Hotel Etiquette

[dabrnigrl]

I was wondering the opinion on families with multiple young children and the hotel.

I always get so nervous when staying some where else that people are going to hear my family.

Last time we went we got up very early to get ready to go to the parks.

Like 630-7 am.

I worrying about the shower running and hearing the children awake, and not knowing wether the neighbors are up yet.

I know some people do it different, so stay late and sleep in and some stay to a reasonable time and get up early and start over again.

Am I over thinking this, and should know that everyone understand when your at Disney there are kids involved and that people are on different schedules?

My kids are not bad, but three in a hotel room and sound like a roudy bunch.

And every kid has there moments with all the excitement, so I am sure there is bound to be a break down somewhere.

I just need some comfort in opinions.

Thanks for the help.

 

[Not so Dumbo]

we try our best to stay as quiet as possible. I try not to let the baby cry, so I'll give her whatever it is she wants. I know eventhough we try, we aren't the quietest bunch, but I've had it work the other way also where the guest next door or above us wakes us up showering or staying up late, so I think it all works out even.

 

[ducklite]

I think that everybody expects to hear a shower running or low voices next door when staying in a hotel. But hearing a baby constantly crying, especailly late at night because the parents want to let her cry herself back to sleep, or hearing kids bouncing off the walls any time of the day or night is wrong.

W've only been bothered by kids a couple times in hotels (We've been bothered by teens a lot more than little ones), one was a family who had a baby who cried on and off all night for 30-40 minutes at a time for three nights straight before we finally complained to the desk. I don't know what they did differently that night, but we didn't hear the baby again on that trip--and they were still teh same people next door.

Another time the kids next to us kept opening and slamming shut the adjoining door around 7:00 am. I got up and when they opened it again, I opened mine and said "BOO!" They screamed and slammed the door shut. They didn't open the door again--proabably still in therapy seven years later.

We had other kids who were screaming and boucing around around 11:00 pm one night, we called the desk and security was knocking on their door a few minutes later.

But generally as long as kids are using inside voices and parents aren't letting screaming, crying, meltdowns, etc. carry on, or horseplay type behaviour, it doesn't bother us to hear a couple kids in the next room.

Anne

 

[hello kitty]

Don't sweat the small stuff. Seriously. As long as they use their inside voices and walking feet you should have no complaints. Just remind them that others are still sleeping and don't flip out if somebody forgets because it's bound to happen. It's hard to wake up in Disney and not give a celebratory "WOO HOO!"

I hope you and your family have a wonderful time!

 

[Hannathy]

Showering at any time is your right when you pay for the room and never bothers me. Normal kid noise ok. Letting all 3 jump up and down on the bed and scream at 6 am NOT OK. A baby crying for a few minutes OK, Letting a baby cry it out for 10-20 minutes NOT OK. Leaving early for the park and some kid noise outside your door at 6:30 AM OK, letting the 3 kids run in and out of the room letting the door slam on the security bolt or putting the screaming 12 month old in the stroller and parking it outside the door while you finish getting ready NOT OK, (happened to us) Most people are tolerant of normal noise it is when it becomes extreme or lasts for a long time that it gets nerve wracking.

 

[ckay87]

You know what? Because you care, you are by default a considerate family. Believe me, it shows. It's the people who just don't care who are disruptive. All anyone expects is for you to be conscious of people around you and it sounds like you are!

You know, I've been reading these boards for years, and because of it I think I've become a little paranoid. For example, my son just got Heelys not too long ago and I've been FREAKING OUT about how, when, and where he uses them. Do a search on the Community Board about Heelys and you'll see why So what I'm saying, is be careful reading here. It sounds like you're a sensitive soul and some of the hype here will make you super paranoid if you're not careful

 

[Darcy03231]

DH and I are frequent travelers and expect to start to hear other guests getting ready for their day (no matter where we are) around 6:30-7 am. I've found most travelers to be considerate and try to keep the noise down. Occasionally there are some that don't care but from your post it doesn't sound like you are one of them so I wouldn't worry about it. A tip for those of you that travel and sleep lightly in hotels - try earplugs. We don't travel without them anymore.

 

[mrsltg]

I wouldn't worry about the shower - everyone expects people to be up and moving. Being concerned about keeping the kids quiet is good, though. Start speaking to them about using a hotel voice long before getting to the hotel. My kids know, in no uncertain terms, that the hotel room and hallways are quiet places. There is no jumping or running, no screaming, no yelling, no unnecessary noise. This extends into the hotel hallways - there is NEVER running and nothing more than a whisper. As I've explained to the girls, you never know who doesn't feel well, who is napping, who may be driving through the night, etc etc etc.

Have a wonderful trip!!!

 

[dabrnigrl]

Boy, oh boy!

You guys are great!.

Yes, I am constantly worried about whether my kids are beind disruptive or bothering other people.

That is probably why I have so many grey hairs at 25.

