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

[MUN]

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.

I've never been to Boma, but I hear it's good. We're planning a WDW trip next summer and I would love to stay at Animal Kingdom Lodge.

 

[Rabb it]

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.

smh

 

[Pens Fan]

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.

That's a shame, really. I will say that it doesn't always play out like that. One time we were at Le Cellier and there was one kid that was absolutely throwing a hissy fit, screaming at the top of his lungs, etc. The parents did absolutely nothing except begin to yell at each other. Dad told Mom it was her responsibility to stop him, Mom said there was nothing she could do. The poor little brother who had been perfectly quiet started crying and looked like he wanted to crawl under the table. The waiter and manager tried to intervene and were told to go away. We were at the next table and had a front row seat, unfortunately. The manager ended up kicking them out, and the family left with the Dad screaming F-bombs to anyone and everyone on the way out.

So if it gets bad enough, they will do something. I don't know exactly how bad the behavior must be, but that family definitely met the standard for removal!

 

[cruiser21]

You guys make it sound like all parents are horrible and the ships are full of unruly kids. I actually find most of the kids on the ships to be pretty well behaved. I don't see parents ignoring them or using cell phones. Theres no cell service. I've been on 15 cruises and I've probably only witnessed kids running around the table once. I'll make sure to write down anything I see on the Wonder next week. It seems like this has turned into more of a parenting bashing thread.

 

[PrincessShmoo]

I don't see parents ignoring them or using cell phones. Theres no cell service.

Right, there's no cell service, but you can use cell phones to access the DCL app - Navigators, menus, all sorts of information. So there are cell phones being used ALL. THE. TIME. Even during the shows.

 

[MUN]

That's a shame, really. I will say that it doesn't always play out like that. One time we were at Le Cellier and there was one kid that was absolutely throwing a hissy fit, screaming at the top of his lungs, etc. The parents did absolutely nothing except begin to yell at each other. Dad told Mom it was her responsibility to stop him, Mom said there was nothing she could do. The poor little brother who had been perfectly quiet started crying and looked like he wanted to crawl under the table. The waiter and manager tried to intervene and were told to go away. We were at the next table and had a front row seat, unfortunately. The manager ended up kicking them out, and the family left with the Dad screaming F-bombs to anyone and everyone on the way out.

So if it gets bad enough, they will do something. I don't know exactly how bad the behavior must be, but that family definitely met the standard for removal!

Wow! I will say that WDW trips can be very stressful, especially with small children. Once, during Jersey Week, I saw a mom curse out her young children in front of a bunch of guests at Magic Kingdom. Yikes! I can't imagine using that type of language, especially directed at my children. The kids seemed tired and obviously the mom seemed stressed out. That doesn't make her actions right, but you do see a fair number of melt downs at the parks. However, with the cruises being more relaxing than the parks, I can't say I've seen one parent melt down on my 6 cruises.

I've never been to Le Cellier. Is it still hard to get in to?

MUN

 

[MUN]

You guys make it sound like all parents are horrible and the ships are full of unruly kids. I actually find most of the kids on the ships to be pretty well behaved. I don't see parents ignoring them or using cell phones. Theres no cell service. I've been on 15 cruises and I've probably only witnessed kids running around the table once. I'll make sure to write down anything I see on the Wonder next week. It seems like this has turned into more of a parenting bashing thread.

I tend to agree with you. Sure, I've seen kids run on the ships, but I can't recall ever being kept awake by noise in the hallway. Many people are sanctimonious when it comes to parenting skills. They wax fondly on how great a parent they are/were and are quick to complain, exaggerate, and blame other parents when they see children behaving in a manner they don't approve of. But, this is a discussion board and I respect their rights to their opinions, and perhaps some of them are 5-star, award winning, John Rosemond approved parents.

 

[belac]

I don't see parents ignoring them or using cell phones. Theres no cell service. I've been on 15 cruises and I've probably only witnessed kids running around the table once. I'll make sure to write down anything I see on the Wonder next week. It seems like this has turned into more of a parenting bashing thread.

MY BAD I was referencing on land since it isn't only on water there is bad behavior - Sorry for confusion

But yes I can say on DCL we saw runners but not late night and the worst behavior I ever saw on DCL was by an adult having a hissy fit.

 

[Pens Fan]

Wow! I will say that WDW trips can be very stressful, especially with small children. Once, during Jersey Week, I saw a mom curse out her young children in front of a bunch of guests at Magic Kingdom. Yikes! I can't imagine using that type of language, especially directed at my children. The kids seemed tired and obviously the mom seemed stressed out. That doesn't make her actions right, but you do see a fair number of melt downs at the parks. However, with the cruises being more relaxing than the parks, I can't say I've seen one parent melt down on my 6 cruises.

I've never been to Le Cellier. Is it still hard to get in to?

MUN

It was the last time we were there (maybe 4 or 5 years ago?). It's worth it, though - really good steak, especially for a theme park. We always try to make reservations the first day our window opens. We also tend to eat late when we are in the parks, so we often have better luck getting reservations.

 

[MUN]

It was the last time we were there (maybe 4 or 5 years ago?). It's worth it, though - really good steak, especially for a theme park. We always try to make reservations the first day our window opens. We also tend to eat late when we are in the parks, so we often have better luck getting reservations.

