Kidcot Funstops- Sharpies!

[emma'smom]

I was dismayed to discover the use of permanent markers at the Kidcot stations when we were there last June. I don't remember these last March..so the switched must have occured between those times (or I just didn't notice). I assume that Sharpie is sponsoring these activities. However, I am so bothered by the use of sharpie permanent markers by young children. I don't let my girls use these at home. They stain their hands and their clothes. While my dd4 can be told to be careful, dd18 months wants to do everything her sister does and there aren't usually too many crayons around.

Anyone else have this issue?

 

[Schmeck]

Can you bring your own little pack of crayons for your younger daughter to use?

 

[JulielovesDisney]

I don't think that's a good idea to have little kids playing with Sharpies. They ruin clothes and hands, and they smell terrible!

 

[cleo]

Nope, the use of Sharpies isn't an issue for me. But you could write Disney a letter of complaint and see what happens.

 

[Julma]

I don't have young kids anymore, but it was the first thing I noticed. Kids and Sharpies just don't mix. Even when my 13 year old is using them for a project, I am forever saying, "remember those are permanent".

 

[Plantlady]

Sharpies are the offical marker of Disney.

I assume they are in the kidcot station because they paid to be there. I doubt anyone there would mind if you used your own crayons though.

 

[jwfla422]

I guess if Sharpies is now the "official" markers of WDW they could think about making a "washable" line of markers....my dd is 8 now and she's gotten better about not getting marker where she shouldn't...LOL, but a year or so ago I wouldn't appreciate going to WDW and having her get marker on her clothes. I don't think that's right for a place that's so kid-friendly. OR they should have smocks available.

And, not only is it permanent on clothes but it does take MANY washings to get it off of your hands. As the kids color they tend to lean on places on their project/mask that are still slightly wet from the marker and it's very easy to rub that on their clothes.

I think this was not a "thought out" move on WDW's part. Bringing your own crayons shouldn't be necessary. There should be the option of having the washables as well. I guarantee WDW will be hearing lots of complaints to come on this one.

 

[anewvance]

I noticed this as well. My son is only 2 but loves to color and he went at it with a sharpie which was great until he missed and got it on the table. I tried to wipe it away quickly but it still stained the table. Then I noticed alot of marks on the table, same OOPS from other kids I am sure. I thought it was strange they used sharpies... at least my ds didn't get any on himself or his clothes. When we go in a few days, I am thinking about bringing a pack of crayons because my 5 year old has been known to be VERY messy with markers, whatever she can get on her she will.

 

[phillybeth]

Rubbing alcohol will remove sharpie stains. On hands and clothes, use antibacterial gel!

 

[Schmeck]

I guess if Sharpies is now the "official" markers of WDW they could think about making a "washable" line of markers....my dd is 8 now and she's gotten better about not getting marker where she shouldn't...LOL, but a year or so ago I wouldn't appreciate going to WDW and having her get marker on her clothes. I don't think that's right for a place that's so kid-friendly. OR they should have smocks available.

And then everyone will want to take a smock home as a souvenir...

Complaining about the sharpies will probably get the Kidcot stations closed. You're complaining about the sponsor .

 

[bicker]

Complaining about the sharpies will probably get the Kidcot stations closed.

That's a good point.

Also, I suspect permanent markers are essential, to avoid lots of disappointment -- just walking by the fountains with a stiff breeze could ruin the masks if they were colored with washable markers.