Parents that let their children run down the hallways like animals are awful!

[lizabu]

I haven't had this experience but if it's happening simply call guest services and let Disney deal with it. Maybe they can invite the kids to join a different activity. I don't think anyone needs to just suck it up and deal with it because it's a family cruise line. It's normal for kids to get excited and forget themselves. Sometimes they just need to be reminded. You don't have to feel like the bad guy because you called in the professionals.

 

[Shanti]

That is definitely where I'd stick my head out and say "You do know there is a running/walking track on Deck 4? Please use that or the sports court for your kids' races." And if it continued, I would be making a call to guest services.

I would just call Guest Services without even talking to the parents. I'm a teacher & have to deal with difficult parents as part of my job, so I don't want to do it on vacation.

I agree that it's appalling that some parents allow and even encourage this behavior.

 

[elvispursley]

I absolutely would be calling guest services if there were kids running up and down the hallways after quiet hours. Guest services should be enforces quiet hours--I don't care if it's to to tell the room next to ours to be considerate about "slamming" their door repeatedly at 11:30 at night or to send security up to tell the kids to walk quietly and contact their families. I have kids that are trying to sleep and I am not going to just shrug it off and say, "oh well, kids are being kids and breaking rules." Oh heck no! It might be one thing for me to put up with some rowdy kids during the day and loud talking/door slamming in the morning, but come quiet-time...it better be just that!!!

And as for smoking on verandahs--that'd be tolerated for about 5 seconds before that was reported as well. There are designated smoking sections and your verandah is not one of them, especially if it was keeping me from enjoying mine!

 

[Shanti]

I think if I was this bothered by noises I'd be cruising on an adult cruiseline not on one that's for kids.

For kids? I wasn't aware that any kids paid for "their" cruises on DCL.

But seriously, I've taught kids from ages 4 - 12 for many years. Some of those kids even had serious emotional, social and/or behavioral problems. My own son is on the autism spectrum. But my son and all of the children I've taught at school have proven to be capable of walking quietly through hallways.

Kids will behave when they are taught to behave and held to high expectations. The out-of-control behavior described on this thread is due to irresponsible parenting, and not due to the intrinsic nature of children.

 

[cruiser21]

By the time guest services got there those kids running down the hall would be wherever they were running too. Most likely they're running to their stateroom. It's not like they are going to call a "bright star" or "MOB" and staff is going to show up in 2 minutes to capture that running child. As far as I know they do not have a 911 call for "child runner". My guess is by the time you even explained the situation to guest services the kids would be long gone.

 

[elvispursley]

The few times I have heard kids running in the halls, in was repeatedly outside our door.

 

[cruiser21]

i

 

[lizabu]

By the time guest services got there those kids running down the hall would be wherever they were running too. Most likely they're running to their stateroom. It's not like they are going to call a "bright star" or "MOB" and staff is going to show up in 2 minutes to capture that running child. As far as I know they do not have a 911 call for "child runner". My guess is by the time you even explained the situation to guest services the kids would be long gone.

I think what people are complaining about is an ongoing disturbance. Not an isolated incident of a child running by. But children running past their room again and again and causing an impact on their ability to relax and go to sleep.

 

[aggiedog]

This is not a cruise line issue. This is a life issue. I had dinner basically ruined at our favorite place in WDW due to several different families with children either out of control running around while waving long pom-pom things on sticks or sitting at their tables with their electronic devices turned up full blast. I'm a physician and have had to discipline children myself, in front of their parents, while they're in my office - don't touch that, stop climbing the wall (no joke), stop talking so I can speak with your parents, stop pushing the controls to my $30,000 piece of equipment, etc, and ad nauseum. FWIW, I get some pretty poorly behaved 20-30 year olds as well. Not as physically active, but completely tied up in their electronics to the detriment of the visit. I also have absolutely delightful children, most of whom I can tell their parents are on them like white on rice.

There is a level of decorum which many people expect but which many more either don't know exists or simply don't care about. We can teach our children, but there's only so much we can do about everyone else's kids.

I understand the OP's vent, completely. If it happened repeatedly, I'd probably call guest services as well.

 

[MUN]

This is not a cruise line issue. This is a life issue. I had dinner basically ruined at our favorite place in WDW due to several different families with children either out of control running around while waving long pom-pom things on sticks or sitting at their tables with their electronic devices turned up full blast. I'm a physician and have had to discipline children myself, in front of their parents, while they're in my office - don't touch that, stop climbing the wall (no joke), stop talking so I can speak with your parents, stop pushing the controls to my $30,000 piece of equipment, etc, and ad nauseum. FWIW, I get some pretty poorly behaved 20-30 year olds as well. Not as physically active, but completely tied up in their electronics to the detriment of the visit. I also have absolutely delightful children, most of whom I can tell their parents are on them like white on rice.

There is a level of decorum which many people expect but which many more either don't know exists or simply don't care about. We can teach our children, but there's only so much we can do about everyone else's kids.

