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

[justhat]

I have been reading every post on this thread from the day it started. Just a few thoughts.


Why do you have to cancel anything at all? Keep your plans and check the schedule for the Clubs when you board. If they conflict, talk to Palo or the Spa reps about adjusting the time because of the Kids' Clubs schedule. Or, have your child go to whatever club has secured programming during that time. Will the time there be perfect? Maybe, maybe not, but they are getting time to play without their parents in a fun place on a cruise ship on vacation. Every child should be so lucky.


If this were done during normal club hours, there are still adults in the room with children that they are not related to who have not authorized this. This is a problem.


But what about the other children in there at the time whose parents did not authorize for another parent to be in with their child? Just because someone is a parent to one child does not mean that every parent wants them around their own children.

What if someone without kids wanted to come in and make Flubber? Is that okay? They are just there for a little bit. It is in their best interest. It's happening on the cruise ship. Why shouldn't THEY be able to stay? (Yes, the answer is: Because they don't have a kid in the kid's club. But moreso, because there is no reason for them to be around other people's children inside the kids' clubs. Same is true with someone who has a child. There is no reason for them to be around other people's children INSIDE the kids' clubs.


That is the incident people here on DIS know about, but no one knows if there was something else that caused this change. As for non-parents, why shouldn't they be allowed? They paid for a cruise too. If a parent can be around someone else's kids why can't a non-parent? (Yes, I'm playing devil's advocate.)


Then have your kids be in whichever club they can at the time you want alone time. Or, change your alone time. Again, the kids are on vacation, on a cruise ship, in a place to play and have fun. Life should be so wonderful for every child on Earth.



We planned our vacation for our MR cruise. Then a hurricane decided to arrive. Our ENTIRE itinerary changed moments before stepping foot on the ship. Sea days were port days. Palo brunches had to be moved. Spa appointments were now on days when activities we enjoyed were happening. Ports we knew nothing about were now part of our vacation. EVERY element of "the plan" was shot out the window. And you know what? Disney assisted with shifting things, rearranging plans, helping with options, and we had an amazing time. Including a wonderful anniversary dinner at Palo on a night different than our original reservation. It was a great week - not at all as we planned, but fantastic!


Or... talk to Palo management and try to shift your dinner, explaining that the Kids Clubs changes made it necessary to do so.


Again, make your plans. See how it meshes with the schedule once you board and then go talk to spa or Palo management as needed. Unless you are in Palo every night and at the spa every day, it should not be that big of a deal. Honestly. They understand and help when/how they can.


Yes. There is a nominal fee, but additional wave phones are available.


I have seen it mentioned a few times that this may be a cost cutting measure, so this is not aimed at you, just a general question. How would this save DCL costs? The Youth Activities' staff are on contracts and paid a salary, not hourly. So I don't understand how this saves money for DCL at all. Maybe I'm missing it, though.

Remember folks, it's play time on a cruise ship on a wonderful vacation. It's a good thing.

- Dreams

Excellent post. I couldn't agree more.

No, it is not about me. Did you read the post I was replying to? She was talking about what worked for her and her family and essentially saying we should all just fly by the seat of our pants like she does because it works for her. I was pointing out that it DOESN'T work for me. I never, ever said that everything should be engineered to work specifically for me. I don't know where you are getting that or how you think you can assume anything g about what I am or am not teaching my child. You don't know me. I was simply pointing out that HER way is not the only way, and there needs to be a solution that works for the majority of people. The only way to reach that is for families to voice what is or isn't working for them. I don't see anything wrong with that.
I never said my child should not have to compromise??? What I said was that she shouldn't have to be shoved into an overcrowded club without age appropriate activities to accommodate a few families. I stand by that. There has to be a better solution. I have said multiple times that I am not opposed to open houses, but I feel that the way they are currently being done is a poor choice and definitely could be improved. Again, I don't see what is wrong with expressing that???

