Bad News About Pleasure Island (Well, good news if you have kids)

[tweetylori]

Does anyone know how much it costs to get into Adventure Club?

 

[palmtreegirl]

Cool! I'm really happy that they're doing that because the past few trips I've really wanted to check out the shops there but we've had AP's that don't include admission. Since we've only really wanted to shop it wasn't really worth it for us to by tickets just to do that now we can.

 

[Kendra17]

well, that's the thing. . .admission is $21.50 now to the first club, but free after you get your wristband. Before this policy was implemented, you could get in at 7pm for free, and then be in the Island when the gates close at 7pm, to go to the club(s) of your choice.
Now, you can be in the area at any time for free, but you must pay if you decide to enter a club or restaurant.
Really, all of you that oppose the attendance of children, this will LIMIT children. This is a benefit for the no-children group, and an added expense for the yes-children group.

 

[Jordan's MOM]

I was reading some material today on all inclusive beach resorts. ALL of these resorts have places that were open ONLY for adults.
I really do not see why WDW could not do this for PI. Unless WDW does this, it's left up to the parent to make that decission. Do I think it's poor parenting to take a child to PI ? Yes, but I only get to make that decission for my child, no one elses. I also would never do the sitter thing at WDW, but again I only get to decide what is right for my child and our family.
There are way too many night time activites for a family to do at WDW for PI to even be an issue.


Jordan's mom

 

[Kendra17]

I don't understand why anyone thinks taking children into pleasure island is a sign of poor parenting? Is it because (gasp!) some may be imbibing with an alcoholic beverage? Don't we take our children to restaurants that serve alcohol? I know that during the past several weeks, we have gone to several restaurants that have a bar where alcohol is served. My husband ordered a glass of wine and I think one time, we actually ate after 7pm. This is a sign of bad parenting? Or, is it only doing this same thing on Pleasure Island--a part of DISNEYWORLD, for goodness' sakes--that is bad parenting?!

Geesh!

 

[stinkerbelle]

Originally posted by Kendra17
I don't understand why anyone thinks taking children into pleasure island is a sign of poor parenting? Is it because (gasp!) some may be imbibing with an alcoholic beverage? Don't we take our children to restaurants that serve alcohol? I know that during the past several weeks, we have gone to several restaurants that have a bar where alcohol is served. My husband ordered a glass of wine and I think one time, we actually ate after 7pm. This is a sign of bad parenting? Or, is it only doing this same thing on Pleasure Island--a part of DISNEYWORLD, for goodness' sakes--that is bad parenting?!

Geesh!

taking children to a place where alcohol is served...and taking children to a night club are 2 different things IMO.

I'm not saying this is bad parenting either way...it's just the fact that PI used to be FOR ADULTS. I don't see the need, personally, for young children to be there at that time.

There are 4 other parks, 2 water parks, mini-golf, and a boardwalk built just for kids and kids at heart...sometimes it would be nice to go someplace and not have to watch your mouth/actions around someone else's child.

again - flame away.

 

[Wenda]

I think there is a misunderstanding about the admission policy before this new one.

At one time the shops were open during the afternoon. At 7 they were cleared out and in order to stay you needed a wrist band. I remember "bouncers" checking for wrist bands when you entered the club.

The last two years when we went all of Pleasure Island was closed until 7pm. At that time you showed your ticket and ID and were given the correct arm band.

I am one of those who is uncomfortable with kids even in the Adventurers club. I love the club but I have heard little kids asking parents to explain the slightly off color jokes with the parents not knowing what to say. I have also not been able to hear some of the jokes and banter because of very tired kids fussing, screaming, etc while the parents were ignoring them. Of course this is not all of them, but when I have paid $20 to go into a club that is geared for adults I like to be able to hear the entertainment.

I do have a son and until he was 16 I never went to pleasure island. I would never have left him with a sitter while we are on vacation. I did not feel deprived - there is plently of time now that he is 22 and we are on our own and the vacations are for us and not for him.

I know there are many who don't agree with me. I just ask that those who take there kids please remember that it is an adult venue and the kids should be quiet and polite - just as I have no right to complain about noise and kids running around in the theme parks and character meals or any place else in WDW.