I understand the OP's vent, completely. If it happened repeatedly, I'd probably call guest services as well.

Which restaurant were you at?

 

[RedSox68]

I mean to tell you, I am a very chill individual but I came *THISCLOSE* to having a "get off my lawn" moment.

We had a very lovely stateroom (9th deck/Fantasy) and it was very quiet. Lucked out with great neighbors, etc. But the kids running up and down the halls was ridiculous. We weren't even that close to the stairs but they were tearing up and down stairs too. I don't understand parents that don't tell their kids not to do that. How can they now know how much racket and noise that produces?

Kids are kids. They are just having fun. If they don't know any better, they just keep doing it.
I did not expect peace and quiet on a Disney cruise for heaven sake, but the racket in the halls was ridiculous.

OH YEAH, my least favorite thing about a Disney cruise. Even with your door closed, we have heard the type of noise that you would expect on an outdoor playground. Slamming fists on doors, screaming, shouting, running like quarterbacks. Finally on one cruise I threw open our door and said "must you run" -- and then their parents opened their stateroom door and for the next five minutes these kids were read the riot act.

Kids being kids is one thing and I know they build up a lot of pent up energy, but there is still no need to do that in a small hallway every day. We have actually been woken up at Midnight with (I guess) kids coming back from either a movie or a kids club event and the noise can be overwhelming.

 

[RedSox68]

This is not a cruise line issue. This is a life issue. I had dinner basically ruined at our favorite place in WDW due to several different families with children either out of control running around while waving long pom-pom things on sticks or sitting at their tables with their electronic devices turned up full blast. I'm a physician and have had to discipline children myself, in front of their parents, while they're in my office - don't touch that, stop climbing the wall (no joke), stop talking so I can speak with your parents, stop pushing the controls to my $30,000 piece of equipment, etc, and ad nauseum. FWIW, I get some pretty poorly behaved 20-30 year olds as well. Not as physically active, but completely tied up in their electronics to the detriment of the visit. I also have absolutely delightful children, most of whom I can tell their parents are on them like white on rice.

There is a level of decorum which many people expect but which many more either don't know exists or simply don't care about. We can teach our children, but there's only so much we can do about everyone else's kids.

I understand the OP's vent, completely. If it happened repeatedly, I'd probably call guest services as well.

Ah restaurant behavior -- also had some not fun experiences at some of those places, to. The worst -- at a restaurant in Lancaster, PA where we got to watch a 3-year-old run around with a butter knife while the family members kept filming him and taking pictures -- and several times run at us with the knife! I could not believe how dumb the family was acting -- even the grandparents! I was terrified we were going to see a horrible accident and it made dining nerve-wracking. Looking back now, I know I would request to be moved! Talking to the family was obviously not a choice since they didn't seem to care.

 

[belac]

It is everywhere, I think parents are either too stressed out or just don't bother to raise well mannered children. I know, I know... we are two working Parents and our DS has a hectic schedule so yeah I know it is an excuse, but I have noticed Parents on their phones at dinner oblivious to the actions of their kids. I have seen a dad alone with little kiddos (5 yo at the most) get up, go outside and take a call for 10 mins. DH and I and the other table next to them watched over them, I mean really!! DH said something to the dad which luckily only got him a dirty look.
We have been taking DS to average (nicer non-Applebee's type) restaurants, museums etc.. since he was 3 months old. He learned how to behave in public fairly quickly, obviously not at 3 months, but by the time he was 3 years, he knew. Does he get out of hand, of course, but it mostly happens at home or parties where they can run and have fun. DCL has clubs, pools all this fun stuff to let off steam, so the kids should not be running down the halls.
I can sympathize with OP-on the running back and forth. I would either A) tell them to stop and point out the camera in the hallway or B) call GS, or both.

 

[M<3'sMickey]

For kids? I wasn't aware that any kids paid for "their" cruises on DCL.

But seriously, I've taught kids from ages 4 - 12 for many years. Some of those kids even had serious emotional, social and/or behavioral problems. My own son is on the autism spectrum. But my son and all of the children I've taught at school have proven to be capable of walking quietly through hallways.

Kids will behave when they are taught to behave and held to high expectations. The out-of-control behavior described on this thread is due to irresponsible parenting, and not due to the intrinsic nature of children.

