Parents’ Night Out?

 

Dinner at the California Grill? A Couples’ Massage at the Grand Floridian Resort Spa? Cocktails and relaxation by the pool? An evening of music and dancing at the Boardwalk’s Atlantic Dance Hall? Although a visit to the Walt Disney World Resort is often a whole-family affair, there are plenty of opportunities for adults to relax and reconnect during a Disney vacation. But how can parents take advantage of all those grown-ups only offerings with the kids in tow? Disney’s Resort Children’s Activity Centers are the solution!

Several of the deluxe resorts on the Walt Disney World property are home to themed children’s activity centers, staffed by fabulous cast members with loads of tricks up their sleeves to keep kids cozily engaged in their own fun while Mom and Dad head out for some well-deserved R&R. At the clubs kids can play games, make crafts, watch a classic Disney film, and make some new buddies. Kid-friendly fare is provided for dinner—chicken nuggets, hot dogs, and the like—let the club know in advance if you have special dining needs. Kids get to “order” their own dinners making the little ones feel very grown up, although the Neverland Club at the Polynesian Resort features a buffet-style dinner.

Parents are eligible to reserve a space for children at any of the kids’ clubs on Disney property—you do not need to be staying at the resort where the kids’ club is located in order to use it—and space is also available for the children of off-site guests. Let’s take a look at the 5 different activity centers around the Walt Disney World Resort!

Simba’s Cubhouse at the Animal Kingdom Lodge has murals featuring Disney’s Lion King and a nice view of the animals roaming the savannah outside. It is located near the Uzima pool on the first floor of the Lodge and is a large room full of toys, games and activities to keep kids happily busy during their stay.

The Neverland Club at the Polynesian Resort is probably the largest and most elaborately themed children’s center on Disney property. Parents check in at Wendy’s Bed and children fly off to their evening of fun through the nursery window. There are games, activities, toys, and a fantastic costume area.

The Sandcastle Club at Disney’s Beach & Yacht Club Resort is not as themed as some of the others, but consistently gets rave reviews from both kids and parents. The cast members here are known for organizing impromptu dance parties with the kids in addition to fun crafts & games.

The Cub’s Den at the Wilderness Lodge has a super-cute woodland theme with wood furniture and bright murals and is located off the resort’s main lobby. Along with toys, games and western-themed crafts, the Cub’s Den has a large (and secure!) outdoor sandbox area adjacent to the indoor space.

The Mouseketeer Club at the Grand Floridian Resort is located just outside of the Gasparilla Grill and is the smallest of all of the activity centers, making it best for littler ones. It offers similar activities and toys as the other centers as well as Disney movies and video games. If you have older children or your children will be there for more than a couple of hours, they’ll likely have more fun at the Neverland Club at the nearby Polynesian.

Camp Dolphin at the Dolphin Hotel is the one club that is not owned or run by Disney but is still conveniently located on Disney property. Situated next to the health club on the Dolphin’s lower level, Camp Dolphin is chock-full of activities and games to engage kids throughout their stay. As with the Disney clubs, dinner is provided as well.

All of the children’s activity centers are open daily from 4 or 4:30 until midnight and are open to children ages 3-12. Children must be potty-trained to attend. The clubs cost $11.50 per child per hour. Each club has a 24-hour cancellation and will charge $20 for a missed reservation. Reservations will be held for 30-minutes if you happen to be running late. Club Dolphin is open daily from 5:30-midnight and is available to children ages 4-12. Several clubs offer discounts to DVC members.

So take some time during your vacation to celebrate the magic just the two of you!  And stay tuned for my upcoming article–Date Night at Disney World!