Can I watch my child at Wonderland Tea Party

[Stella3]

I'm not sure of the concerns. It's not as if any child is left one-on-one in an entirely inaccessible location with any CM. There are multiple Cast Members, multiple children, and while parents are not allowed to watch because that distracts the children and detracts from the experience... parents ARE given pagers and MAY (do) remain on the resort grounds (usually in the lobby) and are paged in case of any incident.

Maybe calling it "alone time" wasn't exactly the correct terminology - but why NOT let a child spend an hour away from your side, in the company of other similarly-aged children, with trained Cast Members, having a Tea Party a la Alice in Wonderland?

There is nothing wrong with a parent choosing to do the Tea Party, there is also NOTHING wrong with a parent choosing NOT to do the TP due to concerns about the child being alone.

No one should be feeling superior. Parental decisions are personal and individualized...as they should be.

 

[kaytieeldr]

Just to clear things up - I'm not feeling superior and I apologize if that's the impression I gave.

I even sort of understand not leaving your child/ren alone in a hotel room with a professional babysitter you don't know; but I just don't 'get' the refusal to allow a child to enjoy some time with kids their own age, having a tea party. The parents ARE allowed to stay in the resort, they're given pagers, and no CM is going to NOT contact a parent immediately if there's a problem.

How do parents let children go to school the first day?

 

[Katiebell]

Just to clear things up - I'm not feeling superior and I apologize if that's the impression I gave.

I even sort of understand not leaving your child/ren alone in a hotel room with a professional babysitter you don't know; but I just don't 'get' the refusal to allow a child to enjoy some time with kids their own age, having a tea party. The parents ARE allowed to stay in the resort, they're given pagers, and no CM is going to NOT contact a parent immediately if there's a problem.

How do parents let children go to school the first day?

I was wondering about that too...many 4 year olds go to preschool or even kindergarten. However, I have known some people who chose to homeschool because they didn't feel comfortable with their very young children away from them all day (NOT a statement about whether or not to homeschool, or for what reasons, just an example of parents who would not be comfortable leaving their very young children with adults they don't know).

I would have had no problem leaving my kids at an event like that when they were young, especially if it was only an hour, and I was right close by. But if some folks don't feel comfortable with that, then that's their decision. Lots of different parenting styles What I would have been unhappy about is not being able to take pics and see my child enjoying herself.

I wonder how parents would feel if there was a lounge where they could wait that had...I dunno...a live video feed, like closed circuit TV? So they could see the kids having fun (and be assured they were safe), but wouldn't disrupt the party? I have no clue how anything like that would work, maybe it's a crummy idea

 

[DisneyMomx7]

Thank you for the responses. My husband and I have decided to skip it. And to Belle5, I totally agree with you. Parenting is a personal thing and what's right for one may not be for another. I knew we would not be comfortable with it if we were told there was no viewing area. I had already decided we would skip it if that was the case. When I told my husband that we wouldn't be able to look in, he said "Forget it! No way am I leaving my 4 year old with total strangers, out of state, in a place we have never been." So that was that. But I would never fault others for participating, nor presume to tell them what to do with their kids! I think the tea party would be a blast. I would really prefer to participate instead of watch!

I don't know if you are aware but there is another tea part - I forget the exact name but it's something like My Princess Tea Party that is held at the GF for both the mom and the child. It is VERY expensive, but you will be able to stay with your child and your dd will get a My Disney Doll dressed as a princess. Sleeping Beauty is there also.

HTHs!

 

[alexandhadleysmommy]

i am so jealous you get to do it. on all the websites it says for 3 and up and when i called they said 4 and up my 3 yr old would LOVE it!!!! she would be going with my 6 yr old son. i am totally bummed!!! and yes i would TOTALLY let my 3 yr old go ALONE!!! oh the shame

 

[itchin2go]

My daughter did this tea party in January. Parents are encouraged to take pix before and after, since they're not allowed in during the party. The table set-up is DARLING - cute pastel and bright mismatched teapots and cups all down the middle with little wonderland character decorations.

