If you're planning a Disney Cruise with babies and toddlers, you'll want to know about the It’s a Small World Nursery, which is the Disney Cruise Line. Below I cover the Disney rules, what to expect, what to bring, and tips for making the best use of the Disney Cruise nursery. For a more general guide to infants on Disney Cruises, check this post out.
For the most current pricing and rules information, go straight to Disney here.
Disney Cruise Nursery at a Glance
- Ages
- 6 months-3 years on most sailings; 1-3 years on Transatlantic, Hawaii, and Panama Canal itineraries.
- Cost
- $10/hour
- Hours
- Usually 8 a.m.-midnight. Hours vary by day and ship; check the Disney Cruise Line Navigator app onboard.
- Reservations
- Book as soon as your activity booking window opens. Additional time onboard is subject to availability.
- Cancellation
- Cancel at least 4 hours ahead to avoid a 50% fee.
If you have one or more of these, you’ll want to know about it’s a small world nursery
Overview of it’s a small world nursery
Hours of Operation: Varies daily and by ship, opens as early as 8am and closes as late at 12 am. (they will open earlier if you have an excursion that begins before 8AM, and you arrange it ahead of time)
it’s a small world nursery (intentionally lowercase) is the onboard childcare facility for infants and toddlers on Disney Cruise Line ships. The nursery is staffed by trained childcare professionals who provide a safe and fun environment for children to play and learn while parents enjoy some time to themselves. So far for us, each ship has had at least one cast member from the UK, giving us the added comfort of pretending she is a Gen Z Mary Poppins.
On the first day of the cruise, the nursery hosts an open house where parents can enter into the area to play WITH their child. My wife loves this option because it helps the babies get used to the environment while in the comfort of their parent’s presence. Then, the baby recognizes the environment and is excited to continue exploring at drop off. We use the nursery every day we are on the ship because it provides open space and developmentally appropriate toys for our son. It’s tough to explore the small staterooms, and our toy options are usually limited. Plus, the shows may be too loud or overstimulating, and dinner can be downright boring.
Our little guy at 2 during open house, showing us the toys he’s about to play with.
For Nervous Parents
For parents reluctant to leave their baby with a stranger while floating in the middle of the ocean, use the Open House to see how your little one interacts with the staff. In our experience, our little guy loved being there, and the staff always gave us pictures, updates, and schedules detailing their naps, feeding, and diaper changes. Their staff is incredibly trained both for childcare and medical issues, and the staff is excited to be there. You can also stop by and check on them. However, expect a meltdown if the little one sees you.
The dining staff was accomodating, but he’d probably be more comfortable in a crib in the dimly lit nursery.
On the 4 original Disney Cruise ships (Disney Dream, Disney Fantasy, Disney Magic, and Disney Wonder), the nursery’s theme is inspired (obviously) by the It’s a Small World ride at the Disney Parks. It has three distinct areas: an acclimation area (to get babies adjusted to the new environment), a play area, and a napping area. The play area has a 3D façade based on the Small World ride with interactive surprises for the kids. For the sanity of the cast members, the song is not on repeat.
Nap room on the Disney Dream
On the newer ships—Disney Wish, Disney Treasure, and Disney Destiny—the small world theme gets an upgrade. The nurseries feature colorful murals of Disney, Pixar, and Marvel characters drawn in the style of Mary Blair, the artist behind the original ride. You'll find familiar faces like Elsa, Rapunzel, Peter Pan, Aladdin, and Black Panther mixed into the scenery. There's also a separate, dimly lit room for naps. The nursery is located on Deck 2, near the Oceaneer Club, instead of Deck 5 like on the original four ships.
The Disney Adventure, which sails from Singapore, has a similar nursery with the same colorful theming and separate areas for playing and sleeping. However, its nursery is located on Deck 8, also near the Oceaneer Club. So even on Disney's largest ship, you won't have to wander too far to drop off your little one before enjoying some adult time.
Age, Cost, and other Guidelines
The it's a small world nursery is available for children ages 6 months to 3 years old (or one year on some longer cruises, which is also the minimum age for babies on the respective itineraries). Unlike the Youth Activities, the it’s a small world nursery does come with an additional cost.
The cost is:
· $10 per hour for the first child
· Possible sibling discount, for the conflicting evidence check out this article. $8/hour last time we were aboard.
If you need to cancel a reservation, do so 4 hours in advance for no charge. If you no-show for a reservation or cancel within 4 hours, you’ll be charged 50%. However, we missed a couple of reservations, and I don’t think they charged us. The rate is so cheap compared to everything else on the boat, that we may not have noticed.
Additionally, children must have no signs of illness to be admitted to the nursery. If your child becomes ill or otherwise inconsolable, the cast members will contact you via the Disney Cruise Line Navigator App, so you’ll need to keep your phone with you.
