You are going to "flame" me but I am worried [Archive] - The DIS Discussion Forums

buzz&woody'smom

09-24-2002, 07:46 AM

I had booked this cruise because I thought DCL would be perfect for our family. We have 2 DS sons who will be 17 months and 4.5 and my parents are going and my DM had a stroke and is in a wheelchair. I had a near death experience having the baby and have been on a long road to recovery. We have always been Disney Lovers so I thought this would be a good solution. Little walking, confined environment, fun for everyone.

I have been reading these boards since June and in the last 2 weeks have started to get a really bad vibe that young children really are not wanted by some of you, espcially those of you who have no children. There have been comments made on different threads and it has really worried me.

We are within 30 days of cruising so I can't cancel I just have been shocked by those of you who seem "anti" little ones. Isn't DCL and WDW for all ages but espcially those little ones.

I agree parents should follow the DCL rules, no children in the adult areas and no infants in any pool. But your negative feelings for tolerating these children are coming through.

I am turning off my computer because I expect to be flamed from here to the moon espcially by some of you veteran cruisers or repeat cruisers with no children cruisers.

Not trying to start a debate but DCL is there for all ages, none of us deserve better treatment than the other....all ages are equal.

westjones

09-24-2002, 07:59 AM

I am not sure if you were wanting a response or not, since you posted the comment but said you would turn off your computer.

We just went on the cruise, and my (now) 9 year old twins enjoyed it. But there are some kids on the ship that are VERY annoying. There are others that are lovely and fun to be around. Just like kids everywhere.

So yes, annoying children are not fun to be around. But well behaved children are a delight! That goes for adults too.

I found that 85% of the kids on the ship were fine. The other 15% seemed like they had very little parental guidance for behavioral training and needed to work on social skills.

I don't take offense to the comments on this list when people talk about children's behavior. I know my kids are well behaved and respectful.

DJ

disny4ever

09-24-2002, 08:03 AM

Anyone that doesn't want small children around should be on another cruise line. My DW and I will be taking our 3rd cruise in a matter of weeks and we have never had a problem with kids
(with the exception of kids playing on the elevator ). Yes, DCL is for all ages.
If anyone complains about there being too many children then they are the ones to be flamed. Go, have a good time and pay no attention to a very few inconsiderate complainers.

swinkinhofer

09-24-2002, 08:05 AM

Just got back from our 3rd Disney Cruise, and I can assure you that I get no "anti" kids vibes while on board! This was the first Disney cruise that we took a small child on (our soon to be adopted 10 year old!), the last one was a 7 day for our 25th annv that was just my husband and I. If you don't want kids, there are plenty of adult activities. But for me, without the sounds of kids laughing, it wouldn't be Disney!! Most families and parents that I ran into were very polite and pleasant.

This last cruise, we had 36 family members, many of them young married childless adults, and several older single women, also my parents on their 50th annv celebration. We also had half a dozen kids 16 and under. Every one of us had a fantastic time, both with shared activies (meals, shows, castaway cay, etc) , and in different parts of the ship (night clubs, common grounds, seperate pools, etc).

Don't worry, you are going to have a wonderful relaxing vacation for the whole family. Everyone in my family agreed that they have never been pampered like Disney pampered us!!!!

my3kids

09-24-2002, 08:14 AM

While I think all children, and their parents need to follow the rules, I can't imagine anyone taking this cruise who didn't expect to be around little ones. If someone is expecting this cruise to be an adult only experience, then I think they will be disappointed in their vacation. Of course there will be children around, and lots of them. Would I take a Disney cruise to be alone with my husband...no way. It is a child friendly environment, and I would think everyone knows that. Do I want someone elses kid running up to me at dinner with ketchup on their hands...no way. Do I want someone elses child crawling under my table playing peek a boo...no way again. I'll keep my children as mannerly as possible for their ages, and I would hope all other parents do the same. But, do I not expect or want young children on the ship? Of course not. No flames from me. I picked Disney because I felt like it was the most appropriate cruise to take with kids. My children will be there, right along with yours and probably 95% of the other passengers.

