Crying and Mildew and Dust, Oh MY!!

[PIRATEGIRL007]

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I completely disagree. We have one child (ten) who is long past the baby stage. But when she was little we never thought of subjecting her crying to others. Just because _you_ have young children doesn't mean the rest of the world should adjust. Disney is for _all_ families and a little consideration of others would go a long way.

Well said. Thank goodness there are thoughtful people out there like you. I just wish everyone else would be as nice as you.

OP, thanks for sharing your opinions. I love to see someone have the courage voice thier opinion, good or bad, even though they know others will not agree.

 

[tiki23]

Snippity-do-dah! Lighten up folks!

The OP put forth some opinions and observances from her trip; she wasn't singling anyone out. You almost have to preface any comment here with "flame suit on" that isn't gushing sunshine about WDW.

I just don't understand why some people get so touchy about comments made on an internet BB by people they've never met.

Let's all go bury our differences in a Kitchen Sink at Beaches and Cream!

 

[Nancyg56]

I'd like to add one comment about the crying kids in 3D shows. Many people don't read the DIS or go to Disney often. Many parents likely haven't seen Philharmagic or Tough to be a Bug or Muppets before, and innocently bring their kids into the show, not realizing that there will be scary parts. I mean, this is WDW, right? Attractions are geared towards families, right? Who would know that so many attractions (without height requirements) would be so scary for little kids?

I'm sorry that this is a little off subject, but is Philharmagic scary for little ones? I trust the DIS. (Sis in law swore that Fantasmic had no villians, Thank goodness for the DIS!)

 

[AnaheimGirl]

Snippity-do-dah! Lighten up folks!

The OP put forth some opinions and observances from her trip; she wasn't singling anyone out. You almost have to preface any comment here with "flame suit on" that isn't gushing sunshine about WDW.

I just don't understand why some people get so touchy about comments made on an internet BB by people they've never met.

Let's all go bury our differences in a Kitchen Sink at Beaches and Cream!

Not being snippy here, really, but why do you seem so certain of everyone's feelings? The hard thing about communicating on the internet is the lack of "tone" in a post. We have no idea if someone is furiously pounding on their keyboard or politely disagreeing.

I honestly don't think anyone was getting touchy about anything in this thread, we were just giving our opinions, exactly as the OP was. It's funny, I notice the same thing as you, that no matter what a person says, there will be disagreement, but I see that as a good thing. I wouldn't post on a board where every single reply was "I agree!" and "you said it!" How boring would that be?

When someone disagrees with an OP, they're not necessarily "flaming" the person or getting bent out of shape about it, they're just offering a different opinion, and don't need to be told to lighten up.

 

[AnaheimGirl]

I'm sorry that this is a little off subject, but is Philharmagic scary for little ones? I trust the DIS. (Sis in law swore that Fantasmic had no villians, Thank goodness for the DIS!)

My 2yo got a little scared a couple of times. Honestly, now I can't even remember exactly why. It had more to do with the 3D effects and the poofs of air and squirts of water coming out at her from the seat in front of us, than the story itself, if I recall correctly. I wish I could tell you more, but I'm sure someone else will be able to.

 

[kilee]

Mickey's Philharmagic is very loud. I think sometimes it's the darkened room, the very loud noise, and the peoples suprised responses all around that frighten a little one.

 

[melomouse]

.. I offered opinions and observations about my recent trip.I wrote about cleanliness, 3D rides and food

Some were glad to hear it, even thanking me for another WDW "fix" and reminding us of changing families, the timelessness of a WDW vacation, and how the enjoyment of food is dependent on mood & location!!!
This reflects the common joy we all(usually!) share here on the DIS about WDW.

Others personalized, got defensive, over focussed on one paragraph, and suggested I was anticipating to offend and am being "stereotypical".This is hurtful and insulting. It reflects a reaction that perhaps ought to be examined by the reader. This is not disagreeing, it is being unkind to someone you don't know... Why is that??

I really thought someone was going to give me grief about the messy restroom at PotC - saying they saw all the OTHER clean restrooms - which, by and large, especially at MK - they are!! It's almost as if some folks are the ones who are responsible for being the CM cleaner of that rr!!

Close it up, mods...I am always niave enough to think that Disney magic keeps everyone on these boards kind and respectful, even when they disagree.Still got the pixiedust in me!!

melomouse

 

[dwkwootton]

Melomouse, thx for your post. There's always the defensive parents that crop up to inform everyone that DW is for their overwrought kids, you can't let that bother you. They don't seem to understand that their inconsideration starts with how they push, push, push their kids to fit into their vacation itiniery. This most recent post speaks for itself with its tantrum like qualities and letting everyone know that her children being kept up past bedtime, crying, and melting down is considered fun.