I know the one other time I mentioned unruley kids and parents who ignored them I was flamed big time, but I wanted to get in my 2 cents worth.

 

[DizBelle]

Originally posted by Kendra17
I don't understand why anyone thinks taking children into pleasure island is a sign of poor parenting? Is it because (gasp!) some may be imbibing with an alcoholic beverage? Don't we take our children to restaurants that serve alcohol? I know that during the past several weeks, we have gone to several restaurants that have a bar where alcohol is served. My husband ordered a glass of wine and I think one time, we actually ate after 7pm. This is a sign of bad parenting? Or, is it only doing this same thing on Pleasure Island--a part of DISNEYWORLD, for goodness' sakes--that is bad parenting?!

Geesh!

I don't think anyone meant that allowing your child to watch someone drink a beer was bad parenting. I think they meant that taking your child to an environment where much alcohol would be consumed and where people engage in "non-kiddie" and sometimes wild behavior and allowing your child to be exposed to that was maybe not grounds for the Nobel Parenting Prize.

 

[DizBelle]

Originally posted by palmtreegirl
Cool! I'm really happy that they're doing that because the past few trips I've really wanted to check out the shops there but we've had AP's that don't include admission. Since we've only really wanted to shop it wasn't really worth it for us to by tickets just to do that now we can.

You've hit the nail on the head. This is exactly why they moved to the open gate way of admission. I don't think this will increase the crowds in the clubs themselves but it will increase traffic outside the clubs in the stores and eateries. That means more $$$ for Disney. Smart move for the bottom line.

 

[wdwdvcdad]

Thing I've witnessed at PI: Jello shots, heavy drinking, sexuallity (making out/groping), vomiting, flashing, propositioning in bathrooms, profanity; Heck, you should be nominated for parent of the year for showing your kids what the real world is all about. (gotta love modern parenting)

Justifying your actions doesn't make them right. Kids do not belong & should not be allowed in this decidedly "adult" atmosphere. If you bring them, you are being derilict in your duties as a parent.

Your kids are too young? Don't go. It's called parenting.

 

[jordanyosh]

I think, overall, Disney is just trying to re-invent Pleasure Island and the whole DTD experience. Pleasure Island currently breaks up the flow between the Marketplace and the Westside because it is a gated, age-restricted attraction while the other 2 are not. If Pleasure Island became more user friendly, I can see DTD becoming more integrated as one big outdoor mall-type area. I can see them definitely combining the Westside and PI into one large entertainment area creating more traffic and business for both.

 

[thatdarncat]

When i went to Disney like 6 years ago, I went with my roomate from college. We were so psyched there was a place just for adults to go. I remember the bus trip back to ALL Sports. Everyone was drunk as a skunk. It was so much fun. I can't imagine kids there. I don't like the feeling of having to behave myself because children are going to be present now. I'll be there in September. Why couldn't they leave it alone? I want to party at Pleasure Island, that's what they made it for in the first place!

 

[MouseClubMom]

I would never even consider taking my children to a night club of any kind - even the Adventurer's Club. It quite simply is NOT a place for children. If the $21.50 admission policy keeps children out then so be it. Personally I wouldn't take my kids to the inside of Pleasure Island at night at all. Do I care if they see someone drinking a beer? No. I just explain that it is an adult beverage. Do I want my kids seeing someone who has had too many beers? NO. Why expose them to that if you don't have to??

There is enough to do at Disney without dragging the kids to PI. What on earth is in the shops at PI that is SO desirable that you have to drag your kids there? Maybe I am missing something. I've never seen anything at the shops in PI that I couldnt find elsewhere at WDW.

The reference to DCL was right on. I thoroughly enjoyed my meal at Palo on the Cruise. My kids had a great time in the kids club while the adults had a nice leisurely meal. Same with the adult pool. Just because Disney is geared for families it doesnt mean that kids HAVE to be included in every single aspect of Disney.