Just don't let them get ketchup on me....I hate that;) :D

peagreenid

09-24-2002, 08:16 AM

I don't think that this could be farther from the Truth. It appears that this is all stemming from the lack of swimming for NON-potty trained infants at the Mickey Pool. I think that a lot of harsh words were spoken about this topic, maybe it appeared because of what people said that they didn't want kids around, but I think they were only stating their thoughts about the contaminants in the pool. I woudn't let a non-swimming infant ruin my vacation.

smiles Patty

motherhen17404

09-24-2002, 08:17 AM

We just got back from the Sept. 15th Wonder cruise and I want to tell you some things I observed. Our cruise seemed to have a lot of very small children on board.

One night, we had a 1.5 year old sitting in the table next to us. She would not sit down, would not eat, just acting up. It did not bother me or my DH. We both just thought she was tired. Our server was also the server for her table. He saw what was going on and went over and told her that she needed to eat and he started to feed her himself! He did not get upset, just thought he could help. Do you know, she ate everything on her plate! I also saw a lot of other servers playing with the kids at dinner. They seemed to really enjoy the younger kids.

This is your cruise, go and enjoy. Please don't worry about what other people think.

bjspalding

09-24-2002, 08:31 AM

Please don't get upset before your cruise. I think anyone taking a cruise on DCL should expect alot of children to be around. If they don't want to be around children, I would hope they would use another cruise line. Don't fret. You and your children will have a wonderful time!;) :D :cool:

FantasticDisFamily

09-24-2002, 08:36 AM

Of course there are kids on board, and yes there were a lot of comments regarding really little ones in the pool and whether or not DCL was actually marketed towards them. Those are different issues than not expecting there to be kids.

Of course there will be kids - and everyone has their own opinion of what a "little" kid is (see the above responses on ages as an example). Personally - and this is JUST my personal opinion - I would not take kids under the age of about 5 either to WDW or on the cruise. PLEASE NOTE I ALREADY SAID THIS WAS MY PERSONAL OPINION. As a family we did visit Disneyland for one day in and outs when kids were littler, but WDW is just so massive I find it overwhelming at times, the kids get tired, they really don't remember anything, etc. We waited on the advice of some of those veterans out there until DD was 8 & DS 10 for their first trips to both. We did other, lower key vacations before then.

This plan worked for us - I understand that Buzz&woody'smom is within the cancellation period and am sure they will enjoy themselves. BUT if I were talking with someone who had really little ones my advice would be to wait - it is worth it for everyone's nerves - especially Mom & Dad who are also supposed to be on vacation.

Ok, flame away if you don't agree - as I said, just my opinion and it isn't that we don't expect them around or want them around -

Deb

mmouse37

09-24-2002, 08:38 AM

Maybe we are all becoming a little to sensitive. I read these boards constantly and I have not felt any "anti-child" vibes coming through at all. I think you are reading too much into some of the current threads. Anyone who goes on DCL and resents seeing children have definitely picked the wrong cruise line.

People go on DCL to enjoy themselves and they must expect children onboard. I think people have right to expect parents to control their children, just like anywhere in life. Just because you are on a vacation, does not mean the kids run the ship and your parental duties are vacationing as well.

There is no one on these boards that I am aware of that has a problem with kids onboard. Go and enjoy your cruise.

MJ

sistert

09-24-2002, 08:47 AM

No flames here. I have to agree, it wouldn't be Disney without kids. What I think you're hearing is not anti-kid but anti-bad parents.

If you're child is having a hissy fit during the movie, meal, or play, it is your (IMHO) "responsibility" to remove them from the room if you can't calm them down. And for the most part, parents do this. Then there are those who feel that they can ignore their child so they (the parent) can continue to have a good time. This may work at home, but it's totally impolite in public.

I've been in WDW and had a parent shove her kids out into the Magical Moments parade even though her kids weren't selected to be in it. Then she proceeded to push her way past the gathered crowd so she could take pictures. Mind you, she and her children didn't arrive until the parade had started in the first place. It's not the kids who are typically to blame.

Speaking for myself only, those with children are most certainly welcome. I get a kick out of watching them get excited when they see Mickey, or whatever that makes their eyes light up and giggle hysterically. What I don't like to see are unsupervised children with bad manners, parents who think their children are above all others, and parents who are not conciderate of others.

