Has anyone else had issues with the new Oceaneer's club/lab policies?

[conandrob240]

Is it a Kid's Club or Mommy & me class? It shouldn't be open to parents, plain & simple. I do understand an hour very early in the day to bring under 3 in for a play session. They should schedule it like a Parent/ child Gymboree class. Otherwise, let the kid's have their space without parents hovering over them

 

[SharonLowe]

Is it a Kid's Club or Mommy & me class? It shouldn't be open to parents, plain & simple. I do understand an hour very early in the day to bring under 3 in for a play session. They should schedule it like a Parent/ child Gymboree class. Otherwise, let the kid's have their space without parents hovering over them

My youngest will be 14 when we cruise so I don't have to experience all of this, but if someone from DCL is reading these comments, I definitely agree with this one. To me, an "open house" is time for you to see what is offered; it should not be hours of parent/child time while the kids whose parents are doing something else are crammed into a smaller space. If parents want to be with their kids, there are plenty of other things they can do and places they can go. If I had a kid in the age group affected, I would be canceling my cruise and booking with another company because this is a major change that makes the disney cruise way less enjoyable for many, kids included. For people to have to rearrange spa treatments and other adult activities is a slap in the face of those who had every right to believe they didn't have to schedule around day-long "open houses."

 

[Niebz]

My youngest will be 14 when we cruise so I don't have to experience all of this, but if someone from DCL is reading these comments, I definitely agree with this one. To me, an "open house" is time for you to see what is offered; it should not be hours of parent/child time while the kids whose parents are doing something else are crammed into a smaller space. If parents want to be with their kids, there are plenty of other things they can do and places they can go. If I had a kid in the age group affected, I would be canceling my cruise and booking with another company because this is a major change that makes the disney cruise way less enjoyable for many, kids included. For people to have to rearrange spa treatments and other adult activities is a slap in the face of those who had every right to believe they didn't have to schedule around day-long "open houses."

Are you even reading this thread? Nobody should have to rearrange their spa appointments and other adult activities. There's still round-the-clock childcare and programming available. Reading this thread seriously makes me want to cry at the anger parents seem to feel at other parents who just want their children to have a chance at experiencing the kids programming too. I have a 4-year-old who's never been to preschool so doesn't have much experience being away from Mom and Dad aside from dance lessons where we wait in the hall and a 1-year-old who loves to crawl and climb around with big sis. Not all parents of little ones get up at the crack of dawn. I think it's fabulous that Disney is trying to come up with a suitable option for them and for the older children who want to try out the kids programming but who's parents maybe want to spend their family vacation together as a family. Why is that so evil? It's not all day every day but a few hours carved out here and there - the duration of which a suitable alternative for secure programming will be provided in the opposite club or lab.

 

[SoCaOC-Mom]

My youngest will be 14 when we cruise so I don't have to experience all of this, but if someone from DCL is reading these comments, I definitely agree with this one. To me, an "open house" is time for you to see what is offered; it should not be hours of parent/child time while the kids whose parents are doing something else are crammed into a smaller space. If parents want to be with their kids, there are plenty of other things they can do and places they can go. If I had a kid in the age group affected, I would be canceling my cruise and booking with another company because this is a major change that makes the disney cruise way less enjoyable for many, kids included. For people to have to rearrange spa treatments and other adult activities is a slap in the face of those who had every right to believe they didn't have to schedule around day-long "open houses."

There is always going to be 'secured' programming offered, so there shouldn't be a reason to cancel adult activities. I think some of the concerns mentioned were that the particular section of the club/lab that was secured might not the area there child prefers.

While I agree that the kids club is not what the majority would refer to as family programing, I think that many people with toddlers would be satisfied with a couple hours of day.

However, a child with special needs is registered in that club should not have to be limited to a couple hours of family timein the club- and while most will appropriately accommodated under the general programing some will not be. While DCL does not have to provide this type of care, a child can not legally be denied access because they do.

 

[SoCaOC-Mom]

Are you even reading this thread? Nobody should have to rearrange their spa appointments and other adult activities. There's still round-the-clock childcare and programming available. Reading this thread seriously makes me want to cry at the anger parents seem to feel at other parents who just want their children to have a chance at experiencing the kids programming too. I have a 4-year-old who's never been to preschool so doesn't have much experience being away from Mom and Dad aside from dance lessons where we wait in the hall and a 1-year-old who loves to crawl and climb around with big sis. Not all parents of little ones get up at the crack of dawn. I think it's fabulous that Disney is trying to come up with a suitable option for them and for the older children who want to try out the kids programming but who's parents maybe want to spend their family vacation together as a family. Why is that so evil? It's not all day every day but a few hours carved out here and there - the duration of which a suitable alternative for secure programming will be provided in the opposite club or lab.

