Kids in the Cove Cafe

[chuckm403]

I personally don't think anyone here has an issue with the occasional kid appearing in an adult area, be it the 12 year old that sticks his head in to Cove to tell mom he's done at the pool or the 5 year old that walks with his parents through quiet cove area after coming up the front steps. I've seen both of these myself, and I don't think either is an issue.

I think the problem starts when the kids become more than a "transient" fixture. The stroller that parks in Cove or Outlook. The 8 year old in the Rainforest Room. The two 10 year olds swimming in the quiet cove pool while their sister sits in the hot tub there. A family with 3 kids at pub night. Once people stop following the rules, people who "do" follow rules quickly become annoyed that they aren't able to get the same privileges so they ignore the rules too. It doesn't take long to go down the slippery slope. And when you see certain cruises where the rules aren't enforced (and I still can't figure out the trend because it fluctuates wildly) it definitely scares those people who enjoy "adult only" parts of the ship. Heck, it would scare me.

Very well said!

 

[HallsofVA]

Our last cruise we had our first ever forward stateroom, and I was always paranoid about which deck I used to try to get to the aft part of the ship, to avoid taking the kids through the adult areas on Decks 9 and 3.

We hope to stick to aft rooms for awhile, because the stress of remembering where we could go when was too much for me!

 

[TDC Nala]

I wonder if Disney could fill a ship for one cruise with adults only? I'd be on that one!

I am sure they could fill the ship. Nor am I opposed to the idea. I'd probably be on the ship too. However, it will NEVER happen.

I don't drink coffee and I don't care where people get their coffee, but the coffee service should be made available somewhere else on the ship (I thought Promenade Lounge was a good idea). That would cut down on people bringing children into the Cove.

 

[NancyIL]

I am sure they could fill the ship. Nor am I opposed to the idea. I'd probably be on the ship too. However, it will NEVER happen.

You are probably right. That's ok, because I don't cruise with Disney very often, and most of my other cruises have few kids onboard.

 

[TDC Nala]

Is it really such a BIG DEAL??? You are CHOOSING to cruise with Disney and there WILL always be children......................just sayin'

I don't consider "18 and older only" to mean "sometimes there will be children hanging around in here." If that's going to be the case they need to take down the 18 and older signs and just let everyone in.

Tigfanjeff's last post says it all. Once they start allowing the parents with the kiddies to come in the cove, sit down and stay awhile (and when the OP asked the bartender the response was "We can't do anything about it") then it's not an adults only area anymore.

Disney MARKETS these areas as adults only. So if people are choosing to cruise with Disney they are aware that there are supposed to be adults only areas. Don't see how choosing to cruise with Disney means that marketing actually translates to "These are adults only areas as long as no one under 18 happens to be in the room."

There's also no prohibition on taking your kids THROUGH the 18 and up areas. Or even on kids and teens walking through by themselves, as long as they don't stick around. Some of the parents posting here seem to think we want a no child shall pass forcefield.

 

[KSDisneyDad]

How are you being "penalized"? I never understand this "logic"....you have a series of choices, 1) skip the coffee entirely for the trip, 2) get coffee from any location that will allow you to obtain it with your child, 3) wait until you have "alone" time to go to Cove, 4) order coffee from a CM so that you can have it *right now* .
It is not a penalty to say that a person doesn't always get what they want when they want it! In this instance, it needs to be decided what is the priority, upscale coffee or kid time...you can have both, but at a small convenience fee to be paid for getting your cake and eating it too....

I agree. We've often skipped the adult only areas because we're with our kids. Sure, we would have rather enjoyed an afternoon at the Quiet Cove, but we spent the day at Goofy's pool. On our last cruise, we did get to spend a morning at Cove Cafe while the kids were in the club and it was quite nice "alone" time.

I completely understand what others are saying about having a place for a good cup of coffee for those who have their children in tow for whatever reason. I hope that Disney can continue to accomodate the Cove Cafe as adults only, but also offer an alternative for those who cannot put their kids in the club for a while. I feel for those parents as they also cannot enjoy a brunch or evening at Palo.

We are "rule followers" and don't take dd12 in any "adults only" area, BUT I do not understand the complete uproar that a child may appear every now and then in an adult only area. It doesn't sound like it was a problem in any of the 4 pages so far. Is it really such a BIG DEAL??? You are CHOOSING to cruise with Disney and there WILL always be children......................just sayin'

Did you read Post 13 on page 1? This post epitomizes the fear of those who want to keep adult-only areas that way:

http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=37749192&postcount=13

I personally don't think anyone here has an issue with the occasional kid appearing in an adult area, be it the 12 year old that sticks his head in to Cove to tell mom he's done at the pool or the 5 year old that walks with his parents through quiet cove area after coming up the front steps. I've seen both of these myself, and I don't think either is an issue.

