For those of us with "younger teens"....
I read about the new changes they'll be making to the Magic when it goes into drydock this fall. One of the changes is supposed to be a new club area for younger teens, ages 12-14, down in the area where conference rooms used to be. Deck 4, I believe, but I may be wrong.
You know, I think this is a WONDERFUL change because on last year's cruise, DS14 was 13 at that time and felt very out of place in The Stack, with the older teens, so after the first few days he basically just wandered the ship and made some friends with kids he happened to meet at the arcade or just walking around the ship.
When we got back home, I told him that he could've dropped down to the "10-12" year old club, and done the activities there and met some 12 year old kids there. I know that some of OUR group's kids were 11 or 12 at that time, but he didn't really hook up with them because he never got the chance to get to know them. When I told him he could've dropped down to the 12 yr old group, he said "I wish I would've known this while we were ON the cruise" so I think he would've gone for that option.
ANYWAY, my point in all this.... (yes I have a point! LOL), is that on next year's cruise, it's going to be the same thing all over again. He'll be 15, and again he'll be on the younger end of the spectrum in the Stack. Also, I know that many of YOUR kids will be under 15, and won't be in the Stack with him, like I originally thought!!!
Do you think I should let him try the Stack, and if he doesn't like it or doesn't meet kids his own age, let him drop down to the new "12-14" Club?? He's not immature and he's extremely intelligent (honors and all that), but he gets overwhelmed sometimes by loud and overly aggressive behaviour, which is what he didn't like about the Stack last time.
Anyway....I know that Joanna's daughter will be 14, Daniel will be 13 or 14...and those are only 2 of "our" kids I was hoping he'd be able to spend time with on the cruise. But if he's in the Stack, he won't be able to.
Any thoughts or opinions? I really want him to enjoy next year's cruise and make friends. I felt bad for him last year
But I didn't know the extent of it till I got home.
Edited to add:
P.S. Maybe some of our kids WILL be 15 - 17?
If you have a child who'll be in this age group for the cruise next year, let me know! Thanks
We got regular park hoppers for John and I, and premium park hoppers which include 5 "extras" for the boys, which they plan on using to go to DisneyQuest 5 different days. 
Or they can choose a water park for one of the days, if they want. 
And I hope Hazel doesn't catch it!
And there are some drinks with our names on them, waiting for us for the summer 
.
, she did help mix the batter, but dear old dad is the one on the grill.
I'm glad to hear you liked the Hard Rock Hotel because that's one of the hotels we're considering staying at either before or after the cruise next year. I KNOW both of my DSs would love to stay there, they are really both into music. 
Also, it looks a really cool hotel! 
This truly is a fantastic group of people. You won't be sorry joining 
I have to get tested again in a couple of months. They are suspecting a fatty liver. o.k on to the next part, which by the way I hate to talk about. 
There is something not right about my colon. It is a little more then just being constipated. Now I have to have a Colonoscopy. It is scheduled for July 1st. Chuck will have to take off to drive me. If anyone has had one could you PM me and tell me about it? From the instruction sheet they gave me it doesn't look pleasant. I will be an awful day before the procedure and I will be allowed only to have clear liquids. The cyst on the kidney wasn't really talked.......will keep an eye on it. Although one of the things they will be looking for is Cancer she doesn't seem to think that's what it is because of the sudden weight gain. They will look at everything. I am not scared to find out just scared of having this done. Thanks for listening.
