What is an adult?

[2Princes_&_1Princess]

You know... maybe if the 17 and 11 1/2 month yr olds were allowed to stay with their parents late in the evening, sitting quietly in the adult venues, maybe they wouldn't be out roaming the halls unsupervised at all hours knocking on doors!!! I personally do not want my 17 yr old out and about on the ship alone in the wee hours, with god only knows who !! At home, for the most part, I know the kids and families she is hanging out with. I'm sure college will be a new learning experience for her and me. Meanwhile, this cruise was meant for family time. If she is not permitted to go into any areas with me late in the evening, and has no desire to go to the teen area with 13+ yr olds, then off to bed for us I guess!

We will not break the rules. I will let her tour the ship and see what she has to look forward to on our next cruise! I am confident that she will want to go again someday as she shares the love of Disney with her sister and me! After all the excursions, we may fall asleep in our soup during our late dinner seating anyway

Not to point out the obvious, but, there's no curfew that is imposed on that age group. If you'd like to hang with your 17 year old late at night, by all means do so. I'm sure you can find places to go that aren't the Cove Cafe, Adult Pool or other adult venues. In all seriousness, would you want a nightclub to let her in a few weeks before her birthday? Would you expect them to break the rules?

Why is it OK for her to hang with the 30 and 40 year olds, who are much older than her, but not with the 13-17 year olds who are in her age group??

 

[TDC Nala]

They can smoke anywhere outside except around the mickey pool....otherwise all open areas are smoking areas.

I just got off the Magic last Saturday.

They allow smoking on the port side of Deck 9 opposite the Cove Cafe and the Quiet Cove pool. The starboard side is nonsmoking. I don't know about the area around the Goofy pool. There are pingpong tables there and noplace to really sit. I believe there was a sign that said no smoking is permitted around the Mickey pool.

The Sessions bar allows smoking. I saw a couple of folks smoking in Diversions at night so I am not sure whether or not it is considered a nonsmokign area.

I also saw an under-18 kicked out of the Palo brunch, so they do enforce the age limit there.
They asked the father to provide proof of age for the girl. He said "She looks 18, isn't that enough?"
My guess is if she looked 18 they wouldn't have asked.

 

[swilphil]

I haven't read all 9 pages of this thread, but I wanted to point out it is more than 2 years old. The OP's daughter turned 18 over a year ago!

 

[tgr1116]

Not to point out the obvious, but, there's no curfew that is imposed on that age group. If you'd like to hang with your 17 year old late at night, by all means do so. I'm sure you can find places to go that aren't the Cove Cafe, Adult Pool or other adult venues. In all seriousness, would you want a nightclub to let her in a few weeks before her birthday? Would you expect them to break the rules?

Why is it OK for her to hang with the 30 and 40 year olds, who are much older than her, but not with the 13-17 year olds who are in her age group??

I would never let my 17+++ daughter hang out ALONE with 30-40 yr olds!!! I never implied that!!! She would be with ME... a responsible adult who is supervising her!!! Not left alone roaming the ship with other teens who I have not idea who they are, where they are from, what their parents' principles are like etc. This topic is getting way off... I only wanted to be able to check some of the adult areas... not stay until closing and get drunk, cause a scene, or allow her to do any of the above mentioned! I am mearly pointing out that she has nothing in common anymore with "school-aged" CHILDREN and it would be nice for her to go see some places with ME while her younger sister went to the LAB with the other "school-aged" children! As I said before, I will follow the rules!!! We will celebrate her 18th birthday while in Disney World when we get off the ship on Sunday

 

[flower91882]

I just wanted to add a quick comment, although I think most has been said.

I too was one of those with a late birthday. I began college when I was 17, and in fact I started as a sophomore. So, there I was, a 17 year old college sophomore and I couldn't even sign the lease for my new apartment! My father had to co-sign with me. I was on my own, an adult, yet I still couldn't do anything that 'adults' could do. Did I complain? No. That's life, I've gotten used to it.

It seems like everyone is discussing more the fact that Disney should change the rules as opposed to saying that people should break them. Where I agree maybe there are some rules Disney should change, the question remains, where should the line be drawn? Disney can't determine those who are 'mature' vs 'immature' and neither can most parents. To be fair to all, there has to be a strict line drawn. Maybe different age limits can be imposed in different areas of the ship, but this can cause confusion and lead to rule breaking in other areas. For example, 16+ are allowed in the spa and at Palo but 18+ at the pool and the bars. This might make it more likely that all those 16+ will think it's ok to be in Any adult area.

The fact remains that 18 is a generally accepted age for a person to be considered an 'adult' even though there really isn't that much of a difference between an 18 year old and a 17 year old. A good example is this: the woman with the 17 year old who is really into politics. Her daughter probably knows a lot more about politics, political issues, and current events than the average adult, But she's still not allowed to vote whereas adults (18+), whether they know anything about the issues or not, are allowed.