I think the problem starts when the kids become more than a "transient" fixture. The stroller that parks in Cove or Outlook. The 8 year old in the Rainforest Room. The two 10 year olds swimming in the quiet cove pool while their sister sits in the hot tub there. A family with 3 kids at pub night. Once people stop following the rules, people who "do" follow rules quickly become annoyed that they aren't able to get the same privileges so they ignore the rules too. It doesn't take long to go down the slippery slope. And when you see certain cruises where the rules aren't enforced (and I still can't figure out the trend because it fluctuates wildly) it definitely scares those people who enjoy "adult only" parts of the ship. Heck, it would scare me.

Well said. However, it's a delicate balance and how do you prevent kids from becoming more than a "transient" fixture?

I agree with your Quiet cove example. IMHO, the design of the adult-only area was poorly designed on Deck 9 with the forward stair case and elevators. However, most of the other adult-only areas are out of the way and not easy for kids to access "unintentionally". Most kids are registered for the clubs and they can have any of the club counselors page you if needed.

 

[db78]

This is apparently a problem on other cruise lines too; just got off the Celebrity Solstice and they weren't enforcing the adults only areas either. We and others did complain with mixed results. I'm sure it has a lot to do with the staff not wanting to deal with an irate parent who thinks the rules don't apply to them.

But last time we were on a Disney Cruise I noticed they did consistently enforce it, so I'm dismayed to hear that this is maybe not the case now.

 

[Michele325]

I personally don't think anyone here has an issue with the occasional kid appearing in an adult area, be it the 12 year old that sticks his head in to Cove to tell mom he's done at the pool or the 5 year old that walks with his parents through quiet cove area after coming up the front steps. I've seen both of these myself, and I don't think either is an issue.

I think the problem starts when the kids become more than a "transient" fixture. The stroller that parks in Cove or Outlook. The 8 year old in the Rainforest Room. The two 10 year olds swimming in the quiet cove pool while their sister sits in the hot tub there. A family with 3 kids at pub night. Once people stop following the rules, people who "do" follow rules quickly become annoyed that they aren't able to get the same privileges so they ignore the rules too. It doesn't take long to go down the slippery slope. And when you see certain cruises where the rules aren't enforced (and I still can't figure out the trend because it fluctuates wildly) it definitely scares those people who enjoy "adult only" parts of the ship. Heck, it would scare me.

Very well said. Sometimes you give an inch and then someone takes a mile and it just goes on from there. We don't use the adult areas much. We are definitely rule followers. Only a few times have all 3 of the kids been in the clubs at the same time. And then we have really appreciated the quiet of the adult areas.

 

[Buckeye Goofy]

How are you being "penalized"? I never understand this "logic"....you have a series of choices, 1) skip the coffee entirely for the trip, 2) get coffee from any location that will allow you to obtain it with your child, 3) wait until you have "alone" time to go to Cove, 4) order coffee from a CM so that you can have it *right now*
.
It is not a penalty to say that a person doesn't always get what they want when they want it! In this instance, it needs to be decided what is the priority, upscale coffee or kid time...you can have both, but at a small convenience fee to be paid for getting your cake and eating it too....

Looking at you options:
1) Hard to imagine this not being considered a penalty
2) Yes, I can get crappy coffee. Not good coffee or latte, but Nescafe from a 5 gallon dispenser. In short, there is no other location. Beer, lots of places; decent coffee, 1 place.
3) Going to the cove isn't my objection, getting good coffee is. This is the essence of the problem (for most people anyhow).
4) Try finding a deck waiter at 8:30

The bottom line is that if you and I walk up to Cove Cafe at the same time, and I have one of my children; you can waltz in, grab a coffee and be gone, while I either leave a child behind the glass, or hunt for a CM to get my drink. Because I choose to spend time with my kids, I am not afforded the same product without bending over backwards to get it, thus I am penalized. This is a portable product, not a spa or a sit down dinner, but a cup of coffee; my service experience should be no different from anyone else who wanted to grab one.

What I find particularly interesting is that at no time have I, nor most others, ever suggested abandoning adults only areas and infringing upon your experience; yet some seem to think those with children shouldn't be entitled to enjoy their coffee. The solution for ALL parties is for Disney to incorporate some means of providing a quality product to all concerned, thus removing the obstacle that causes so much dismay. I cannot fathom why this is reduced to a WITH KIDS vs. WITHOUT KIDS debate when it could be resolved by ALL OF US telling Disney this matter should be addressed?

People here are obviously not impressed by the solution Disney has now (which is to say, none), which clearly says to me we're on common ground, can't we pull together on this???? Or do we just want to grumble??

 

[#1Yepod]

I personally don't think anyone here has an issue with the occasional kid appearing in an adult area, be it the 12 year old that sticks his head in to Cove to tell mom he's done at the pool or the 5 year old that walks with his parents through quiet cove area after coming up the front steps. I've seen both of these myself, and I don't think either is an issue.

