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

[Korileigh]

So does that mean that the kids can't be picked up anymore from the later dining to go to the club? Still trying to understand all of this!

 

[justhat]

So does that mean that the kids can't be picked up anymore from the later dining to go to the club? Still trying to understand all of this!

I believe that is still an option based on recent cruiser reports.

 

[HotMama]

We are taking our first Disney cruise soon & I am not happy about the new policy and recent experiences. I wrote a lengthy email to Disney Cruise Line & they did respond. Maybe if enough people voice their opinions it might change things. I don't like the fact that my 5 year old whom is a big imaginative player might be stuck in the lab. We booked Disney for a reason!

 

[Mcky36]

I sent an email last week and got the "form" response everyone else did. I just responded to that with a copy of the open house hours from last weeks Navigators on the Wonder. I requested that I get an ACTUAL response to my questions and not a form response. I also specified that if anything other than a form response was coming, I would prefer a phone call from a supervisor who was capable of addressing my actual concerns.

I'll update if I hear anything!

 

[justhat]

From what I have read about it, tower building is definitely not suitable for a 3 year old. It is more of an engineering challenge with rules for construction ect. Most planned activities in the lab are structured like that and not suitable for a 3 year old, so basically they will be left on their own to find something to do when the club is closed. I don't think I would have been very happy about that idea hen DD was 3. If it was just the 3-6 every day we could ork around it, but the other schedules posted are excessive and have open houses at high traffic times. As of right now, it seems that the Dream is working on the 3-6 schedule. I am hoping it stays that way! DD will be with us from 3-6 except for the one hour we will be at high tea, and she will definitely be fine for an hour at 8 years old. If she were 3, I just don't know.

I will say, from past experience, that they will work their best to accommodate the little ones in the activities geared for older kids if they want to participate. I think I mentioned that my 5yo son loves the older kid stuff, specifically anything engineering/science related. Been like this since his first cruise where he could choose either club, when he was 3 and change. They have always helped him participate. So if it's an activity a little kids wants to do, the CMs are great at assisting. My son did the 4th pig's pasta palace, piston cup challenge, the volcano making thing, and other similar stuff at 3, 4, and 5yo and loved it each time, but he definitely had a lot of help. We saw him paired with older kids, with CMs making sure he got to put in his fair share, as well as working one on one with CMs.

Now, if the kid isn't interested in the activities, I am sure that they wont be left to fend for themselves. CMs usually try to engage them in some sort of craft. Even with planned activities, my kids often aren't doing them and don't even know they are going on cause they're involved with coloring or some other simple craft. Boring to me, fun to them.

Agree 100%. When it's your 11th cruise, I guess you have the luxury of just waiting and seeing how it's going to be, then maybe it'll be ok or be diff by the next time. But for a lot of people this may be the only cruise we ever take. It took 15 years of dreaming for this to finally come true for us. I've saved for over a year, working 2 jobs, to afford this vacation for my family. I insisted on it being Disney, because of what they promise for my family and my children. And knowing that because it's Disney, they have standards in entertainment and customer service.

Whether you sail once or 11 times, it is a lot of money being spent either way, so I don't think anyone should have to suffer. I'm saying, I would never get myself so worked up over something that may not even be an issue. Sure, maybe it will be, but if you've never sailed before, then your kids won't know the difference as this is the only policy they'll know. So when you say "Oh, looks like only the lab is open right now, but I am sure when the Club reopens you can ask to switch over, all should be fine. And like I've said, they have always had one club or the other closed at certain times of the day anyway, so I've had to tell my kids that many times and they've found something to do. We have only ever gotten paged once, when our daughter had a headache and asked us to give her medicine then take her back to the club.

So, because we do have the ability to look at navigators and research in advance how this is going to work for our children, we can let Disney know this ahead of time in hopes that they might change some things around.

For as many people who are annoyed by this, I am sure there are as many who are happy about it. Apparently people wanted open house times or they wouldn't have created them. So I try to think of how it's helping those people, not just how it is affecting me. I likely won't use the open house hours much, but knowing I can bring my 2yo in to run around for 30 minutes is actually pretty nice, as currently there are no playground options available for under 3s, unlike other cruise lines. RCCL has a toddler play room, which would be the ideal compromise on DCL, but probably not easily done now.