This. THANK YOU. I, like you, am a teacher. I teach the younger kids, currently kindergarten, and it's always astounding to me that in the first weeks of school, when I tell the kids "no" about something, the look I get from them like "is this girl nuts? did she just tell me no?" because their parents never tell them no. They quickly learn, however, that I am not going to put up with their nonsense. The parents clearly are not doing this at home and it extends to every situation their child is in. Unfortunately, I feel we are in a place where parents are not teaching their kids proper social norms like not running in the hallways or shouting or slamming doors or just how to be decent human beings. I'm not saying it's all parents - I've taught many polite, well mannered children the past 11 years, but as someone who was woken up by children running on deck 8 while I was trying to sleep on deck 7, I feel the pain of everyone on here. I'm usually one to pass comments to my husband or to whomever I'm with about the situation, but occasionally the teacher voice will come out if I can't take it anymore. My husband and I went to a hibachi restaurant for our anniversary last weekend, and there was a kid at the table next to us with two forks behind the hot hot stove top pretending he was the hibachi chef. Did the parent tell him no, it's hot, you shouldn't be doing that? Nope. They took pictures. Sometimes, I just can't anymore.

 

[NewsMom]

We had one group of kids bang/pound on our door like it was a home invasion one night. When I opened the door, they were gone, but they drew penises all over our white board. Charming.

 

[belac]

We had one group of kids bang/pound on our door like it was a home invasion one night. When I opened the door, they were gone, but they drew penises all over our white board. Charming.

I would write on the white board WE & DCL knows who you are, see the surveillance camera, they will be knocking on your door soon!
That will get them thinking and hopefully paranoid.
... and I might go ahead and tell making note of the exact time they did this.

 

[Dug720]

This. THANK YOU. I, like you, am a teacher. I teach the younger kids, currently kindergarten, and it's always astounding to me that in the first weeks of school, when I tell the kids "no" about something, the look I get from them like "is this girl nuts? did she just tell me no?" because their parents never tell them no. They quickly learn, however, that I am not going to put up with their nonsense. The parents clearly are not doing this at home and it extends to every situation their child is in. Unfortunately, I feel we are in a place where parents are not teaching their kids proper social norms like not running in the hallways or shouting or slamming doors or just how to be decent human beings. I'm not saying it's all parents - I've taught many polite, well mannered children the past 11 years, but as someone who was woken up by children running on deck 8 while I was trying to sleep on deck 7, I feel the pain of everyone on here. I'm usually one to pass comments to my husband or to whomever I'm with about the situation, but occasionally the teacher voice will come out if I can't take it anymore. My husband and I went to a hibachi restaurant for our anniversary last weekend, and there was a kid at the table next to us with two forks behind the hot hot stove top pretending he was the hibachi chef. Did the parent tell him no, it's hot, you shouldn't be doing that? Nope. They took pictures. Sometimes, I just can't anymore.

So much this!!

I think some parents are so afraid of "crushing their child's spirit" they don't want to ever say no or steer them in a different direction (beyond behavior even; things like if the kid is tone deaf, try dance or a non-vocal music rather than praising their "beautiful" voice. There are gentle ways to say "honey, this really isn't the thing for you but this might be".)

I am on my phone now, but when I get home I will try to find the picture of the pea that landed smack in the middle of my sister and my table on the Dream one night courtesy of two little darlings being ignored by their parents and throwing bread and other things all over while running around and around their table. Our table was perfectly clear other than drink glasses, and just as our assistant was coming to check on refilling those, PLOP goes a green pea in the middle of the table.

I've decided I'm very glad I like to be as far forward as possible because that is usually near the end of the hall which minimizes the number of people who have to pass the door.

 

[cadien]

During the day, I realize we'll be dealing with noisy children. But after POSTED quiet hours, I am absolutely opening my door and telling them to knock it off. We haven't been on DCL yet but NCL has the same problem.

 

[aggiedog]

We were at Boma. We love the variety of food there as my family really likes spice and ethnic cuisine. I know, not a fancy restaurant, and I don't expect a buffet to be quiet and subdued. But this was a level of chaos that was unprecedented for us, even at WDW. Truly beyond the pale, from several/many different families, so I can't just say it was one bad egg. And the CM's did nothing to help or control the situation. We left feeling like we'd just had dinner in the middle of a busy DMV waiting room. Sadly, we won't be going back.

 

[MickeyD]

This is an interesting thread. It is too bad that the parents in question are not privy to some of the advice on this board. I agree completely that parents need to be responsible for teaching their children how to behave in public. We had problems with the running in the halls on our 2015 Fantasy sailing (did not deter from our enjoyment of the cruise, but it was irritating), but this last May did not notice it at all. Could have been different time of year, has different ages of kids...not sure? I will say that children being allowed to do whatever carries over onto land, case in point, we have some furniture for sale and had a couple with their young daughter come over to look at it. It is stored in our garage, so the little girl (about 6 or 7) was jumping all over everything in the garage. Mom and Dad did absolutely nothing! When she began to climb all over my husband's Harley I had to step in and say: "That is not a toy, please get down!" and the mom looked at me like I had beat her kid! I seriously did not even raise my voice, but I offended her little princess who apparently should be able to do whatever she wants. It is a sad testament to our society that children are allowed to run free without boundaries because Mom and Dad "just want to be their friend" instead of their parent. Children appreciate boundaries, believe it or not. It makes them feel safe. (stepping off my soap box...)