Jon and Kate Plus 8. Official Thread!!

[sha_lyn]

I first want to say that I know we don't see everything that was taped. However, from what they did show in this episode, it looks like everyone had a great time! No drama and no major outbursts. I mean it was a long hot day - someone is bound to have a meltdown, right? More proof IMO that people like to stir the pot when it comes to telling stories about J&K.

ITA...the kids certainly weren't confined to their strollers the whole time.
Had that poster rather they be dragging the kids around instead of pushing them in a stroller under a shade? Jon said the temp was 113 that day. I bet if they didn't rent strollers the same person would be complaining that J&K were making the kids walk too much.

 

[mrstomrice]

We just watched the Sesame episode. They had to have been here in early June when school was still in around here, because they had no lines at all! This place becomes extremely crowded, especially on the weekends (if you plan to go, avoid the weekends at all costs).
We were also surprised at the rules that seemed to be bent by Sesame. Some of the rides they rode had height restrictions. I don't think they would have let my DS 4 ride with either of the twins alone.

 

[madge]

We just watched the Sesame episode. They had to have been here in early June when school was still in around here, because they had no lines at all! This place becomes extremely crowded, especially on the weekends (if you plan to go, avoid the weekends at all costs).
We were also surprised at the rules that seemed to be bent by Sesame. Some of the rides they rode had height restrictions. I don't think they would have let my DS 4 ride with either of the twins alone.

in the very beginning of the episode, it looked as though the Gosselins had "handlers" (park staff) with them. Which is no surprise, given the amount of people in their entourage and that they're filming a TV show. That might have something to do with the lack of lines. LOL.

I didn't think the Sesame Place episode was all that bad ... it's just that it isn't really representative of when a non-TV family would go. Most people don't get the personal time with characters, etc.

Now the Crayola episode that's on?

 

[sha_lyn]

We just watched the Sesame episode. They had to have been here in early June when school was still in around here, because they had no lines at all! This place becomes extremely crowded, especially on the weekends (if you plan to go, avoid the weekends at all costs).
We were also surprised at the rules that seemed to be bent by Sesame. Some of the rides they rode had height restrictions. I don't think they would have let my DS 4 ride with either of the twins alone.

They said they had to have SP workers and some of the show staff ride with the kids so they would have enough adults on the rides with restrictions.

 

[luv2nascar]

They didn't wait in line - they looked to be behind the scenes when they met all 8 characters at once I could see floats in the background. Some little things like that bug me. They took all three strollers from the park through the parking lot to their van ?? Who gets to do that. Their own private room to eat in - no other people there. They just took a huge cooler into the park for drinks?? Can I do that. Kids had Sesame Street bathing suits (well at least the boys did) and towels - really who gave them to them.

The Crayola factory they had a special room for them to have lunch. And lunch looked to be a Wegman's hoagie tray. Who paid for that not J & K.

 

[sha_lyn]

They didn't wait in line - they looked to be behind the scenes when they met all 8 characters at once I could see floats in the background. Some little things like that bug me. They took all three strollers from the park through the parking lot to their van ?? Who gets to do that. Their own private room to eat in - no other people there. They just took a huge cooler into the park for drinks?? Can I do that. Kids had Sesame Street bathing suits (well at least the boys did) and towels - really who gave them to them.

The Crayola factory they had a special room for them to have lunch. And lunch looked to be a Wegman's hoagie tray. Who paid for that not J & K.

So what? It is free advertising for the place. Would you rather they hire a camera crew and actors for their advertising? Then buy a comercial spot during the show? They know that the viewers are very likely their target audience. Honestly I don't see any difference and all I can say is it sounds like those who are constantly complain about the "freebies" are jealous.