If I'm not mistaken, the kids yelled "No peeking!" or something like that when parents tried to peek in. It was cute. They were served lunch and cupcakes, I think, and then eventually the parents were let in. The kids all pretended to be asleep when the parents streamed in and then they all woke up with a big "Surprise!" They all had little flower bouquets that they made for (and presented to) the mommies. On the table in front of them was their picture with Alice and the Mad Hatter (making a goofy face) in a "Grand Adventures" folio-type thing, with their autographs on it as well.

In the pictures I have (from after we were let in), my daughter is grinning from ear to ear. She had a great time.

I am overprotective to a fault. My daughter was 6 at the time, extremely outgoing, and actually had a half cast on her leg (so she wasn't going to do much running!), and I was still a little worried as my husband and I had lunch at the GF Cafe. I can say this: it is in 1900 Park Fare, which, once the doors are shut, is completely enclosed. The kids are going nowhere. It was well supervised. I don't recall the exact number of kids or CMs, but once I was let into the room at the end, it was clear to me that my daughter was safe as kittens while she was there. And again, she had a great time.

I will not let my daughter go into our suburban front yard by herself. She can't leave our backyard unless her mommy or daddy goes with her (another adult will not do ). She is not allowed to set foot in a parking lot unless she's holding my hand. The moment we exit a store, she must hold my hand. I don't even like her having play dates at friends' homes when I'm not there (something the other mommies in our social circle have no problem with). I am nervous when we're at the park or the pool (and she's a very good swimmer). I have serious overprotective issues.

Every child is different, and no one knows your child better than you. Some 4 year olds are very mature and would be fine. There's also the issue of how the parent feels about the activity. If the stress will take a year off of your life, then don't do it. It's cute and fun, but it's not worth that!

If your child wants to do it and you feel comfortable with it, I think it's a great experience, and I would recommend it. Honestly, for whatever reason (erroneous or not), I feel safer with my child at Disney World than anywhere else. I'm still overprotective there - I just loosen the reins a little bit.

 

[DISNEY1975]

Just to clear things up - I'm not feeling superior and I apologize if that's the impression I gave.

I even sort of understand not leaving your child/ren alone in a hotel room with a professional babysitter you don't know; but I just don't 'get' the refusal to allow a child to enjoy some time with kids their own age, having a tea party. The parents ARE allowed to stay in the resort, they're given pagers, and no CM is going to NOT contact a parent immediately if there's a problem.

How do parents let children go to school the first day?

Parents are allowed in the schools, not the tea party!

My point is I am a bit leary about a place that would not allow me to see my child if I wanted to. What are they doing that Im not allowed to see?

If they said sure you can come and peek, I probably wouldnt!, but at least I know they arent hiding anything.

 

[TheRustyScupper]

. . . . What are they doing that Im not allowed to see? . . .

Letting the kids have fun.

 

[kaytieeldr]

More specifically - letting the children have fun without being distracted by parents trying to peek in.

If you don't feel comfortable leaving your child in an enclosed room with trained, responsible Cast Members and other children in their own age group, being only a page away in case ANY situation arises, then don't. It just seems, I dunno, unfair (?) to deprive a child from having fun for an hour away from Mom and Dad - especially when you have such a glowing review from a self-proclaimed overprotective parent right here in this thread.

By the way, Itchin2go - just my opinion, but I don't think you're being overprotective. I think you're behaving like the concerned, cautious parent you are.

 

[itchin2go]

You actually CAN peek in. You're just asked not to. I don't remember if there are blinds or curtains or what on the windows, but there were spots where you could peek in. I (and lots of other parents) did our best to get a glimpse -- more out of curiosity than anything else. And I remember the chorus of kids yelling something at the "peekers", so I would guess there's a certain anticipation that there will be some peekers, and it's fun for the kids to chastise the naughty parents.

You can certainly park yourself right outside the doors until the party is over. You could even go get yourself a fruity drink from the pool bar at the GF and THEN park yourself right outside the doors!

I DO think the idea is that this is a "kids only" event - no parents allowed. I think it's a theming thing, plus the CMs are probably able to lead the children in the activities better if the kids aren't running back and forth between activity and parent. Plus, also, if one kid's mommy is there, then the other kids may be worrying where their mommy is. I just think it's easier for the CMs to control the situation if the parents are not there. Also, the ending of the party is the big surprise for the parents, so if the parents are already there (or watching), then there is no surprise.