Maybe, the issue is more one of, where do those older teens hang out? Is Disney not doing a good job with activities for older teens? Should there be more places that are teen, but not child, friendly? These are the real issues, not whether teens should be allowed in Adult only spaces.

Thanks for listening.

 

[dahuffy]

I haven't read all 9 pages of this thread, but I wanted to point out it is more than 2 years old. The OP's daughter turned 18 over a year ago!

Yes, but it's still a relivent(sp) point today.

 

[dahuffy]

I just got off the Magic last Saturday.

They allow smoking on the port side of Deck 9 opposite the Cove Cafe and the Quiet Cove pool. The starboard side is nonsmoking. I don't know about the area around the Goofy pool. There are pingpong tables there and noplace to really sit. I believe there was a sign that said no smoking is permitted around the Mickey pool.

The Sessions bar allows smoking. I saw a couple of folks smoking in Diversions at night so I am not sure whether or not it is considered a nonsmokign area.

I also saw an under-18 kicked out of the Palo brunch, so they do enforce the age limit there.
They asked the father to provide proof of age for the girl. He said "She looks 18, isn't that enough?"
My guess is if she looked 18 they wouldn't have asked.

I love it when that happens!

 

[BethA]

I just wanted to add a quick comment, although I think most has been said.

I too was one of those with a late birthday. I began college when I was 17, and in fact I started as a sophomore. So, there I was, a 17 year old college sophomore and I couldn't even sign the lease for my new apartment! My father had to co-sign with me. I was on my own, an adult, yet I still couldn't do anything that 'adults' could do. Did I complain? No. That's life, I've gotten used to it.

It seems like everyone is discussing more the fact that Disney should change the rules as opposed to saying that people should break them. Where I agree maybe there are some rules Disney should change, the question remains, where should the line be drawn? Disney can't determine those who are 'mature' vs 'immature' and neither can most parents. To be fair to all, there has to be a strict line drawn. Maybe different age limits can be imposed in different areas of the ship, but this can cause confusion and lead to rule breaking in other areas. For example, 16+ are allowed in the spa and at Palo but 18+ at the pool and the bars. This might make it more likely that all those 16+ will think it's ok to be in Any adult area.

The fact remains that 18 is a generally accepted age for a person to be considered an 'adult' even though there really isn't that much of a difference between an 18 year old and a 17 year old. A good example is this: the woman with the 17 year old who is really into politics. Her daughter probably knows a lot more about politics, political issues, and current events than the average adult, But she's still not allowed to vote whereas adults (18+), whether they know anything about the issues or not, are allowed.

Maybe, the issue is more one of, where do those older teens hang out? Is Disney not doing a good job with activities for older teens? Should there be more places that are teen, but not child, friendly? These are the real issues, not whether teens should be allowed in Adult only spaces.

Thanks for listening.

I think DCL needs to look at this age group and find some way to keep them happy. As a college freshman, already living away from home, my son would not have wanted to hang out with 13 yr olds. Even on our previous DCL trip it seemed those n the Stack were mainly the younger teens on our sailing.

DCL is losing some customers because of the lack of things to do for this age. If you are looking for family time in the evening onDisney they are lacking-not everyone wants to hear kids sing karaoke-or go to a family dance party. Maybe when the larger ships are built they will address this.

 

[dahuffy]

I think DCL needs to look at this age group and find some way to keep them happy. As a college freshman, already living away from home, my son would not have wanted to hang out with 13 yr olds. Even on our previous DCL trip it seemed those n the Stack were mainly the younger teens on our sailing.

DCL is losing some customers because of the lack of things to do for this age. If you are looking for family time in the evening onDisney they are lacking-not everyone wants to hear kids sing karaoke-or go to a family dance party. Maybe when the larger ships are built they will address this.

This is most likely the best that you can hope for. Maybe they can set aside a "club" area for the 18-20 yr old set.

 

[flower91882]

Maybe they can set aside a "club" area for the 18-20 yr old set.

Or even for 16 to 20. Maybe turn one of the adult bars in to a 'young adult' bar with non-alcholic specialty drinks.

 

[dahuffy]

Or even for 16 to 20. Maybe turn one of the adult bars in to a 'young adult' bar with non-alcholic specialty drinks.

Might have a few upset Papa's if thier 16 yr.old little girls are in with a bunch of 20 yr. old college frat boys though

 

[tvguy]

Might have a few upset Papa's if thier 16 yr.old little girls are in with a bunch of 20 yr. old college frat boys though

Well................................let's be realistic. In many cases that is exactly what is already happening at home.

