Club Villain

[Barbara76]

When it first came out in said to my husband that we should go the day we put the kids in the kids club. It felt to me like it was meant to be more of an adult event. So if Disney was trying to convey that via the menu, and wording on the site I read between the lines.

 

[MickeyMinnieMom]

I understand that you feel Club Villain is a family event, this is simply what was expressed to us when we asked questions. Obviously people are willing to pay the money (for this and other events like you have), but apparently some at Disney didn't think it was billed as an environment for kids, so the number of children came as a surprise. Disney should have been blunt in saying this was not for children, but they thought the price tag spoke clearly enough.



To me it looked like Disney was holding their standard line ... ask guests to be courteous of those around them, but if they don't, there isn't much that can be done about it ... except bring it back with an age limit ... And really, CM's shouldn't have had to control those littles ... the parents should have ... and if the CM's had enforced the "rules" everyone would be up in arms about that ... so I guess all that matters is what certain guests want. And yes, what those CM's feel does matter ... especially when they are keeping someone's child from being run over by the dancers because the child won't get off the dance floor.


Again, none of what I posted is considered fact, it is simply what we were told by CM's when we were there talking to them. Will any of it actually happen? At this point no one really knows.

You have a right to think it's ridiculous to put an age limit on this event, others have a right to think the behavior of the children in attendance was disruptive, CM's have the right to think parents should be controlling their littles.

@Aaryana I don't blame you a bit! And honestly, that's part of the reason DH and I agreed any of our kiddos would have to be at least 13 to go to the party.

Obviously not disputing that this is what you were told by a couple of CMs, and that you're just sharing what you heard -- which I totally appreciate!!

I just don't think that what those couple of CMs said makes any sense, as I said:

-- They have A TON of evidence over many years and many events that some are willing to spend this kind of money for kids to attend their special events.

-- Disney holding its "standard line" and not enforcing any rules/discipline wrt those unruly kids is a problem of their own making!! Of course parents should watch their own kids. And Disney should step in if they don't for the enjoyment of all OTHER guests. They seem to choose not to. To me, the fix for that is to change their nonsensical reaction -- not to make a character event in a theme park adults only.

And as I said, just my opinion.

 

[AngiTN]

Although we didn't ask "why" about the possible age restriction, we got the feeling that they just didn't feel comfortable with all they younger kids being there. The manager-type CM said that the whole premise for Club Villain is that it is an underground club and kids aren't usually allowed in a club. It's supposed to be an adult event. The price point was deliberate; they didn't think people would pay $99 or $129 for a child under 13 and even then, they didn't think there would be many who would pay that much for 13 and up.

I'd say it's possible, very nearly probable. But I think it will have more to do with limiting the age without saying they are limiting the age.

There were about 50 little kids there on our night (several infants as well) and I can see how the CM's felt it took away from the atmosphere. The littles were all over the place, including on the dance floor when the CM's were doing their dance numbers. I know that is more about how parents should be controlling their kids, but it would be a bit hard for Disney to say "This 8 year old can come in because we can trust their parents to keep them at the table and not interrupt the show. But that one can't cause the kid will be getting in the way at the wrong time." And I saw our server going to the table next to ours 3 times to ask them to keep the kids in their seats and it didn't do any good. An age limit wouldn't bother me at all.

They asked for people to dance during the 2 CV we attended. Did they not do this during the one you went to?

As a couple of 29 year olds coming to Disney without kids I would love to attend a child free event. Not everything at Disney needs to or has to cater to the child market. I also assumed the price tag and the inclusion of alcohol would have discouraged people from bringing kids. The could easily make the 5.45 all ages and the 9pm show adults only.

Why would alcohol being served indicate kids aren't welcome?

 

[AngiTN]

Obviously not disputing that this is what you were told by a couple of CMs, and that you're just sharing what you heard -- which I totally appreciate!!

I just don't think that what those couple of CMs said makes any sense, as I said:

-- They have A TON of evidence over many years and many events that some are willing to spend this kind of money for kids to attend their special events.

-- Disney holding its "standard line" and not enforcing any rules/discipline wrt those unruly kids is a problem of their own making!! Of course parents should watch their own kids. And Disney should step in if they don't for the enjoyment of all OTHER guests. They seem to choose not to. To me, the fix for that is to change their nonsensical reaction -- not to make a character event in a theme park adults only.

And as I said, just my opinion.

I agree. And I wouldn't assume those 2 CM have any insight or inside news on what is being planned. That type of decision isn't made at the server level.

