, ensuring that your little ones have a blast while you unwind and these are all included in the cost of your Disney Cruise.

Watch out for the adult take over at the Oceaneer's Lab with Stitch- you do not want to miss it!

Oceaneer Club (3 – 11 years)

A children's wonderland, this club features themed play areas where children can engage in crafts, games, and storytelling.

The Oceaneers Kids Club on the Disney Dream — The Toy Story Area of the Oceaneers Club

Oceaneer Lab (3 – 11 years)

Focused on creativity and exploration, kids can experiment with science projects, enjoy movie screenings, and take part in interactive games.

Oceaneer's Lab Kids Club on the Disney Dream — The adult take over with Stitch in the Oceaneer's Lab

Edge (11 – 14 years)

A chill spot for tweens, Edge has a more relaxed vibe with video games, organised activities, and themed dance parties.

Edge kids club for tweens on the Disney Dream

Vibe (14 – 17 years)

This exclusive lounge allows teens to connect with peers through casual hangouts, games, and movie nights, they even get their own pool!

Vibe Pool Deck on the Disney Dream for teens

It's a Small World Nursery

It’s a Small World Nursery is a paid for option for children age 6 months to 3 years. This bright and colourful space is dedicated to the tiniest cruisers, with attentive counsellors and a range of interactive play options charges $4.50 per hour for the first child and $4 for additional children.

Character Meets on a Disney Cruise

There are character meets daily which can be found in your navigator app, these are all included in the cost of your cruise.

Before sailing, you'll also have the opportunity to book the Royal Court, where you get to meet 3 princesses, which is also included.

Character Meets on a Disney Cruise — The Royal Court character Meets

Other opportunities for character meets are events run throughout the day in the kids clubs, although these are for children only.

Character meets at events such as the Royal Court Tea Party at not included and incur an additional fee.

Sports & Games

On a Disney Cruise, you'll find a special sports area located on the top deck. Here there is the option to play basketball and crazy golf, plus there's game options in the lounges and on other decks such as shuffle board. These are all included in the cost of your cruise.

Things to do on a Disney Cruise- Goofy's sports deck — Goofy's Sports Deck

Entertainment

All entertainment on a Disney Cruise is included! From Broadway calibre shows, to early screenings of new Disney releases in the cinema, movies at funnel vision round the pool, to deck parties and contestant style gameshows in the lounges, you'll certainly not be bored on a Disney cruise.

What's Included in the cost of a Disney Cruise- shows — The Walt Disney Theatre

Use of pools, water slides, and gym facilities

All pools and slides are included in the cost of your cruise. The gym is free to use as well as the changing rooms and showers.

What's Included in the cost of a Disney Cruise- pools and slides — One of the pools on board the Disney Dream

Senses Spa & Salon is an which is extra to your cruise fare with treatments individually priced. If you wish to use the Rainforest room a pass can be purchased for around $69 giving 3 days access.

Messaging Services

While Wi-fi isn't included and can be expensive to add, you do have the ability to message members of your party for free via the navigator app.

WhatsApp will work on the ship to allow you to send messages to those on board and back home but please note that this is text only and will not support photos & videos.

If you have a sim card that allows you to access data and calls, you can of course catch up on port days.

Wi-Fi prices start around $18 per day for the most basic package, with the package allowing you to scroll social media costing $42 a day, and a little less if booked for the duration of your cruise.

Miscellaneous

Gratuities

Tips are not included in your cruise fare but can be added at the of booking or alternatively be paid at the end. These are $14.50 per person, per night.

Laundry

On board the ship you'll find self-serve laundry rooms on most floors. It costs around $5 for to wash and dry one load of clothes with detergent & softener included.

In Summary

In this blog post, we explored the incredible value that a Disney Cruise offers for families and travellers seeking a magical getaway.

When you consider the quality of food, drinks, and entertainment bundled in the package, a Disney Cruise provides unmatched value compared to traditional vacation options.

Watch out for our future blog posts where we will look at other areas in more detail.