Disney Cruise Line has made significant safety updates to one of its children’s play areas following a serious accident. In September 2025, a toddler was injured at the Nemo’s Reef splash pad on the Disney Dream. This “Finding Nemo”-themed area is designed for children under four. During play, the child fell from a coral-themed structure, resulting in a broken femur. The injury was severe enough to require immediate medical attention. The family had to cut their holiday short and were evacuated to Nassau, Bahamas, for treatment. Disney later offered them a complimentary cruise once the child recovered.
Safety Changes Introduced At Nemo’s Reef
Courtney Livingston, the child’s mother, shared an update on social media on 30th March 2026. Her family returned to the Disney Dream for their rescheduled cruise and noticed safety improvements. The coral structure involved in the accident has been removed. The flooring has been replaced with a softer surface to reduce injury risks. Previously, the area had four raised coral structures beneath an image of Squirt, the turtle from “Finding Nemo.” These have been taken out, and no replacements have been installed yet. It’s unclear if similar changes will be made to Nemo’s Reef on the Disney Fantasy or other splash zones across the fleet.
Ongoing Emphasis On Supervision
Despite these changes, Disney Cruise Line emphasises the importance of parental supervision. Company policy mandates that children using splash pads must be supervised at all times. Adult oversight is required for all guests under 16 in pool and water play areas. Given the busy nature of pool decks, parents are encouraged to monitor their children’s behaviour closely. Running, jumping, and diving are prohibited to minimise risks.
Further Safety Measures Introduced After Separate Incident
The updates to Nemo’s Reef are part of broader safety enhancements on the Disney Dream. After a separate incident in June 2025, additional safeguards were introduced around portholes. In that case, a five-year-old girl fell through an open porthole while posing for a photo. These measures reflect Disney’s commitment to ensuring a safe environment for all guests.
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