 

[cel_disney]

When it first came out in said to my husband that we should go the day we put the kids in the kids club. It felt to me like it was meant to be more of an adult event. So if Disney was trying to convey that via the menu, and wording on the site I read between the lines.

We considered this in the event the kids didn't want to attend, but the time required to get them from the park, to the kids club, and get back again was just not working for us and would have required we go back another night to see the fireworks I was very happy when my kids decided to go as they enjoyed much more time in the park as well as they had a great dinner with some new foods and enjoyed a fun night with the villians!!

The price wasn't THAT different from the kids club (which is NOT free!) and I didn't pay a discounted price.

I could be okay with the later show being age 10 and up. Selecting Age 10 because that is a 'Disney Adult' per the dining plan and this is a dining event.

 

[Ursula's Apprentice]

Yeah I'm not seeing how a character event at wdw is not for kids.

I understand that Disney isn't just a space for children but it's a very kid friendly place. Unless I was at Victoria and Albert I wouldn't expect to not see little kids. There is no way I'd be attending a character event without my kids. No way. I have no interest. The high price says nothing to me about something being kid friendly or not.

What I find annoying at events is grown adults monopolizing character time. But that's my problem so if you are an adult who is into characters well...you do you and I will get over it. If you can't deal with kids at a character event at Disney then honestly I would suggest a different vacation. I don't see Disney turning an event with characters into something adult only.

As an adult who loves villains and has no children, I'd be ecstatic to see an option for an adults only party. That way, the one for all ages wouldn't have "grown adults monopolizing character time," and the adult one wouldn't have toddlers, infants, and the like. That way everybody is happy.

I get that you have no interest in the characters personally, but like you said, you do you, and I'll do me. This is one character event that makes complete sense to make an option for adult only.

 

[ellie05]

I think it will be great if they could do the first show everyone welcome and the late one adults only. I hope they offer this for our October dates. I can't wait to go!

 

[jcjen519]

As an adult who loves villains and has no children, I'd be ecstatic to see an option for an adults only party. That way, the one for all ages wouldn't have "grown adults monopolizing character time," and the adult one wouldn't have toddlers, infants, and the like. That way everybody is happy.

I get that you have no interest in the characters personally, but like you said, you do you, and I'll do me. This is one character event that makes complete sense to make an option for adult only.

I doubt Disney will make the later event adults only but if they do that's fine.

My point is that until that's done the event is open to everyone. To suggest that kids are inappropriate at a character event at wdw is silly.

Eta- the more I think about it the more i love an adults party later and a party for only those with kids earlier in the night. I mean if we are being fair....

 

[jsbowl16]

Maybe they should only allow people with children into certain meet and greets and then we can all see how people wanting an adults only event would feel when the shoe is on the other foot. Anything involving characters should allow any age into the event.

 

[Madame]

Making one event adults only is also giving adults 2 bites at the apple while excluding families from one. Unless one were families only... Parents with kids 10 & under... Can't see that going over too well.

 

[AngiTN]

We considered this in the event the kids didn't want to attend, but the time required to get them from the park, to the kids club, and get back again was just not working for us and would have required we go back another night to see the fireworks I was very happy when my kids decided to go as they enjoyed much more time in the park as well as they had a great dinner with some new foods and enjoyed a fun night with the villians!!

The price wasn't THAT different from the kids club (which is NOT free!) and I didn't pay a discounted price.

I could be okay with the later show being age 10 and up. Selecting Age 10 because that is a 'Disney Adult' per the dining plan and this is a dining event.

This is why I do not believe it will ever be adult only. Now, not saying I'm right, I wouldn't put anything past Disney but I to put it in the not highly probable category
The time it would take for someone to leave the park, take their kids elsewhere and then return is too great. They wouldn't want to put that on the guests, way more risk of negative feedback than from the few who think this should be adults only.
As long as this is held in the park, where one has to have park admission, and presumably been at the park for the day with the family, I don't see them restricting entry to any of the times. Logistics of that are just not feasible.
Move it out to a resort and I do see it possible.

 

[DisneyBabies]

They asked for people to dance during the 2 CV we attended. Did they not do this during the one you went to?


Why would alcohol being served indicate kids aren't welcome?

Yes, at one point they did invite everyone out to the floor to dance and people were out on the floor between dance numbers without a problem. The issue came when the villains and dancers were on the floor to do their special dances and there were several kids running around on the floor almost causing the dancers to run them over.

I agree. And I wouldn't assume those 2 CM have any insight or inside news on what is being planned. That type of decision isn't made at the server level.

