Just Back From 10/30 The Good/The Not So Good (The Stack!)

[Aisling]

My DS will be 13 on our cruise, and now I just don't now what to do...let him go to the Stack or not. Yes, I know he's exposed to all kinds of inappropriate things in school or wherever, but if there are make-out sessions going on or inattentive counselors, I don't want him there. I'd hate to think his Disney image might be sleezed up by an experience in the Stack. He can't wait to go, thinking he'll be with cool kids hanging out, having clean fun, being somewhat independent from mom and dad for a while.

I wish someone could help with this. I wish he could hook up with a group of decent kids and hang out with them.

 

[KEH]

My DD, 16, has hated the Stack on 3 cruises. It is just not for her and she didn't like what she called the silly games. As she put it, "what is fun about gulping so much coke, so fast that you're sick?" This time she went around with the DD of our tablemates, who's 13 which kind of makes you wonder about splitting up age groups in a way. I guess it's more about maturity levels than actual age.

Having said all that, my 2 DS's (14) spent a lot of time in the Stack though they did their own thing more than joining in the activities. Incidentally, they report not seeing any "making out" or "groping" going on but then they do go around with their eyes closed most of the time. Maybe it depends on the group of kids in there at any one time.

Also my DH has just reminded me that last year when we cruised, we kept falling over teens making out on the stairs and in corridors. At least this time we were spared that.

I would say let your teen go to the Stack and see what they think. Above all don't let this issue spoil the build up to your cruise.

 

[SweetSpot]

Aisling: Let your child go to the Stack and see if it is right for him. As many people posted it does depend on the kids and counselors on your cruise that week. This was our experience but others have had different and much better experiences. If your son isn't happy there at 13 he will still fit in well at the Lab if he chooses to go there instead.

 

[Aisling]

SweetSpot,
Thanks for the encouragement, it's tough being a mom!

 

[marie2004]

I think it is a good idea to ask your kids whats going on from day one, so Disney can nip it right away! If they are not going to the Stack find out what they are doing, hopefully it's not "your" kids making out in the halls. I know as parents we would want to know if our kids were not behaving. Disney should be providing Clean fun!

 

[kikipug]

Bibbity- my DS and DD are the same age as yours, and are going on the same 1st Double Scoop Cruise... maybe we can keep them all out of trouble!

 

[wildernessgirl]

All I can say is to let your child try it out for themselves. IF it is too "over the edge", they can go back to the Lab. Same thing for 8 yrs and the club. BUT just remember,if they choose the younger "lab, club or even nursery, they will be entered into the system as that age group and not their "official age". This happened to us on our Oct.16th 2004 crusie. My 3 1/2 yr DS went to the club with his older sister and decided he felt more comfortable back in the nursery with his younger sister. (I must also add that he remembered the nursery "manager from our 2002 cruise,how I don't know but he remembered Tracy). They said there was no problem for him to come into the nursery. But once they put him into the system as a nursery child, he wasn't allowed to go back into the club for activities (which suited him fine).

Also, if your child wants to play on the computers instead of one of the activites, I was told by the counselors that they could. I know my 5yr DD wanted to use the computers instead of "the nightly movie". She was allowed to do so and she LOVED the club. This is the same for the lab as well (at least that is what they told me).

I do know that on our cruise there were a group of teens that I thought we "acting older" then what thier age actually was. One girl had a figure that most 20 year olds would kill for. I know as a parent, I watched her and her actions with some of the boys and I would be alittle "nervous" if she was around them.

Also, there were several nights that the stack closed LATER then the adult clubs! One night it closed at 2am. Sessions closed at 12am and the other two closed at 1am. This to me is not right!

Just my two cents!

 

[jweiss]

I am also disappointed about the activites for teens. I have an 13 year old daughter who has special needs, is developmentally delayed. We cruise DCL every year. This year I did not let her go to Stacks, and I won't be able to again next year. It sure limits what she can do with her time!!!

 

[Dancind]

Here's a suggestion. Get involved in the Cruise Meets thread for your upcoming cruise. Post regularly, get to "know" the people. Chances are good that a number of them will have teens. We've been posting on the thread for the Dec. 18 cruise for 1 1/2 years now, and have even met some of the people going. My DD already has friends on the cruise this way. We've also agreed to keep an eye out for each other's kids, and have shared pictures. If my DD is making out in a hallway with a boy, there's a good chance she will be busted, and she knows this. Couldn't hurt.