KidCot FunSpot - Is this rude or is it me?

[bicker]

The first couple of feet from the curb where the parade route is, Disney should paint it with rainbow colors and those are specifically reserved for those who are in the wheelchairs and children who are not tall enough to see the parades behind the 6 footers.

An interesting idea, but I suspect most parents will erroneously translate that into an entitlement to go with their children, ostensibly to protect them, but also to enjoy the experience with them. So that idea won't really fly, at least not as a sanctioned practice from Disney's standpoint. I'll generally be happy to watch some stranger's children, putting them in front of me while I watch the parade from the position I've staked out. However, parents seem very reticent about leaving their children with strangers (especially middle-aged men), and I don't blame them.

A more workable idea, I think, would involve having premium seating available for a surcharge. There already is a little of this available: Illuminations cruises, private party spaces for Illuminations, Wishes cruises, and the dessert terrace at Fantasmic at Disneyland in California. This could be extended to other places, so that folks who want a guaranteed good view of the show, with or without children, can pay a little bit extra and have that provided to them, without having to do the work of staking out a spot sufficiently in advance and waiting.

 

[shellybaxter]

Well, I can see it both ways. Kidcot is very clearly billed as "Fun For Little Ones" and is clearly aimed at "young children" (Disney's words, not mine), so teenagers shouldn't be occupying Kidcot's limited availability. If it wasn't for the fact that Kidcot is for young children, I'd agree that there is no reason to think a young child should have priority over an older child, teen or adult for whatever limited-capacity experience there might be, such as a good spot to watch the parade.

Bicker - I have been mulling over your point in this post as I read this thread. I was just about ready to decide that it was logical. I decided to go over to the Disney site and see the "Fun For Little Ones" in context before I made up my mind. In doing so I have to reject your logic. In Epcot the Kidcot stations are not the only thing labled "Fun For Little Ones", also listed are The Seas with Nemo and Friends, Figment, Space Ship Earth and the Living Seas.

Because I can not believe that Disney intended for only young children to ride Space Ship Earth I have to assume the "Fun For Little Ones" catagorization by Disney means that young children will enjoy the Kidcots, not that they are for their exclusive use.

What I love about Disney, as oposed to any other theme park I've ever been to, is that everyone is welcome and encouraged to expirience all Disney has to offer in their theme parks. I went to a theme park once that had this VERY COOL attraction where guests collected soft balls and shot them at each other out of these air cannon things. It looked like so much fun. There were nets to climb up to the second story and slides to slide down. The park decided that this attraction was only for people under so many feet tall and only one adult could accompany them. I never got to go in as I had no children. I can understand why they would limit the attraction but I love that Disney doesn't. If my four year old niece can take up "space" on Tower of Terror (most likely not designed for her) then teens who like to draw should be able to take up space at the kidcots

Shelly

 

[bicker]

Bicker - I have been mulling over your point in this post as I read this thread. I was just about ready to decide that it was logical. I decided to go over to the Disney site and see the "Fun For Little Ones" in context before I made up my mind. In doing so I have to reject your logic. In Epcot the Kidcot stations are not the only thing labled "Fun For Little Ones", also listed are The Seas with Nemo and Friends, Figment, Space Ship Earth and the Living Seas.

Okay, but what about Disney specifically saying "young children" -- again those weren't my words, but rather theirs.

"Families with young children shouldn't miss the Kidcot Fun Stop activity centers located around World Showcase."

Regardless, as I said before, I can see it both ways.

 

[Ms.Pixie]

Okay, but what about Disney specifically saying "young children" -- again those weren't my words, but rather theirs.

"Families with young children shouldn't miss the Kidcot Fun Stop activity centers located around World Showcase."

Regardless, as I said before, I can see it both ways.

When at Disney World everyone is qualified as "young children"

 

[cleo]

If Kid-cot were only for youngsters, there would be an age limit and it would (probably) be enforced. As an example of what I mean, the Pirate Cruise doesn't take 15 year olds (or Mom and Dad, for that matter).

It seems we have a real glut of threads lately, that all stem from the same topic: 'My family and our enjoyment of the parks should be paramount'. If adults want to sit at Kid-Cot with their children, having waited their turn to do so, maybe it could be seen as their wanting to participate in something with their youngsters rather than being seen as taking something away from 'You And Your Family'. Why are these things other guests do always seen in a negative way?

I'm not directing this at THIS thread specifically, just a general observation about what seems to be a 'get out of my way' mentality in the parks lately. I'm guessing if Walt saw parents sitting by their children at Kid-Cot, he would be pleased to know his idea for families to have an enjoyable day in the parks together is working.