The age information didn't come from a server ... it came from one of the "manager" ladies that comes out after the show when they are escorting everyone out. She stopped us as we left to ask us how our night was and we talked to her for about 10 minutes before the next group started checking in.

Here's the thing: I get that a lot of people think an age limit on "character meet" is stupid, but #1 this is not just a character meet; it's a party with food (aimed at adults - yes, some kids will eat it, but the majority won't), alcohol (aimed at adults), dancing and character meets that you have to pay a separate fee for. You aren't just walking into the Character Spot at Epcot and getting in line for an autograph. #2 Disney has put age limits on tours as well as some F&W events and some of the kid "extras" (BBB, Pirate cruises, etc.) so Disney making this adults only or just putting an age limit on it is no more "stupid" than doing the same to those events.

If making one of the shows "adults only" upsets everyone so much because the adults can "double dip", then make the first show families only.

For those who are in favor of adult only, are you thinking 18 and over, 21 and over or something else? As I said, DH and I would not bring any of our kiddos until they are 13, so for that reason, I hope they don't cut kids off totally.

 

[AngiTN]

Yes, at one point they did invite everyone out to the floor to dance and people were out on the floor between dance numbers without a problem. The issue came when the villains and dancers were on the floor to do their special dances and there were several kids running around on the floor almost causing the dancers to run them over.



The age information didn't come from a server ... it came from one of the "manager" ladies that comes out after the show when they are escorting everyone out. She stopped us as we left to ask us how our night was and we talked to her for about 10 minutes before the next group started checking in.

Here's the thing: I get that a lot of people think an age limit on "character meet" is stupid, but #1 this is not just a character meet; it's a party with food (aimed at adults - yes, some kids will eat it, but the majority won't), alcohol (aimed at adults), dancing and character meets that you have to pay a separate fee for. You aren't just walking into the Character Spot at Epcot and getting in line for an autograph. #2 Disney has put age limits on tours as well as some F&W events and some of the kid "extras" (BBB, Pirate cruises, etc.) so Disney making this adults only or just putting an age limit on it is no more "stupid" than doing the same to those events.

If making one of the shows "adults only" upsets everyone so much because the adults can "double dip", then make the first show families only.

For those who are in favor of adult only, are you thinking 18 and over, 21 and over or something else? As I said, DH and I would not bring any of our kiddos until they are 13, so for that reason, I hope they don't cut kids off totally.

Just can't compare CV with the other things you mention. Tour age limits are very different than a "dinner" age limit. For one thing, I believe they are driven by Insurance. And bigger difference, you aren't already in the park with your family when you go on a tour. At least not the tours with age limits. Not many guests are going to use a park admission just to go to HS just for Club Villain. Some do sure but most are adding it in to the end of their day in the park. Could they add a limit to CV, sure. They can do anything they want. I just don't think they will.

I'm not sure kids are banned from F&W events though. I've never checked as that is always a trip we make without DGD. School going on and all that.

They may get 10 complaints (just an example) from adults who feel kids ruined their night but they eliminate kids from it and they'll get 100 complaints from families who can't go because they are at the park and there is no where else for their to take their kids. Majority rules, or the loudest complainers

Now, they add in a child care option adjacent to the venue, that changes things completely.

All in all it won't make a hill of beans difference to me. We make as many trips with DGD as we do without. We'll just do CV on trips without her if there is a limit. I do find Disney a funny destination for those who are easily annoyed by children. I'd think those who are would have prepared themselves for all the children they'd encounter during their trip.

 

[ellie05]

Maybe they should only allow people with children into certain meet and greets and then we can all see how people wanting an adults only event would feel when the shoe is on the other foot. Anything involving characters should allow any age into the event.

There are certain paid expiriences that are kids only. I have no problem with that. Just because it involves character it means kids are welcome. Some Disney weddings involve characters and no kids.

The age information didn't come from a server ... it came from one of the "manager" ladies that comes out after the show when they are escorting everyone out. She stopped us as we left to ask us how our night was and we talked to her for about 10 minutes before the next group started checking in.

Here's the thing: I get that a lot of people think an age limit on "character meet" is stupid, but #1 this is not just a character meet; it's a party with food (aimed at adults - yes, some kids will eat it, but the majority won't), alcohol (aimed at adults), dancing and character meets that you have to pay a separate fee for. You aren't just walking into the Character Spot at Epcot and getting in line for an autograph. #2 Disney has put age limits on tours as well as some F&W events and some of the kid "extras" (BBB, Pirate cruises, etc.) so Disney making this adults only or just putting an age limit on it is no more "stupid" than doing the same to those events.

