jbirdie56

Are there Jedi academy options on a "non sw" cruise?

 

 

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I'm not sure what the official "Jedi Academy" is but on our regular sailing on the Dream there were some Star Wars activities in the kids club. I think one was "Jedi Training", and my son enjoyed that. I think there were a few others that we missed. And of course, a large part of the kids club is a replica of the Millennium Falcon that the kids can pilot (grown-ups too, during open visiting hours!).

Just some thoughts from my own experience... my boys (6 and 3) are not on the Autism spectrum, but they were both overwhelmed and had a hard time adjusting. Even though we had fun, and they both ask to go back on the "Mickey Boat" all the time, I definitely should have prepared them better in terms of what to expect. And, as a speech-language pathologist, I should have known better! My 6 year old does not manage his anxiety well and it manifests in behaviors like talking back, anger, tantrums, etc. I wish I had done a lot more beforehand so he wasn't so out of his comfort zone. Of course, you know your child the best! My general suggestion would be to show videos and pictures of what to expect and talk through different situations. Visual schedules can be helpful as well, as I'm sure you know. Anyway, just a few ideas - I hope you go and have a fabulous time! :D

Thank you jbirdie56 ! I got the $1 ones at Party City. They will love them - just for fun ! They will feel special and grown up !

I'm so glad! They will look so cute. Have a great time! :D

I found lanyards for $1 each at Party City - they had various kids character options. We got Star Wars, Lightning McQueen, and Blaze. Then I ordered these plastic sleeves from Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01JYSEGK8/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o07_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1 . Worked pretty well! The kids actually wanted to wear theirs with their KTTW cards because all the adults were. It could be a hassle because I worried more about them losing the cards, but it was fine. They liked being able to use their cards to unlock our door!

There are wagons on Castaway Cay - we found them helpful for our 3 year old!

I just got off the Dream Friday. My 7 year old loved the kids club. My younger son turned 3 this past Sunday so he wasn't able to use the kids club - they are very strict w/ age requirements however from what I observed during the limited times I was allowed in the area, he would've done fine. I only say this because he has an older sibling so he's a bit more independent and comfortable in that type setting. He spent a little time in the nursery and he was fine there as well, said he had a great time.

 

I think an early 3 year old with no older siblings might struggle some, but like a previous poster said it really depends on the kid.

Thanks for sharing your experience! When we sail in a few weeks my boys will be just turned 3 and almost 6 - I'm hoping the older one will help the younger feel more comfortable, as you said. Thanks again!

Not sure when this was' date=' but they now allow untrained kids in the OC --kids in diapers. The staff cannot change them; they use the wave phone to call a parent when attention is needed. The difficult time is the "in training" process--as you noted, when they can handle the need to go an how to go, but not necessarily all the clothing and washing up. If you want them in the OC at this time, the "trick" is to set them up for success. Tell them that they "must" go in the cabin before going to the programming and then check on them 60-90 minutes later so you can escort them to the bathroom and help with everything. Then back to the OC for playtime if desired.

As you noted, the entire atmosphere may be overwhelming for a 3 year old on their own, but they'll love "Open House" hours with a parent. It also works reasonably if there is an older sibling in the picture. I do not advocate telling the 5 year old that they have to watch over the 3 year old; that's not fair to the older one. But just knowing that a sib is there can be reassuring to the younger one.

 

Still, some 3 year old "onlys" love the OC and do great. It is an individual thing.[/quote']

 

Thank you for that info - so good to know! My younger son will turn 3 a few weeks before we sail and he is out of diapers, but not 100% independent yet. I'm going to try what you suggested, about going to the bathroom right before and then checking in. (Assuming he stays in there without crying for us! - I am hoping!). ;p

on the shorter cruises, unless you make a point of it, you can go the entire cruise without seeing characters other than in the theater shows...

i took my disney hating mom and sister on the disney dream and they adored the cruise because of the outstanding service...

we only bumped into characters once while we were strolling about the ship and they actually wanted to stop and take a picture...they were totally charmed by whoever it was....maybe mickey? i can't remember....but we certainly didn't encounter 'bumbling characters" during the meals or all over the ship..

 

and as has already been posted, perhaps DCL isn 't the best fit for you given your feelings about characters..

Glad to hear this, as my 2 kiddos both tend to be more terrified than excited about characters! We may wave from a few feet away but that's about it. :D I have a hilarious photo of them both clutching me in terror as we met the "hungry caterpillar" character at our local library! :')