Comment on masks at Epcot (Kidcot) stations!!!

[jasper]

As far as I have read on these boards, they still have the masks for kids to make, but why? We are returning for the first time since 2000 and you would think that three years later they would have come up with a different activity. I'm sure any of us could probably come up with some great ideas if we just thought about it for an hour or so. For example, what about an inexpensive coin from each country that fits into a slot like those things they sell for the commemoritive State quarters. With all the time, money and energy they put into Mission Space, could they at least change up the kidcot activity every year or so. This isn't really a big deal but I'm surpirsed that it is still the same. Any thoughts?

 

[WhispyPixie]

Masks, or whatever, our kids..over an over an over still love it! It is almost a quest for them to get something done at each of the stations...perhaps that will have something new for you one day! Good Luck...

 

[KathyFP]

DD loves it and it is one of the only "free" activities

 

[Jillpie]

Jasper, I couldn't agree with you more!! I have posted this a couple of times, but it sort of dies out. My kids did it once a few years ago, it was lots of fun, but once was enough. Can't they just think up something new from all these countries? There's gotta be something!

 

[SnoWhiteRabbit]

"The thing I love most about rivers is you can't step in the same river twice...."

My kids made masks in 2002...and I *love* them! My girls were 2 and 4 and these masks are keepers - shadow box material. When we go back, they will be 4 and 6. They can do a mask again! These masks will be very different than their earlier masks -- And their brother who was only 10 month on the last trip will be almost three and can make his first mask to add to my collection!

If you only go once every 6 months, once a year, once every few years, does it really matter if they've done it already -- it will be completely different -- and kind of cool to compare the two masks!

Sure Disney could come up with something else and that would be fine with me, too, but I certainly don't see a problem with a child making 2 or 3 Epcot masks in her life.

If it seems boring to you to repeat a creative activity a year later -skip it. And maybe come up with your own fun...create a scavenger hunt, have your child take his own photos of the land marks, etc. Try the Epcot Passport available for purchase. Get autographs from CM in the different languages. Practice the greetings in different languages before arriving in each country and test it out onthe CM's...find some other way to fill your time....But I do hope they are still doing the masks in 2004 when we return!! I'd love for my kids to do another one!!!

"The thing I like most about rivers is you can't step inthe same river tiwce...."

 

[swilphil]

I agree with SnowWhiteRabbit that the Passports are a good alternative to the masks, especially for kids that are a little older. The passports include several stickers. She had some other good ideas too, like the greetings in different languages. There used to be a thread of the Family board that gave you all the different greetings so the kids could have it before hand.

I really like the masks, for the reasons stated, and that kids of ALL ages can do them, from scribbles to elaborate artwork. Heck, I kind of wanted to do a mask myself. It would be nice if they could add something to the stations for people who are tired of masks, but I would hate to see the masks die out. As far as the coin idea goes, I would worry that little ones would choke on them.

 

[disneyjunkie]

I think the mask making gives the kids something to do while the parents are able to look around the various countries. Many kids aren't interested in the countries, but they enjoy the mask making.

Also many families are visiting the parks for the first time. Repeat visitors may want new things, but the new visitors are looking forward to the "old" things they've heard about.

 

[LoriZH]

Gotta disagree with the OP, sorry just back and this was once again one of my kids favorite activities. They don't even keep the masks when we get home, but there is something about sitting down and getting creative that they absolutely love. Silly as it seems, making those masks are special to them.

 

[bigsis1970]

and I wouldn't want them to quit.. they have grown soo much from Mask to Mask... We have them all displayed on their walls in a row.. and it gives them something to remember each trip by ! I hope we can keep doing these on each trip to Epcot .. Michelle

 

[GAIL HAYDEN]

Originally posted by jasper
Yes, as far as I have read on these boards, they still have the masks for kids to make, but why? We are returning for the first time since 2000 and you would think that three years later they would have come up with a different activity. I'm sure any of us could probably come up with some great ideas if we just thought about it for an hour or so. For example, what about an inexpensive coin from each country that fits into a slot like those things they sell for the commemoritive State quarters. With all the time, money and energy they put into Mission Space, could they at least change up the kidcot activity every year or so. This isn't really a big deal but I'm surpirsed that it is still the same. Any thoughts?

HP sponsered this attraction and I believe they probably paid for it.

 

[MelanieC]

My kids have made many masks over the years, and they still love them. They are super excited about making them again this year. They are lovely keepsakes that the kids take to school to share. Even my daughter who is 11 loves doing this still.