I'm in an interesting position of having a child who will be just shy of 3 when we cruise, in addition to have a 4.5 year old with special needs. When the first thread was started about the changes to the kids clubs policies, I let too many opinions get to me when in reality there isn't enough information to know how policy it will play out.

I ended up coming to the conclusion that a wait and see approach would save me a lot of time and grief. And if it doesn't work, at least in the event that I do write a letter I can provide actual experienced concerns and issues instead of 'what if's"

Not to mention while some activities are planned in advance not every minute is, kids just might not want to go to the club but ride the aqua duck all day long instead- or swim-or see a movie.

There are just to many variables to deal with.

 

[moomy-san]

I wrote an email... not because I think this is a horrible idea or want to exclude younger kids from experiencing the clubs with their parents. I wrote it because I feel very strongly that my 7 year old, who LOVES the Club, will be left out and possibly pushed around by the big kids if they are in her Club or she has to go to the Lab. A 3 year old cannot be truly safe on the slide if the 10 year old behind her decides to jump down there too. The big kids will be bored stiff in the Club and that usually means running and roughhousing. In the Lab last year my daughter said the bigger kids refused to give up computers or chairs to the smaller kids... whats going to happen when it's not one or 2 little ones in the Lab... but 20 or 30?

 

[threewilmingtonwalls]

If I had a kid in the age group affected, I would be canceling my cruise and booking with another company because this is a major change that makes the disney cruise way less enjoyable for many, kids included. For people to have to rearrange spa treatments and other adult activities is a slap in the face of those who had every right to believe they didn't have to schedule around day-long "open houses."

I think plenty of people agree. Just because there is technically care available, that doesn't change the fact that the new system is not what many of us expected when we chose DCL - based on their own descriptions of children's programming and childcare.

Are you even reading this thread? Nobody should have to rearrange their spa appointments and other adult activities. There's still round-the-clock childcare and programming available.

There is always going to be 'secured' programming offered, so there shouldn't be a reason to cancel adult activities. I think some of the concerns mentioned were that the particular section of the club/lab that was secured might not the area there child prefers. .

Perhaps she was referring to this:

I realize many of you do not want to hear this, but if your 3 or 4 year old is going to be miserable in the Lab while you are at Palo, cancel Palo. Yes, it was lovely, but your cruise will still be great without it. As for the Spa, one parent can go to the spa while the other stays with the little ones. Just be flexible and don't stress over this stuff, and you will have a great time.

Look, we all want what is best for our own children. We are parents, that's our job. We can wail and gnash our teeth and fight with strangers on the Internet all we want, but at the end of the day Disney is going to create a policy and (hopefully) enforce it. All we can do is make ourselves heard to Disney and hope we're in the majority. Not everyone will be. I, for one, don't think anyone is "evil" or "a crazy."

 

[threewilmingtonwalls]

i wrote an email... Not because i think this is a horrible idea or want to exclude younger kids from experiencing the clubs with their parents. I wrote it because i feel very strongly that my 7 year old, who loves the club, will be left out and possibly pushed around by the big kids if they are in her club or she has to go to the lab. A 3 year old cannot be truly safe on the slide if the 10 year old behind her decides to jump down there too. The big kids will be bored stiff in the club and that usually means running and roughhousing. In the lab last year my daughter said the bigger kids refused to give up computers or chairs to the smaller kids... Whats going to happen when it's not one or 2 little ones in the lab... But 20 or 30?

mte!

 

[kimmypie1]

Are you even reading this thread? Nobody should have to rearrange their spa appointments and other adult activities. There's still round-the-clock childcare and programming available. Reading this thread seriously makes me want to cry at the anger parents seem to feel at other parents who just want their children to have a chance at experiencing the kids programming too. I have a 4-year-old who's never been to preschool so doesn't have much experience being away from Mom and Dad aside from dance lessons where we wait in the hall and a 1-year-old who loves to crawl and climb around with big sis. Not all parents of little ones get up at the crack of dawn. I think it's fabulous that Disney is trying to come up with a suitable option for them and for the older children who want to try out the kids programming but who's parents maybe want to spend their family vacation together as a family. Why is that so evil? It's not all day every day but a few hours carved out here and there - the duration of which a suitable alternative for secure programming will be provided in the opposite club or lab.

I think the concern about having to cancel spa appointments and such stems from the concern that the particular kid's club that is open for "secure activity" during a time when the other club is closed for open house would reach capacity and therefore not allow all children to come in.

For example, let's say (and I am making these numbers up) between both clubs, they have maximum capacity for 400 kids. The Oceaneer's club can hold 200 and the Lab can hold 200. So the OC is closed for an open house. Then they would have to take 400 kids and put them in a space that will only hold 200 kids. Therefore they would have to turn down 200 kids. Some of the turned down kids' parents may have paid for a spa appointment during that time and are now unable to go.

