Great article on new kids club

[mkmommy]

Found this on cruise critic.

http://www.cruisecritic.com/articles.cfm?ID=1064

 

[KSandbergFL]

Found this on cruise critic.

http://www.cruisecritic.com/articles.cfm?ID=1064

thanks - that is a great, thorough article. I was especially heartened by the statement "the elimination of age groups translated into more options for our children". In our past 4 cruises, we did not partake in the kids clubs much, because what my son wanted to do was not scheduled for his age group at a convenient time for our family. This article makes it sound like he will have more chances to do what he wants...

 

[momofkhm]

That is a great article. I keep wondering how much my kids will be in the kids programs and how much they will be with us.

 

[Melcatfish]

Thanks for the link to this article, it certainly sounds quite a positive step. I look forward to seeing how my (then) 5 year old will enjoy it in July.

Mel
x

 

[yndygo]

I was hoping there might be something of a perspective from a parent with an only child in there as well... But since DCL made the change because of the number of siblings that wanted to be together, it's not terribly surprising that an article written by a parent of siblings who do liked the changes.

"The reality is that there will be some families for whom the changes simply don't work. But Disney is clearly betting that the new program will work for the vast majority."

Not exactly a huge revelation. Personally, I think I'll wait until some DISers with only children report back. I know the changes will be positive for people who requested exceptions previously - what I want to know is how it works for people whose kids were perfectly happy with the set up as it was.

"There is also a new sign-in system to accompany the changes in programming, which allows kids to come and go with the beep of a wristband. When they register, children are fitted with a “Mickey band,” which provides secure access to the onboard youth spaces. The band uses RFID (radio frequency ID) technology to store info, take roll call and facilitate the tap-and-go function. The band stays on for the duration of the cruise and can be worn in the pools. While definitely a time-saver, we did find it a bit heavy and cumbersome for our 3-year-old."

This might be a deal-breaker for us. DD already hates the plastic wristband and manages to Houdini her wrist out of it several times a trip as it is. "Heavy and cumbersome" is not reassuring. Does anyone have any pics??

Can't wait until DISer reports start rolling in heavily. This place is usually a much better resource for us than CC.

 

[Cheryl726]

Thanks for posting the link to the article. I think I'll like the change, since my boys are 3-1/2 yrs apart.

 

[dsneygirl]

I was hoping there might be something of a perspective from a parent with an only child in there as well... But since DCL made the change because of the number of siblings that wanted to be together, it's not terribly surprising that an article written by a parent of siblings who do liked the changes.

"The reality is that there will be some families for whom the changes simply don't work. But Disney is clearly betting that the new program will work for the vast majority."

Not exactly a huge revelation. Personally, I think I'll wait until some DISers with only children report back. I know the changes will be positive for people who requested exceptions previously - what I want to know is how it works for people whose kids were perfectly happy with the set up as it was.

"There is also a new sign-in system to accompany the changes in programming, which allows kids to come and go with the beep of a wristband. When they register, children are fitted with a “Mickey band,” which provides secure access to the onboard youth spaces. The band uses RFID (radio frequency ID) technology to store info, take roll call and facilitate the tap-and-go function. The band stays on for the duration of the cruise and can be worn in the pools. While definitely a time-saver, we did find it a bit heavy and cumbersome for our 3-year-old."

This might be a deal-breaker for us. DD already hates the plastic wristband and manages to Houdini her wrist out of it several times a trip as it is. "Heavy and cumbersome" is not reassuring. Does anyone have any pics??

Can't wait until DISer reports start rolling in heavily. This place is usually a much better resource for us than CC.

Also the parent of an only so I share your concerns. I'm also confused about this wrist band. last time it was worn all cruise, in the pool/shower etc is this the same thing or does it come off when they leave the club.

 

[SmallWorld71]

Thank you for the link!

 

[gourt]

Also the parent of an only so I share your concerns. I'm also confused about this wrist band. last time it was worn all cruise, in the pool/shower etc is this the same thing or does it come off when they leave the club.

I second that - I also am concerned as a parent of an only child...a just-turned-13 year old girl, an age group that this article doesn't really address. I would love to hear real reports soon!

 

[MK032197]

My daughter will be about 2 months shy of turning 13 when we cruise in a few weeks. Will she have the option to take part in activities for kids 12 and under as well as enter the teen area or because she is not yet 13 will the teen area be "off limits"?

 

[RadioFanatic]

I second that - I also am concerned as a parent of an only child...

I'm another parent of a single child who will be just three at the time of our cruise. He is used to daycare; however, being by himself and so young and little concerns me. I really don't like the ages all mixed up. I will look forward hearing from those parents with younger ones who don't have siblings.

 

[bbn1122]

Is this for all ships? I had read a post earlier regarding the Wonder.

We are on the Magic in April. I am glad to hear this because my DS's are 10 and 12. The last cruise (and 1st) we were on this past summer they had 3 other boy cousins with them. This trip it is just the 2 of them. I know in the beginning they would feel more comfortable going together to things.

Question? My 10 year old will be 10yrs 7 months by the crusie, any chance of him getting into Disney Quest with his 12 yr brother. He is very mature and physically much bigger than most 12 yr olds.

Thanks.

 

[SmallWorld71]

FWIW- DS10 was reading the article with me. The activities that he said he would be interested in trying are ones that would be offered in the Lab. He has no interest in trying those activities that appeal to younger children. I think I would have to pay him a large sum to go to Cinderella's Ball. So, for those of you with younger ones, who are worried about older children, hopefully it will be non-issue. Like wise, hopefully most people will realize that a lot of the Lab activities are not appropriate for their little ones to try. I do think that you will see a lot of those "middle" age kids trying out both the lab and the club. DD will be 7 1/2 on our trip and a lot of the activities appeal to her.