I think the problem starts when the kids become more than a "transient" fixture. The stroller that parks in Cove or Outlook. The 8 year old in the Rainforest Room. The two 10 year olds swimming in the quiet cove pool while their sister sits in the hot tub there. A family with 3 kids at pub night. Once people stop following the rules, people who "do" follow rules quickly become annoyed that they aren't able to get the same privileges so they ignore the rules too. It doesn't take long to go down the slippery slope. And when you see certain cruises where the rules aren't enforced (and I still can't figure out the trend because it fluctuates wildly) it definitely scares those people who enjoy "adult only" parts of the ship. Heck, it would scare me.

Couldn't have said it better!

 

[castaway3]

Wewere on a cruise in May on the Wonder and were sitting in the Cove Cafe upstairs looking down on the Quiet Cove Pool and to our amazement 4 adults with an infant in a stroller proceed to get towels, plop down on 4 lounge chairs, slather suntan lotion all over each other and order drinks. All the while with an infant in a stroller beside them. I then picked up the courtesy phone and called guest services to inform them of the situation and within 3 minutes a Cm came and spoke to them..the people didn't look to happy but they gathered up their stuff and left.

 

[Karlzmom]

Looking at you options:
1) Hard to imagine this not being considered a penalty
2) Yes, I can get crappy coffee. Not good coffee or latte, but Nescafe from a 5 gallon dispenser. In short, there is no other location. Beer, lots of places; decent coffee, 1 place.
3) Going to the cove isn't my objection, getting good coffee is. This is the essence of the problem (for most people anyhow).
4) Try finding a deck waiter at 8:30

The bottom line is that if you and I walk up to Cove Cafe at the same time, and I have one of my children; you can waltz in, grab a coffee and be gone, while I either leave a child behind the glass, or hunt for a CM to get my drink. Because I choose to spend time with my kids, I am not afforded the same product without bending over backwards to get it, thus I am penalized. This is a portable product, not a spa or a sit down dinner, but a cup of coffee; my service experience should be no different from anyone else who wanted to grab one.

What I find particularly interesting is that at no time have I, nor most others, ever suggested abandoning adults only areas and infringing upon your experience; yet some seem to think those with children shouldn't be entitled to enjoy their coffee. The solution for ALL parties is for Disney to incorporate some means of providing a quality product to all concerned, thus removing the obstacle that causes so much dismay. I cannot fathom why this is reduced to a WITH KIDS vs. WITHOUT KIDS debate when it could be resolved by ALL OF US telling Disney this matter should be addressed?

People here are obviously not impressed by the solution Disney has now (which is to say, none), which clearly says to me we're on common ground, can't we pull together on this???? Or do we just want to grumble??

FYI, I have two kids....and I accept that at times it impinges on my complete freedom to do what I want, when I want and how I want.....

 

[DMMarla07860]

How are you being "penalized"? I never understand this "logic"....you have a series of choices, 1) skip the coffee entirely for the trip, 2) get coffee from any location that will allow you to obtain it with your child, 3) wait until you have "alone" time to go to Cove, 4) order coffee from a CM so that you can have it *right now* .
It is not a penalty to say that a person doesn't always get what they want when they want it! In this instance, it needs to be decided what is the priority, upscale coffee or kid time...you can have both, but at a small convenience fee to be paid for getting your cake and eating it too....

now I don't have kids, but I agree with this. If people want coffee from Cove Cafe, maybe if possible try to wait till kids are in the club or not around to get some, it's still most likely going to be there

 

[orlandothebeagle]

We are "rule followers" and don't take dd12 in any "adults only" area, BUT I do not understand the complete uproar that a child may appear every now and then in an adult only area. It doesn't sound like it was a problem in any of the 4 pages so far. Is it really such a BIG DEAL??? You are CHOOSING to cruise with Disney and there WILL always be children......................just sayin'

Yes but one poster had to explain to there kid who was following the rules why they couldnt go in and others who were not sticking to the rules could................. Ofcourse there will always be children, but hey should all stick to the rules surely?

 

[mouseclick1]

I copied the following off the DCL website. Perhaps it will be helpful to those who have children with them and want better coffee than Nescafe:

Promenade Lounge is a 104-seat lounge located on Deck 3, Aft situated off the elevator lobby on the Disney Wonder. Open from approximately noon to midnight daily, Promenade Lounge is the perfect place for families to enjoy a refreshing beverage or snack, surf the Internet or partake in fun activities that occur throughout the day.Beverages and Snacks

Promenade Lounge's full bar serves a large selection of beer, wine and mixed cocktails to Guests 21 years of age or older for an additional fee. Specialty martinis include the Champenoise and the Berrytini. After-dinner liqueurs include Bailey's Irish Cream, Tia Maria and Amaretto di Saronno. Specialty coffees like espresso, cappuccino and coffee colada with rum and coconuts, and dessert wines such as Apple Icewine are also available.