The navigators that have been posted indicate an open house of at least 4 hours, not just an hour or two here and there.

I personally have a dog in both races so to speak. I have a 5 year old and I don't particularly care for the idea of her being intimated by older kids when forced to be in one of the clubs together. But I also have a 2 year old that I would like to be able to take into the club for a few minutes to play. A few minutes, not 4 hours though.

 

[SoCaOC-Mom]

For example, let's say (and I am making these numbers up) between both clubs, they have maximum capacity for 400 kids. The Oceaneer's club can hold 200 and the Lab can hold 200. So the OC is closed for an open house. Then they would have to take 400 kids and put them in a space that will only hold 200 kids. Therefore they would have to turn down 200 kids. Some of the turned down kids' parents may have paid for a spa appointment during that time and are now unable to go.

Since anyone in the 3-10 age group always had the ability to go to either the club or the lab, I very much suspect that capacity (whatever actually number that might be) in either the club or the club is representative of the entire body of that age group (3-10).

So while all the kids in one secured section might make the club/lab look or feel full, they are guaranteed a spot.

In theory, there is more of a chance of being turned away at an 'open house'- since people outside of the registered group can use it.

 

[TheLanes]

Since anyone in the 3-10 age group always had the ability to go to either the club or the lab, I very much suspect that capacity (whatever actually number that might be) in either the club or the club is representative of the entire body of that age group (3-10).

So while all the kids in one secured section might make the club/lab look or feel full, they are guaranteed a spot.

In theory, there is more of a chance of being turned away at an 'open house'- since people outside of the registered group can use it.

Sound theory!

 

[SoCaOC-Mom]

Sound theory!

 

[jetskigrl]

Are you even reading this thread? Nobody should have to rearrange their spa appointments and other adult activities. There's still round-the-clock childcare and programming available. Reading this thread seriously makes me want to cry at the anger parents seem to feel at other parents who just want their children to have a chance at experiencing the kids programming too. I have a 4-year-old who's never been to preschool so doesn't have much experience being away from Mom and Dad aside from dance lessons where we wait in the hall and a 1-year-old who loves to crawl and climb around with big sis. Not all parents of little ones get up at the crack of dawn. I think it's fabulous that Disney is trying to come up with a suitable option for them and for the older children who want to try out the kids programming but who's parents maybe want to spend their family vacation together as a family. Why is that so evil? It's not all day every day but a few hours carved out here and there - the duration of which a suitable alternative for secure programming will be provided in the opposite club or lab.

Yep, I absolutely read the thread. No, it is not evil to want to spend time with one's family but where does it stop? Should the Teen and Tween clubs also hold Open Houses so that we can all go in there and play for 3-4 hours in the evenings? Should the adult pool have an Open House? Why are the younger kids being asked to share/give up their space for 3-4 hour blocks when none of the other age groups are?

What many are not understanding is that the kid may not want to be forced into the secure club with twice as many kids in there. My DS is almost 9 so he considers the "Club" on the Wonder babyish (as it is designed for younger children). He loves going to the Lab but if his only option for the evening that DH and I have booked Palo is to go to the Club, then this equates to forced daycare rather than an experience that he wants to participate in. And since it is his vacation too, I would cancel my reservation at Palo before I would force him to be "babysat" at the Club for up to 3 hours. It also gets crowded in that area on a normal evening, so even if the Lab is open, his experience in there is diminished if there are twice as many kids.

I have seen varying reports of how the Open Houses are being handled. But one specific report from the Wonder (which we will be on in 3 months) shows some Open Houses being held for 3 hours during the evening (when the adult programming is taking place). This one bothers me because the "secure" club is forced to handle the overflow of kids.

Another report shows the Open Houses on the Magic being held from 3 - 6 pm (alternating days in the Club and Lab). This situation is more reasonable to me. As you said, it gives some family play time to those that want it without affecting the most used hours in the Lab/Club.

Since I have no way of knowing, at this point, when the Open Houses will take place, I am taking a chance with booking Palo since I can only book one seating (and won't know until we see the Navigator the night before, if the Lab will be unavailable during that time).

 

[DVCMomofThree]

Are you even reading this thread? Nobody should have to rearrange their spa appointments and other adult activities. There's still round-the-clock childcare and programming available. Reading this thread seriously makes me want to cry at the anger parents seem to feel at other parents who just want their children to have a chance at experiencing the kids programming too. I have a 4-year-old who's never been to preschool so doesn't have much experience being away from Mom and Dad aside from dance lessons where we wait in the hall and a 1-year-old who loves to crawl and climb around with big sis. Not all parents of little ones get up at the crack of dawn. I think it's fabulous that Disney is trying to come up with a suitable option for them and for the older children who want to try out the kids programming but who's parents maybe want to spend their family vacation together as a family. Why is that so evil? It's not all day every day but a few hours carved out here and there - the duration of which a suitable alternative for secure programming will be provided in the opposite club or lab.

