Current Youth Activities CM -- Ask me anything!

[daisygirl75]

What is the best footwear for our kids? They love crocs and flip flops in the summer, and hate to wear any kind of running shoe. They even spend the long days at disneyworld in crocs and flip flops!

 

[CMontheseas]

What is the best footwear for our kids? They love crocs and flip flops in the summer, and hate to wear any kind of running shoe. They even spend the long days at disneyworld in crocs and flip flops!

In the spaces, it should be running shoes. Everywhere else on deck, feel free to wear whatever you like!

While we don't strictly enforce it, I will say for everyone's benefit: Please, please do not take them to the Oceaneer Club or Lab in crocs.


It's so important I made it part of the top 10 list at the start of this thread. The reason being is that the majority of the injuries that happen in our space are crocs-related. We know this because we now Require Counselors to write down an incident form each time a child gets hurt, note the footwear and indicate if they are crocs. Even of the kid falls over during an activity, we have to note down whether crocs or flipflops are the issue. We also now have Counselors whose sole duty (hehe...sole) is to observe the footwear in the space and ask kids to remove their crocs on things like slides where crocs have caused broken feet in our care in the past. It's probably part of a bigger liability issue they're trying to end by collecting all these reports, but the truth is it saves a lot of stress on part of the CMs for less kids to be wearing crocs in our spaces.

I will say that I feel especially strong about this as there were just way too many crocs-caused injuries the past week or so! Save it for Scuttles Cove or anywhere outside of the Club/Lab! (Flip flops stil, have their share of injuries, but not as bad as crocs.)

 

[joycsk]

What is the best footwear for our kids? They love crocs and flip flops in the summer, and hate to wear any kind of running shoe. They even spend the long days at disneyworld in crocs and flip flops!

May I suggest Tevas or Keens? Many of them have soles similar to running shoes, but they strap on and are open like sandals. I DO admit that they are not inexpensive, but they have been a good investment for my kids and myself!

 

[Futurist]

Thanks for all your insights – they really make sense, and help a lot.

Following the early discussions about candy and especially Mickey Bars, my DW told me she was really confused. She asked what was the point of offering a Mickey Bar to, say, our stateroom host if she (a) can't accept it, or (b) can accept it, but can't eat it when she gets it, or (c) doesn't want it?

It's a quandary for us. We know that CMs want to be, and are supposed to be, agreeable, but when we want to ask a question for information, we get blocked by that. Suppose I was to ask our stateroom host, "Would you like it if I got you a Mickey Bar?", I'm guessing they would probably (have to) say no.

How do we find out what a given CM really wants without putting them in an impossible position? There have been times, on previous cruises, when I've asked a CM if there was anything they wanted or needed onshore as I know that time and resources are limited for them. Every single time they've said no, they didn't need anything, which I suspect is a nice answer, but not necessarily a completely truthful answer. My DW and truly appreciate what CMs do for us, and would love to find out if there's anything we can do for them.

BTW, this is not in place of tips, and we make a point of taking names and mentioning them in our end-of-cruise survey as we know how important this is.

So, how do we ask the right questions? What are CMs allowed or likely to say when we ask what they would like or what we could do for them?

Many, many thanks!
Richard

 

[karebear23]

Just wanted to say hi Nini!! Funny to see you here and not somewhere else

Thanks in advance!


Nini

 

[gweeptrish]

In the spaces, it should be running shoes. Everywhere else on deck, feel free to wear whatever you like!

While we don't strictly enforce it, I will say for everyone's benefit: Please, please do not take them to the Oceaneer Club or Lab in crocs.

I believe you, it just boggles my mind. How does one break a foot wearing Crocs?

We've never brought any other play shoes on a cruise for our son except his Crocs. They're what he wears to school, at home, to climb trees, etc. Crocs are the only child's shoes the onboard shops sell aside from sparkly princess flats (you know, in case someone throws up on his good dress shoes after eating far more ice cream than he should have when feeling seasick).

Without this thread it would never have occurred to me that he shouldn't wear them in the Club.

 

[PrincessShmoo]

I know you may not be able to answer my question, but if you could point me in the right direction I would greatly appreciate it!

