Verandahs and Children

[ColoradoDisneyFreaks]

So what is your concern with the veranda and the kids? That they'll go on the veranda by themselves and fall off? That's possible, but not likely, if you have kids that aren't climbers and don't tend to be crazy, they'll be fine. From your post though it almost seems like you're more concerned that a kid will go onto the veranda and the door will close and automatically lock them outside? That doesn't happen. The door does require an action to physically lock it, and, it doesn't close on its own, it's heavy and does require a good push to close the door after you go outside.

 

[jahber]

We had my kids in a verandah room (next door to ours) when they were 5 and 8 and I didn't even think twice. My kids wouldn't mess around on the verandah and they know they aren't allowed out there without us. I would have no problem with them not being next door at 11 and 8, even with a verandah. That's how old my oldest two are right now, in fact, and they know well what would happen if they disobeyed and went out on the verandah (namely, no more cruises). We take safety seriously.

That said, they've proven themselves to make wise choices in situations like these (where they aren't supervised--or don't realize we can watch them ). Some children may not be ready for that level of responsibility. It's not a judgment, just a truth. Kids need to be allowed to operate at their level. If a verandah would be too much temptation for your kiddos, don't put them in that situation. If you would be constantly worrying, don't put yourself in that situation And anyway, we've split up before and it's no big deal. I actually like having the whole bed to myself for once!

 

[bumbershoot]

I work for Disney.

Aha.

Heck, I had trouble intentionally unlocking and opening it.

Same. And I'm a fairly strong person who lifts weights, but there's something about the latches on Dream that make it hard.

 

[MinnesotaMouseketeers]

I would not feel comfortable with the kids having their own stateroom with a veranda. I would think that the older kids will have no problems unlocking it and I would not feel comfortable that:
A) They will be out on the veranda with the younger children 100% of the time.
B) That the older children won't forget to lock it every time it gets unlocked.
What's your comfort level?