 

[MinnieMO]

I think alot of the stuff is like it being on tv

like the room where they ate lunch that would have been full of people but I don't I would think that for them to be on tv they would have to sign some sort of form or something I think that has alot to do with it really

 

[Wonders10]

in the very beginning of the episode, it looked as though the Gosselins had "handlers" (park staff) with them. Which is no surprise, given the amount of people in their entourage and that they're filming a TV show. That might have something to do with the lack of lines. LOL.

ok, not that this has that much credibility, but the poster from another site that I spoke of who was supposedly at the park on the same day as them said that the park was not crowded at all and it was a tuesday

As for them riding without regards to height restrictions, I very highly doubt that the park would allow a televised tv show to film them riding rides that they are not tall enough to ride. Helllllooooo - trouble! (shout out to kate from across Toys R Us )

 

[mrstomrice]

They didn't wait in line - they looked to be behind the scenes when they met all 8 characters at once I could see floats in the background. Some little things like that bug me. They took all three strollers from the park through the parking lot to their van ?? Who gets to do that. Their own private room to eat in - no other people there. They just took a huge cooler into the park for drinks?? Can I do that. Kids had Sesame Street bathing suits (well at least the boys did) and towels - really who gave them to them.

The Crayola factory they had a special room for them to have lunch. And lunch looked to be a Wegman's hoagie tray. Who paid for that not J & K.

We have been to the private character area. About a half hour before each parade, they have a meet and greet for season pass holders, so it wasn't too much of a stretch. Also, based on the low crowds that day, the area where they ate would be lite..we've eaten there with just 1 other family on a busier day. As far as the cooler, I think it was bigger than they allow...didn't see the whole thing. Sesame does allow food and drinks in a smaller cooler.

 

[Wonders10]

I think alot of the stuff is like it being on tv

like the room where they ate lunch that would have been full of people but I don't I would think that for them to be on tv they would have to sign some sort of form or something I think that has alot to do with it really

Agreed. It's probably way easier to tape and get decent footage with them eating in a room alone. Also, I think the same is true with meeting the characters. How would some of you feel waiting in line behind the Gosselin 10 while they are filmed meeting and greeting the characters?

But how cute was Aaden meeting Grover "Mommy next are going to see Grover?" Kate: "Grover's right there". Aaden: "oh hi"

 

[kath1210]

Why does anyone care what J&K and the kids get for free? Or if they get special treatment at certain places? I would think that these things would apply to anyone who is on a TV show. Those are the perks of fame. Why be any more jealous of them than of any other TV personalities?

They are not a "normal" family, nor do I think they ever claimed to be. They don't ask for anything from me, so why should I care?

The kids are cute and well-loved. None of us really knows what we would do with 8 kids of those ages.

I enjoy the show. That's good enough for me.

 

[madge]

So what? It is free advertising for the place. Would you rather they hire a camera crew and actors for their advertising? Then buy a comercial spot during the show? They know that the viewers are very likely their target audience. Honestly I don't see any difference and all I can say is it sounds like those who are constantly complain about the "freebies" are jealous.

My problem with it all is that on the TV show, there isn't a distinction ... it's simply stated that they're going to (fill in the blank) and they go, under the premise that it's just like other families. But that isn't reality. These outings are all filmed with the intent of being on TV, it isn't simply a day in the life. It's all very subtle, though. Very rarely (the Utah trip and piano come to mind) is there a direct comment that the item/trip has been donated. It's sometimes worded as though they've been given the chance to do whatever, and other times, no mention is made at all.... and they just go.

I'd really love to see them give back to the community. They have to have a huge amount of outgrown clothes and toys. I'd love to read that Jon & Kate have donated these items to a worthy cause. I'm sure there is a need for these things somewhere near where they live.

 

[ClarabelleCowFan]

Well after tonite's episode we are definitely going to plan a trip to Sesame Place. DS1 squealed and laughed every time one of the characters was on the screen. Hopefully they still have the military free admission special going on.

I have read such reports on how dirty and nasty the place was but it looked fine to me.

 

[ClarabelleCowFan]

I'd really love to see them give back to the community. They have to have a huge amount of outgrown clothes and toys. I'd love to read that Jon & Kate have donated these items to a worthy cause. I'm sure there is a need for these things somewhere near where they live.

Supposedly they sell all of their outgrown things at yard sales (Jon mentioned they sold their old cribs at a yard sale) or at consignment shops (this has been mentioned on other forums).

 

[mrstomrice]

Well after tonite's episode we are definitely going to plan a trip to Sesame Place. DS1 squealed and laughed every time one of the characters was on the screen. Hopefully they still have the military free admission special going on.

I have read such reports on how dirty and nasty the place was but it looked fine to me.

