Disney should lighten up with their age requirements

[maxiesmom]

I'm glad the OP has made arrangements, and not decided to lie or try to go around the system, as some have suggested she do. If she feels more comfortable renting a car as opposed to having her child take a cab, then that is her choice.

I do agree with GEB too. It is very upsetting to see how many people are quick to point out ways to go around Disney rules, when the rules do not suit them. And not just on this thread. Post a question about room limits, and you will see how many people think it is just dandy if they cram 8 people in a room meant for 4. As long as they are not caught. Or ask about height restrictions. Or how old Disney consideres a person to be an adult at. People are all about figuring out how they can get what they want, even if it means breaking Disney's rules. I thought telling people how to break Disney's rules were against the board's own rules. Or was I imagining things?

 

[CleveRocks]

We all know 14 year olds who are responsible enough and mature enough to do almost anything grownups do, and we also all know 22 year olds who are NOT responsible and mature enough to ride shotgun on a moped.

But companies like Disney need to set guidelines. Good responsible young people who can be entrusted to behave properly and who possess adequate skills in decision-making and judgment are occasionally going to find themselves on the unlucky side of the line that is set in any given guideline.

It's unfortunate for the people who are negatively affected by this, but it's really the only way to run a large company, or even a small company with an absentee owner, for that matter. Anyone who's ever been personally involved with management duties knows that guidelines are essential to accomplishing the mission of an organization. As it is said, the devil is in the details, and thus it is important to have even the most minute detail covered by written policies and procedures.

Sometimes we get lucky, sometimes we don't. My 39.5 inch daughter was devastated when she was measured as too shrimpy to ride Splash Mountain. As much as I wanted her to ride with the rest of the family, I knew it was a rule that wouldn't be broken "just for her," and I knew that somewhere, sometime, someone decided it was best to set the minimum height requirement at 40 inches. Do I think Disney should lighten up on their height requirements? Of course! No one can tell me that if her neck was a half-inch longer that it would make a difference how her body safely keeps itself inside the ride vehicle during the ride. But the rules are the rules, and I figure they're there for a reason, so I begrudingly live with them.

 

[Kellyscrapbooks]

Post a question about room limits, and you will see how many people think it is just dandy if they cram 8 people in a room meant for 4. As long as they are not caught. Or ask about height restrictions. Or how old Disney consideres a person to be an adult at. People are all about figuring out how they can get what they want, even if it means breaking Disney's rules. I thought telling people how to break Disney's rules were against the board's own rules. Or was I imagining things?

Well.... since you mentioned it..... I'm not going to try and break the rules, it's not an issue mine are still under the age of 10, but I will take a moment to say that I think 10 years old for "adult" prices is ludicrious. No matter where it is.

I think that they should let 16 year olds on ME as well, it stinks that it doesn't. Just my opinion. Sorry you have to rent a car and deal with nonsense it does seem ridiculous.

 

[minijeanie]

Actually, I don't have any children, I just worked at Epcot and was once 16 years old myself. I went to Disney twice with travel camp as a teenager, and while I didn't cause problems unsupervised (I was a bit of a counselors pet, if you will, haha) MANY of the teens did.

As far as not having children or having children at a certain age go, I have lots of experience babysitting and working as a camp counselor, I'm surrounded by kids all the time. I can't really blame Disney for the rule, from a liability standpoint.

You are in fact, ranting about having to rent a car, as you've stated it many times so far in this thread.

I'm sorry that you find me pointing out the obvious to be offensive to you. You clearly are someone who takes offense when others don't agree with you. I'm being quite respectful, but apparently to you disrespect and being offensive is when someone shares a differen't viewpoint than your own.

Quite the contrary..... I don't mind a different viewpoint at all. As long as it is warranted.. I don't find yours as such. But we will call a truce.

and as far as being a camp counselor, etc etc...and please do not take this the wrong way...you have absolutely no idea what it is all about. Kids drive you crazy ..most of the time for the good,, sometimes as in my case here, they drive you nuts. my kids put me in this predicament. And unless you have them,,, you can't possibly understand

 

[kim5678]

I think you have decided to do the right by picking them up yourself. At least you will have peace of mind.


Have a great trip!!!