That's the thing though. We don't pay extra to cruise with Disney so our kids spend 2-4 hours having to do something "not ideal". Disney advertising and promises kid's programming that IS ideal for their age group, and IS magical and amazing and memory making. That's what Disney advertises and I think everyone is within their right to expect such.

Yes, they advertise that and 95% of the time that will be the experience. Heck, might even even 100% of the time, cause your kid might have a blast just coloring for 30 minutes. No one can be pleased all of the time. So while it might not be perfect for you, it does help others, which means overall satisfied cruisers.


We're on the same cruise, I just pray these hours are different by the time we board. Expressing our opinions to Disney is all we can do. Hopefully with enough feedback we'll see some change!

Aside from making a mountain out of what is most likely a molehill, I don't see how the attitude of "change it cause I don't like it" is any different than the people who want to do activities with their kids or have a toddler play space. There is still secured programming available at all times so no one will have to cancel anything. I don't even plan to utilize the open houses much, if at all, but I can see how they would benefit others significantly so I can very easily work with the plan.

 

[justhat]

We are taking our first Disney cruise soon & I am not happy about the new policy and recent experiences. I wrote a lengthy email to Disney Cruise Line & they did respond. Maybe if enough people voice their opinions it might change things. I don't like the fact that my 5 year old whom is a big imaginative player might be stuck in the lab. We booked Disney for a reason!

But see, that's just it. If your 5yo is "stuck" in the lab, it will be 1-2 times during the cruise for a couple of hours. It isn't like it's the whole cruise. And this was always the case anyway. On our MR cruise in October there were some mornings that only the Lab/Club was open, then some nights where only one club was open as well. My kids either went to the open club or stayed with me. Same as now.

 

[justhat]

Having just returned from a cruise with a 3 year old, I can report first hand that the Lab activities were during open house in the Club were not suitable for my preschooler. She loves to climb and run, listen to stories, cuddle up with a movie, dress up and dance and participate in adult led games. Basically she loved everything the Club had to offer. Her activities in the Lab were basically comprised of stacking the checkers in piles and knocking them over and asking passing older children if they would play with her. Obviously after observing this for a bit we decided that we'd have to adjust our planning around the secure times in the Club.
It was our first cruise with Disney and in the end we just rolled with it, but it was a bit inconvenient. We usually go on cruises every 2 or 3 years and we'ver pretty much decided that we'll go with another cruise line next time (when our kids are about 3-5) since they're really not able to participate fully the way things are set up right now. We cruised Celebrity when our daughter was a baby, and even though the clubs were fairly small and limited in their activities, I'd rather leave my 3 year old in a small playroom doing simple crafts and games with a dozen other kids than leave her wandering alone in a space designed beautifully for much older kids. My husband and I felt that the way things are set up now, a child really had to be about 5 or 6 to really be able to move between the spaces the way they have to now with these new policies, so we likely won't be back with Disney until then.

I hear you, but having done Celebrity, Princess, and RCCL with kids, their clubs close completely for hours at a time during the day. Most recently with RCCL, clubs were open 9-12, 2-5, and 7-10. If you were late they charged you by the minute. Occasionally they had open hours over meals, but you had to pay a fee.

DCL still has coloring and simple crafts in the lab at all times.

I think the level of fear among parents here has reached an epidemic. It reminds me of that new show 'bubble wrap kids'.
you can what if a scenario into any situation to rationalize that way of thinking but to me that is not a healthy way to live.
We are going on a Dream cruise leaving Feb 19, honestly I dont think the new policies will bother our family one bit. Our ten year old may or may not go into the club and lab.

I agree.

Yeah, so other than ONE evening either the lab or club is restricted EVERY.SINGLE.NIGHT...during their peak hours...that's just lovely.

Why are we saying 6-9pm is peak hours? Don't people eat dinner with their kids? Sure, not all, but I would assume at least half the ship does. So between early and late dining, wouldn't that not be a huge time? I could see afternoons on sea days, like 1-4, being a very popular time for the clubs, or late at night, like 9:30pm+, when there is a lot of adult only stuff. But I haven't really seen it packed when I dropped my kids off at 7:30pm, after dinner.