Denine

09-24-2002, 08:58 AM

I agree 100% with Sistert!
You can't blame the kids when it is clearly the parents at fault.
DH and I have no children. We love DCL. Yes, it is true that we spend most of our time in the adult areas, but it is magical to see the kids faces light up when they see Mickey or any of the characters. I especially like formal night when a lot of the girls dress up in there Princess outfits. They are so cute!

Bob Noble

09-24-2002, 09:03 AM

No Flames to you Mom, or anyone else for that matter. You will have the time of your life, and your entire family will too.

Only Disney can create those special memories. Maybe the younger kids will not remember but you will. I have been going to WDW every year since our youngest DD was 1. ( my parents took us as kids in 73 ) My most special memory was taking a picture of DD asleep in her stroller lined up at the curb and just having gotten a big red lipstick kiss from Snow White on her cheek.

Does she remember it, nope. But we have the picutures to prove it and the memroies for DW and me. No mastercard can buy that.

Now please, get on that ship and make some memories.

:D

Bob N.

KAMommy

09-24-2002, 09:43 AM

This is my first post, so before anything, Hello.

We are cruising next June with an 8 year old and a 4 year old. Like everyone else we picked Disney because we love the whole Disney thing and it is set up for kids. Even in the parks, there are always kids and, frankly, some adults who can ruin a visit if you let them. I have never been in a large crowd anywhere where someone is not just plain rude. Unfortunately, rude parents usually have rude children. I have taught my 8 year old to just think to himself that he won't behave that way and go on. I try to follow the same advice.

All in all, I can't wait, and neither can the kids.

Chattyaholic

09-24-2002, 09:49 AM

I have to disagree with the posters who have said that if people don't want to be around children they should choose another cruise line. In doing research for our first cruise I found that most other lines don't have "adult only" areas, so that was one of the reasons we chose Disney. My DH and I were taking the cruise to celebrate our 25th anniversary and we wanted lots of "adult only" time and we definitely got that on our Disney cruise. But!! There were 900 children on our sailing and would you believe we rarely even saw them, much less were bothered by any of them. We saw children at dinner and during the shows, but I can't remember ever seeing one out-of-control. Either we were on a cruise with very, very well-behaved children or we were just such in awe of the ship and the cruise that we just didn't notice, I don't know. I had heard horror stories about children being in the adult pool/whirlpools, and running up and down the halls at night knocking on doors at 3:00 in the morning so I was a bit apprehensive about all that, but it never occured. Like other posters have said, some have gotten pretty passionate about some of the current topics and that's probably where you're getting bad feelings from, but I don't think you should let that cause you to cancel your cruise, or to worry about it. I'm sure you'll have a great time, we sure did and can't wait to go again!!

DisneyKids

09-24-2002, 09:54 AM

Ok,I'll chime in...

In my opinion, DCL does a GREAT job of allowing you to be a family, a kid and an adult on the ship. There are things to do for all in any desired atmosphere. If there is an issue, it's either small (someone not respecting others) or it's your own for the same reasons. With that said, all of our DCL experiences have been very positive with no issues that you are concerned with. Yes, there will be screaming kids now and then, there will be adults who look unhappy because of things like that but it will be the exception...not the rule. Staying within the designated area (adult, family, kid) is not just the rule, it's what we all would want to do.

Relax...it's going to be great! Have an awesome cruise...

inkkognito

09-24-2002, 10:27 AM

Don't worry about what others think...Disney is for kids!!! In my opinion, those who cannot tolerate them should cruise another line. DH and I do not have children, but we are kids at heart. I understand where you can get a sense of some negative sentiments. For example, it always surprises me that many childless adults are very negative about the prospect of having kids at their dinner table. This has happened to us a few times, and it's been great! Maybe we are just lucky that we've ended up will some really neat families, but eating with the kids (some as young as 3) has been a delight. We were on the "kid" dining rotation once, and although the volume in the restuarant was definitely louder, we loved watching all the activity...it was a new show every night. :D And my favorite deck is 5 (the kids club deck)...I love watching the kids being transported up and down the stairs and the creative ways in which the counselors get them to hold the railings. I believe strongly that kids should not be in the adult areas, but of course adults cannot use the Mickey Slide or make flubber either. And sometimes the adult areas are just a bit too quiet for me...on Castaway Cay, I like to occasionally stay at the family beach to be in the thick of things.
So don't let some negative vibes sway your decision. If a person doesn't like kids, that's their problem, not yours! If they choose a Disney cruise, they should expect to see kids, and if they don't like it, sail another line!
Barb
Visit the Platinum Castaway Club at: www.*****************