The park is cleanest on the weekdays. Avoid the weekends at all costs! Check out the website for the military tickets...they have posters up at the parks about military passes. Enjoy!

 

[madge]

They are not a "normal" family, nor do I think they ever claimed to be.

I'm not sure I'd agree with that 100%. I believe they've created quite a little empire for themselves based on the fact that they have two sets of multiple. And that certainly isn't normal. But. Much of their show centers around a typical day in the life ... and creating an image that other moms can relate to, parenting small children. I think, sometimes, that Jon & Kate work really hard to appear normal. I think that's their appeal to most people ... after the adorable kids.

 

[MichelleVW]

Why does anyone care what J&K and the kids get for free? Or if they get special treatment at certain places? I would think that these things would apply to anyone who is on a TV show. Those are the perks of fame. Why be any more jealous of them than of any other TV personalities?

They are not a "normal" family, nor do I think they ever claimed to be. They don't ask for anything from me, so why should I care?

The kids are cute and well-loved. None of us really knows what we would do with 8 kids of those ages.

I enjoy the show. That's good enough for me.

Agreed!!! I thought tonight's show was really cute!

 

[madge]

Supposedly they sell all of their outgrown things at yard sales (Jon mentioned they sold their old cribs at a yard sale) or at consignment shops (this has been mentioned on other forums).

all those clothes given to them by Gymboree - it would be nice to see them pass on the good fortune. JMO

 

[TotalSnowWhite]

I bet this is yet another free trip for Jon and Kate!!!!!!!

Hey, who doesn't love free trips?!? I do!

They didn't wait in line - they looked to be behind the scenes when they met all 8 characters at once I could see floats in the background. Some little things like that bug me. They took all three strollers from the park through the parking lot to their van ?? Who gets to do that. Their own private room to eat in - no other people there. They just took a huge cooler into the park for drinks?? Can I do that. Kids had Sesame Street bathing suits (well at least the boys did) and towels - really who gave them to them.

The Crayola factory they had a special room for them to have lunch. And lunch looked to be a Wegman's hoagie tray. Who paid for that not J & K.

That just comes with the territory when you're a celeb. It's nothing to get upset about, IMO.

Agreed. It's probably way easier to tape and get decent footage with them eating in a room alone. Also, I think the same is true with meeting the characters. How would some of you feel waiting in line behind the Gosselin 10 while they are filmed meeting and greeting the characters?

But how cute was Aaden meeting Grover "Mommy next are going to see Grover?" Kate: "Grover's right there". Aaden: "oh hi"

Yep, I definitely don't begrudge them some one-on-one (er, eight) character time.

My problem with it all is that on the TV show, there isn't a distinction ... it's simply stated that they're going to (fill in the blank) and they go, under the premise that it's just like other families. But that isn't reality. These outings are all filmed with the intent of being on TV, it isn't simply a day in the life. It's all very subtle, though. Very rarely (the Utah trip and piano come to mind) is there a direct comment that the item/trip has been donated. It's sometimes worded as though they've been given the chance to do whatever, and other times, no mention is made at all.... and they just go.

I'd really love to see them give back to the community. They have to have a huge amount of outgrown clothes and toys. I'd love to read that Jon & Kate have donated these items to a worthy cause. I'm sure there is a need for these things somewhere near where they live.

What do you expect them to say? Every reasonably intelligent tv viewer knows that reality tv isn't real. I don't know anyone who thinks they're going "just like other families." It just doesn't work that way when you're known. Some celebs can get away with being "just like other families" by throwing on a cap and glasses, but not quite the case when you have eight children and a tv crew.



I agree with a PP who said this is one of the more civil threads about the show. I, too, am pretty new to following the show (and all the ridiculous drama and speculation surrounding it), and I glanced at some other boards/blogs and wouldn't DARE post on them! Glad we can all communicate like grown-ups (no name-calling, degrading the family, etc.) here, even when there are differing viewpoints. Nice job, DISers!!

 

[ClarabelleCowFan]

The park is cleanest on the weekdays. Avoid the weekends at all costs! Check out the website for the military tickets...they have posters up at the parks about military passes. Enjoy!

Thanks! DH is home for 9 days before the kids go back to school in August so we are going to try to plan a trip then.

Is there any day that is better than others? Any other tips?