Did someone say they don't make any plans and just fly by the seat of their pants? I mean, we all belong to these boards cause we like to plan ahead and learn. I think some people are just suggesting to approach your vacation with flexibility.

Even if palo is sold out, which it is for my cruise, and actually was before the platinum window ended as I booked towards the end of the window and had a very limited selection, you can often make changes on board without issue. Especially of your board early. And spa stuff is even easier to move around

Oh PLEASE tell me this is true!!!

DH and I have wanted to make Flubber and bake cooking with the chef for 3 cruises now. Please say it's so!

- Dreams

I just realized, weren't you on my 10/11 mr cruise? I think I remember you gave a TON of fe stuff! Thanks again! (assuming that was you)

 

[MikellaCinderella]

I sent a short message a few days ago. Paragraph 1 expressed concern about lengthy open house hours. Paragraph 2 asked them not to reply with a form letter stating "I am truly disheartened."

They didn't read paragraph 2.

Funny, but really disappointing.......I'm truly disheartened that they didn't actually read your email!

 

[squirrel]

Oh PLEASE tell me this is true!!!

DH and I have wanted to make Flubber and bake cooking with the chef for 3 cruises now. Please say it's so!

- Dreams

I take it as the open house is for anyone! Maybe when they get lots of adults without kids attending the open houses they will stop this madness!


I don't know why people are upset if another parent is in the club or nursery with their child. I know Disney doesn't allow this but if they did what's the big deal? When your kid goes to school they are going to have other parents in the classroom. I went with my niece's class ice skating. The teacher had never met me before, I never gave any kind of paperwork (criminal record check, first aid, etc) and nobody batted an eye.

I happen to have all the paperwork that the school would require as I have a daycare. I just don't get what the huge deal is if a parent has a child with special needs and wants to let him/her play with piers in the club. They aren't taking staff away from the other children. The parent is there helping their child that can't be left with the DCL staff (unless I missed something in this long thread).

 

[joyceyw]

I take it as the open house is for anyone! Maybe when they get lots of adults without kids attending the open houses they will stop this madness!


I don't know why people are upset if another parent is in the club or nursery with their child. I know Disney doesn't allow this but if they did what's the big deal? When your kid goes to school they are going to have other parents in the classroom. I went with my niece's class ice skating. The teacher had never met me before, I never gave any kind of paperwork (criminal record check, first aid, etc) and nobody batted an eye.

I happen to have all the paperwork that the school would require as I have a daycare. I just don't get what the huge deal is if a parent has a child with special needs and wants to let him/her play with piers in the club. They aren't taking staff away from the other children. The parent is there helping their child that can't be left with the DCL staff (unless I missed something in this long thread).

I said the same thing a few pages ago but someone wanted to argue me down post for post so I decided to stop responding. I don't have to have the last word.

 

[ccourtney]

Wait, I'm confused. Is the open house for parents WITH CHILDREN to come in and participate in activities WITH THEIR CHILDREN? Because I completely understand this because some children are shy and some have difficulty interacting with other children in that sort of setting. I see no issues with there being times for parents to participate with their children in the clubs.

But it sounds like people on here are saying that open house is also for adults WITHOUT children to go into the club and participate in activities. Is that correct? No, I don't really understand that. There are plenty of adult activities for the adults without children to do.

 

[sabrecmc]

When your kid goes to school they are going to have other parents in the classroom. I went with my niece's class ice skating. The teacher had never met me before, I never gave any kind of paperwork (criminal record check, first aid, etc) and nobody batted an eye.

At my DD's school, all volunteers, including parents, have to go through a background check before they can actually volunteer at the school (as opposed to just dropping your child off, of course). So, I guess it differs.

I think there are safety concerns about adults in the kids' area (from other parents and as far as DCL's possible liability is concerned), as well as perhaps some concerns about pushy parents. I have not personally had any issues with the way the clubs were run and always felt DD was safe and the counselors were able to handle the occasional pushy parent (though I never actually saw that happen). But, I do understand why people and DCL would want to keep the kids' club a secure area for kids only. That is fine with me, too.