 

[dwkwootton]

I should qualify my remarks since it sounds like I'm referring to all parents and all kids which I am not. Most parents do a great job with their kids at the parks and having the opportunity to enjoy little ones (since mine are in college now) wide eyed with wonder adds to the magic for us all. Its like anything else, its the handful that throws the monkey wrench into the mix for everyone.

 

[bigmac5]

The OP just made some observations and a couple of comments, and I am surprised at how some of you got so upset. My thought--no matter the situation(be it at Disney or elsewhere) parents must listen to there kids. We were there in Aug. My kids are older, but they were tired by 2, so we headed back to our room for a swim/shower/nap before supper. I can only imagine what a small child was feeling. They can't vocalize their needs,except to cry, and act out, so parents need to be there for their kids. If you are expecting a child to stay up to 10pm(when they are normally in bed by 7) then you need to take some breaks. I personally know a family that stayed in the parks all day, had supper and then saw Wishes and wondered why the kids were fighting and crying. Parents need to be realistic--you can't see it all, so pick the important things then play it by ear.


I too am only making some observations.

 

[brubaby1]

Greetings To All,
Having recently returned and from WDW and having my two grandchildren (Ages 3 months & 3 years) joining us for part of this trip I too have observed (firsthand) that children are sometimes overwhelmed by the whole experience. Children generally have thier own routines and time changes from traveling long distances and long hot days at the theme parks can even impact even the heartiest of children. It all comes down to educating yourself before you come to WDW that you need to consider your children's routines and factor that into how you approach touring the parks. There is a lot of literature (guide books) available and the various WDW web sites such as the DIS are great when it comes to giving parents the lowdown on what to expect. I observed on more than one occasion where a parent remarked to an obviously exhausted and overextended child that they were ruining the experience for the rest of the family. I realized with my grandson (Age 3) that there was only so much power in his battery and that half a day at any theme park was all he was going to be able to tolerate. It was also evident that he was not ready to experience some of the attractions even though at times the spirit seemed willing. You just learn to adjust your day to roll with the punches.
Now, it was also my experience this time that there seemed to be more adults after each other than in previous years. The shear economics of bringing the family to WDW seems to fuel the Money & Magic conscious adults to squeeze every picosecond out of their vacation by touring the parks commando style. Now because I have travelled there numerous times I have learned that even an adult has their limitations when it comes to experiencing WDW so we never spend less that 14 days during any vacation there and try to be spontaneous when it comes to what park strikes our fancy on any given day. A lot of families really sacrifice to be able to take the family to WDW and you can see how they extend themselves far too much in the spirit of having the complete Magical experience. The moral of this reply is that parents need to be realistic about what to expect of themselves and thier children before embarking on a trek to WDW. After all isn't a vacation supposed to be relaxing?

 

[Momof4girls]

there are also very good, attentive parents who are in tune to their child's needs and cannot anticipate when one of the small children has a major meltdown. Even when you plan your naps and schedule around normal meal and bedtimes, it is overstimulating to be in Disneyworld, PERIOD - and kids are KIDS - they're unpredictable.

So, the overgeneralizing and assuming that because some kid is, God forbid, CRYING their parent is overextending them or forcing them to do something they don't want to do or arent' capable of doing, is ridiculous.

 

[kilee]

This is another reminder to please keep personal flames out of the thread.

 

[bigmac5]

there are also very good, attentive parents who are in tune to their child's needs and cannot anticipate when one of the small children has a major meltdown. Even when you plan your naps and schedule around normal meal and bedtimes, it is overstimulating to be in Disneyworld, PERIOD - and kids are KIDS - they're unpredictable.

So, the overgeneralizing and assuming that because some kid is, God forbid, CRYING their parent is overextending them or forcing them to do something they don't want to do or arent' capable of doing, is ridiculous.

I am sorry you are feeling so defensive. Most people can tell the difference between a child who has a melt down with a family that is willing to get that child out of that situation(I know you can't leave in the middle of a ride) and a child whose parents have an agenda to meet. It's not the crying child that bothers me it's the reaction of the parents.

 

[melomouse]

I am sorry you are feeling so defensive. Most people can tell the difference between a child who has a melt down with a family that is willing to get that child out of that situation(I know you can't leave in the middle of a ride) and a child whose parents have an agenda to meet. It's not the crying child that bothers me it's the reaction of the parents.

BIG Mac - thank you!! That is EXACTLY it!!!. And I CAN tell. And I did. And I posted.

You are a wise DIS'er!!! Thank you for eloquently expressing what I could not!!
melomouse

 

[AnaheimGirl]

Brubaby1: No flames for your post. You, unlike others in this and many similar threads, did not make generalizations. You wrote specifically about particular instances in which you heard a parent say something thoughtless to their child. That is very different from saying you heard a child crying and assumed the parents were ignoring his needs in favor of their own.