 

[lbgraves]

Why are we saying 6-9pm is peak hours? Don't people eat dinner with their kids?

Possibly a reference to when people have scheduled reservations at Palo or Remy?

 

[Big Mo]

Day 2 (at sea) Club 3:30-10pm

That's ridiculous.

 

[True Romance]

Why are we saying 6-9pm is peak hours? Don't people eat dinner with their kids? Sure, not all, but I would assume at least half the ship does. So between early and late dining, wouldn't that not be a huge time? I could see afternoons on sea days, like 1-4, being a very popular time for the clubs, or late at night, like 9:30pm+, when there is a lot of adult only stuff. But I haven't really seen it packed when I dropped my kids off at 7:30pm, after dinner.

For us, we do late dining. So the show gets out around 7pm and the kids love going to the club between the show and dinner for an hour or so. The adults, we head to a lounge to listen to music and grab a drink. Also a lot of popular activities happen during this time frame: Pluto's PJ party, How to be a Pirate.

I would think Disney would start losing out on some revenue. Parents might want to head to Bingo, get a drink, sit in the Cove Cafe or some other activity, and the thought of leaving their kids in 1 secured club, might deter them from doing this. I know it would me.

 

[AZMermaid]

I have been following this and I agree it is crazy. I am okay with a daily open house at one of the club/lab for all those helicopter parents in the world, but I think it should be 7-9 or 8-10AM alternating days between the club and the lab. The clubs were designed for KIDS not their parents who can't cut the cord already! This really changes the experience for the kids in the clubs, especially those on the edges of the age range, the preschoolers and 9/10 year olds and IMO, that isn't right.

 

[gr8vthsfam]

I have read the ENTIRE thread up to here. What seems very clear to me from looking at the navigators: "cost saving measures for DCL" This is NOT about accommodating passengers needs, but Disney saving some big money!
I agree, I booked with Disney (vs other lines) for a reason -kids clubs. This is a huge disappointment.

 

[Conservative Hippie]

I have read the ENTIRE thread up to here. What seems very clear to me from looking at the navigators: "cost saving measures for DCL" This is NOT about accommodating passengers needs, but Disney saving some big money!
I agree, I booked with Disney (vs other lines) for a reason -kids clubs. This is a huge disappointment.

That's exactly what my DH said when I explained all of this.

 

[princessmom29]

I will say, from past experience, that they will work their best to accommodate the little ones in the activities geared for older kids if they want to participate. I think I mentioned that my 5yo son loves the older kid stuff, specifically anything engineering/science related. Been like this since his first cruise where he could choose either club, when he was 3 and change. They have always helped him participate. So if it's an activity a little kids wants to do, the CMs are great at assisting. My son did the 4th pig's pasta palace, piston cup challenge, the volcano making thing, and other similar stuff at 3, 4, and 5yo and loved it each time, but he definitely had a lot of help. We saw him paired with older kids, with CMs making sure he got to put in his fair share, as well as working one on one with CMs.

n.

I am sure this worked just fine when it was a couple of 3 year olds wanting the activity, but with a 12:1 ratio and ALL the kids for Ed into the lab, there simply wont be enough CM's to assist all of the y ounger kids one on one.

But see, that's just it. If your 5yo is "stuck" in the lab, it will be 1-2 times during the cruise for a couple of hours. It isn't like it's the whole cruise. And this was always the case anyway. On our MR cruise in October there were some mornings that only the Lab/Club was open, then some nights where only one club was open as well. My kids either went to the open club or stayed with me. Same as now.

It isnt just a couple hours though. In many cases it's up to a six hour blocks of time EVERY DAY that a child would be either "stuck" or with mom and dad when they would rather be in the club. That IMO is excessive and there is no reason it is necessary. I think Hippie has it right. This whole thing is as much about money as safety.

 

[SoCaOC-Mom]

Possibly a reference to when people have scheduled reservations at Palo or Remy?

Maybe- but given the limited numbers of tables in those restaurants compared to the MDR's, it is hardly 'peak'. Worst case scenario a child may not have secured programing in the club they prefer during those hours but they still have secured programming offered. Mom and Dad can still enjoy an adult diner.

Since it changes night to night and every family might have their own preference and needs- it may or may not cause a ruffle.