My only real concern with the open houses is that you could have a 9 year old stuck in the club Heffalump Hunting or a 3 year old stuck in the Lab playing Wii games (i.e., the only activities in the secure areas are not really age appropriate). I'm sure this is something that can be addressed by DCL. I'm willing to wait and see how things work out in practice, but don't see anything wrong with letting DCL know of concerns before you cruise. I appreciate that DCL is trying something new to address issues and there are probably always going to be growing pains. But, that doesn't mean that future cruisers can't chime in with suggestions and possible planning concerns. I mean, I have a spreadsheet for crying out loud!!! I'm a planner. We think through these things, lol.

 

[LKFan]

At my DD's school, all volunteers, including parents, have to go through a background check before they can actually volunteer at the school (as opposed to just dropping your child off, of course). So, I guess it differs.

I think there are safety concerns about adults in the kids' area (from other parents and as far as DCL's possible liability is concerned), as well as perhaps some concerns about pushy parents. I have not personally had any issues with the way the clubs were run and always felt DD was safe and the counselors were able to handle the occasional pushy parent (though I never actually saw that happen). But, I do understand why people and DCL would want to keep the kids' club a secure area for kids only. That is fine with me, too.

My only real concern with the open houses is that you could have a 9 year old stuck in the club Heffalump Hunting or a 3 year old stuck in the Lab playing Wii games (i.e., the only activities in the secure areas are not really age appropriate). I'm sure this is something that can be addressed by DCL. I'm willing to wait and see how things work out in practice, but don't see anything wrong with letting DCL know of concerns before you cruise. I appreciate that DCL is trying something new to address issues and there are probably always going to be growing pains. But, that doesn't mean that future cruisers can't chime in with suggestions and possible planning concerns. I mean, I have a spreadsheet for crying out loud!!! I'm a planner. We think through these things, lol.

Yes, exactly!

I also think some levels of panic or aggravation are related to how soon people are cruising. For instance, our cruise is in 4 weeks. We did the identical cruise last year so pretty much know what to expect -- or so we thought. The open houses will definitely affect how we do things this time around and it is only natural to look for week by week, incident by incident reports from people who have cruised since this change.

 

[TDC Nala]

On the longer cruises they have opened up the lab to adults (and only adults - no kids) to make flubber and do experiments. They even had a soapbox derby on the January 2011 PC cruise - for adults. We carved bars of Ivory soap into cars and then raced them.

I hope they do this again for Hawaii because I love doing this stuff. But even if the open houses are for everybody (and from what I read, they are, so parents may not want to leave their children unattended at an open house - if they in fact can) I don't want to go hang around in there with a bunch of parents and kids.

They didn't start these open houses so adults without kids could play in the kids clubs - they started them to accommodate parents who want to be in the clubs WITH their children (for whatever reason) so they can do that and still have a secured area for the dropped-off kids. Because they had the practice for awhile of allowing the parents in with the kids, they apparently saw that there was a pretty good number of parents who wanted to stay with their children.

 

[jagwebb1]

At my DD's school, all volunteers, including parents, have to go through a background check before they can actually volunteer at the school (as opposed to just dropping your child off, of course). So, I guess it differs.

I think there are safety concerns about adults in the kids' area (from other parents and as far as DCL's possible liability is concerned), as well as perhaps some concerns about pushy parents. I have not personally had any issues with the way the clubs were run and always felt DD was safe and the counselors were able to handle the occasional pushy parent (though I never actually saw that happen). But, I do understand why people and DCL would want to keep the kids' club a secure area for kids only. That is fine with me, too.