My youngest son will be 13 when we do our first cruise in October. Due to a severe brain injury he has a mental age of 5. At school he is in a self contained classroom with limited access to the main stream students due to a bullying issue in the past. All of his friends at school, at home, and at church are all in the 6 to 7 year old range. That is where he is most comfortable.

We are all looking forward to the cruise. He has seen every. single. video. out about the Disney Cruise Line. He is most looking forward to the kids clubs.

My problem is, if I read correctly, since he will be 13, he can't go into the clubs with the younger kids. I would NOT feel comfortable with him in the clubs for the teens. We have come a LONG way with him in the 8 years since the accident, but his social skills are seriously lacking.

His older sister will be 14 when we cruise and she has made it known she will NOT be responsible for watching him in the clubs...in fact she plans on sitting by the pool with her iPod and Kindle the whole trip!

Can you please point me in the right direction? I realize we still have 40 weeks before we cruise, but it will take just about that long to prepare my son if he does not get to go where he thinks he will...

Thanks in advance!


Nini

The only thing I could suggest would be the Open House times. During those you can accompany him into the Club/Lab space for some play time.

 

[daisygirl75]

In the spaces, it should be running shoes. Everywhere else on deck, feel free to wear whatever you like!

While we don't strictly enforce it, I will say for everyone's benefit: Please, please do not take them to the Oceaneer Club or Lab in crocs.


It's so important I made it part of the top 10 list at the start of this thread. The reason being is that the majority of the injuries that happen in our space are crocs-related. We know this because we now Require Counselors to write down an incident form each time a child gets hurt, note the footwear and indicate if they are crocs. Even of the kid falls over during an activity, we have to note down whether crocs or flipflops are the issue. We also now have Counselors whose sole duty (hehe...sole) is to observe the footwear in the space and ask kids to remove their crocs on things like slides where crocs have caused broken feet in our care in the past. It's probably part of a bigger liability issue they're trying to end by collecting all these reports, but the truth is it saves a lot of stress on part of the CMs for less kids to be wearing crocs in our spaces.

I will say that I feel especially strong about this as there were just way too many crocs-caused injuries the past week or so! Save it for Scuttles Cove or anywhere outside of the Club/Lab! (Flip flops stil, have their share of injuries, but not as bad as crocs.)

Thanks so much! I am going to show them this, and packing their running shoes!

 

[joycsk]

I believe you, it just boggles my mind. How does one break a foot wearing Crocs?

We've never brought any other play shoes on a cruise for our son except his Crocs. They're what he wears to school, at home, to climb trees, etc. Crocs are the only child's shoes the onboard shops sell aside from sparkly princess flats (you know, in case someone throws up on his good dress shoes after eating far more ice cream than he should have when feeling seasick).

Without this thread it would never have occurred to me that he shouldn't wear them in the Club.

I cannot speak directly to CMontheseas post, except to say that I, Personally, as a 40 yo adult have Repeatedly, tripped, stumbled, gotten a foot caught while wearing crocs. The soft rubber wears very quickly and they lose tread. They slip and slide on wet surfaces. I wore them for a while and then stopped as I could see that they were dangerous for me. . .

 

[lanejudy]

... She did ask if she would be able to still go and play with her cousin during open play times (I told her about this in hopes of making her feel better when this all started) and I told her yes so hopefully that fixes the problem....

... Since anyone (regardless of age) can be in the club/lab during Open House, how about sending the cousins there together during those times? Of course it's unsecured programming so you'd need to be comfortable letting all your kids/nieces/nephews be in there w/out an adult. ...

Unless this has changed recently, adults must accompany the kids to the Club/Lab Open House times. They won't allow unaccompanied kids to stay.

Enjoy your cruise!

 

[lanejudy]

Thank you for all the helpful advice and tips! Here is my question, my 4 year old has IBS. She will often say her tummy hurts but its just from the uncomfortable cramping that comes along with it. If she says that in the kid spaces, are they going to place her in quarantine? What should I do to get ahead of a potential issue? Thanks so much!