 

[Tinker53]

I understand what you are saying, but again... why should those people give up their spots if they were there first? I don't want to sound rude (again). But adults are people also.

It's the same with the ride lines. You don't go asking someone for their spot in a ride line.

But in a line for a ride you are going to get on that ride and be able to see no matter where you stand in line. I think the poster means that if the child is behind a tall person they miss the parade. If that child has to stand at the end of a line for a ride they will not miss out on anything.

 

[outlander]

.....It seems we have a real glut of threads lately, that all stem from the same topic: 'My family and our enjoyment of the parks should be paramount'. If adults want to sit at Kid-Cot with their children, having waited their turn to do so, maybe it could be seen as their wanting to participate in something with their youngsters rather than being seen as taking something away from 'You And Your Family'. Why are these things other guests do always seen in a negative way?

I'm not directing this at THIS thread specifically, just a general observation about what seems to be a 'get out of my way' mentality in the parks lately. I'm guessing if Walt saw parents sitting by their children at Kid-Cot, he would be pleased to know his idea for families to have an enjoyable day in the parks together is working.

thanks for the eloquent post cleo. i feel the same way.

 

[patsal]

As a parent it is your responsibility to plan the day around insuring your children get the most from their vacation. IF it is important for your children to view a parade, then line up early for it so they can see the parade, don't come running up 15 minutes before the parade and expect others to acomadate you. If they like the Epcot activities, plan on it taking a good amount of time depending upon the time of the year, those that were there before you are entitled to complete what they are working on. If it is important that they see a character check the times guide and plan accordingly, don't expect an adult to get out of your way to meet your children's needs, plan better. If you find that it is a priority for your child to ride a ride and know your child doesn't do well with long lines, plan accordingly, get up early, use fast pass, etc. As a person who has children we plan our days according to what will work best for them, we know what everyone wants to accomplish and we knew that meeting needs of an 18 month were different than a 5yo, and now different from an 11 and 15yo.
Just becasue your child needs or wants something does not make it everyone elses responsibility to meet your needs.

 

[tinkersmama]

Taking the parade seating a step further, should the people that get to shows first give up their seats for smaller children. In one word, No. I have a DD4 and when we do the kidcot's I sit down with her and color because I enjoy doing those things with her. However, if I was just going to watch her and not be involved, I would allow a child to sit in a chair that I was in.

 

[cleo]

I have a DD4 and when we do the kidcot's I sit down with her and color because I enjoy doing those things with her. However, if I was just going to watch her and not be involved, I would allow a child to sit in a chair that I was in.

See? Now this is the perfect solution. If a parent wants to sit and color with their child at KidCot, or just sit there and make comments on what a beautiful picture they're creating, isn't that exactly what you would wish for them? Every child should have a parent that's involved in what they're doing. And if the parent sees your child is waiting and decides to get up and give them a seat, that's perfect, too. But ultimately, in my opinion, it's up to them. They got there first, they don't owe anyone anything and they can decide to be gracious if they choose to be.

 

[DVC Jen]

As the mom of two teens I have to admit that from time to time my DDs like to do the masks as much as the little ones do.

Now.. I would encourage them to hurry and let a younger child have thier spot especially if they were close to being finished. Do I think it is required? No. Do I think it shows good manners.. yes.

The same thing goes for the little ones at a parade. If my family had sat (and sometimes we do) for an hour or more on the curb and waited for the parade, then had another family come up behind us with little ones.. I would definately let those lil ones stand in front of us.

This is not something I feel I HAVE to do..but something I actually enjoy doing.. sometimes spreading the magic and being kind and or mindful of others (especially children) can increase your own enjoyment.

Now on the other hand.. if that child was 9 or 10 years old and could easily see over me (I am not quite 5 ft tall) no way would I change spots with them.

 

[DisneyMommyMichelle]

everyone can color as long as we're concerned. DD and DS may have to wait, but i'm sure if they did, we would just move along. I don't find it rude, some people just want o experience EVERY part of WDW

 

[lillygator]

Because I can not believe that Disney intended for only young children to ride Space Ship Earth I have to assume the "Fun For Little Ones" catagorization by Disney means that young children will enjoy the Kidcots, not that they are for their exclusive use.

if it were give the CM's one more thing to add to their policing list.