And I think reasonable people can disagree that a "suitable alternative" is a space some kids aren't comfortable with (the club vs the lab) where a large number of kids are confined to one space for a few can take over the other...

 

[DVCMomofThree]

Since anyone in the 3-10 age group always had the ability to go to either the club or the lab, I very much suspect that capacity (whatever actually number that might be) in either the club or the club is representative of the entire body of that age group (3-10).

So while all the kids in one secured section might make the club/lab look or feel full, they are guaranteed a spot.

In theory, there is more of a chance of being turned away at an 'open house'- since people outside of the registered group can use it.

And having been a cruise before and seeing how busy one club/lab can be during busy times of day, I very much disagree,

 

[jetskigrl]

Since anyone in the 3-10 age group always had the ability to go to either the club or the lab, I very much suspect that capacity (whatever actually number that might be) in either the club or the club is representative of the entire body of that age group (3-10).

So while all the kids in one secured section might make the club/lab look or feel full, they are guaranteed a spot.

In theory, there is more of a chance of being turned away at an 'open house'- since people outside of the registered group can use it.

I respectfully disagree with that. It may be representative of the entire body, but the CM's control who is in which space at which time (at least on the classic ships they do, on the Dream, not so much without closing a door between the two spaces).

I have no doubt that when either the Lab or Club reaches its capacity (which would be much lower than the sum of both) on the Magic or Wonder, the CM's can stop allowing children to go to the higher populated section until some of the kids that are already in there leave. So if 1/2 of the space is being used for Open House, the capacity of kids in the other area is still much lower that then sum of the two areas.

 

[AwtreyCalifornia]

Thanks for this info!

Looks like I am not going to like this change. My 10 year old will be 1 month shy of being 11 when we cruise. Will I be able to move him to the Edge to avoid this open house stuff?

Yes i beleive if your within 2 months from your birthday to the time your cruising

The open houses are too long. I cant drop my son off at the lab when theres a fun activity unless im there!?! Thats not what we planned when we booked the cruise.

 

[SoCaOC-Mom]

And having been a cruise before and seeing how busy one club/lab can be during busy times of day, I very much disagree,

Who said it wouldn't be busy? There is a difference between that and being told they are at capacity and being turned away.

 

[SoCaOC-Mom]

I respectfully disagree with that. It may be representative of the entire body, but the CM's control who is in which space at which time (at least on the classic ships they do, on the Dream, not so much without closing a door between the two spaces).

I have no doubt that when either the Lab or Club reaches its capacity (which would be much lower than the sum of both) on the Magic or Wonder, the CM's can stop allowing children to go to the higher populated section until some of the kids that are already in there leave. So if 1/2 of the space is being used for Open House, the capacity of kids in the other area is still much lower that then sum of the two areas.

Instead of both of us speculating, I am sure that DCL could answer the question with the actual numbers.

 

[princessmom29]

Are you even reading this thread? Nobody should have to rearrange their spa appointments and other adult activities. There's still round-the-clock childcare and programming available. Reading this thread seriously makes me want to cry at the anger parents seem to feel at other parents who just want their children to have a chance at experiencing the kids programming too. I have a 4-year-old who's never been to preschool so doesn't have much experience being away from Mom and Dad aside from dance lessons where we wait in the hall and a 1-year-old who loves to crawl and climb around with big sis. Not all parents of little ones get up at the crack of dawn. I think it's fabulous that Disney is trying to come up with a suitable option for them and for the older children who want to try out the kids programming but who's parents maybe want to spend their family vacation together as a family. Why is that so evil? It's not all day every day but a few hours carved out here and there - the duration of which a suitable alternative for secure programming will be provided in the opposite club or lab.

No, it is about cramming way too many kids into a space that is only desigend to hold half of them so that the 5-6 families that don't want to leave thier kids can play for 4 hours. THAT is what is being reported to be happening during the open house. The "secure" club is overcrowded, and the "open house" club is almost empty. It just doesn't make sense to me to allow that for 4+ hours at a time. There is plenty to do on the ship as a family if you choose not to seperate from your kids. Why is it necessary to take over an entire kids club for 4 hours to get "family time"?? There SI NOT "suitable alternative programming" being offered. If would be alomst impossible to offer suitable programing for a group that large that ranges in age fro 3-10. There NEED to be seperate activities, but that would be next to impossible with a capacity club and space cut in half. It is beyond comprehension to me that they would do this for 4 hours at a time to accomodate so few families.