EDITED TO ADD: If you got REALLY freaked out, you could totally peek in. You wouldn't be escorted from the premises or anything...

 

[MissionMouse]

Its a kids only event..making it informally a kids club. Kids typically like feeling important and being in something exclusive. By Disney's design it makes the kids feel special with one of the elements being that Mommy and/or Daddy are not allowed to be around. As others have stated there are multiple CM's in the 1900 Park Fare room throughout the event.

In essence this allows the party events to flow on schedule...without parental interruptions or delays as some parents are just not able to just sit there and watch. Nor are some kids able to stay focused if their parents are sitting in the room.

Overall, if the format is not to your liking you should consider one of the many other activities offered around the world.

 

[GEM]

I'm assuming there are no parents allowed for the same reason there are no parents allowed in our rehearsals or classes. (I teach acting and musical theatre classes and direct theatre productions with kids from K-12th grades.) Large groups of kids are much easier to manage if Mommy and Daddy aren't there. They are better behaved, more focused, less shy and more brave in "kids only" situations. When parents are there, the young kids tend to be a lot more clingy and hesitant and are always running back and forth between Mommy and Daddy and the activity at hand. They also tend to get confused over who is "in charge", Mommy or Daddy or the person running the event. I'm sure it's easier for the CMs to maintain control if they are clear cut authority figures. Plus, with parents there, you double or tripple the amount of people in the room, not to mention the noise and chaos level with parents yelling orders at kids, kids running to mom, parents snapping photos, etc. The event becomes a crazy photo op instead of a fun experience and a chance for the kids to interact with each other and the characters. I'm pretty sure it's for all those sorts of reasons that parents aren't allowed . . . not because Disney is doing anything they "don't want you to see".

For what it's worth, my son did the Tea Party at age 3 and age 4 and has done two of the pirate cruises since turning 4. He LOVES the kids only events. They are the highlight of the trip for him as he really enjoys meeting kids and making new friends and doing them on his own makes him feel grown up and makes the events more special. I'd encourage any parent to let their child attend these really special activities. The CMs are great, the proceedures are well set up for the kids safety and happiness, and the kids have an amzing time!

 

[RinkyTinkyTinky]

Wow! I only wanted to know if there was a window. I had no idea I would be starting a parenting debate!

We had already decided that she would not go if you guys told us there was no window. So that really was all I needed to know. My daughter is very mature for her age (too much so really). It's not her that I don't trust. But it really is no big deal. All is still well in the world There is way more than enough for us to do to have a great family vacation without the tea party. I'm not sweating it at all So please don't anyone get their feathers ruffled because of my question. It's obvious we all have different parenting styles and that's what makes being an American so great..... you can do it your way, and I can do it mine. Something to be thankful for this July 4th!

 

[MickeyNicki]

I would love for my niece to do this but I dont think she will let me out of her sight!

 

[Minnesota!]

Is this girls only or are there usually boys there, too? DS has a crush on Alice, and I think he would love this!

 

[GEM]

My son has been twice - once at age 3 and once at age 4 - and loved it both times. He's crazy about Alice and the Mad Hatter. There were a few boys there both times, but it was mostly girls. He's not the kind to be bothered by that, though.

 

[RFrank9504]

this sounds adorable my DD6 and DS3 (about to be 4 on our upcoming trip) are going to do this. My 6 yr old is smart and quick and if something is not right-she'll speak up and call me (she'll have my cell phone). She's also going to take her own pics and ask the CMs to take pics of her & her lil bro with my phone during the tea rolleyes1 ...It is a little scary to send them on their own - but we do it everyday while they are in school. I think maybe the ages should be 6 and older and little ones if they have an older sibling attending. I am going to take some advice here and book a couples spa treatment while we wait.

 

[jennwndrlnd]

We scheduled the Wonderland Tea for our DD5 and are going to be going to the Garden Tea while she is there. I figure since they give you a pager and the Garden Tea is also at the GF it shouldn't be a problem. Once all of the kids are in the room and see the tables set up I'm sure most of them will be delighted that mom and dad are leaving so they can have fun!

 

[ms mouse]

You sound like a wonderful mother, your child is precious and you should do what you think is right.

 

[sunsprinkle24]

How much is this? Does anyone have any pictures?