It can also rain on cast away cay day, which is obviously disappointing but ca not be predicted. There is no crystal ball to give us a heads up on possible let downs.

Be happy until there is a reason not to be...

 

[SoCaOC-Mom]

Aside from making a mountain out of what is most likely a molehill, I don't see how the attitude of "change it cause I don't like it" is any different than the people who want to do activities with their kids or have a toddler play space. There is still secured programming available at all times so no one will have to cancel anything. I don't even plan to utilize the open houses much, if at all, but I can see how they would benefit others significantly so I can very easily work with the plan.

I wish people would just relax until there is more info- while one person posted hours they found excessive another passenger on another cruise said they didn't even notice after afterwards.

I get no one likes to spends all kinds of money on a vacation only to walk away disappointed, but what it will take to make one person 100% happy or satisfied might come at the anger and frustration of someone else with very different needs and expectations.

Creating and focusing on issues that haven't happened is doesn't serve any real purpose, I've been there myself and only started to look forward to sailing again once I decided to keep and open mind.


Things could hit the wall or it could be smooth sailing.....

I'll be hoping for smooth sailing...and deal with snags along the way.

 

[SoCaOC-Mom]

For us, we do late dining. So the show gets out around 7pm and the kids love going to the club between the show and dinner for an hour or so. The adults, we head to a lounge to listen to music and grab a drink. Also a lot of popular activities happen during this time frame: Pluto's PJ party, How to be a Pirate.

I would think Disney would start losing out on some revenue. Parents might want to head to Bingo, get a drink, sit in the Cove Cafe or some other activity, and the thought of leaving their kids in 1 secured club, might deter them from doing this. I know it would me.

But since NO ONE has posted a navigator that listed programming and activities. who is to say these programs aren't being offered during secured programing- sure the location might change but I don't see that as a fundamental part of the structure.

Before the change, there were plenty of post from parents who didn't want to leave there kid in the secured programming for whatever reason- or a kid who didn't want to go.

It seems like some people are expecting a level of certainty that never existed.

 

[True Romance]

But since NO ONE has posted a navigator that listed programming and activities. who is to say these programs aren't being offered during secured programing- sure the location might change but I don't see that as a fundamental part of the structure.

Before the change, there were plenty of post from parents who didn't want to leave there kid in the secured programming for whatever reason- or a kid who didn't want to go.

It seems like some people are expecting a level of certainty that never existed.

Yes, there are navigators posted. Here are a few

MR Day 2
http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=43561809&postcount=424

MR day 3
http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=43616839&postcount=467

MR day 4
http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=43681364&postcount=500

MR day 5
http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=43712837&postcount=539

There are some popular activities, that are not being repeated as far as I can tell.

 

[Conservative Hippie]

But since NO ONE has posted a navigator that listed programming and activities. who is to say these programs aren't being offered during secured programing- sure the location might change but I don't see that as a fundamental part of the structure.

Before the change, there were plenty of post from parents who didn't want to leave there kid in the secured programming for whatever reason- or a kid who didn't want to go.

It seems like some people are expecting a level of certainty that never existed.

The scanned Navigators that were linked here clearly show the programming and activities being offered during secure and unsecure hours. If your kid doesn't want to go to secure programming, that's fine. It's not a service that you are going to be able to use. I don't want to pay $75/pp, so Remy is not a service I'm going to be able to use.

 

[SoCaOC-Mom]

The scanned Navigators that were linked here clearly show the programming and activities being offered during secure and unsecure hours. If your kid doesn't want to go to secure programming, that's fine. It's not a service that you are going to be able to use. I don't want to pay $75/pp, so Remy is not a service I'm going to be able to use.

The post above is the first time I saw the MR navigators in this thread. Maybe they were posted and I missed them . But I think they might have come from a trip report(although it doesn't make them any less significant ). At a glance it still looked like there was a wide variety of programming offered in the secured and unsecured club/lab.

Someone on a recent Dream cruise reported there was only an open house on the first and last night- ( I believe that is a more recent sailing0. A navigator from earlier Dec on a new practice might not be the the current dynamic on board and even if it is, it might still might not be an issue. Every cruiser is going to have their own prerogative.

But I do agree, not every amenity or service is going to appeal to every cruiser.