My only real concern with the open houses is that you could have a 9 year old stuck in the club Heffalump Hunting or a 3 year old stuck in the Lab playing Wii games (i.e., the only activities in the secure areas are not really age appropriate). I'm sure this is something that can be addressed by DCL. I'm willing to wait and see how things work out in practice, but don't see anything wrong with letting DCL know of concerns before you cruise. I appreciate that DCL is trying something new to address issues and there are probably always going to be growing pains. But, that doesn't mean that future cruisers can't chime in with suggestions and possible planning concerns. I mean, I have a spreadsheet for crying out loud!!! I'm a planner. We think through these things, lol.

this! I would have a concern with other adults (parents or not) having access to my child in the club. My DD's school is just like you described and all adults must be background checked - - if you volunteer, each lunch with your child, attend a play, etc...Unless you just intend to drop your child off - you have to submit to a background check. It is a safety issue as well as a liability issue. Not to mention that other cruise lines do not allow adults (parents or otherwise) in the kids club after the first night. Because they realize the safety and liability aspect of doing so.

And my concern with the new rules is similar to other posters. My daughter is 5 - will be almost 6 when we cruise and will likely be ok in either the club or the lab. Although - I am sure she will prefer the club. I am disappointed that she may be crowded in one area that she does not prefer or might miss an activity that she would like to do if we are not able to be there with her. But we will make the best of it and have fun regardless. We typically cruise other lines and this will be a first for us with DCL. We chose it specifically for the secured kids clubs and the activities they have there. So when people ask...is this really a big deal?? For us - it was THE thing that tipped the scales for us to choose DCL this time and why we were willing to pay a premium. If it turns out that we are not pleased with the kids club - we will definitely go back to the other lines exclusively because we are only doing DCL for our daughter (sorry to you all mickey lovers! please don't hate!)

It seems that DCL needs to incorporate a family play area similar to what RCCL did on the Oasis and Allure so that parents/children that either can't or won't stay in the secure clubs will have a place to go. The kids clubs were designed for kids...that was the intent of the space. I recognize that a certain group may need or want family time but that shouldn't come at the expense of the group that space was intended for. That's my opinion...

 

[jetskigrl]

At my DD's school, all volunteers, including parents, have to go through a background check before they can actually volunteer at the school (as opposed to just dropping your child off, of course). So, I guess it differs.

I think there are safety concerns about adults in the kids' area (from other parents and as far as DCL's possible liability is concerned), as well as perhaps some concerns about pushy parents. I have not personally had any issues with the way the clubs were run and always felt DD was safe and the counselors were able to handle the occasional pushy parent (though I never actually saw that happen). But, I do understand why people and DCL would want to keep the kids' club a secure area for kids only. That is fine with me, too.

My only real concern with the open houses is that you could have a 9 year old stuck in the club Heffalump Hunting or a 3 year old stuck in the Lab playing Wii games (i.e., the only activities in the secure areas are not really age appropriate). I'm sure this is something that can be addressed by DCL. I'm willing to wait and see how things work out in practice, but don't see anything wrong with letting DCL know of concerns before you cruise. I appreciate that DCL is trying something new to address issues and there are probably always going to be growing pains. But, that doesn't mean that future cruisers can't chime in with suggestions and possible planning concerns. I mean, I have a spreadsheet for crying out loud!!! I'm a planner. We think through these things, lol.

I had to go back and check the user name because I could have written this entire post myself (well, change DD to DS, LOL), all the way down to the spreadsheet.

I also understand why DCL is making this change, and I have no problem with the concept. It is the implementation of it, especially on the Wonder, that I have expressed my concern about. I am not of the opinion that if a person has a concern they should be quiet about it and just be grateful that they are on a Disney cruise. This wasn't a gift that we were given. We are all paying a premium price to be on a Disney Cruise (over other cruise lines). There is nothing wrong with expecting a level of service that has either been marketed to us or from previous experience. And if that level of service is diminished (in our own opinions), then I would rather know that a person has expressed that concern to the company rather than just sit there and be upset but do nothing about it.