 

[CleveRocks]

and as far as being a camp counselor, etc etc...and please do not take this the wrong way...you have absolutely no idea what it is all about. Kids drive you crazy ..most of the time for the good,, sometimes as in my case here, they drive you nuts. my kids put me in this predicament. And unless you have them,,, you can't possibly understand

I have to totally 100% agree with this one.

I am a therapist, and I do my group work in an office but when I work with individuals it's in their own homes and communities, partly so their families can be intensively involved. I've worked with all ages.

My wife is a pediatrician.

By choice, we didn't have kids until we were well into our 30s. In our jobs, we both counseled parents (her more than me) about what best to do with their children, how they as parents should act and react, etc. From our book-smarts and work experiences, we both thought we were really knowledgable about the practical ins-and-outs of parenting. After all, we were the professionals, and people were coming to us and PAYING US for our advice and counsel.

As parents, we now cringe when we recall some of the things we said to parents. We cringe at some of the ideas we had when we were SO sure we were SO right and what in blazes were those loopy parents thinking, anyway?!

I have absolutely nothing against Evil Princess. I happen to agree with a lot of what she's said (the substance if not the style), but when I read the part about her having worked with kids ... well ... I had that same type of cringe-worthy moment as I have when I think about things my wife and I said as childless professionals.

 

[CarolA]

As far as not having children or having children at a certain age go, I have lots of experience babysitting and working as a camp counselor, I'm surrounded by kids all the time. I can't really blame Disney for the rule, from a liability standpoint.

I'm sorry that you find me pointing out the obvious to be offensive to you. You clearly are someone who takes offense when others don't agree with you. I'm being quite respectful, but apparently to you disrespect and being offensive is when someone shares a differen't viewpoint than your own.

The "unoffical" rule of the DIS Board. OPs are ALWAYS right and only posts that agree with them should be allowed.

As for being a camp counselor..... I was one too and I think that's the MAIN reason I don't have kids. Those darling "well behaved" kids you all describe... YEAH!! I loved my job, but I am not under an illusion that all of the kids whose parents post on the DIS are the angels they want us to believe they are LOL! (Actually the worst part of my job as both a camp counselor and Assistant Director of the camp was "Parents". You wouldn't believe some of the things parents did. My fav was the mom who "forgot" to mention and managed to make sure the MD "forgot" to mention SEVERE asthma... we found out at 2 am when we had to get EMT's to take her daughter to the hospital!) I also had a well behaved 16 year old get arrested at Opryland for shoplifting..... She had NEVER been in trouble before, but there is something about the teen years. (I think she was grounded for life, maybe she's free by now it's been 10 years or so LOL!)

 

[minijeanie]

I have to totally 100% agree with this one.

I am a therapist, and I do my group work in an office but when I work with individuals it's in their own homes and communities, partly so their families can be intensively involved. I've worked with all ages.

My wife is a pediatrician.

By choice, we didn't have kids until we were well into our 30s. In our jobs, we both counseled parents (her more than me) about what best to do with their children, how they as parents should act and react, etc. From our book-smarts and work experiences, we both thought we were really knowledgable about the practical ins-and-outs of parenting. After all, we were the professionals, and people were coming to us and PAYING US for our advice and counsel.

As parents, we now cringe when we recall some of the things we said to parents. We cringe at some of the ideas we had when we were SO sure we were SO right and what in blazes were those loopy parents thinking, anyway?!

I have absolutely nothing against Evil Princess. I happen to agree with a lot of what she's said (the substance if not the style), but when I read the part about her having worked with kids ... well ... I had that same type of cringe-worthy moment as I have when I think about things my wife and I said as childless professionals.

I am in awe that you wrote this!! we also did not have kids into mid -late 30's and yes we thought we knew all.... how wrong were we!!!

yet in retrospect, my kids have made me so much more a better individual than I had hoped I would ever become. I will say that being a mom at 50 having 2 teens is a bit trying....In some ways I wish I had them in my 20's so that I would be closer in age and yet I am glad in other ways.

Either way!!! tell me I will make it till they enter college better yet...you are are NJ ..I might have to come to visit you for professional services

I guess I am happy I did not wait until I was 40....

god bless those moms

 

[Evil Princess]

I have to totally 100% agree with this one.

I am a therapist, and I do my group work in an office but when I work with individuals it's in their own homes and communities, partly so their families can be intensively involved. I've worked with all ages.

