For families planning on taking their next cruise on the Disney Dream, Fantasy or Magic, Disney Cruise Line has just what you need for your little sailor aged 6 months to 3 years old. Aboard each of those three ships, you will find “it’s a small world” nursey!, the childcare facility for the youngest guests, staffed by expert Disney counselors.

“it’s a small world” nursery! panoramic view
“it’s a small world” nursey! has a playful design inspired by the classic Disneyland attraction. The whimsical environment is a colorful patchwork of buildings, geometric shapes and painted landscapes that stimulate your child’s senses. The nursery is divided into three areas, and “acclimation zone,” which helps children to get accustomed to the new environment, the main play area which includes a 3D façade of the “small world” attraction as well as a variety of age-appropriate toys and a large sized screen showing the best of Disney Junior. Finally, there is a separate “quiet room” which has numerous cribs as well as swings and rocking chairs for staff to rock your little angels into dream land.

Some of the toys and games available at “it’s a small world” nursery!
DIStracted Tip: If you are nervous about leaving your child in the new environment, rest assured that you are only a phone call away, as your wave phone provided in your room leaves you reachable at all times when on board, and you can call to check in on your little one when they are at the nursery.
Unlike the childcare options for children ages 3-14, “it’s a small world” nursery! does have limited space, and as such, requires reservations and charges a small fee. Should you want to use the “it’s a small world” nursery!, it is recommended that you make reservations prior to your sailing date. Advance reservations are required and can be made online:
- Up to 120 days ahead for Concierge and 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
Reservations can also be made on a first-come, first-served basis during the open house on Embarkation Day or anytime throughout your cruise.
DIStracted Tip: Try to reserve time for your child/children in “it’s a small world” nursery! when making reservations at the adult-only dining restaurants, Palo or Remy, or when scheduling some relaxing time in the spa.

The TV inside “it’s a small world” nursery!
Furthermore, should you use “it’s a small world” nursery!, the rates are as follows:
- $9.00 per hour for the first child
- $8.00 per hour for any additional children in your family
Do note that cancellations may be made without penalty 4 hours or more before your reservation time. No-shows will forfeit the entire cost of care for the time reserved while Guests who call to cancel fewer than 4 hours before their reservation time will forfeit half the cost of care.
DIStracted Tip: Should you need to extend your child’s stay, due to wanting to let your baby continue a great nap or should your other planned activity run longer than expected, simply call the nursery and they will be happy to accommodate your needs (pending availability)
On our most recent cruise on the Disney Dream in March, we scheduled our 18-month old son for some time in “it’s a small world” nursery! while his big sister went to the Disney Oceaneer’s Club and his mommy and daddy enjoyed some of the adult activities on the ship. His first visit was more of a trial run for him to warm up to the new faces and location. However, by his second visit, he was ready to play with the staff and other little sailors. In fact, on that visit, he took a rather long nap, and after speaking with the counselors, he extended his stay in the nursery that day.

The Quiet Area of “it’s a small world” nursery!
While activities at “it’s a small world” nursery! are unscheduled and will vary depending on your child’s mood, programs like movie time, story time, and arts and crafts projects will keep tots engaged and smiling from ear to ear.
So, should you want to schedule a bit of adult-only time while on your next Disney Cruise Line cruise, be sure to check out the “it’s a small world” nursery!
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