Additionally, complimentary hors d'oeuvres and snacks—including nachos with guacamole, salsa and sour cream dips—are served in the afternoon and evening hours.

Cadillac Lounge is a 66-seat, vintage Cadillac-themed piano bar located on Deck 3, Forward in the Route 66 section on the Disney Wonder that features a full bar and nightly live music. Open from approximately 6:30 p.m. to midnight daily, Cadillac Lounge is off limits to Guests under 18 years of age after 9:00 p.m.
Beverages and Snacks
Featuring a full bar, Cadilllac Lounge serves a large selection of beer and cocktails for an additional fee including martinis, champagne and wine. Scotch, Single Malt Tequila, Cognac, Port, Madeira and specialty coffees like espresso, cappuccino and café mocha are also available. Additionally, complimentary hors d'oeuvres—including caviar—and snacks are served throughout the evening.

 

[shelbell77]

I copied the following off the DCL website. Perhaps it will be helpful to those who have children with them and want better coffee than Nescafe:

Promenade Lounge is a 104-seat lounge located on Deck 3, Aft situated off the elevator lobby on the Disney Wonder. Open from approximately noon to midnight daily, Promenade Lounge is the perfect place for families to enjoy a refreshing beverage or snack, surf the Internet or partake in fun activities that occur throughout the day.Beverages and Snacks

Promenade Lounge's full bar serves a large selection of beer, wine and mixed cocktails to Guests 21 years of age or older for an additional fee. Specialty martinis include the Champenoise and the Berrytini. After-dinner liqueurs include Bailey's Irish Cream, Tia Maria and Amaretto di Saronno. Specialty coffees like espresso, cappuccino and coffee colada with rum and coconuts, and dessert wines such as Apple Icewine are also available.

Additionally, complimentary hors d'oeuvres and snacks—including nachos with guacamole, salsa and sour cream dips—are served in the afternoon and evening hours.

Cadillac Lounge is a 66-seat, vintage Cadillac-themed piano bar located on Deck 3, Forward in the Route 66 section on the Disney Wonder that features a full bar and nightly live music. Open from approximately 6:30 p.m. to midnight daily, Cadillac Lounge is off limits to Guests under 18 years of age after 9:00 p.m.
Beverages and Snacks
Featuring a full bar, Cadilllac Lounge serves a large selection of beer and cocktails for an additional fee including martinis, champagne and wine. Scotch, Single Malt Tequila, Cognac, Port, Madeira and specialty coffees like espresso, cappuccino and café mocha are also available. Additionally, complimentary hors d'oeuvres—including caviar—and snacks are served throughout the evening.

Thank you for providing some facts for those who insist they are being punished by not being allowed to bring kids into cove cafe.

Doing more searching on DCLs site shows specialty expresso drinks also available at Tritons, Parrot Cay, animators palette, and lumiere's.

So there are plenty of options outside people bringing their kids into Cove Cafe!

 

[TDC Nala]

Can't understand the person who can't go in, get a coffee while the kid waits outside, then go back to the kid. Unless the kid is really little, can't the kid stand where the parent can see them? I don't think I'd say anything if you came in with your kid, ordered the coffee, told the bartender you'll just be out on the deck with your kid, and let them bring you the coffee, I'm sure they would do that. I don't see this as being forced to "bend over backwards."

 

[pansmermaidzlagoon]

FYI, I have two kids....and I accept that at times it impinges on my complete freedom to do what I want, when I want and how I want.....

same here!!!!! Never felt "penalized".

Even when DD was too young to leave alone in the room, DH and I found plenty of opportunities to get a coffee if we wanted one. Sometimes one of us went to Cove and brought back something for both of us. It really isn't that difficult or that big of a deal.

 

[JenKatt]

Thank you for providing some facts for those who insist they are being punished by not being allowed to bring kids into cove cafe.

Doing more searching on DCLs site shows specialty expresso drinks also available at Tritons, Parrot Cay, animators palette, and lumiere's.

So there are plenty of options outside people bringing their kids into Cove Cafe!

Which of those is open at 8am? Other than the restaurants?

 

[DynamicDisneyDuo]

And then there is the reality of businesses everywhere... you cannot ever please everyone. There will always be hiccups, restrictions or rules that displease someone. Every business tries and every business will eventually fail in some way.
Unless/until being a parent becomes a protected class under federal law, Disney has the right to create/maintain "Adults Only" areas and parents will simply have to make alternate arrangements/sacrifices (no one ever died from missing a cup o' joe) to abide by Disney's decisions.

That being said, people can campaign all they like to try to get Disney to change their ways as that is their right. Just understand that those without kids (or who are able to work around them) also have the right to campaign against your campaign.