I had to go back and reread the original post - my question to the OP is --- ok were these teens and adults already there? were they waiting in line? what is the coloring time limit? why should someone be trumped just because a 4 year old came up to the table......???


we have had MANY great experiences with CM's at the Kidcot stations...DH especially loves talking to the CM's and learning a bit more about each country. I think it is VERY selfish of parents to assume/expect people of certain ages to be expected to move/leave for someone of lesser age to trump on up. ETA...I loev to color....why can't I sit there?




Here are our kidcot moments....
4th of July weekend

not Kidcot but my adult tall hubby was taking up a KID space at the HD exhibit...

 

[Alexis Green]

I agree with the things many have said. I am infact 15 *nods* Yes it is true. I do love to color and be a kid just as much a kid does. I would most likely not give up my seat for someone but scoot over to make room. I'm as equal as anyone else there (Within limits). Making masks and other crafts is a lot of fun, I enjoy it.

 

[bicker]

If Kid-cot were only for youngsters, there would be an age limit and it would (probably) be enforced.

Sorry, but I don't buy that. Disney is notorious for being vague about things like this (saying "young children" instead of "those under 7" or whatever), and are doubly-notorious about relying on voluntary compliance rather than enforcement for a whole host of offerings.

I agree with the rest of what you said, though.

 

[JulyGirl]

The thread sort of went into parade mode and I have a story about that. My boyfriend and I waited a long time one night for the Spectro Parade to start. We got a great spot alongside Main Street. We saw a family behind us with 3 young girls, none older than the age of 5. Dad was picking one girl up to see and the other 2 were getting upset. If we stood, they could fit in front of us without any problem to our view. I turned and asked the mom if her girls would like to stand in front of us. Well, not only did they accept my offer, but mom and dad joined them, as well. I nicely told her that I ONLY meant the girls stand in front and dad snapped back that his girls can't be away from them. We didn't even get a thank you. Well, luckily my boyfriend and I have a sense of humor and were able to laugh about it. Lesson learned: Do not give up your parade spot!!

 

[lillygator]

Sorry, but I don't buy that. Disney is notorious for being vague about things like this (saying "young children" instead of "those under 7" or whatever), and are doubly-notorious about relying on voluntary compliance rather than enforcement for a whole host of offerings.

I agree with the rest of what you said, though.

hmmmmm.......for Pete's sake - this is a freebie activity - what is the big hairy deal?

 

[cleo]

While I see your point of view on this, bicker, and I agree with your opinion/facts 99% of the time, the facts in this matter seem to support there being no age limit for KidCot.

Take into consideration:

1) CM's do not stop anyone from using the supplies provided, which would be as simple to implement as having them handed out to children only.

2) Several attractions are geared toward preschoolers (Turtle Talk with Crush, Dumbo, etc) but everyone is welcome to enjoy them

3) When Disney want only preschoolers, teens, or adults to partake in an activity, they have no problem stating a specific age-group span (for example, on the Pirate Cruise, on backstage tours, on surfing lessons, etc).

Just because something is geared toward a particular age group doesn't mean they are the ONLY ones who can participate. When something is exclusive, it is clearly defined and enforced (usually ).

Having said that, I could argue your point pretty easily, too, as an opinion. But the facts do indicate anyone can participate in KidCot crafts.

 

[Aidensmom]

Absolutely. I suppose Kidcot is for young children solely in recognition of the fact that young children are less likely to find many other aspects of Epcot to be of interest. That's why I believe that offering is aimed solely at them.

Epcot is my 5 year old's favorite park, and he rarely does the kidcot stations. (We are local with annual passes, I can't even count the number of times we have gone to Epcot.) I hate that Epcot has the reputation of not being fun for kids.

As far as the OP, if my child feels like doing the stations, and it is full, we either walk the shops and come back later, or we just stand and patiently wait. It's a good opportunity to help young kids with waiting their turn. I do sit down with my son if it is not busy, but I will get up if there are people waiting because I don't actually color a mask myself. I will give up my seat for anyone waiting to color, no matter their age.

As far as parades, if we really want to see it, we will stake our seats early. I don't expect anyone to move out of our way if they have been sitting there an hour or more for a good seat. I have had people offer to let my child stand closer, or to help me put my son on my shoulders, but I just consider that a bonus.

 

[bicker]

While I see your point of view on this, bicker, and I agree with your opinion/facts 99% of the time, the facts in this matter seem to support there being no age limit for KidCot.

Well, remember, back in message #5 in this thread I said, "Well, I can see it both ways." In the message you replied to, I was just explaining why I feel the points made by the folks who say that that activity should be "just for young children" are valid. I also feel the points made by the folks who say that that activity should be for anyone are valid.

I know it is rare for me to not have a definitive opinion on something; but it does happen sometimes!