Flame away. I have my DH's bunker gear on from the Fire Dept! LOL

MCMom

 

[jann1033]

having never been to PI with or without kids since I don't care for that kind of atmsophere ( asked about it pre-last trip ), i guess i don't care about the policy really although if i don't have to pay i might consider trying some of the rest. early in the evening( no doubt the $$ disney is trying to attract) but I wonder who in the world has enough energy to drag kids around the parks all day and then around PI till late at night . I was shocked at how many people, with kids in tow, were leaving the resorts for PI (or somewhere, couldn't have been dtd since it was closing around then) at 10 or later at night. do these people's children never sleep? maybe that accounts for some of the meltdowns you see at the parks. I would think WDW sitters would be pretty heavily screened and people leave their kids alone at things like the pirate thing ( ect ) all the time so guess i don't see much difference in that

 

[stinkerbelle]

Originally posted by jann1033
having never been to PI with or without kids since I don't care for that kind of atmsophere ( asked about it pre-last trip ), i guess i don't care about the policy really although if i don't have to pay i might consider trying some of the rest. early in the evening( no doubt the $$ disney is trying to attract

see - that's the thing - there are NO restaurants at PI. None. You can maybe get a hotdog or the like on the street - but I think that's pretty much it.

And the shops? overpriced crap (IMO) similar to that you can find at West Side or Marketplace.

I still miss the Wild Horse Salon.

 

[MouseClubMom]

Stinkerbelle - come on up to Nashville and visit the original Wild Horse Saloon. Great band playing there the end of the month too. Kids are welcome there in the day time since it is open as a restaurant but the later it gets the more the events are geared for adults!

I forgot about the Jello shots too. I can just see my kids asking for THAT. Good grief.

As far as Disney's child care service, the caregivers are all bonded (meaning background checked).

MCMom

 

[MiraDawl]

My opinions were not based on bad parenting, they are based on my personal opinion that sometimes adults want fun by themselves!

I'd worry that comedians would have to tone down a show, so as not to offend children in the audience. If my experience in an adult playplace is changed to accomodate children, I think that's unfair. I don't say drinking in front of your children (in moderation of course) is wrong. What I do worry about are parents who ignore their children's needs (i.e. crying, tired, etc.) simply because they want to have a good time, often ruining the experience for those around them.

While I fully agree that WDW is for families, children, etc. a lot of families do not include children. Just think of all those Disneymooners! Besides, I don't know too many 4 year olds footing the Disney vacation bill.

I think P.I. was one way for Disney to say "Hey! It's not just for kids!"

~Mira

 

[jann1033]

Originally posted by stinkerbelle
see - that's the thing - there are NO restaurants at PI. None. You can maybe get a hotdog or the like on the street - but I think that's pretty much it.

great so now I don't have to change my routine! ( didn't they used to have some? here I thought Iwas missing something so good to know i'm not)

 

[Disney_1derland]

Just had to say Hi from another Nashville resident.

Now, on the topic, I have just a few things to say....

I have two small children (4 and 2) and you will NEVER see me or mine casualing strolling through the drunken masses at PI with a stroller in tow. It is not an atmosphere I want my young children exposed to (not to mention they go to bed at 7:30). That's just my own opinion and doesn't mean I look down on others who make the decisions that are best for their family.

As for those of you who feel you have to 'act' a certain way because other people's children are there, my thoughts on that are, why? You are not responsible for these children's upbringing, their parents are. Possibly you should stop, hand the parents $5 and say, "That's for the therapy your kids gonna need after I do this" before you behave as you normally would, but change how you behave? Not your problem.

Seriously though, I have a feeling this is going to lead to a taming of the PI Shrew as it were. I just hope it doesn't happen before my May '05 trip, we're going on a belated honeymoon sans kids and were looking forward to time at PI which we would otherwise not be experiencing until our children are at least teenagers and able to go to Disneyquest on their own for a bit while we do our thing.

<a href='http://www.smileycentral.com/?partner=ZSzeb008' target='_blank'><img src='http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/12/12_8_6.gif' border=0></a><a href='http://www.smileycentral.com/?partner=ZSzeb008' target='_blank'><img src='http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/12/12_8_6.gif' border=0></a> My $.02 and not much more!

 

[thatdarncat]

Yeah, you're right. Why change my behavior becasue the kids are around. Hey, if anyone wants to go shot for shot I'll be there from the 23rd till the 29th. hah.