If your child is ill, you’ll have to be cleared by the medical team before your baby can return. This happened when our little guy had a “protein spill.” Luckily for us, it was just an inordinate amount of spit up, no fever, and he was cleared to return later that day.
The nursery cast members will also use the app to notify you of when your nursery reservation is upcoming and when it is about to end.
The it’s a small world nursery is welcoming of children with special needs, but they are not specifically trained for special needs care and cannot provide a one-to-one ratio.
There’s no formal night at the it’s a small world nursery, but he was ready just in case
Reservations and Scheduling Tips
To ensure you get the most out of your Disney Cruise with infants and toddlers, it's important to make reservations for the it's a small world nursery prior to your cruise. Reservations can be made online or onboard the ship, but it's recommended to book as early as possible to secure your preferred times. Onboard, you can make the reservations in person or from your stateroom phone.
Here’s the earliest you can book before your cruise, based on your Castaway Club or Concierge level:
Up to 130 days ahead for Concierge Guests
Up to 123 days for Pearl Castaway Club Guests
Up to 120 days ahead for Platinum Castaway Club Guests
Up to 105 days ahead for Gold Castaway Club Guests
Up to 90 days ahead for Silver Castaway Club Guests
Up to 75 days ahead for all other Guests
You’re currently allowed to book up to 10 hours prior to boarding. In the past, guests got more hours preboarding if your cruise is longer than 5 nights, but I was unable to confirm this for current sailings.
IMPORTANT: This DOES NOT MEAN you only get 10 hours during your cruise. The rest of your booking (as many hours as you want) can be done once you board the ship. Therefore, IT’S REALLY IMPORTANT to go directly to it’s a small world once you board the boat to secure the rest of the nursery times you want. On most cruises, reservations will fill up, especially for days at sea.
Our little guy getting acclimated during open house while we book more sessions as soon as we get on the ship.
Pro Second Dad to the Right Tip: Have a plan beforehand of what you want, so that you can rush through the booking process both beforehand and once onboard. Again, GO DIRECTLY THERE when you get onboard, or else the other parents will take all the good spots. Get more reservations than you think you’ll need (within reason. Don’t be a jerk). You can always cancel them later.
Another Tip: If you’re comfortable with it, you can leave your child on the ship when you’re in port. If you have a booked excursion, you get a guaranteed reservation for the nursery even if it’s full (at least this is what we were told last time we needed it). You can also leave your child at the nursery during Castaway Cay or Lookout Cay, but there is no guaranteed reservation. However, if you leave the boat, you must have your phone connected to a network to receive calls, in case of emergency. It will be a real phone call, not through the app, if you are off of the ship.
Click here for my guide to Castaway Cay and guide to Lookout Cay.
We found it significantly easier and safer to climb the Dunn River Falls without an infant
Final Pro Tip: If you discover an adult activity you want to participate in that you didn’t schedule for, drop by the nursery. If they aren’t full or closed, they’ll take your cute bundle of perfection so that you can go play Star Wars Trivia.
What to Bring to it's a small world nursery
Here’s what to bring to the Disney Cruise nursery:
Pack a small diaper bag for each nursery visit, with enough supplies for the time your child will be there and a little extra. Babies have a talent for needing a clean outfit exactly when you sit down at Palo.
Diapers or pull-ups and wipes.
Diaper cream, if needed. Baby powder is not accepted.
A change of clothes, or two if your little one likes to keep you guessing.
Bottles or a sippy cup, plus milk, breast milk, or formula as needed. Bring formula or breast milk already prepared and portioned.
Sealed baby food, if your child will need it.
A pacifier, if your baby uses one.
A non-restrictive sleep sack, if that's part of your baby's nap routine.
A bib or burp cloth, if you use them for feedings.
Label belongings and food with your child's name. Let the counselors know when your baby last ate or slept, along with feeding instructions, allergies, and anything that helps them settle.
For babies under 12 months, the only loose item Disney allows in the crib is a pacifier without an attachment.
Second Dad to the Right Tip: Keep these supplies in your carry-on bag on embarkation day. Your luggage might still be exploring the ship when you're ready to visit the nursery.
For the rest of your baby's packing list, check out my guide to taking a Disney Cruise with an infant.
What to Expect During Drop-off and Pick-Up
Drop-Off
When dropping off your child at the it's a small world nursery, you will need to provide their Oceaneer Band (which the staff will give you on your first visit) to check them in. You will also need to provide any necessary items such as diapers, wipes, and a change of clothes. The nursery staff will use the Disney Cruise Navigator App if they need to contact you during your child's stay. Finally, you will need to fill out detailed instructions on feeding times, snack choices, and everything you brought with you. This is tedious (but understandable), so make sure you give yourself a couple of minutes before your scheduled activity.
Our buddy playing at it’s a small world nursery. He colored his eyebrows for April Fools.