I should try to get a reservation next time. I like the idea of a late one, I bet we would have better luck with that.

MUN

 

[littledebbie335]

This reminds me of a very unpleasant tiff that we've been recently involved in with a local business. The business was operating too loudly outside of the hours that it is legally allowed to (and was violating several other laws), and so a group of people who live nearby brought it up with the appropriate government officials so that we could get some peace and quiet at night. Since then, we've been threatened and publicly mocked by patrons of this establishment, who accuse us of "not researching before we bought a house" and "trying to shut down a small business." Actually, guys, we just want you to be quiet when you're supposed to be quiet! I think adults like that raise children like those.

It seems like noise is especially controversial because what seems fine to me might bother you. Honestly, though, kids aren't always great at situational awareness, so if there were children running up and down the hall and I wasn't already in my pj's, I would stick my head out and tell them that I was trying to go to bed so please stop running. "Hey guys, I know you're having fun, but the running is keeping me awake. Do you think you could stop for tonight, maybe pick things back up again in the morning?" I used to work with teenagers at a residential summer camp and boy did those kids get loud quickly, and they didn't even realize it. In the situation I described above, several people made polite and neighborly inquiries with the business owners to ask if they could be more respectful, and no one brought it up to a government authority until that proved to be repeatedly unsuccessful. I think the same idea applies here...as long as you're comfortable with doing it, I would try a simple request to the parents or kids before I escalated the situation to cast member. That said, I also wouldn't feel bad going to right to a cast member about the issue since it's my vacation, for crying out loud (or quietly?! ). But as people mentioned earlier in the thread, by the time a CM made it to my room, the kids might be gone.

Most of us recognize that not all kids are badly behaved, but it's the vocal minority that always gets all the attention!

 

[cruiser21]

I tend to agree with you. Sure, I've seen kids run on the ships, but I can't recall ever being kept awake by noise in the hallway. Many people are sanctimonious when it comes to parenting skills. They wax fondly on how great a parent they are/were and are quick to complain, exaggerate, and blame other parents when they see children behaving in a manner they don't approve of. But, this is a discussion board and I respect their rights to their opinions, and perhaps some of them are 5-star, award winning, John Rosemond approved parents.

I respect their right to their opinion also...but jeez. One thing I teach my kids is not to complain about other people just worry about your own actions.

I was also the perfect parent until I had kids.

 

[Pens Fan]

I was the perfect parent until I had kids.

OK - this cracked me up!! So true!

 

[cruiser21]

Right, there's no cell service, but you can use cell phones to access the DCL app - Navigators, menus, all sorts of information. So there are cell phones being used ALL. THE. TIME. Even during the shows.

Is that a bad thing? There seems to be a purpose to it.

 

[jiminyC_fan]

You guys make it sound like all parents are horrible and the ships are full of unruly kids.

I don't believe that any poster has stated that ALL parents are horrible or even implied it. There are many wonderful, caring, loving families on board and then there are a few families who lack in parenting skills just as in everyday life.

 

[PrincessShmoo]

Is that a bad thing? There seems to be a purpose to it.

Yes, having glowing screens all around during the performances is very distracting. If you opt to go to the show, maybe you should put away the cell phone and actually watch the show.

 

[dad of 3 addicted to DCL]

Nope. The entire experience is one unremitting painful, eye-gouging, ear shattering event. Other than that, it's fine

 

[dad of 3 addicted to DCL]

OP, this is my biggest pet peeve. The problem is when you leave your room, you feel like the rest of the world is up, no matter what time it is. I have taught my kids since they were little, that every hour of the day someone is sleeping on this cruise or in this hotel. Be respectful and walk quietly, and do not talk loudly in the corridors. Kids will be kids, I remember. But they won't learn unless you repeat it over and over.

Completely agree. It's Lord of the Flies; if the kids aren't taught good manners, they'll be...'rowdy' to say the least. I blame the parents. We get on our kids if they're too loud when we go camping, much less in the passageways of the ship.

 

[Dug720]

Yes, having glowing screens all around during the performances is very distracting. If you opt to go to the show, maybe you should put away the cell phone and actually watch the show.

THANK YOU!!!

The only thing worse than the glow of cell phones or tablets at the shows is the lovely screen of iPads held aloft during fireworks. And honestly it's close enough to be a draw between them.

If you want to check the Navigator app and plan your evening and still want to see the show, do it before or after (or hey, during your "family time" at dinner at your private table). The same goes for planning with the paper schedule - the talking is just as obnoxious. No one is forcing you to see the show - but if you go there even not wanting to, respect the people who DO want to see it AND the performers (who CAN see the light from the screens even way back in the back) and keep your screens OFF.

 

[dad of 3 addicted to DCL]

To the OP, I am really sorry this happens. It really bugs me also. We have taught our girls since they were little to walk and barely speak while going down a hotel or ship corridor letting them know that people are trying to sleep no matter what time of day or night it may be.

At a hotel in Rhode Island last summer, the family across the hall kept opening and closing their door every minute or so and that thing slammed shut over and over again at around 11:00pm. I had enough and called the front desk and asked them to send security. They were going in and out and in and out -- very annoying.

We will have a verandah for the very first time in October. If we are surrounded by smokers I am going to flip my lid!

We've never had the smoker problem and all of our cruises have been category 04 (5 persons). Here's hoping our luck holds!