Yes. The Disney Cruise Line Oceaneer Club and Oceaneer Lab both offer Open House sessions, typically multiple times per day. These are designated times when parents and other family members can enter the spaces with their children, explore the rooms together, and participate in activities without checking kids in.
Open House is a great option for children who may feel nervous about staying in the clubs by themselves because it gives them a chance to roam, play, and meet counselors while a parent stays with them. Families with siblings who are not old enough to be dropped off also appreciate the opportunity for everyone to enjoy the space together. For example, a younger toddler can join an older sibling in the club during Open House even though they would not be allowed during secured programming.
During Open House, the clubs are not in secured mode, which means children cannot be dropped off for supervised care in that space. If you arrive hoping to check in your child during an Open House period, they will usually be walked or checked into the other space that is currently in secured mode, most often the Oceaneer Lab. Disney alternates which space is open and which space is secured throughout the day, so families can have both access for exploration and dedicated childcare at different times.
Open House sessions often include special activities, crafts, or character visits, and many families end up enjoying them as much as the drop-off time. Characters occasionally make appearances during Open House, and it can be a fun opportunity to take photos or interact with them without the pressure or structure of a scheduled meet-and-greet.
The nursery (It’s a Small World Nursery on most ships) also offers Open House times so parents can look around before deciding whether to book care. This can help ease anxiety for both parents and young children, since the nursery space is often unfamiliar until you actually see it.
Overall, Disney does a good job of providing a mix of secure drop-off time and family-access time so that everyone can enjoy the youth spaces. If you check the Navigator app once onboard, you’ll see the Open House schedule listed each day. Most families find that there are several opportunities to visit, explore, and play together, especially in the Oceaneer spaces.
If your child is excited but hesitant, or if you simply want to experience the magic of these spaces as a family, the Open House sessions are definitely worth attending.
