Just joined

[cruzinin2007]

and am heading out in 24 days for the biggest vacation of my life with my DH, 5yo DD, and mom and dad. Can't wait!

 

We're sailing on the Disney Magic and my dd is right next to me packing already, LOL!

 

Just made my first cruise purchase, other than the cruise itself, lol! I got my dd a present for when we board the plane - it's a Disney princess backpack filled with activity books and snacks to keep her busy. I thought this was the cutest thing ever and I can't wait to give it to her. In case anyone else is looking for something like this, I got it at www.goodypak.com.

 

So does anyone have any advice for me about good excursions for a 5yo? Thanks!

[jhannah]

Welcome, and congrats on your upcoming cruise. Our family of 10 will be sailing the Magic next January. Our itinerary is the western Caribbean. Visiting the Turtle Farm on Grand Cayman would be a neat thing for your DD. She can hold one of the turtles.

[mom x4,grandma x4]

are you doing the eastern or the western??

Tell me this and I will suggest some excursions if I can.

 

mom x4,grandma x4

[cruzinin2007]

Hi! We're on the Eastern, and I'd love some suggestions! Thanks!

[mom x4,grandma x4]

st. Maartin with a 5 year old I would recommmend the Butterfly farm. It is great for them and a quick shopping break fo ryou that wont be too long and bore the child. easy bus ride to there and youwill see part of the island along the way.

Also if you just want beach time. take the water taxi at the end of the pier on the left side. $5 per person for round trip ticket. a short ride across the sid eof the bay area and will drop you off by the big shopping district. after you exit the boat you will walk towards the buildings and there is a large wide sidewalk, go either left or right to a nice beach area. You can rent chairs and umbrellas there. Nice sandy beach with water that starts out nice and shallow for kids. great view of the ship too. Plus you can take turns watching your child, one watches the other one shops or goes to the casino right behind you, then change places if you want.

That costs less than the beach excursions, although not as fancy it will work for what you need.

But the butterfly farm is the most funI think.

 

St. Thomas, I would suggest Coral World. It is an under water viewing area, that is actually viewing under the water. Kids love seeing all the fish and it is quick, easy and not too tiring for a child to do, yet has some excitement for them. Some shopping is available there too.

If you dont want to do the excursion this is easily done by taking a cab there, but I cant remember the cost??

 

Our first time in any new port we always stay with the ships excursions just to make sure all is safe.

 

Castaway Cay are dozens of fun things to do. bike riding is fun and they do have helemts and training wheels if needed. 2 long trails to ride. The new oneis flat, smooth and very easy to ride. Just off the runway with an observation tower for viewing of the island. 2nd trailis near the adult beach at the end of the runway but it is bumpy and uneven, maybe hard for a young child. Grouper game room has a giant connect four game most kids love!!!

Kids club has an area there for special events too. Not by the water, very safe!!!

 

Hope this helps some,

mom x4,grandma x4

[homew3]

Cruisinin2007

 

Thanks for the goodypack info! Ordered one for my DD for our 10/13/07 Magic cruise!

 

And for those first timers like us, the travel channel is doing a piece on the Disney Cruise next Thursday, March 15th.