I was just reading the 2012 DCL brochure and it sure does market a "dedicated" space for kids 3-10. The family activities are listed on another page. To me, and in my opinion only, they have diminished the children's programming. So I have let DCL know that I am disappointed in the change. What they chose to do with the information is yet to be seen and once I do see it, I will make a decision as to whether or not I will continue to cruise with Disney. But I would be remiss if I never took the time to let them know my concerns.

DCL could, and totally within their rights, decide that they no longer wanted to visit Castaway Cay. Maybe some people complained that they didn't like it and so DCL decides not to go there anymore. They can do that because their contract says they can. Should people just be grateful that they are on a Disney cruise or should they let DCL know (before their cruise takes place) that they are unhappy with this change? This may seem like comparing apples to oranges but to some CC is very important. And to others, the kids programming is very important.

 

[TDC Nala]

The only real solution is to go back to the original intent of the kids clubs and reserve them for kids - no parents. That's going to upset the parents whose children want to do club activities but for whatever reason can't remain in there by themselves though. This is going to include parents of special needs children. I think accommodation for special needs children is a part of the reason for the split.

 

[ccourtney]

The only real solution is to go back to the original intent of the kids clubs and reserve them for kids - no parents. That's going to upset the parents whose children want to do club activities but for whatever reason can't remain in there by themselves though. This is going to include parents of special needs children. I think accommodation for special needs children is a part of the reason for the split.

That doesn't seem fair though. The people who have special needs children or children that have a difficult time meeting new kids ALSO paid top dollar for the cruise and I don't think it's unreasonable for them to want their children to have the opportunity to experience the clubs too.

It doesn't affect me either way. My son loved the kids club, The Edge and will love Vibe on our next cruise. He wants to do his own thing. I just feel bad for the parents who's children do not adapt as easily. I think their kids deserve the experience too.

 

[justhat]

I take it as the open house is for anyone! Maybe when they get lots of adults without kids attending the open houses they will stop this madness!


I don't know why people are upset if another parent is in the club or nursery with their child. I know Disney doesn't allow this but if they did what's the big deal? When your kid goes to school they are going to have other parents in the classroom. I went with my niece's class ice skating. The teacher had never met me before, I never gave any kind of paperwork (criminal record check, first aid, etc) and nobody batted an eye.

I happen to have all the paperwork that the school would require as I have a daycare. I just don't get what the huge deal is if a parent has a child with special needs and wants to let him/her play with piers in the club. They aren't taking staff away from the other children. The parent is there helping their child that can't be left with the DCL staff (unless I missed something in this long thread).

That definitely is not the case in our school. I had to be fingerprinted before volunteering in the classroom or attending any field trips. I, for one, was never comfortable that other parents could be in the club with my child, in the club bathrooms with my child, etc. I'm very happy that they did away with this, as it has been the case on other cruise lines for years anyway.

At my DD's school, all volunteers, including parents, have to go through a background check before they can actually volunteer at the school (as opposed to just dropping your child off, of course). So, I guess it differs.

I think there are safety concerns about adults in the kids' area (from other parents and as far as DCL's possible liability is concerned), as well as perhaps some concerns about pushy parents. I have not personally had any issues with the way the clubs were run and always felt DD was safe and the counselors were able to handle the occasional pushy parent (though I never actually saw that happen). But, I do understand why people and DCL would want to keep the kids' club a secure area for kids only. That is fine with me, too.

My only real concern with the open houses is that you could have a 9 year old stuck in the club Heffalump Hunting or a 3 year old stuck in the Lab playing Wii games (i.e., the only activities in the secure areas are not really age appropriate). I'm sure this is something that can be addressed by DCL. I'm willing to wait and see how things work out in practice, but don't see anything wrong with letting DCL know of concerns before you cruise. I appreciate that DCL is trying something new to address issues and there are probably always going to be growing pains. But, that doesn't mean that future cruisers can't chime in with suggestions and possible planning concerns. I mean, I have a spreadsheet for crying out loud!!! I'm a planner. We think through these things, lol.

