The Best Disney Cruise Excursions for Families with Babies and Toddlers

Before kids…

Excursions meant:

Adventure.Spontaneity.Long days.Packing light.

After kids?

Excursions become about:

Nap schedules.Snack timing.Bathrooms.Sun exposure.Keeping little legs happy.

And honestly?

That doesn’t make travel less magical.

It just makes it different.

After traveling with babies and toddlers, I’ve learned:

The best excursions aren’t always the most exciting…

They’re the ones where everyone actually enjoys themselves.

So if you’re planning a Disney Cruise with littles—especially 2 under 2 or toddlers under 4—here are the excursions I’d actually recommend.

1. Beach Club Days (Best Overall)

If you’re cruising with little ones…

This is usually my #1 recommendation.

Because beach days offer:

✔ Flexible timing

✔ Easy snacks

✔ No rigid schedule

✔ Plenty of room to move

And if your toddler needs:

A break?A snack?A stroller nap?

No problem.

Why It Works for Littles:

Toddlers love:

• Playing in sand

• Collecting shells

• Splashing in shallow water

Babies love:

• Shade

• Carrier cuddles

• Watching everything

And parents?

You’re not constantly rushing.

What I’d Pack:

Pop-up beach shade

Baby-safe mineral sunscreen stick-ARIELH for a discount

2. Scenic Train Excursions (Especially Alaska)

If you’re sailing Alaska…

This can be surprisingly toddler-friendly.

Why?

Because:

✔ You stay seated

✔ Kids can snack

✔ No long walking

✔ Gorgeous views

And for moms?

There’s a much lower stress level.

Why It Works:

Toddlers love:

Watching:

• Mountains

• Rivers

• Wildlife

• Trains

And if your baby needs to nap?

They often can.

What I’d Bring:

Lightweight muslin blanket perfect for stroller or lap naps.

3. Whale Watching (Only If…)

This can be magical…

But I’ll be honest.

With babies or toddlers?

It depends.

Worth It If:

✔ Your kids can handle longer stretches sitting

✔ Your baby naps well on the go

✔ You’re okay with flexible moods

Maybe Skip If:

❌ Your toddler struggles sitting

❌ Seasickness is a concern

❌ Your kids are in a very clingy phase

What I’d Pack:

Toddler headphone great for louder boats.

4. Easy Walking Port Towns

One of my favorite “excursions” honestly isn’t even a booked excursion.

Sometimes the best choice?

Simply exploring the port town.

Why It Works:

You control:

✔ Timing

✔ Snacks

✔ Stops

✔ Pace

Perfect for:

• Stroller naps

• Coffee stops

• Family photos

• Shopping

And it feels so much less rushed.

What I’d Bring:

Lightweight travel stroller

5. Aquarium or Wildlife Encounters

These can be incredible with toddlers.

Because little kids love:

• Fish

• Birds

• Sea lions

• Hands-on exhibits

And these often have:

✔ Bathrooms

✔ Shade

✔ Food nearby

✔ Indoor options

Huge win.

Excursions I’d Personally Skip with Littles

As a mom…

These just aren’t worth it right now.

Long Bus Tours

Toddlers rarely love sitting still that long.

Adventure Excursions

Like:

• Ziplining

• Long hikes

• ATV tours

Amazing pre-kids.

Not ideal with babies.

Excursions That Conflict with Naps

This one matters.

Because a missed nap can affect:

Your entire evening onboard.

And sometimes…

Pirate Night > a long excursion.

My Honest Advice as a Mom

If your kids are:

Under 2:

Choose simple + flexible.

Toddlers:

Choose sensory + interactive.

Multiple littles:

Choose ease over “bucket list.”

Because your kids won’t remember the excursion.

They’ll remember:

Being together.

Feeling safe.

Laughing with you.

And that’s the real magic.

Final Thoughts

When traveling with babies and toddlers…

The best excursions aren’t about doing the most.

They’re about:

Doing what works for your season.

And sometimes…

The most magical memories come from the simplest adventures.