Doctor P

09-24-2002, 10:31 AM

One of the wonderful things about Disney is that it appeals to people of all ages. One should not expect an adults only cruise, or a cruise that is only families with little children. However, consideration by all cruisers should be expected. Adults should not adversely affect other passengers' enjoyment of the cruise by being rowdy drunks, smokers should be considerate of where and how they smoke, dancers should exercise care so as to not be knocking other people down, parents should maintain control of their children. In sum, we need to be aware of other cruisers and their enjoyment as well as our own. It's common decency that applies to all, not just parents and not just children.

Dancind

09-24-2002, 10:52 AM

Deb, I've got to say I agree with you. We took our DD to Disneyland at age 2, and 4, but didn't go to WDW until she was 8. WDW at age 8 was wonderful. She was still in awe of the characters, she was little enough to get picked for special "roles", and not too shy to participate. She LOVED the pool (SAB), and Epcot, and she tried every ride and show (OK, not Alien Encounter). Best of all, she could walk around by herself. My DH will never forget the night he carried her on his shoulders out of DL after Fantasmic (age 4 and not petite), she was asleep on his head! We have made several trips to WDW since, and this will be our first cruise in 11(!) days, and travelling with our now 11 yo DD has been pure pleasure. Would I take a 17 mo. old on a cruise or to WDW? No way! We certainly love watching those little ones enjoy themselves, but see an equal number of little ones in complete misery. It doesn't bother me, but I do pity them and their parents. So I guess I'm saying, it wouldn't be for me, but you're more than welcome to go for it. Diana

FantasticDisFamily

09-24-2002, 11:07 AM

Thanks Diana, I was getting a little worried that I had not expressed myself very well. Indeed I expect kids around, and love to watch the little ones, particularly when they have well behaved parents!:p We just knew it wouldn't work for us.

Thanks
Deb

WDWLVR

09-24-2002, 11:13 AM

I agree with Sistert. We are a childless couple (though like Barb and Tony consider ourselves kids at heart). I have on occasion wished that Disney would have an adults only day but that doesn't mean I am against kids. What I am against are the parents that feel they have to take their kids to Disney and have to do everything. You all know the type of parents I mean - the ones that have their little ones going all day so by the time the nightime parade comes by they are cranky and screaming.

Same things happen on the cruise from time to time. Certain parents feel that because they spent lots of money they have to see and do everything These are the pushy ones that have to force their children on the characters even if it means cutting in line or ones that let their slightly older children run wild.

What we have found on our 3 past cruises is that these parents are in the minority, but they are the ones that stick in your mind.

I don't let these people ruin my vacation and you shouldn't let others ruin your. Go - enjoy! Disney is the best for all ages!

markey

09-24-2002, 11:17 AM

We have our 4th cruise booked for 2003. We take our grandkids, 7 & 8, and they just love it. We love it because we enjoy seeing our grandkids so happy. They want to spend every minute in the clubs, we have to pull them out so we remember what they look like. My husband and I could take any cruise we wanted alone so as not to deal with kids. But we choose DCL because we get the best of both worlds. TOur grandkids enjoy themselves and we get to do things on our own. The kids never seemed to be a problem, except this year I did see a lot of teenagers running wild. In my opinion the older kids need some supervision. One night outside Common Ground someone threw a smoothie or milk at someone and it landed all over the door and floor, almost got me in the face as I came in from the deck. I didn't say anything to the kids, did report the mess to a CM so it could be cleaned up without someone falling.

westjones

09-24-2002, 11:18 AM

I agree that DCL makes it very nice so that you can go to all adult areas or go where kids are and enjoy many different environments. And Disney is for kids (young and old). When I mentioned that there were annoying kids, to be honest it wasn't me that noticed them. It was my daughters who were upset because of kids pushing them, cutting in front of them in line, saying things that were not so nice, etc. This was our first 7 night cruise and on the 3 and 4 day cruises we took I think the kids were all so caught up in the newness of the ship that they behaved better. But on this cruise my daughters did experience annoying inconciderate children. But that didn't keep them from going to the club, and most of the kids were nice. I heard other parents giving their kids the same "find a nice kid to play with" speech outside the lab as they were also giving their tales of inconsiderate pushy/bossy kids.