You've made me think of something that would probably be a good solution that would work for the majority of people. Instead of people emailing DCL to revert back to the old policies, get rid of open houses, hold them only at times inconvenient to many, why not write and suggest that they offer better activities during open house times? What I mean is, rather than only Huffalump Hunting in the Club while the Lab is unsecured, maybe have Heffalump Hunting for the little ones and Piston Cup (or whatever) for the bigger kids. That would appease a lot of people who think their older kids might be bored in the Club, or vice versa when the little ones are in the Lab.

I had to go back and check the user name because I could have written this entire post myself (well, change DD to DS, LOL), all the way down to the spreadsheet.

I also understand why DCL is making this change, and I have no problem with the concept. It is the implementation of it, especially on the Wonder, that I have expressed my concern about. I am not of the opinion that if a person has a concern they should be quiet about it and just be grateful that they are on a Disney cruise. This wasn't a gift that we were given. We are all paying a premium price to be on a Disney Cruise (over other cruise lines). There is nothing wrong with expecting a level of service that has either been marketed to us or from previous experience. And if that level of service is diminished (in our own opinions), then I would rather know that a person has expressed that concern to the company rather than just sit there and be upset but do nothing about it.

I was just reading the 2012 DCL brochure and it sure does market a "dedicated" space for kids 3-10. The family activities are listed on another page. To me, and in my opinion only, they have diminished the children's programming. So I have let DCL know that I am disappointed in the change. What they chose to do with the information is yet to be seen and once I do see it, I will make a decision as to whether or not I will continue to cruise with Disney. But I would be remiss if I never took the time to let them know my concerns.

DCL could, and totally within their rights, decide that they no longer wanted to visit Castaway Cay. Maybe some people complained that they didn't like it and so DCL decides not to go there anymore. They can do that because their contract says they can. Should people just be grateful that they are on a Disney cruise or should they let DCL know (before their cruise takes place) that they are unhappy with this change? This may seem like comparing apples to oranges but to some CC is very important. And to others, the kids programming is very important.

I hear you on dedicated space, but my take on that, if I were a new cruiser, would mean specifically designed for kids, not that adults were not welcome to participate with their kids. Family activities would apply to a broader age range. IMO, if I didn't know any better from having been on the boat or reading these boards. Like RCCL, they have a "dedicated space" for kids 6-36 months, but parents MUST stay with them, not a drop off zone. So if you sailed with them, now DCL, I could easily see how you'd be confused.

The difference in the CC comparison is that DCL is not eliminating or removing children's programming in this case. Changing it, yes, but it is still available. So a better comparison would be if CC day needed to move on a cruise, which does often happen.


So anyway, that would be my thought. Rather than tearing down this new program that so wonderfully accommodates kids unable to participate in club activities alone for whatever reason, as for a wider range of activities in the secured club during the open house hours. That could easily be done and then relatively no one is affected.

 

[jetskigrl]

I hear you on dedicated space, but my take on that, if I were a new cruiser, would mean specifically designed for kids, not that adults were not welcome to participate with their kids. Family activities would apply to a broader age range. IMO, if I didn't know any better from having been on the boat or reading these boards. Like RCCL, they have a "dedicated space" for kids 6-36 months, but parents MUST stay with them, not a drop off zone. So if you sailed with them, now DCL, I could easily see how you'd be confused.

It is pretty specific. Even on the website it says "Disney's Oceaneer Lab on the Disney Wonder is a children's activity center located on Deck 5, Midship. Open from approximately 9:00 a.m. to midnight daily, Disney's Oceaneer Lab is the perfect place for children 3 to 10 years of age to play games, perform educational experiments, access computer games and enjoy a wide variety of supervised activities throughout the day. Disney's Oceaneer Lab is a wondrous haven for kids to learn, play and interact with others while Mom and Dad are on their own adventure."


