When we first embarked on a Disney Cruise, little did we know that our experience with the onboard kids clubs would be a game-changer for our family vacations. As parents, we had heard varying opinions within family travel circles about the merits and drawbacks of kids clubs. Some parents swear by them, while others are hesitant, worried about losing precious family time. But if the goal is to have an enjoyable trip for both kids and adults, why not embrace opportunities for both togetherness and a little time apart?
Our Experience with Kids Clubs
On our Disney Cruise, we decided to give the kids club a try, and it turned out to be one of the best decisions we made. Here’s what we found:
- Quality Time Together, After Time Apart: We discovered that we had a better time together as a family when we all had a bit of time to ourselves. This is true at home, and it was certainly true on vacation. The brief periods of separation allowed everyone to recharge and come back together with renewed energy and enthusiasm.
- A Parenting Break: Let’s face it—parenting is a full-time job, even on vacation. The kids club offered us a much-needed break. We could relax, knowing that our children were in a safe and engaging environment, enjoying activities tailored to their age group.
- Age-Appropriate Fun: The kids club wasn’t just about giving us a break; it provided our children with age-appropriate activities that they genuinely enjoyed. Whether it was arts and crafts, games, or simply hanging out with other kids, they had a blast.
- Building Independence: One of the unexpected benefits was the sense of independence it gave our children. They had the opportunity to choose what they wanted to do, rather than just tagging along with what everyone else wanted. This sense of autonomy made them more confident and adventurous.
- Balancing Time: We were mindful of how much time the kids spent in the club. It wasn’t a case of saying yes every time they wanted to go. We kept the big picture of our day in mind, ensuring that we still had plenty of quality family time.
A Lasting Impact
Even now, when we talk about going on another cruise, the first question that comes up is, “Will there be a kids club?” Both of our girls loved having their own space and activities to enjoy without us, and they cherish the memories they made. At the same time, we made some of our best family memories during that trip. We found that we parented better when we could have a bit of downtime too.
In conclusion, kids clubs can be a fantastic tool for building independence in children while also enhancing the overall travel experience for the entire family. It’s all about finding the right balance that works for your family, allowing everyone to enjoy their vacation to the fullest. Let’s start planning:
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