I worry about everyone elses feelings, sometimes a little to much.

But, it was nailed earlier.

I don't want it to consume my trip and make me so stressed that I become miserable.

Now, I don't see my kids jumping on the beds at all hours of the night, or running in and out of the hotel door.

Yes, my son does not sleep through the night yet (even with a 10 minute crying it out session), and he will wake up in the middle of the night, but I would never think of letting him cry it out while there our innocent bystanders.

LOL!

But, I am expecting some fits from the two and five year old.

Sometimes those can be a bother for a moment, but nothing long winded.

I think I will come down to giving them whatever they want before I let them disturb other people.

Sad to say, but I guess they are on vacation to and deserve to get what they want as long as they aren't hurting them selves or anyone else for that matter.

Thanks so much for the feedback.

 

[kristinanderic]

I see your staying at the All Star resort. The entire resort will be full of families just like yours. They intend to have a good time, they come with their children in tow, and like all children they all have their moments.

Most people will be waking up at the same times your will be, so chances are they will already be awake.

Most people have had a crying child that just didn't want to sleep, but you love them and comfort them.

Most people take showers and flush the toliet in the morning...even at 6:30am.

Remember you are going to a child-friendly vacation destination....they are used to children!

I stressed out about the airplane ride and my DS not behaving or throwing a fit while in the air. Luckily it went pretty smoothly. I apoligized as we were sitting down and told the other passengers around us that this was our first time flying with DS and I wasn't sure how he'd handle the airplane ride and that I would do my best to keep him undercontrol.

Most of the people smiled and said "i'm a grandma" or "I have two little girls at home, I've been there". They were really friendly. DS did really good and fell asleep as soon as we were in the air. He woke up during landing and as we were walking off the plane the lady behind me said "you were all worried about nothing".

 

[monorailsilver]

I am assuming you are concerned about Disney. I'd say many families are up at that time getting ready too so I wouldn't be too worried but I wouldn't let my kids scream at the top of their lungs at that time either.

As for the shower, no matter where I am, I always here someones shower running.

I think the only time we had a problem with neighbors was New Years Eve in Vermont. Those neighbors were playing on their bed rather roughly . But after about 10 minutes it got quiet again because I guess their game was over.

Oh & the 2 times we have been in Disney & the other few times we have stayed in a hotel, my kids usually sleep later then us so it is usually me that is up at 6 & showering while everyone else sleeps then I wake up dh to shower & then the kids.

 

[graygables]

Just for the record, the "inside voices" rule should apply even outside, when you are near other guest rooms. We were at CBR a few years ago and 8yo DD had food poisoning, so we were wiped out trying to get some sleep before our flight, and there were kids running and screaming (and parents sceaming after them ) right outside our door at 8am. I whisper to my DDs anytime we are outside guest rooms..."people are trying to rest" regardless of what time of day it is.

 

[fan_of_small_world]

I haven't read all of the responses yet, but I think the fact that you are even worrying about it means you will handle everything just fine. Don't worry about the "normal" sounds of a family, such as showering (whenever you want!), kids talking, the TV on low, etc. Even the brief cries of a baby are to be expected. Obvously, kids screaming, yelling, jumping on the beds (actually, jumping on the floor is probably worse for those below you, lol!), slamming doors, running up and down the hallway, etc. isn't good, but I'd bet any amount that you aren't going to allow that kind of behavior anyway .

All that being said, there could be someone you can't please. I was traveling cross-country with my parents and my kids (DH wasn't with us) and we got a suite one night. In order to open the sofa-bed we had to move the coffee table into the kitchen area. (This was around 8:30 pm.) A few minutes later one of the desk clerks actually came up to our suite saying that the person below us had called to complain that my kids were running around screaming and jumping up and down and he couldn't sleep. Now, they had been pretty quiet, no yelling at all. And I know that the "jumping" was just us moving the table, and I know we didn't let it drop or set it down hard. Like I said, you just can't please some folks.

 

[angwill]

I always remind my child what is expected of him and if he gets loud or jumps around I remind him that there are other people in the rooms who might be trying to sleep and he lowers his voice or calms down. Personally, I am never bothered by showers at any time because hey they are paying for thier room too and if they want to shower at 2am that is their choice same with watching TV. Now the doors slamming over and over is something I wish parents would not allow but I always think what if it is a single parent who is in the shower and doesn't realize it is happening. I have never had to but would not have a problem asking a child politely not to slam the door. I also know some parents would take offense to this too. I have a friend who allows her kids to run down hotel halls screaming at all hours of the night and says nothing then gets offended when someone comes out of their room and tells her kids to be quiet they are trying to sleep. I have seen it happen several times but she just doesn't get it. I think she is just too stressed to expend the energy to tell the kids to stop but nobody else better tell them either. She also feels that telling her kids not to do anything they want will break their spirit but doesn't get that they need guidance in life to know right from wrong either.