Bigmac5: Actually, the trouble is that there are plenty of people who can’t tell the difference between a well-rested child having a little fit about some minor incident, and a child whose parents have an agenda to meet. If there weren’t, there wouldn’t be so many posts on these boards from parents who have overheard such mistaken assumptions from strangers. I’m happy for you, that you can sense what’s happening in a stranger’s life, what they are thinking and why they are acting the way they are, but most people don’t have this ability. And just because some of us like to discuss things and point out the reasons why an assumption might be inaccurate, doesn’t mean we’re defensive. :

Melomouse: I’m sorry that my comment about stereotyping hurt and insulted you. I didn’t mean it that way at all. I just wanted to point out the generalization in your OP, and I apologize for making the mistaken assumption that your “flame suit on” comment was in reference to the crying kids, not the dirty restroom. That said, I respectfully request that you do what you ask of us, examine your own post. The inclusion of a tiny bit of information on the reaction of the parents might have prevented our reaction to your comment. And just FYI, if you do want to close down the thread, click the little red triangle “report a bad post”, and the mods will close it down. They may not see your request within the post, as they can’t read every post.

 

[bigmac5]

Bigmac5: Actually, the trouble is that there are plenty of people who can’t tell the difference between a well-rested child having a little fit about some minor incident, and a child whose parents have an agenda to meet. If there weren’t, there wouldn’t be so many posts on these boards from parents who have overheard such mistaken assumptions from strangers. I’m happy for you, that you can sense what’s happening in a stranger’s life, what they are thinking and why they are acting the way they are, but most people don’t have this ability. And just because some of us like to discuss things and point out the reasons why an assumption might be inaccurate, doesn’t mean we’re defensive. :

What I said is that I can tell the difference in the reaction of the parents. Whether the child is just having a bad day or is tired or is hungry is not the issue, it how the parents choose to deal(or not deal) with it. I never said that I know what is going on in a person's life but when a child is crying, not wanting to go on a ride and the parents continue to drag them on then I know those parents don't have the best interest of that child.

 

[AnaheimGirl]

What I said is that I can tell the difference in the reaction of the parents. Whether the child is just having a bad day or is tired or is hungry is not the issue, it how the parents choose to deal(or not deal) with it. I never said that I know what is going on in a person's life but when a child is crying, not wanting to go on a ride and the parents continue to drag them on then I know those parents don't have the best interest of that child.

I did notice that you mentioned the reaction of the parents in another post, and I certainly agree that in some cases, that might tell the story. Although even in your ride example, you don't necessarily know what's going on. There have been numerous posts on these boards about kids who want to go on a ride, then act scared in line, then either have a blast on the ride or get mad at the parents for taking them out of line. You don't know whether that parent you are judging has been in and out of that line with that child time and again, and finally decided to "make" the child ride it.

In your post about kids crying in Philharmagic, you didn't mention parents' reactions. You only said "They were crying before the show even started. They were only there because Mom and Dad wanted to be there." From the reader's standpoint, they could have been crying because they didn't get to sit where they wanted, or they could've still been crying about the toy mom wouldn't buy 10 minutes before. Sure, they might've been a little frightened, too, but perhaps they love going to the movies at home, and the parents truly believed they would enjoy the show once it started.

And lastly, my comments were really mostly directed at your assumptions as to other people's feelings within this thread. Multiple times, you've accused others of being upset or defensive. As I mentioned, you can't read tone on a message board. You don't know whether anyone is upset, or just trying to have an interesting discussion about generalizations.

 

[henrylovespooh]

I'm one of those mothers with the little princesses. She's almost 3 and very determined to "dress up" every chance she gets. We brought her dresses for MNSSHP because she couldn't settle on one, and one morning she was adamant about wearing her Snow White dress to Epcot. Fortunately, it's more of a Halloween costume than a Disney store dress, so it's lightweight. She got her pictures with some characters in the morning, and lo and behond, we saw Snow White at the Germany pavillion and got some beautiful pictures. Then I asked her if she wanted Kaki-Gori (snow cone) in Japan knowing she would say yes, and told her she could only have it if she took off her beautiful dress.

I also wanted to add that when we were down in WDW a week ago, eveytime DH saw a crying child, he would quietly say: "I thought this was the happiest place on earth." Then of course DD had to pitch one of her biggest tantrums ever in the bathroom at Le Cellier. Ugly. She was apparently mad that I flushed the toilet, or perhaps that she had to share a public restroom stall. It was early in the afternoon and she was not tired, but of course, I could feel all the eyes on me and wanted to say - no she's not tired, she's just having potty training and turning 3 years old issues.

Yup, she's my princess alright.

 

[BonnieA]

Personally I don't care why the child is having a meltdown. If it happens on a ride, so be it, we are all captive. But if it is in a theater, I can almost guarantee there are exits. Anyone who doesn't take a screaming child out of the theater is staying for their own benefit, the child is obviously not interested in the performance. How can anyone, including other family members, enjoy the show with that kind of distraction next to them.