My wife is a pediatrician.

By choice, we didn't have kids until we were well into our 30s. In our jobs, we both counseled parents (her more than me) about what best to do with their children, how they as parents should act and react, etc. From our book-smarts and work experiences, we both thought we were really knowledgable about the practical ins-and-outs of parenting. After all, we were the professionals, and people were coming to us and PAYING US for our advice and counsel.

As parents, we now cringe when we recall some of the things we said to parents. We cringe at some of the ideas we had when we were SO sure we were SO right and what in blazes were those loopy parents thinking, anyway?!

I have absolutely nothing against Evil Princess. I happen to agree with a lot of what she's said (the substance if not the style), but when I read the part about her having worked with kids ... well ... I had that same type of cringe-worthy moment as I have when I think about things my wife and I said as childless professionals.

And, especially here on the DisBoards, I expected this response.

I fully expect my viewpoints as how to raise children and the like to change the second that I actually have them. I totally understand that.

However, I don't think that it's that far-fetched for me to have an opinion that is somewhat valid based on my experience in working with, taking care of, being around, not to mention having been a child.

A 16 year old, although a teenager, is still a child. DME is not a babysitting service, Disney cannot be held responsible for the well being of someone elses kid.

Not all 16 year olds are responsible. Sure, not all 18 year olds are responsible, and not all 40 year olds are responsible. It is, howeve,r more likely for a 16 year old to act irresponsibly. It's the age. Where can Disney draw the line? they chose 18, which is the age that most places tend to choose.

Sure, I don't have kids...but I cannot see how anyone can really argue with that point. It's common sense.

This isn't so much a parenting issue, it has to do with what Disney will and will not allow, and what they are willing to be responsible for.

I'm sorry that it inconveniences the OP, but I don't think that Disney needs to "get with the times".

 

[snowy76]

And unless you have them,,, you can't possibly understand

I'm a mom of three (one teen, one tween, and one toddler) and I have to stand up for Evil Princess here... what I got from her post was that her experiences have allowed her to see plenty of kids when they're away from their parents and less strictly supervised... we were ALL kids once and we all know that we did things when we knew our parents weren't looking that would've made them EP's experiences also point out the fact that there are plenty of companies and organizations that do not want the liability issues involved with dealing with minors that are unchaperoned.

Airlines require someone 18 or older to drop the minor off at the gate as well as have another person 18 or older waiting gateside so that the minor goes directly from one set of supervised hands to another. Again, it's a liability thing. The difference is that airlines generally set the minor age limit around 14 or 15. The trouble here is that the DS in this case turns into a minor again when he steps on a DME bus. DME is choosing to set that bar at a higher age. And since it's a private entity, unfortunately for some folks, they can set their own rules. It's not public transportation.

 

[Evil Princess]

The "unoffical" rule of the DIS Board. OPs are ALWAYS right and only posts that agree with them should be allowed.

As for being a camp counselor..... I was one too and I think that's the MAIN reason I don't have kids. Those darling "well behaved" kids you all describe... YEAH!! I loved my job, but I am not under an illusion that all of the kids whose parents post on the DIS are the angels they want us to believe they are LOL! (Actually the worst part of my job as both a camp counselor and Assistant Director of the camp was "Parents". You wouldn't believe some of the things parents did. My fav was the mom who "forgot" to mention and managed to make sure the MD "forgot" to mention SEVERE asthma... we found out at 2 am when we had to get EMT's to take her daughter to the hospital!) I also had a well behaved 16 year old get arrested at Opryland for shoplifting..... She had NEVER been in trouble before, but there is something about the teen years. (I think she was grounded for life, maybe she's free by now it's been 10 years or so LOL!)

Oh I know about the OP being right thing, that's why I took a hiatus from the disboards from awhile. I also know that because of my age here, I don't have a valid opinion, similar to the fact that because I don't have children, I could not possibly know one thing about them.

The teen years are a tough age, things happen.

 

[minijeanie]

Oh I know about the OP being right thing, that's why I took a hiatus from the disboards from awhile. I also know that because of my age here, I don't have a valid opinion, similar to the fact that because I don't have children, I could not possibly know one thing about them.

The teen years are a tough age, things happen.

