Epcot Kidcot Stops and Sharpie Markers

[campinggal]

Hi All-

I don't recall seeing this posted before so I thought I would mention the new sponsor of the Epcot Kidcot spots (the mask coloring stations around World Showcase) is now Sharpie.

Great that Disney continues to get corporate sponsors and this is a first I'd noticed a sponsor for this activity. Anyway, guess what they are using for markers???? Yup...Sharpies...as in PERMANENT markers!!!

This the first 'what were they thinking moment' I'd ever had at Disney and it came after witnessing a 4 year old use it on his face and he had a big ol' purple marker line along is left jaw line. Another Mom I ran into mentioned that her daughter was on her second outfit.

So this is more of a heads up to parents of very creative little ones. Don't dress them in their cute photo outfit if they are going to color around the world.

That said, this is still a great activity for kids and keeps them motivated to walk thru World Showcase with you- my daughter loves it.

Still plan on enjoying these stops but keep an eye on where those markers are waving!

 

[jeni1072]

We only saw Sharpies in Germany- everywhere else, including "The Land" was regular markers.
Also, the sharpies in Germany we totally dried out so they did not even get any colors on the card!

 

[campinggal]

We only saw Sharpies in Germany- everywhere else, including "The Land" was regular markers.
Also, the sharpies in Germany we totally dried out so they did not even get any colors on the card!

Hmmm...all the countries must have received fresh ones. We were there on Sunday (10/22) and Sharpies were everywhere.

 

[seven dwarfs]

Yup. We saw this in Sept. Can I tell you how bad it was with six kids!!! In Mexico at dinner, they had no crayons. We were told that is was because they had run out and could only use sharpe. I hope this is not true. We carried crayons with us the rest of the trip. I am not sure who picked sharpe but the person who did must not have kids! I am worried about the direction of Disney. Seems like a lot is changing that kept us coming every year! Bring back something wash-able Please!

 

[emma'smom]

I brought this issue up after we went last June. I really think it is outrageous that they have sharpies for 4 year olds. I carried crayons with me...but dd is much more interested in the markers than crayons from mom's purse. Now dd2 will want to participate when we go this March...I hope they are ready to have all of the merchadise, table, carpet, etc. colored on with Sharpies by dd2. "Stop that honey...really....stop....".

 

[kj2mom]

The biggest trouble we had was my son couldn't click them to get them open/closed. I knew about the sharpies before we left on the trip and worked with them to make sure they knew about markers and their permanency. We didn't have a problem in that sense.

 

[DRRluvsWDW]

PERMANENT MARKERS????
I will definitele add markers to the packing list. Will the washables stay on the mask craft? Would crayons work better?
Thanks!

 

[Westwingkath]

This is utterly KEY! Thanks for the update! My son comes home from kindergarten every day with marker marks -- on/half inside his left nostril today, a scene I don't want to think about, but how much time do you think I spent trying to clean his booger-y nose before I realized...

My kids will turn their noses up at crayons if markers are to be had. the only solution would be a larger selection of washable markers from home in Mom's backpack.

So how good is the collective memory: how many colors (approximately) of these dreaded Sharpies are offered?

 

[Schmeck]

Sharpie marks come off skin with soap and water - and a bit of elbow grease. Sharpie comes off clothing with any acetone based nail polish remover. Dab it on with a Q-tip.

We had the reverse problem when my kids used water-based markers - It rained a bit that night, and their masks got a bit wet and the colors ran all over their arms and clothing. They were very sad that their masks were ruined too!

I think crayons are the best, but they don't show up as brilliantly as markers do. My kids would always pick markers over crayons.

The colored nostril from an above post must be because they are using those scented markers in class...

 

[campinggal]

They had the full rainbow of Sharpie color markers- including multiple shades of blue and purple as well as the primary colors.

For those of you who bring your own washable markers- once you start your mask, stop at the next souvenier stand and get a medium size plastic bag to carry your mask in- it helps protect it from the rain as well as makes it easier to tote around.

 

[mla2177]

Sharpies?????????????????


A little off subject, but what ages are recommended for the Kidcot stops? Is 3 too young (especially w/ Sharpies)?

 

[mom22boys]

Thanks for the very important info! I will make sure to dress our kids in old, play clothes! DS6 is really looking forward to visiting all of the Kidcot stops on our next trip. I think he is most excited to get his passport stamped and to get the charms for his mask. I do not think he will spend too much time decorating his mask. Our DNiece on the other hand, will probably spend hours decorating her mask!

 

[Tigger714]

Things to add to my shopping/packing list:

Washable Markers
Crayons
Acetone Based Polish Remover
Extra Q Tips
Plastic Bag


Did I miss anything? Thanks for all the tips! I too cannot believe they went to Sharpies, what were they thinking?????Oh, that's right, THEY WEREN'T! Wonder how long before they get tired of the rogue kid running all over the store and ruining merchandise???????

 

[lorilori]

Thanks so much for posting this! My youngest DS has severe allergies and would definitely be triggered by the smell of Sharpies... guess will have to pass on the masks this time around.

 

[jeni1072]

Sharpies?????????????????


A little off subject, but what ages are recommended for the Kidcot stops? Is 3 too young (especially w/ Sharpies)?

My 2.5 year old got in on every one!

 

[loriandmatt]

hey - that clairfies the e-mail i got from sharpie this morning inviting me to enter their Disney Vacation sweepstakes. (i purchase a lot of sharpie products via their website for my workplace - they send me promos contstanly.) Disney and Sharpie are sharing the love now apparently.

check out sharpie.com and take the disney personality test and enter the sweepstakes.

by the way - i ended up being Jiminy Cricket....my fav. i was thrilled.

- lori

 

[liznboys]

Good grief...talk about DUH! Who doesn't know that young children shouldn't be armed with permanent markers?! Thanks for letting us know...maybe they'll wise up before next March (by that time pretty much all of Epcot will be covered in Sharpie. lol)

 

[Blythep]

hey - that clairfies the e-mail i got from sharpie this morning inviting me to enter their Disney Vacation sweepstakes. (i purchase a lot of sharpie products via their website for my workplace - they send me promos contstanly.) Disney and Sharpie are sharing the love now apparently.

check out sharpie.com and take the disney personality test and enter the sweepstakes.

by the way - i ended up being Jiminy Cricket....my fav. i was thrilled.

- lori

thanks Lori,
I registered and found out that I'm Jiminy Cricket!! No Princess for me...

 

[AmyM]

Wow am I getting to be an OLD mom. Just got back from our last trip with 11 and 13 year old. They did the KidStops and LOVED them!!!! So young and old alike enjoy. Didn't even think about the little ones!!! When mine were 4 and 6 I would NEVER have wanted them to use Sharpies. Good luck parents!

 

[edk35]

Okay that is just nuts. I get nervous when my 13 and 16 year olds use sharpies!!!! I have marks on our new dining room table from a black sharpie that ds 13 accidently made while doing homework. Maybe sharpie will come out with a new line of washable sharpies just for kids??!!!