We also started something new last year. THe kids get their autograph books stamped by the people in each country. They sign it in that language and the kids loved it.

Melanie

 

[jwfla422]

We go to WDW quite often and 5 yr old dd worked on her 3rd mask this past trip last week and finally finished it and she felt it was quite an accomplishment.

She did her first mask at 3 and really didn't understand it, she just kinda scribbled on it, so she only had 2-3 countries stamped on it, but this trip she was really into it and learned about the countries.

Next time I will give her the choice to do a mask or the passport, I bet she'll go for the mask. I would hate to see this discontinued, maybe they could change it a bit, like a little refurbishment...

But, as far as the coins go, many of the countries have the penny presses already that you can do, she did one from UK. But, I still like the mask thing, it's actually gotten my dd interested in going to the countries and talking with the CMs there and even learning about them, I'd hate to see it go.

 

[Eljay]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but didn't the mask project start with the Tapestry of Nations Parade? Kids made masks in preparation for the evening parade so they could feel like part of the action.
Whenever I pass a mask station, they are always very busy. I guess the overwhelming majority still likes it.

 

[frndofpooh]

The OP scared me with the title of the post - I though the masks had already been taken away! Our kids love the masks. We like them not just because they are a fun activity for our kids, but also because having our kids make the masks on successive visits allows us to compare the new masks to earlier masks and see how our kids' abilities and points of view have changed over time.

 

[bigsis1970]

if the OP is tired of the mask then just dont do it.. I understand that ya it can be time consuming especially when they have 2 or 3 or more at home but truthfully its always busy so it can't be all that bad .. by the way this is just my opnion and not meant to ruffle feathers . Michelle

 

[Jillpie]

Michelle, you helped me change my mind about the masks. I first posted that I thought they should change the activity...but I think maybe it might not be a bad idea to have the boys do another one and compare it to their first one, then hang them in their rooms. They are three years older than the first time they made them, so it would look completely different. So thanks for your insight!

 

[Lesley]

I like the masks...and only once has one of my kids gone to every country to do it! We made it a quest...but my little one pooped out early.

I do wish they'd offer some different materials at each of the stations....possibly show a type of artwork that is particular to that country and have the materials for children to try it if they like (Morrocco..mosaics, etc....) There are lots of ways that mixed media type designs can be done without using paint (which I'd avoid as a parent because I wouldnt' want to carry wet artwork around...). There are all kinds of double sided tapes and stickers that could be used...which opens you up to using beads, fibers, glitter, mosaic tiles (even paper ones), tissue paper and are relatively non-messy. Or even stamps with images specific to each country that the kids could use would be nice...

A world map might be an interesting alternative to the masks though...and I bet they could offer both without much issue. But its not the masks that bug me...its more that every station has markers..and that's it.

Also, with how crowded the stations always are...they could put more tables out! And how about a removeable tatoo available at each country....then the kids could decorate themselves!

 

[Twigs]

I do like the masks, but when we first started to go to WDW with the kids (they were 4) each country had a different activity and craft for the kids. It was fun to see what the next country had. The boys loooked forward to each one. When we went back two years later, again there was a different craft and activity at each country and it kept the boys excited. When they were 8 and we went they had the masks, when they realized that was all there was at each country, they were no longer excited about it, and stopped wanting to do the kidcot stops. And still in the years since then they still have the masks!!

So as I said I do like the masks, but I always thought it was a great thing to have a different craft at each country, especially when the kids were younger so that they would look forward to what was there and be excited about going to each country. Also the activities were related to each country, some I remember off the top of my heard are:Totem poles in Canada, painted art work in France, macaroni necklaces in Italy, writing their name in arabic inMorocco, and getting to play "soccer" with the CM's there, Lanyards in America etc.

 

[jasper]

Hey everyone! I didn't mean to be so controversial about the Kidcot masks as it seems the overwhelming majority or responses think I'm a little nuts for requesting something new instead of the masks. I also changed the title of the thread so people aren't misled to the think they aren't doing the masks any longer. All that said, Disney changes parades from time to time, restaurants change menus, etc. Some people will always like the original and some will welcome something new. And of course everyone is entitled to their own opinion.

 

[WhispyPixie]

Jasper..please dont think slams were being taken! My comment wasnt an intentional slam! Just was hoping that they wouldnt take them away! New and xciting creativity is always welcomed! Have a great day! Doing the single digit dance!!