Another note about drop off: The smaller ships (Wonder and Magic) have limited room for you to leave your stroller. Aboard the Magic last month, they originally wouldn’t let us leave our strollers, but then changed their minds later in the week. If your particular sailing doesn’t allow strollers, it’s probably easier to carry your child to the nursery than walk your stroller back to your stateroom after drop off.
Pick-Up
When picking up your child, you will need to present your Key to the World card and sign them out. Only guests you authorize can pick up your child. The nursery staff will provide you with a report of your child's activities and any important information you need to know.
Pro Tip: DO NOT forget to return the Oceaneer Band to the nursery at the end of your cruise. It will refund you the $20 they charged you as a deposit at the beginning of the trip. The band is cool, but it won’t work in the parks (not a MagicBand even though it looks like one), so it’s not worth it.
Activities and amenities offered in the nursery
The it's a small world nursery on Disney Cruise Line offers a variety of activities and amenities to keep your little ones happy. Most of the activities are unscheduled and based on your child’s inclinations and mood. These activities and amenities include age-appropriate toys and games, activities such as crafts, movies, scheduled feeding, and napping (at your request or the baby’s request). The nursery also hosts special events such as story time and character visits. My little dude was apparently not a fan of Mickey. Mickey is usually his favorite, so I can only assume it’s because he was hoping the special guest was me.
Nap Room in the it’s a small world nursery (Photo Cred: Brian Hart https://flic.kr/p/dhWkhm)
Review and Conclusion
Our little guy has already sailed twice for a total of 12 nights, and we have been blown away by how awesome the staff is. They are professional and careful, focused on safety within the room as well as during pick up. They are also amazingly friendly and engaged with the babies. If you ride the Disney Fantasy, say hello to Gabby for us. She was amazing. They were quick to contact us if we were needed, as well as helpful to remind us of our scheduled times. Most importantly, our son absolutely loved it there.
I hope your baby loves it there, too. And I hope these tips and guidelines make the process faster and less stressful for you, so that you can spend more time at that Silent DJ party.
Silent DJ Party without the baby
In our experience, babies are indifferent to silent DJ parties.
Disney Cruise Nursery FAQ
Does my baby need to be potty trained for the nursery?
No. The nursery accepts children in diapers and pull-ups, and the counselors can change them. Three-year-olds who still need help in the bathroom can use the nursery. Disney's Oceaneer Club is for children ages 3-10 who are fully potty trained and can use the bathroom independently. A potty-trained two-year-old still needs the nursery for supervised drop-off care.
Will the nursery feed my baby?
Yes. Give the counselors your feeding instructions and bring the food, milk, or prepared bottles your baby needs. The nursery also provides some snacks and drinks, including crackers, bananas, yogurt, water, and milk, with a dairy alternative available on request. Discuss allergies and dietary needs with the staff before leaving your child. They will also warm the bottles and mix the formula for you.
Can my baby nap in the nursery?
Yes. There is a separate quiet room with cribs. Tell the counselors your baby's normal nap routine when you drop off. Whether your particular baby agrees to nap is, of course, a separate negotiation.
Can I check on my child or contact the nursery?
Yes. You can stop by the desk or call the nursery from a ship phone. You can also peek through the nursery's viewing window. Keep your phone handy for notifications through the Disney Cruise Line Navigator app. Nursery notifications aren't a regular two-way chat, so call or visit the desk if you need to speak with a counselor.
What if my baby has never been to daycare?
Visit the nursery together during open house so your baby can explore and meet the counselors with you nearby. Consider a short session early in the cruise to see how your child settles before a longer dinner or spa appointment. Allow extra time for drop-off, and keep your phone handy in case the counselors need you.
Can I leave my baby in the nursery while I go ashore?
Yes, including while you visit Castaway Cay or Lookout Cay. The nursery stays on the ship. Reserve the time you need, allow time to get back from your activity, and tell the counselors you're going ashore. Leave a phone number that works in that port and confirm how they'll reach you before you leave. Make sure you have service (and understand your international plan/e-sim). Nursery space is subject to availability.
Can the nursery accommodate allergies or special needs?
Tell the nursery staff about allergies and complete Disney Cruise Line's Special Services form before sailing if your child needs accommodations. Children with special needs are welcome when they can participate in the group setting, but the nursery cannot provide one-to-one care or counselor-assisted medical attention. Contact Special Services ahead of time to discuss your child's specific needs.
Does Disney Cruise Line offer babysitting in your stateroom?
No. Disney does not offer in-stateroom babysitting. it's a small world nursery is the supervised childcare option for infants and toddlers. If you need in-room daycare, bring grandma.
Further Reading
For information about the best stroller for a cruise, head here.
For general information about taking your baby or toddler on a Disney Cruise, head here.
Everything you need to know about It’s a Small World Nursery on Disney Cruises, and how to get the most out of it.