The difference in the CC comparison is that DCL is not eliminating or removing children's programming in this case. Changing it, yes, but it is still available. So a better comparison would be if CC day needed to move on a cruise, which does often happen.

I think this depends on how you look at it. If the Lab is doing Open House for a 5 hour block, then they are eliminating a part of the program that was previous in place. I guess a better comparison is to say DCL decided to only spend only 3 hours at CC rather than the whole day. But that wasn't my point really in using CC. What I meant was that DCL can make changes as they want and some will be more important to others. Some may not care about a change to CC. But others might and I think they should express their concerns when they see them and not wait until they are on the cruise to do so. Again, just my opinion and I certainly don't expect everyone to agree with it.

So anyway, that would be my thought. Rather than tearing down this new program that so wonderfully accommodates kids unable to participate in club activities alone for whatever reason, as for a wider range of activities in the secured club during the open house hours. That could easily be done and then relatively no one is affected.

I'm not tearing down the new program at all. I had no problem with the old one (where parents could go in with their kids any time they wanted). But I do understand the concern of parents that don't want any adults in there during secure programming and I do see why DCL started the Open House to allow parents to spend some time in that area with kids. I just don't care for the varying hours and extremely long blocks of time, especially in the evening. My hope is that by letting DCL know this, they will see the value in a set schedule (allowing parents to plan ahead) and find something that works for everyone (or most everyone, they will never please everyone )

Now what I am curious about is how they are releasing kids during the secure programming. When I picked up DS before, they would look to verify that he was checked in and then tell me where he was (Club or Lab). then I would go in and search the place until I found him. So if parents aren't allowed in at all during secure programming, how do they find the kids to bring them to the gate? LOL - just something else that makes me go hum....

 

[True Romance]

.

I have seen it mentioned a few times that this may be a cost cutting measure, so this is not aimed at you, just a general question. How would this save DCL costs? The Youth Activities' staff are on contracts and paid a salary, not hourly. So I don't understand how this saves money for DCL at all. Maybe I'm missing it, though.
- Dreams

My thought on this is DCL will not employ as many YA staff on their ships. Maybe they are moving staff to the Fantasy and not filling their positions on the current ships. So if they have fewer staff, they have less man hours to fully operate both clubs. Hence an Open House for long periods that have 1/2 the YA staff in that club, no staff checking in and out of kids. Just my thoughts.

My only real concern with the open houses is that you could have a 9 year old stuck in the club Heffalump Hunting or a 3 year old stuck in the Lab playing Wii games (i.e., the only activities in the secure areas are not really age appropriate).

My concerns exactly.

I have heard several times from here and from Guest Services shoreside, that there is always coloring for the kids in both clubs. I don't pay big money to cruise DCL to have my kids coloring to keep them busy in the clubs.

 

[LKFan]

You've made me think of something that would probably be a good solution that would work for the majority of people. Instead of people emailing DCL to revert back to the old policies, get rid of open houses, hold them only at times inconvenient to many, why not write and suggest that they offer better activities during open house times? What I mean is, rather than only Huffalump Hunting in the Club while the Lab is unsecured, maybe have Heffalump Hunting for the little ones and Piston Cup (or whatever) for the bigger kids. That would appease a lot of people who think their older kids might be bored in the Club, or vice versa when the little ones are in the Lab.

That's what I wrote 3 pages ago http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=43752797&postcount=452

 

[justhat]

I'm not tearing down the new program at all. I had no problem with the old one (where parents could go in with their kids any time they wanted). But I do understand the concern of parents that don't want any adults in there during secure programming and I do see why DCL started the Open House to allow parents to spend some time in that area with kids. I just don't care for the varying hours and extremely long blocks of time, especially in the evening. My hope is that by letting DCL know this, they will see the value in a set schedule (allowing parents to plan ahead) and find something that works for everyone (or most everyone, they will never please everyone )

Now what I am curious about is how they are releasing kids during the secure programming. When I picked up DS before, they would look to verify that he was checked in and then tell me where he was (Club or Lab). then I would go in and search the place until I found him. So if parents aren't allowed in at all during secure programming, how do they find the kids to bring them to the gate? LOL - just something else that makes me go hum....