If making one of the shows "adults only" upsets everyone so much because the adults can "double dip", then make the first show families only.

For those who are in favor of adult only, are you thinking 18 and over, 21 and over or something else? As I said, DH and I would not bring any of our kiddos until they are 13, so for that reason, I hope they don't cut kids off totally.

I would think they should do 1 show everyone welcome and the next 18 and older.

I know many people here talk how they take their kids to all these special events, but our expirience has been otherwise. I done F&W events including party for the senses where there is a very very small number of children if any. This has been our expirience with every special event except for the holiday parties.

 

[crazy_for_the_dis]

I like the idea of one show all ages, one 10 or 13 or more and above. Similar to Trader Sam's. After a certain time, the age changes. We will make sure to visit Trader Sam's after 8. Some could argue that anyplace with "free" alcohol (ok not free but open bar setting) is not the ideal setting for young kids. In the state I previous lived in, kids are not allowed in bars by law. I know that is not the case in Disney. And I am sure everyone on here properly monitors their children, unfortunately some parents do not. But in the end, it doesn't really matter what any of us want, it matters what Disney wants. I just hope they bring it back soon!!

 

[MickeyMinnieMom]

In the state I previous lived in, kids are not allowed in bars by law. I know that is not the case in Disney.

I believe that's not the case with Disney because there is a difference btwn a local bar and one placed inside a theme park. Makes sense to me.

 

[ellie05]

I like the idea of one show all ages, one 10 or 13 or more and above. Similar to Trader Sam's. After a certain time, the age changes. We will make sure to visit Trader Sam's after 8. Some could argue that anyplace with "free" alcohol (ok not free but open bar setting) is not the ideal setting for young kids. In the state I previous lived in, kids are not allowed in bars by law. I know that is not the case in Disney. And I am sure everyone on here properly monitors their children, unfortunately some parents do not. But in the end, it doesn't really matter what any of us want, it matters what Disney wants. I just hope they bring it back soon!!

Trader sam's is awesome. It is 21 an older after 8 that is when we go .

 

[MickeyMinnieMom]

Here's the thing: I get that a lot of people think an age limit on "character meet" is stupid, but #1 this is not just a character meet; it's a party with food (aimed at adults - yes, some kids will eat it, but the majority won't), alcohol (aimed at adults), dancing and character meets that you have to pay a separate fee for.

My kids have been eating exclusively off adult menus in all restaurants since they were 6yo. They attended PFTS and MANY other events that by your definition here would be geared to just adults. And they're obviously not alone -- or even close to it.

Excluding kids from an in-theme-park character event just because Disney can't say "excuse me, can you please keep your children off the dance floor during this portion for their own safety and that of the performers" is silly.

Of course Disney can do whatever they want. I just think this would be a stupid -- and very inconsistent -- business decision on their part.

 

[Grandma G]

Random thoughts ...

1. In character, the Villains are an hilariously acerbic, unscrupulous, downright unwholesome and decidedly un-kid-friendly lot. We're not talking Mickey, Minnie and Belle, here.

And although I've yet to visit Club Villain, I do hope that when I do I won't be subjected to a bland vanilla re-interpretation of those characters contrived to appeal to/placate toddler-to-teen attendees ... and their parents.

2. By the time that a child has misbehaved to a degree that requires intervention by a Disney representative, it is much too late to expect the parents of that child to react constructively to any request for their cooperation in the matter and even later to expect to rescue the evening for other guests.

3. Given the vast collection of character experiences available to families at Walt Disney World, to suggest that a late-evening performance of Club Villain reserved to teen-to-adult guests is somehow discriminatory is, I think, silly.

 

[MickeyMinnieMom]

1. In character, the Villains are an hilariously acerbic, unscrupulous, downright unwholesome and decidedly un-kid-friendly lot.

Uh... you mean like they are in the movies they star in... aimed at kids and families?

2. By the time that a child has misbehaved to a degree that requires intervention by a Disney representative, it is much too late to expect the parents of that child to react constructively to any request for their cooperation in the matter and even later to expect to rescue the evening for other guests.

Oh. So I guess Disney has no choice but to let the kids endanger themselves or the performers, then!! Oh just ban them! This seems an odd solution.

3. Given the vast collection of character experiences available to families at Walt Disney World, to suggest that a late-evening performance of Club Villain reserved to teen-to-adult guests is somehow discriminatory is, I think, silly.

I didn't say discriminatory -- not sure if anyone else did? I think it would be a bad business decision, in conflict with how they handle PFTS, dessert parties, etc etc that have food, alcohol and some entertainment.