On the other hand, the kids did get to know other kids better by being together for 7 days and it was fun to see my daughters playing with other kids in the pool that they met in the Lab.

It did get to the point that I told my kids I didn't want to hear any more about the annoying bad kids at the Lab and if they didn't want go to the Lab, fine, stay with us. If they did want to go they had to go knowing that the bad kids would be there, there was nothing we could do about them, and to just stay away from them and play with the nice kids.

But as adults, I didn't have any bad experience with kids on the ship.

DJ

prymsu

09-24-2002, 11:26 AM

each cruise line has something unique that makes them stand out. To me DCL is kid friendly/family oriented more so than any other cruise line. I would not let what a few folks think stop my from going on a cruise with DCL...just my two cents!

TINKERBELL5

09-24-2002, 11:26 AM

Have a fantabulous time!!! It would'nt matter where you went for your vacation, there will always be a bad apple everywhere you go. I am taking my first Disney cruise next May so I don't know first hand, but it seems to me that the children and cheerful adults out weigh the bad apples anyway!

Kim

"If a tree falls in the forest, do the bushes laugh?"

jazzbran

09-24-2002, 11:37 AM

I've been reading these boards for years and I've never got the impression of anti-children. Most of us are parents ourselves but what surprises me is the lack of consideration by some parents, not all.

I just came back from the 9/14/ Western and main dining felt like a nursery. Children screaming during dinner for the entire week and simply out of control while the parents do nothing about it. This is inconsiderate. Our servers stated this was the worse they have seen.

For the past 3 years we've always had main dining on the 7 day but next year we will have 2nd dining.

Understand, the children are not at fault but parents please don't let your child scream and cry at a dinner table when others are trying to enjoy their vacation.

Jackie

westjones

09-24-2002, 11:49 AM

Jackie, I was on the same cruise with the same seating. So maybe we just had a more 'difficult' group on board with us with regards to children's behavior.

I too was surprised how parents did nothing when kids acted up. In Studio Sea during the "Walk The Plank" Game Show the host of the show asked some kids to move and they wouldn't move and he even looked out in the audience and asked if any parents could help. NO ONE DID! I couldn't believe it! Maybe the parents weren't here (but these were 6 and 7 year olds that were sitting in the way). The host of the game show finally gave up and went on with the show.

Then at Wendy's Tea there were two small children left unattended at a table and they had to be something like 4 and 6. I was sure the tea would be all over the floor any moment and wondered if the cups were survive. Again, I don't know where the parents were.

I had heard that one parent left her 7 year old in charge of a 5 and 3 year old sibling in the movie theatre while she went to the adult club and the kids were very disruptive. I believe in this case a CM went to the club and asked the mother to come look after the children.

But there are LOTS of people on board and most are VERY VERY VERY nice. In the laudry room people were considerate, waiting in lines, people were considerate. There are just a few--and a few can create a very annoying environment (like Dining Time---my family decided to go with the late seating for future cruises).

Don't worry about it though. Believe me, these things will not dampen your experience. It is the most wonderful vacation we ever had and my kids like it better than WDW! You will love it! And if your kids are well behaved, they will actually add to the enjoyment of those around. It is thrilling to see the children's faces light up as they see a character walk in the room! The children help make it magical!

DJ

taswira

09-24-2002, 01:18 PM

I don't think ANYONE has said that DCL is not for little kids. That would be crazy! They provide clubs and entertainment for kids 3 and up. That does NOT mean that younger children are not welcome. It only means that parents need to take personal responsibility to interact with and entertain the littlest ones. That makes it more difficult for those parents. That is the ONLY reason I (as a TA) advise clients to wait until their child is at least 3 . . to make things easier for THEM. I personally ENJOY seeing the joy on the faces of the children aboard as they experience all DCL has to offer them. <B><font color="red">The only time children, from infants to teens, become irritating to me is if their parents shun their responsibility and allow or encourage them to break the "rules."</font></B> That holds true whether at sea or on land, and I view it as the parent's fault, not the child's. If that statement is taken as a flame, then it is misinterpreted and I apologize. JMHO.

