Top 10 Getaway For Tiny Travelers - Disney Cruise Line's Magic And Wonder

For 2003's "Top 10 Getaways for Tiny Travelers" awards, our staff and contributing editors selected Disney Cruise Line for translating top entertainment, learning activities and daycare into the ultimate family cruise experience.  Here's a look at the "Magic" and "Wonder" today.

Disney "Magic" and "Wonder"
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Celebrating its eleventh anniversary at sea, the Disney Cruise Line continues to deliver extraordinary, custom-fit vacations for all ages. Benefiting from its vast experience and know-how with this market, they have translated the ultimate in theme park entertainment to one of the most popular cruise lines for families. In addition to producing spectacular variety shows and original musicals, both ships' multi-national crews of 950 cook and serve delicious meals, keep you comfortable in your oversized, beautifully appointed staterooms, organize a whirlwind of activities, pamper you in the spa, and care for your children with professionalism and enthusiasm.

To better serve kids since it won FTF's Tiny Traveler award in 2000, Disney has rejuvenated its age-specific programs. Themed activities run from 9am to midnight (activities may vary depending on itinerary), and are complimentary to participants. Parents receive a pager to keep in touch with the counselors of all children under 10, while the 3 to 4 year-olds and 5 to 7 year-olds are involved with Disney characters from Snow White to Lilo and Stitch in active play, dress-up, storytelling and computer stations at the Oceaneer Club. Back at Oceaneer Lab, 8 to 9 year-olds and 10 to 12 year-olds can be found at interactive/hands-on stations exploring science activities, baking cookies, or learning about animation. Aloft, fashioned after a post-college loft apartment on the Wonder, is for the 13-17 year-olds and it's where they hang out, watch the big screen TV, go online at their own Internet café, attend dance parties, play sports and make friends. The Stack is a comparable teen center in the funnel of the Magic.

What about the babies? Infants and toddlers from 12 weeks to 3-years are warmly welcomed at Flounder's Reef, where they receive the attention they deserve, and make friends of their own. The popular "Little Mermaid"-themed nurseries are staffed by counselors with childcare experience and training in CPR and First Aid. Full of toys, equipment and games, this cheerful spot is open daily on port days as well as sea days and the childcare schedule varies according to the ship's itinerary. Due to limited capacity, advance reservations are strongly suggested. Rates for nursery care are $6/HR for the first child and $5/HR for additional children and there is a two-hour minimum stay required.

Want to make sure that your young sailor is enjoying herself as much as you are? Both ships now feature a special one-way porthole through which you can check on her, without upsetting her routine. Of course, pagers are provided free of charge so parents feel free to utilize the ship's facilities. Disney also provides infant-sized life vests, cribs, and Diaper Genies ready in staterooms upon request. Supplies are limited so make sure to request at time of booking. A supply of diapers, disposable bottle liners and formula is available to purchase in Treasure Ketch.  Baby food is not available, however, upon request, fresh pureed vegetables can be prepared.  Naturally, booster seats, high chairs and strollers are available as well.  However, due to safety considerations, booster seats and high chairs are not available outside or on the pool deck areas.  Health and Safety Regulations restrict Disney Cruise Line Crew Members from taking guests' personal food containers into the kitchen and prep areas to sterilize baby bottles.  Crew members will provide the guests with hot water in order to rinse the bottles.

In 2010 Disney Cruises Line expanded its collection of ports of call to facilitate new Magic and Wonder excursions throughout Europe, the Panama Canal, the Caribbean, the Mexican Riviera and the Pacific Northwest. Through December 2011, the Magic will offer 65 international cruises ranging from 4 to 14 days while the Wonder will offer and astounding 91 international cruises that also range from 4 to 14 days.

For more information or to book your Disney Cruise please visit Disney Cruise Line.