A few weeks ago, I was invited to join the inaugural sailing of Disney’s newest cruise ship, Disney Treasures. My husband came with our 3 year old son and while he was still too nervous to be separated from us to enjoy our time there, we made sure to check out the Ocean Club on the ship while we were sailing. As a somewhat anxious mom, I’m curious about the care they will take for my baby if he decides to go, and how they can contact me if he is ready to be picked up. If you’re wondering the same thing, I found some answers for both of us.
Who’s watching your kids at Ocean Club?
Brad Yared, youth activities manager for Disney Treasures, said all child care cast members at Ocean Club undergo “enhanced background checks” during the hiring process to ensure the safety of the children. Not only that, they need experience working in a similar environment, he told me.
“All of our counselors have worked in a large number of child care settings in the past. Some of our counselors have been teachers; some of our counselors have been day camp providers. So we’ve combined all of our strengths to create a team A really dynamic team. Many of our team members have experience working with children with additional needs,” Yared said. “We want to make sure that everyone feels really comfortable when they come to drop off their kids.”
What safety measures are in place at Ocean Club?
As you approach the Ocean Club entrance (there are two), you will be greeted by counselors in information booths. From there, your kids can swipe into the club using their magic band and wander into the club, or if they’re coming from upstairs, slide right into the club behind the security gate. (Bonus points: All ocean lovers are required to wash their hands at these really cool hand-washing stations before entering. Kudos to us for keeping germs to a minimum.)
Super cool hand washing station. Just stick your hand in and they create a swirl of warm water and soap.
Katie McPherson
When you register your child for Ocean Club, you will assign your child an approved pick-up and drop-off person and select a safe word. The person excluding your child from Ocean Club must be on that list and provide a safeword in order to retrieve them. You can also list allergy information, dietary restrictions or other need-to-know information, all of which will be provided to the counselor, Yared says.
Can kids quit Ocean Club, which means hanging out on the boat unsupervised until they find you? No, not a thing. They can’t leave without a registered adult, so no worries. Adult cruise guests are also off limits, so you don’t have to worry about strangers hanging out in the space while your kids are there.
How do you stay connected when your kids are at Ocean Club?
Cell phone service and Wi-Fi connectivity on cruise ships are not 100% available, but if your child needs something or is getting ready to leave, counselors and parents can use the Disney Cruise Line Navigator app to stay connected.
“If your children come to you, if they want to contact you, [or] If they’re ready, we just send you a quick text message so you know they’re ready. We also want to maintain this ongoing communication. Of course, we can also call you if you happen to be in your cabin. But I think a lot of adults are walking around the ship, which is why the Disney Cruise Line Navigation App is the best tool we have to connect everyone,” Yared said.
What if my child is shy? Will they get away with it and have fun?
Finally, for those of us with introverted kids who need some time adjusting to a new place, Yareed says child care providers are experts at keeping kids entertained. The immersiveness of the different spaces in Ocean Club really helps in this regard as well.
This cruise ship themed area is my son’s favorite place to play during the club’s open days.
Katie McPherson
The Imagineering themed lab is perfect for kids who love arts and crafts.
Katie McPherson
The simulator allows children to design their own roller coaster and “ride” it in virtual reality.
Katie McPherson
The rooms at the Marvel Super Hero Training Academy are particularly cool.
Katie McPherson
Superhero Suit Event in the Marvel Room at Ocean Club.
Katie McPherson
“Our team’s goal is to include everyone in all the fun that’s happening. The idea is that there’s truly something for everyone and an immersive entertainment experience around every corner,” Yared explained. “We have the Fairy Tale Hall, which has Belle’s library, Rapunzel’s art studio, and some Frozen fun. Or you can go to the Star Wars Cargo Bay or the Marvel Super Hero Academy. Really. , there’s something for everyone as you walk through our space.
All in all, I think even the most anxious parent would be more than happy to let their kids run wild in the Ocean Club. It has all the immersive fantasy magic of a theme park, so I wouldn’t expect your kids to send messages asking to leave early, either.
