disney wonder

[Cruise6]

We just....and i mean just....booked our first family cruise on the Wonder (8-07). I realize it's a short cruise, but can anyone give us suggestions to make the most of it? The kids are 15,13,13,and 12. Also, can the 12 yr old hang with the older kids in the "teen" areas? Thanks!!!

[Kathleen Templeton]

Hi,
Kids can move up to the next group if their birthday is within 30 days of the cruise. Something that the 12 year old might like to do or any of the kids for that matter is to go to www.disboards.com and go to the cruise meets section and look for your cruise date and post on it for other kids their own age to PM them on the site to get aquainted. Our GK did this and really loved having a new friend ot two waiting to meet them on board the frist day. That way they are not alone with abunch of strangers in the clubs. Our GD did this and she was 12 too. It worked great she never missed her brother at all. She arranged atime and place to meet her 2 new friends the first day and after that they hung out together the entire cruise. by the seocnd day their group had grown to 15 kids to stuck together. She still in in touch with 3 of them. The kids counselors are quite awareof the way the minds of a 12 year old works, wishing they were not with the kids but with the teens. They do have special activities for them that are age appriate to help with this problem. Our GD especially loved the ghost stories late at night on the secret deck on deck 7. Pizza and movie parties and Karoake came in 2nd and 3rd. The kids Navigator will list all the events they can do. Studio sea is a family night club where everyone can do lots of stuff together too. If you havnt done it already go to DCL's site and order the free DVD from them it is great.We have done the wonder 5times and the magic 5 times so far so if you have any specific questions please ask and I will try to answer them for you. But if you go to the dis boards you will get tons of information too. By the way if you can find your cruise date, start the thread yourself, I have done this and it is a lot of fun. You will get to know your fellow cruisers too. That really adds tot he excitement of the cruise.
Kids would probably like th epirate museum in Nassau. Not an excursion you just do it on your own for $12 per person.
Let me know fi I can help with any questions,
mom x4,grandma x4