I suggest that 1) you have this noted on your reservation and 2) discuss it with the CMs at Club Open House the first day. Make sure they have a notation about this. I don't think she'd automatically be quarantined for a tummyache (could be too much ice cream before arriving at the Club), but maybe make note that you should be called if she complains due to medical reasons.

You might also have a conversation with DD about when it's "appropriate" to complain of tummy pain -- if she can comprehend that -- but I'm NOT saying to teach her not to mention pain, kids need to tell adults of pain. If she can recognize when the cramps are simply that and will pass in a few minutes (hug her favorite stuffed animal), or if it's something more that needs parental attention (tell the CMs).

Enjoy your cruise!

 

[goofyintoronto]

I believe you, it just boggles my mind. How does one break a foot wearing Crocs?

We've never brought any other play shoes on a cruise for our son except his Crocs. They're what he wears to school, at home, to climb trees, etc. Crocs are the only child's shoes the onboard shops sell aside from sparkly princess flats (you know, in case someone throws up on his good dress shoes after eating far more ice cream than he should have when feeling seasick).

Without this thread it would never have occurred to me that he shouldn't wear them in the Club.

Really? Consider yourself VERY LUCKY that you havent slipped yet wearing crocs! They are DEADLY once the bottom wears out, ESPECIALLY when its wet! This is exactly how my mom broke her ankle, its been two years and it still hasnt fully healed yet! While in disney, our first trip, my son wore crocs. In the rain he slipped a few times. Terrible shoes in the rain or when wet. I wouldnt risk it. The last thing you need is a broken bone on a ship. theyre better off wearing runners.

 

[esc38372]

First, thank you for all of your helpful advice!

While we don't strictly enforce it, I will say for everyone's benefit: Please, please do not take them to the Oceaneer Club or Lab in crocs.

It's so important I made it part of the top 10 list at the start of this thread. The reason being is that the majority of the injuries that happen in our space are crocs-related. We know this because we now Require Counselors to write down an incident form each time a child gets hurt, note the footwear and indicate if they are crocs. Even of the kid falls over during an activity, we have to note down whether crocs or flipflops are the issue. We also now have Counselors whose sole duty (hehe...sole) is to observe the footwear in the space and ask kids to remove their crocs on things like slides where crocs have caused broken feet in our care in the past. It's probably part of a bigger liability issue they're trying to end by collecting all these reports, but the truth is it saves a lot of stress on part of the CMs for less kids to be wearing crocs in our spaces.

I will say that I feel especially strong about this as there were just way too many crocs-caused injuries the past week or so! Save it for Scuttles Cove or anywhere outside of the Club/Lab! (Flip flops still, have their share of injuries, but not as bad as crocs.)

Just out of curiosity, do you mean all shoes under the Crocs label? Or just the classic Crocs clogs (and look-alikes made by other companies)?

My kids wear shoes by Crocs almost daily, but as a family, we are not fans of the classic Crocs clogs. Instead, my kids wear Mary Jane-style Crocs and have not had any problems on the ships.

If one of my girls fell during an activity and was wearing these Mary Jane Crocs or these Crocs flats, would you put down on the injury report that she was wearing "Crocs"?

 

[lanejudy]

First, thank you for all of your helpful advice!



Just out of curiosity, do you mean all shoes under the Crocs label? Or just the classic Crocs clogs (and look-alikes made by other companies)?

My kids wear shoes by Crocs almost daily, but as a family, we are not fans of the classic Crocs clogs. Instead, my kids wear Mary Jane-style Crocs and have not had any problems on the ships.

If one of my girls fell during an activity and was wearing these Mary Jane Crocs or these Crocs flats, would you put down on the injury report that she was wearing "Crocs"?

I think the concern is the soles of the shoes, not necessarily the style of the uppers or fastening. Crocs (in general, both the name-brand and knock-offs) notoriously have slippery soles because it wears away. DD's school doesn't allow them, too many accidents; nothing that looks remotely like a Croc is allowed at school.

 

[TDC Nala]

I know you may not be able to answer my question, but if you could point me in the right direction I would greatly appreciate it!

My youngest son will be 13 when we do our first cruise in October. Due to a severe brain injury he has a mental age of 5. At school he is in a self contained classroom with limited access to the main stream students due to a bullying issue in the past. All of his friends at school, at home, and at church are all in the 6 to 7 year old range. That is where he is most comfortable.