The only time I was annoyed by noise at Disney was the time someone allowed their teens to play around the big icons (70's building Pop Century) while screaming at each other in the courtyard in the middle of the night (after midnight) and it went on for over a half an hour. I have no clue where the parents were.

I wouldn't stress it as long as you explain what is expected and talk to them when they are being loud and rowdy like all kids will be things will be fine. It is nice to hear from other parents who are concerned that their children know how they should behave. I am not alone.

Angela

 

[perdidochas]

I was wondering the opinion on families with multiple young children and the hotel.

I always get so nervous when staying some where else that people are going to hear my family.

Last time we went we got up very early to get ready to go to the parks.

Like 630-7 am.

I worrying about the shower running and hearing the children awake, and not knowing wether the neighbors are up yet.

I wouldn't worry, provided your kids aren't being overly loud.

I know some people do it different, so stay late and sleep in and some stay to a reasonable time and get up early and start over again.

Am I over thinking this, and should know that everyone understand when your at Disney there are kids involved and that people are on different schedules?

My kids are not bad, but three in a hotel room and sound like a roudy bunch.

And every kid has there moments with all the excitement, so I am sure there is bound to be a break down somewhere.

I just need some comfort in opinions.

Thanks for the help.

Don't worry about it.

 

[HelenePA]

oh gosh... my 1yr old has to cry it out for a few min every night before bed.. he's NOT a co-sleeper he HATES when I even try to co-sleep with him (we'll have no problems with the girls for this) Gosh... my neighbors are gonna love me there is nothing else I can do for him I swear to you I've tried it all.. only thing that works.. is plop him in his crib.. and leave him cry no matter how tired no matter how much milk he's had NOTHING will get that child to sleep.. Maybe I should slip a letter under their door the first day we get there?? we'll only have to worry about one side because we have 2 rooms booked.

 

[dfarner]

oh gosh... my 1yr old has to cry it out for a few min every night before bed.. he's NOT a co-sleeper he HATES when I even try to co-sleep with him (we'll have no problems with the girls for this) Gosh... my neighbors are gonna love me there is nothing else I can do for him I swear to you I've tried it all.. only thing that works.. is plop him in his crib.. and leave him cry no matter how tired no matter how much milk he's had NOTHING will get that child to sleep.. Maybe I should slip a letter under their door the first day we get there?? we'll only have to worry about one side because we have 2 rooms booked.

Seriously, don't sweat it. We've all been there. You sound very considerate and I'm sure you'll handle it with all of the mommy-ability you can muster.

 

[taximomfor4]

we don't have a baby anymore, but our first trip was with 4 kids 2-11 yrs old. We are very careful to be quiet. The kids are NOT allowed to walk around the hotel room (our floor is on top of someone else's head, lol). They had coloring books and crayons, magnet playsets, and stuffed animals to play with. They also had the Disney Channel on TV. We sat them down at the tables for their breakfast, while we got dressed. Then we got them dressed, and headed out. At night, same thing but in reverse.

I know what you mean about hotel etiquette, btw. I think within reason, most people are tolerant of a little kid-noise. Especially at WDW. Now, at Irish dance competitions out of town, we often have Irish Dancers in the room above our heads, who practice starting at about 4:30 am. IT IS ANNOYING AS HECK!!

Beth

 

[Hannathy]

For the baby that has to cry it out, please define a few minutes really. Is it 2 or 3 or is 10 minutes? Because if it is ten that is too long and would drive me nuts! I hate to hear a baby cry and never let mine. Could you not push him in the stroller or something? You probably have tried but I hope if I'm your neighbor you figure something out. Maybe he'll fall asleep on the way back to the room, Disney does wear you out. Good Luck.

Baby crying is at a level that is very, very annoying to some people, they were just talking about this on the disability thread. I guess many autistic people absolutely can't deal with it.

 

[taximomfor4]

For the baby that has to cry it out, please define a few minutes really. Is it 2 or 3 or is 10 minutes? Because if it is ten that is too long and would drive me nuts! I hate to hear a baby cry and never let mine. Could you not push him in the stroller or something? You probably have tried but I hope if I'm your neighbor you figure something out. Maybe he'll fall asleep on the way back to the room, Disney does wear you out. Good Luck.

Baby crying is at a level that is very, very annoying to some people, they were just talking about this on the disability thread. I guess many autistic people absolutely can't deal with it.

That's true, didn't think about that. I think baby crying for just a couple of minutes (not more than 10, say) I would be able to overlook at a decent hour, but at 2 or 3 or 4am, it might drive me a little bonkers. I had 4 babies, and got very tuned in to waking all the way up whenever I heard them cry, even down the hall. So through a wall, I am sure I would have that same "Jump out of bed" reaction. Never had a crying baby next door to me in a hotel...there was one being pushed around in a stroller at POP last time we were there though. (didn't bother us, I just recall noticing it, and thinking the poor parents were walking the baby to sleep which was quite courteous.)

Beth