I am waving the white flag.....get over it okay!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Evil Princess]

I am waving the white flag.....get over it okay!!!!!!!!!!

Get over it...you're the one who can't get over the liability issues and refuse to acknowledge a common sense view because the person who states the opinion doesn't have kids.

I'm officially moving forward though.

The funny thing is, you say that I belittle you, yet your posts have very obnoxious undertones.

Enjoy the rental car! If you haven't rented already, mousesavers.com has great comparisons on the rental car companies at MCO.

 

[CleveRocks]

I also know that because of my age here, I don't have a valid opinion, similar to the fact that because I don't have children, I could not possibly know one thing about them.

(And to think ... in another thread I was sticking up for much of what you said ....)

I find it awfully revealing that in an earlier thread you sniped at another poster for reacting poorly when someone disagreed with her, but now that I've respectfully disagreed with you, you react with sarcasm. And if you believe ANYTHING I said in response to you to be disrespectful in any way, I urge you to please point it out to me.

I agree with you that dialog should be done with respect, whether we agree or disagree, It is unfortunate that, in this instance, you failed to heed your own pronouncement.

And in terms of your age comment, how do I know how old you are? You stated you have no kids, but I didn't notice (I may have missed it) you mentioning your age. You could be older than me, I have no idea. Not having children doesn't come with a maximum age.

 

[Evil Princess]

(And to think ... in another thread I was sticking up for much of what you said ....)

I find it awfully revealing that in an earlier thread you sniped at another poster for reacting poorly when someone disagreed with her, but now that I've respectfully disagreed with you, you react with sarcasm. And if you believe ANYTHING I said in response to you to be disrespectful in any way, I urge you to please point it out to me.

I agree with you that dialog should be done with respect, whether we agree or disagree, It is unfortunate that, in this instance, you failed to heed your own pronouncement.

And in terms of your age comment, how do I know how old you are? You stated you have no kids, but I didn't notice (I may have missed it) you mentioning your age. You could be older than me, I have no idea. Not having children doesn't come with a maximum age.

CleveRocks, that post was NOT in response to anything that you said! I understood that you were defending me, I even responded in an earlier post.

That was a general responsed based on me posting (but mostly lurking) on the DisBoards for 5 years. I wasn't referring to you at all.

 

[CleveRocks]

Gotcha

 

[minijeanie]

Get over it...you're the one who can't get over the liability issues and refuse to acknowledge a common sense view because the person who states the opinion doesn't have kids.

I'm officially moving forward though.

The funny thing is, you say that I belittle you, yet your posts have very obnoxious undertones.

Enjoy the rental car! If you haven't rented already, mousesavers.com has great comparisons on the rental car companies at MCO.

thanks! got not a bad rate with emerald aisle National......

although during this time frame all rental rates are high!!!

I will keep checking though....just read mousesavers....lot to digest

 

[clkelley]

To make everything easier for you and those boys, try to include their luggage with yours (if your allowance allows), so that you can tag them with yellow tags and let DME take them to the resort. That way they can go straight out of the airport and ya'll can get back there as early as possible.

 

[kaytieeldr]

OP - are you renting a car JUST to pick up your son? A taxi or town car might be cheaper. If you think they're mature enough to use DME unaccompanied (the restriction against which I understand, by the way - DME transports Disney Guests to their resorts and ultimately resort rooms; since a 16 year old can't rent a room it makes sense that Disney won't allow unaccompanied minors on DME), they should definitely be mature enough to take a taxi. See the Mears website for which taxi companies they operate - any of these (three, I think) is safe. They just need to make sure the driver uses the meter, and that it starts at either $0 or whatever the charge is for the first 1/8 mile. OR, you could have a town car pick them up - needs to be arranged in advance.

 

[epcotfan]

One thing they could do is purchase a Mears ticket for transportation to the Swan or Dolphin. If possible, include their luggage in your allowance so they only have a small carryon, then they could walk over to the Studios, and get a regular Disney bus over to your resort. A one-way Mears for each of them should be less than a taxi.

That is a long walk from the Swan/Dolphin to the Studios. Also, if the Studios happen to be closed by the time they arrive they are out of luck for transportation unless they go to Downtown Disney. Seems way too complicated to me.

I say, just get a cab or towncar. At least with a towncar you know can find out if they were picked up or not.