We are all looking forward to the cruise. He has seen every. single. video. out about the Disney Cruise Line. He is most looking forward to the kids clubs.

My problem is, if I read correctly, since he will be 13, he can't go into the clubs with the younger kids. I would NOT feel comfortable with him in the clubs for the teens. We have come a LONG way with him in the 8 years since the accident, but his social skills are seriously lacking.

His older sister will be 14 when we cruise and she has made it known she will NOT be responsible for watching him in the clubs...in fact she plans on sitting by the pool with her iPod and Kindle the whole trip!

Can you please point me in the right direction? I realize we still have 40 weeks before we cruise, but it will take just about that long to prepare my son if he does not get to go where he thinks he will...

Thanks in advance!


Nini

He can go into the clubs with a parent during the open house times. You will likely not be able to leave him at a club.

 

[Mom323]

Unless this has changed recently, adults must accompany the kids to the Club/Lab Open House times. They won't allow unaccompanied kids to stay.

Enjoy your cruise!

According to the CM here that isn't always the case.

During Open House hours, we tend to prefer that an authorized adult be present for the kids (as they will otherwise be unsupervised!).

This doesn't mean that many parents will leave their young children unattended during Open House periods and expect them to be supervised! (We've seen 3 year olds abandoned in the space during Club Open House while the adults went to a Tasting!) Where a problem might arise is when the space goes from Open House to Secure programming, every adult and child in the space is asked to leave. If your child is still in there unattended, we are technically obliged to ask them to leave (thus leaving them unattended elsewhere on the ship).


But of course prior to that happening we try to contact/reach the adults and as a last resort, can sign the children into secure programming if they already have a band on.

http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=49978909&postcount=480

 

[tinkmt]

I suggest that 1) you have this noted on your reservation and 2) discuss it with the CMs at Club Open House the first day. Make sure they have a notation about this. I don't think she'd automatically be quarantined for a tummyache (could be too much ice cream before arriving at the Club), but maybe make note that you should be called if she complains due to medical reasons. You might also have a conversation with DD about when it's "appropriate" to complain of tummy pain -- if she can comprehend that -- but I'm NOT saying to teach her not to mention pain, kids need to tell adults of pain. If she can recognize when the cramps are simply that and will pass in a few minutes (hug her favorite stuffed animal), or if it's something more that needs parental attention (tell the CMs). Enjoy your cruise!

Good idea. I didn't think to note it on our reservation! I wasn't worried about it before because I had the same thought you did, that she wouldn't be quarantined just for saying her tummy hurt but I just read on another thread that someones daughter said her tummy hurt and they had to spend 6 hours in their stateroom.

 

[Momfromva]

I cannot speak directly to CMontheseas post, except to say that I, Personally, as a 40 yo adult have Repeatedly, tripped, stumbled, gotten a foot caught while wearing crocs. The soft rubber wears very quickly and they lose tread. They slip and slide on wet surfaces. I wore them for a while and then stopped as I could see that they were dangerous for me. . .

I wanted to add to the Crocs comments. When my son was 5 y/o he was wearing Crocs (his favorite shoes) while running in the front yard. He ran over a patch of stones and the bottom of the Croc stopped suddenly on the stones causing him to fall and fracture his femur! We threw the shoes away after that. It seems like the soft plastic that makes the shoes so comfortable is also to blame for the falling. It is strange that these are sold in the onboard gift shop given the many injuries experienced by its passengers while wearing these shoes

 

[Seamama]

Unless this has changed recently, adults must accompany the kids to the Club/Lab Open House times. They won't allow unaccompanied kids to stay.

Enjoy your cruise!

Thanks for the correction. Ok so new advice Send one adult w/ the cousins. True, it's not as convenient as sending them on their own but least the cousins would get to play together in the clubs.

 

[Disney Crew Of 5]

thanks so much for all your insight. I know you talked about magazines and candy. can the CM's use gift card to places like walmart or Target.( Or Phone cards to call home? )are you able to make calls? Do you ever get time to go far off the ship to run out and get things? Are they near by? or is that no good?