Other cruise lines don't allow parents in to find the kids. You tell them who you are there to get, they get your kid and bring them to the gate to check out. Never presented a problem when I used the clubs on other cruise lines. Even when we did the Nick Cruise on RCCL in 2009, which, of course, was packed with kids and a much larger ship.

The thing is, even if some parents are okay with other parents wandering around, it's a security risk for DCL. Plus the issue is that it isn't just parents, but any adult authorized to pick up kids. So that would include Crazy Uncle Bob or whomever someone lists.

I get the set schedule, but I think that would only accommodate some of the people who dislike the new plan. The set time would of course be inconvenient for some people, but both those who like the open houses and those who don't. Say they do mornings, 8:30-11:30. And the only Palo brunch you can get is 10am. Well, you'll have people complain that it interferes with their ability to go to brunch. And, truth is, all the concierge/platinum/gold will take the "better" times, so any silver/new cruisers will be stuck with the brunches when the club is in open house mode.

Or if they do 2-5pm, then no one can ever go to high tea when both clubs are open. I've done the tea twice and can live without it the rest of my life, just not my thing. But many people love it, and those people would potentially be up in arms about having to put their kid in the undesirable club to go to high tea. Or at night, 8pm-11pm, well, many little kids are asleep, many adult only activities going on, people eating dinner, watching shows, etc.

So then what's the solution? Rotating the hours. Morning on one day, afternoon another, evening another, etc. That way the same things aren't affected each day, plus non-morning people can do the later activities, morning people can get up and do the early ones, etc. Accommodates the largest number of people.

That's what I wrote 3 pages ago http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=43752797&postcount=452

I missed that, sorry! Well, I read it, but I didn't realize you meant that people should write letters to DCL about it. I feel that would be more productive than the "this sucks!" letters that are going out now. I do think it's an excellent idea to send in such letters because something like that would help put people's fears at ease.

 

[princessmom29]

So then what's the solution? Rotating the hours. Morning on one day, afternoon another, evening another, etc. That way the same things aren't affected each day, plus non-morning people can do the later activities, morning people can get up and do the early ones, etc. Accommodates the largest number of people.



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I wouldn't have a porblem with this as long as I knew the rotation before booking windows opened.

 

[Disney Dreams]

I wouldn't have a porblem with this as long as I knew the rotation before booking windows opened.

Why is it so very important to have it ahead of time when it is known that things can change from cruise to cruise? Again, make your plans with things that need to be scheduled and then adjust as needed once you board the ship if needed with the assistance of the staff and crew. I understand your desire to plan - and you can do so. Just know you may have to shift your plans a bit once your cruise arrives. Easy peasy.

- Dreams

 

[princessmom29]

Why is it so very important to have it ahead of time when it is known that things can change from cruise to cruise? Again, make your plans with things that need to be scheduled and then adjust as needed once you board the ship if needed with the assistance of the staff and crew. I understand your desire to plan - and you can do so. Just know you may have to shift your plans a bit once your cruise arrives. Easy peasy.

- Dreams

Nothing is going to change dramatically enough to effect major plans without notice unless weather or an act of God intervenes, which I am aware can happen but cannot be predicted. I want to be able to plan for what CAN be predicted. This could easily be released in advance so families could plan around it. Why not do so? I don't like counting on adjusting plans while on board. CMs are not always able to accommodate everyone wo wants to change thier plan at the last minute. These open houses are deal breakers for us. We need to be able to plan around them. It is not like changing an activity on deck or what movie is showing.