majimikate

09-24-2002, 01:48 PM

My DH and I are cruising in 5 weeks for our 10th anniversary, our 2nd DCL cruise. Our first cruise was with our 9, 4, 2 and 1 year old children in November 2000. The kids were great, the cruise was great and enjoyable for all. I did not at all find the cruise or the people on board to be anti'kid in any way. Going with just my husband this time, I also expect (and I'm sure will feel guilty for not bringing my own) to see lots of kids and enjoy their reactions to the true "WONDER" of it all. We have also been to WDW twice in the past 2 years, with our very young children and our older son (11 at our last visit) and all have had a wonderful time. Don't get board overload by reading everything that's posted here...go and have your own great time!!

Chris

wildernessgirl

09-24-2002, 02:35 PM

I have to add my two cents in. We are parents of two small children (3yr daughter and 1yr old son) and this will be our second cruise with both them. Our first cruise DD was 8mo. and did find. We had her in the nursery for dinner and the rest with us. It was only a four day cruise. Our second she was 2yrs and our son was 8mo. Once again we used the nursery for dinner so we could enjoy our dinners and not bother others around us. Would I take another cruise with an infant, probably not, but knowing I was I made arrangements so not to "bother" other families.
My DH and I are the type of parents who think about other guests. If I'm at a show and one of my children begins to fuss, I take them to the back and stand. If they continue we leave. All it is is common courtesy. Same at dinner. We always have the late seating just for the same reasons you mentioned earlier. We do take into consideration those other families who did the same. So we always see at the beginning of the cruise to sign my son up at Flounder's for the dinner hour, hour and a half, two hours, etc depending on who your servers are and how much you like the food HAHA! Do we take our children to dinner, yes. IF they get a little restless do we take them out, yes. I feel as some of you have mentioned it is the parents! Most parents do have the common courtesy to contol their children and take charge of them if they begin to get out of sorts.

Another thing I'd like to add is that the servers (most of them that is) love to have the children at the tables. I know on our last cruise our servers Melwin and Cecelia loved the children and were disappointed if they didn't come. All it is is you are the only one who knows your child or children. You know if things aren't going well. We have been to WDW several times in the last two years and even today both will see a picture or video and know what it is. Will they remember it later, probably not, will I, all the rest of my life. So go and have a great time. Just remember if you are traveling with small children it is just that. You will not be able to do everything you would like because of them, you need to take them back to the rooms for naps, and they may not want to go to dinner that night. If you are ok with that, then go for it. If not, wait till they are at least 7 or 8. We take ours for several reasons: 1. because of my husbands job, he has to take vacation when he can, 2. the people we have to watch our children all have other jobs too, 3. We do like to have our children around us.
Will I take a childless trip someday YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Until then, heigh ho heigh ho it's off to the nursery or club I go!

GO AND HAVE FUN!!!!!!!!!!!!!:Pinkbounc :bounce: :Pinkbounc

peg2001

09-24-2002, 03:42 PM

I find it interesting that people post instances of other people's children misbehaving but only of their own children's perfect behavior, or alternatively, of their perfect parenting in response to their children's imperfect behavior.

I'll admit to having imperfect children. They are 2 and 5 and at times, act their age! They can be fussy, whiney, squirmy, and squeal with delight or scream in anger or frustration. The 2 year old still thinks apple sauce is a finger food.

I'll also admit to being an imperfect parent. I have removed them from restaurants when their behavior has crossed the line, both to have a "talk" with them and to provide a time-out in their car seats. However, I have also put up with (e.g., ignored) borderline behavior hoping that I wouldn't have to take the forementioned actions.

Don't worry, if they scream during dinner or movie or show, I will remove them. But I may not if they are merely squirmy and whiney.

-Imperfect Peggy

wildernessgirl

09-24-2002, 03:58 PM

Imperfect Peggy, If you thought in my post I was saying my children were perfect, I must not have worded my post correctly. NO WAY are my children PERFECT! All I was saying is we do our best to avoid annoying other people. My goodness, a 3yr old and 1yr old perfect, come on. Yes they do fuss, throw temper tantrums, cry etc. I was just stating that I try to minimalize the "disturbance" for other guests. No I'm not a perfect parent, but I try to take other people into consideration when it comes to my childrens behavior. So if that is being perfect, well I guess I am. I don't think so.

buzz&woody'smom

09-24-2002, 04:22 PM

We have the early seating and had already planned on making reservations for 3 of the 4 nights at Flounders for my 17 month old.

