What's New on the Re-imagined Disney Wonder: Lively Deck 5

        On a recent back-to-back sailing, Mickey Chick took a tour of all the the refreshed and refurbished areas of the re-imagined Disney Wonder. We found so many exciting new features, that I had to break it down deck-by-deck. Today we'll take a look at the lively kids' spaces that span Deck 5.

        Let's start with the littlest ones. Unfortunately we started cruising long after my daughter was nursery age, so we never had the opportunity to take advantage of Flounder's Reef Nursery. I have to say, I was slightly jealous seeing the babies brought out at night with red lipstick kisses on their foreheads. (I later learned that they had been tucked in by Snow White herself.) Who wouldn't want to nap in this darling, dimly lit area in the newly redesigned and re-dubbed It's a Small World Nursery?

Disney Wonder: It's A Small World Nursery Nap Area

It's A Small World Nursery Cozy Cribs

It's a Small World Nursery Naptime

 The cozy space welcomes tots from 6 months to 3 years of age via a reservation system. Rates are $~9 per hour. And parents needn't worry about their wee ones. The staff is highly trained and take fastidious notes regarding the care and feeding of the little ones in their charge. The low, 1-4 ratio ensures that those needing a bit of extra coddling or cooing get that attention in this warm, inviting environment. There are rockers and swings for soothing babes to sleep as well as several comfy cribs for naps or quiet time.

It's a Small World Nursery Play Area

It's a Small World Nursery Toy Bins

 Of course, the area's not just for sleepy infants. The Mary Blair designed murals create a bright, cheerful environment for all kinds of unstructured play and activities. There are plenty of toys, games and crafts to keep the most imaginative and inquisitive toddlers entertained.

It's A Small World Nursery Mural (and Me)

     We move a bit further forward on deck five to take in the most popular kids' space on the ship: Disney's Oceaneer Club. Designed for kids 3-12 in mind, the terrifically themed space is brimming with activity areas for all interests and ages. Disney's children's counselors and programming are what truly sets Disney Cruise Line apart from other carriers and the newly re-imagined club does not disappoint. 

Oaken's Trading Post Arts and Crafts Table

   

Oaken's Trading Post Play Space

      With it's rustic charm, Oaken's Trading Post - a nod to the smash Disney hit, Frozen - offers spacious and imaginative play spaces that appeal to both boys and girls. The section offers places to interact with the "frozen" window panes and "steamy" sauna door. There's plenty of seating for quieter, arts and crafts, as well and lots of room to Wander like Oaken.

Oaken's Trading Post Imaginative Play Area - and Sauna

Oaken's Trading Post - and Sauna

Marvel Super Hero Academy Entrance

      If saving the universe is more their speed, students can study Wall Crawling and Asgard Lore when they enter Marvel's Superhero Academy. In this charming room, aspiring superheroes dream up their most daring adventures and devise ways to defeat super-villains together. On special occasions, they can even meet with Academy graduates for photos.

Marvel Superhero Academy- Meeting Area

Marvel Superhero Academy Bulletin Board

Marvel Super Hero Academy is Proud of Its Alumni

Disney Junior Pretend Play

Disney Junior Play Room

     Pretend play isn't reserved for galaxy guardians. The Club Disney Junior room invites princesses and pixies alike to be who - and what- ever they can imagine. The spacious play area provides toys, costumes and props for preschoolers and primaries to explore and enjoy.

Andy's Room Play Place

Oceaneer Club Open Space

     And for the more active bunch, the Oceaneer Club boasts and expansive open play area, perfect for dance parties and pajama jams. In addition, Andy's Room offers a Slinky Dog climb and slide structure as well as other playground staples. (I did not take photos inside the room, as there were children playing.) 




       There is a secret hallway that connects the Oceaneer Club to the nautically-themed Oceaneer Lab, so we scooted through the secret passage to get to the area that offers an exploratory environment and more structured activities. Kids 3-12 choosing to play in this space enjoy arts and crafts, experiments, cooking classes, and individualized inquisitive play.

Oceaneer Lab Adorned with Artifacts

Oceaneer Lab Arts Crafts and Experiments Area

Oceaneer Lab Independent Investigation Area

Oceaneer Lab Create and Explore

      There is an additional play space with numerous creative toys and puzzles and games, as well as a dedicated computer (ipad) room. Most impressive is the expansive, wide-open, nautically themed play area with a video screen for movies and other features. (I did not take photos in these areas, as there were children playing.)

          It's clear that Disney endeavored to appeal to the vast array of ages and interests in these newly re-imagined kids' spaces. What do you think about the new Deck 5 offerings? Sound off below or join the conversation on facebook.

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