OT but, 2 years ago when DS went off to college, the 2 day parent orientation was very eye opening for a lot of parents. Especially mothers of 18 year old girls. In a very frank speech, we were told "your children are going to drink, have sex, get pregnant, get social diseases, do drugs, get birth control pills and we're not going to tell you about it.....and for those of you who's children are still financially dependent on you, you will get a bill for all this, and under federal privacy laws we can not tell you what the bill is for, but you will have to pay it"

 

[dahuffy]

Yeah, I know. I'm an Elementary School Lunch lady and I could really tell ya stories that would curl your hair Like used condoms found on the stage and playground.

 

[inkkognito]

I don't know if anyone covered this point as I didn't make it through all 9 pages...things seemed to be getting repetitive with the same old arguments that this thread topic always brings. But the one thing I never see anyone bring up in regard to Palo and High Tea: Why should someone under 18 be taking up a spot in violation of the rules that an adult would then lose out on? It's not like I can go and make flubber or chocolate chip cookies in the lab or go down the Mickey Slide...that works both ways.

Palo is one of the reasons I sail DCL for, and both personally and as a TA I know just how hard ressies are to get, especially for something as limited as High Tea. DCL has set the bar at 18. You know that before you sail; if you don't like it, choose a line with no rules or one that doesn't enforce them.

 

[disneypoor]

I'm not trying to belittle anyone or anyone's child for that matter, but just because one has a high IQ or SAT score doesn't mean he or she is mature. I am the oldest of four girls, and although three of us are very educated with great jobs, I'd have to say that the "smartest" of the four of us would be my youngest sister. She sailed through school with all A's and scored very well on all exams. She's always been a brain without even really putting forth much effort. However, I have had to go with my mother a time or two to bail her smart butt out of jail. Brains does not equal maturity all of the time. My sister (although I love her dearly) is 23, and you still wouldn't want her in the adult pool with you!

 

[Voireon]

Sorry sweetie, but the fact that you don't believe the rules apply to you,shows that you're only 16. I don't understand why you'd want to be around a bunch of "Old Farts" like us in the first place
And the fact that you walked up to the bar and ordered a drink,be it virgin or not,also says you don't believe the rules apply to you.
Go ahead and flame away. I can handle it, afterall, I'm old enough to be your Grandma

Wasn't trying to flame, sorry. I guess I'm just... "opinionated."

And I like being around "old farts" like you, since you, in general, don't tend to scream/splash/jump/etc in the hot tubs

And your comment about the elementary school condoms is pretty funny. I don't think I even knew that stuff when I was in elementary...

 

[FatCat]

Wow. Question for this board while we are talkin about "adults"

The drinking age on the Disney Cruise Line is 21 at all times. Is there any indicator of this on the Key to the World Card? My nephew is 21 years old. does he need to carry his id with him?

 

[dahuffy]

Wow. Question for this board while we are talkin about "adults"

The drinking age on the Disney Cruise Line is 21 at all times. Is there any indicator of this on the Key to the World Card? My nephew is 21 years old. does he need to carry his id with him?

I don't believe it states any age on the cards, someone please correct me if I'm wrong. I would suggest he has his ID with him if he wants to order a drink though ....the 1st one anyway.

 

[robsmom]

I think DCL needs to look at this age group and find some way to keep them happy. As a college freshman, already living away from home, my son would not have wanted to hang out with 13 yr olds. Even on our previous DCL trip it seemed those n the Stack were mainly the younger teens on our sailing.

DCL is losing some customers because of the lack of things to do for this age. If you are looking for family time in the evening onDisney they are lacking-not everyone wants to hear kids sing karaoke-or go to a family dance party. Maybe when the larger ships are built they will address this.

I totally agree! The Magic and Wonder are huge ships but they do not have unlimited space. I think that Disney has a market that is aimed at families and that the space should be aimed for them. I think other cruise lines should be aimed more at the adult only crowd. (i know flame me!!). For the record, I have no teens. There is a shortage of pool space. I would make the quiet cove for 13 and above. After nine, I would turn one "club" into a non-alcholic 16+ dance club and I would allow 13+ at Polo. I know that i am a rebel but I just don't value the use of space as adult only.

 

[Muushka]

I totally agree! The Magic and Wonder are huge ships but they do not have unlimited space. I think that Disney has a market that is aimed at families and that the space should be aimed for them. I think other cruise lines should be aimed more at the adult only crowd. (i know flame me!!). For the record, I have no teens. There is a shortage of pool space. I would make the quiet cove for 13 and above. After nine, I would turn one "club" into a non-alcholic 16+ dance club and I would allow 13+ at Polo. I know that i am a rebel but I just don't value the use of space as adult only.

Look out!! Here come the flames!! I think there are a lot of people, even ones with children, that really enjoy the adult only areas. I think DCL would make a huge mistake doing this.