I guess I was being moody this morning and vented but you all responded well and very honestly. I think it was a good thread and a lot could be learned from the comments.

I am also a parent who would never let my children run wild or break the rules at home or DCL. I believe parents set the example for the children and they learn and behave from the example you set.

Not that my 4 year old DS is an angel but I have only had to once in his life leave a restuarant because of his behavior. I would never impose bad behavior on other diners or guests I expect more from my sons.

That is why I will be racing to Flounders to make reservations for my 17 month DS so we can eat in peace. Not because he would act 17 months old but because I want to be able to eat :)

westjones

09-24-2002, 04:57 PM

Well my kids aren't perfect, but based on the huge amount of compliments and comment we get from caregivers, instructors, teachers, etc. and based on my own observations, I know my kids are very well behaved. They aren't perfect, but I am very proud of how well they act among other children and would be thrilled if the rest of the kids in the groups would act accordingly (and believe me, I do ask how my kids behaved AND by having twins they are very happy to 'tell' on each other is one does something wrong--and that issue is addressed when it arises).

So yes, I do find the other children who do misbehave to be very annoying (like the ones that hit my kids at the lab or the boy that called my daughter a bad name, of the ones that cut in front of my kids and some other girls and when the girls said something the boy just laughed and said 'so what').

But being with annoying children is part of being a kid, and the Disney Cruise can not help the type of children in the clubs. So if you have an introverted child who is easily intimidated by bossy overbearing children, you may find that they have problems with some of the kids in the lab or club. If your child is outgoing and can stand up to bullies, they will probably be fine. I wish my kids would stand up to the other kids more. I told my own daughter if that boy hit her again to grab his hand as he was slapping her and to tell him not to hit her ever again. But she was afraid of him.

Next year my daughters will be 10, but DH and I have already decided there is NO WAY we are putting them in with the 10-12 year old group (only to be the youngest and most likely to be pushed around). They will be 9 when we board the ship, so we are keeping them with the 8-9 year olds. Maybe by being the oldest they won't be as bothered by the bullies.

But again, rememeber, that dispite the bad kids, my kids STILL wanted to be in the lab. Every time they complained I told them they didn't have to go to the Lab at all, they could stay with us. But every time they continued to say they still wanted to go.

So the bad kids are annoying, they do exist, there is nothing Disney can do about them, so your children will just have to deal with them. As I mentioned before, I heard other parents giving their children the same speech outside the lab about finding 'nice' kids to play with and to stay away from the bad kids as their children were also complaining about the bullies/bad kids. Maybe we just happened to be with a bad group. On the 3 and 4 day cruises we were on, we didn't have this problem. We thought maybe it was because on the 7 days the kids got 'too comfortable' and started acting up more. We aren't sure. But one three cruises, this is the ONLY one we had 'kid' problems in the Lab/Club.

DJ

westjones

09-24-2002, 04:57 PM

DISNEYGATOR

09-24-2002, 05:36 PM

There are about 3 pages to this thread now, and I know most of it is probably debate, and I really just want to respond to Buzz's mom, since she is the one voicing the concern...

Buzzandwoody's mom...

I am a 24 year old, with no kids and have sailed with other cruise lines, and I choose the Disney Cruise line because it is a family cruise... I don't like to gamble, and I don't like to party a lot..but DCL is well-balanced and the service is state of the art. Also I enjoy seeing the kids and the families, it is just refreshing. And on my past Disney Cruise, I hardly noticed kids at all, unless I walked by the Goofy or Mickey Pool, so I don't think they are a problem at all...And if people are REALLY concerned about children, then they probably shouldn't cruise Disney, or cruise during any major vacation time. So don't worry about it. Let your kids have fun, you have fun and if people want to gripe let them.. Whiners will be whiners no matter what you try to do to please them.

As long as you don't let your kids run around naked, or jump off the ship, set fire to the carpet, or start a food fight at Tritons, they are okay with me! I enjoy seeing them run around, I find them cute and entertaining!