Who's Next?

[kribit]

I think the op is winding we parents of "little ones" up again.

Not sure topics like this one will ever be "settled." I'm taking my 4yo little ones next week and I'll let everyone know if gramma and grampa Joe were jumping on Little Johnny to get to Dumbo.

I highly doubt there are that many rude people in the world. If there are, we'll just ignore them, but I'd like to think we can all get along and that there are more "nice" people in the world than mean.

Good luck and have a great trip!!

 

[dreamergirl78]

To respond specifically to this post -- and not to "take sides" -- I don't think that Disney is trying to recoup their cost during the specific hour that it's open to the little ones. Rather, as others have posted, this is an extremely slow time of year for Disney. They can't effectively market to families with older children, since most of them will have just started school and likely wouldn't be coming to the World. Likewise college students. Adults already, ostensibly, have the freedom to vacation when they want to (and please, no one correct me about how you have to vacation at certain times of the year -- I'm speaking in generalities), and Disney is enticing them with Free Dining. So, if I own a theme park and have a couple months downtime, what do I do? I find a demographic that might be underrepresented and try to convince them that they'll have a great time if they come. A lot of people don't think that smal children will enjoy/benefit/remember, etc. WDW. Even the Unofficial Guide says not to take them if they're under 7 (naturally, I don't agree!). So, if I get these parents to come to WDW, stay at a WDW hotel, buy WDW souveniers. . . I'm going to make more money.

My point is that Disney is a big corporation, and they're trying to find a way increase attendence by appealing to groups who might not normally come. I would think the younger age limit is an acknowledgement that there are fewer rides these little ones can go on, and making those rides more available could help a family decide to take little Timmy or Susie now instead of waiting until they're 10 and can ride pretty much anything they want. And if I'm Disney, I want to get those families hooked on my theme parks as soon as possible. Besides, as one heartless poster put it, it's only 1 hour a day, three days a week, for a limited time, so who does it really hurt?

Actually I said I could see the point of it. The original debate was there were no specific age restrictions for the event. Even on the official Disney web site it said that this was available to resorts guests. I honestly don't care who they do or do not let in, it will not effect my vacation one way or the other. The other debate was, a child older than say 6 already knows the characters are in costume and they will ruin it for the younger children. I could not agree less. I think for the rare 1 or 2 older children who would run around and be nuts, there are probably 50 that would be well behaved and play along as well. As another poster said, the magic doesn't stop once you exit preschool. I try very hard to keep the magic alive with my 8 year old and I will continue to do so as long as he wants to.
If Disney wants to restrict resort guests to certain events, then they need to be very clear in all written materials about the restrictions. If I were there as a paying, resort guest and I planned to go based on the information I saw on the web site, and when I got to the gate I was turned away, I would be mad. Not to "take anything away" from the little guys, but because according to their own site, we were allowed to go.
Babies, toddlers, preschoolers, etc do not have the exclusive market on believing in magic and a little pixie dust. So to ask your question, what would it hurt if there were older kids there? I don't think anyone over the age of say 10 would enjoy duck duck goose, but the character interaction is still priceless regardless of age!

 

[kimmikayb]

Personally, I think there should be a "Fat Girl From Iowa With Dark Brown Hair & Four Kids" EMH! That should pretty much cover....well ME (and my family)!



What is the big deal? It's a few hours a week for a limited time for kids to have fun. I think it's a great idea. I won't be using it but if my little kids were going with me, I would.

Why is everyone arguing about it? Be happy you at Disney! There is a character meet if you have a Disney Visa...is that horrible too????

Go, enjoy yourself and just let the magic happen. If you keep worrying about the magic you're missing, you won't see the magic that is happening that moment.

 

[Jennasis]

I don't have a problem with it (and I don't have any kids). However, I do feel that Disney should offer some exclusively adult things as well (perhaps an adults only restaurant like they have on the cruise ship). I would ADORE something like that and I'd be willing to bet that ressies would be VERY hard to get. I think it's great that Disney can offer things for specific age groups. At the moment I believe the only adult places are Motion (but not everybody drinks and dances) and Mannequins.

 

[DiszyDeanette]

I don't have a problem with it (and I don't have any kids). However, I do feel that Disney should offer some exclusively adult things as well (perhaps an adults only restaurant like they have on the cruise ship). I would ADORE something like that and I'd be willing to bet that ressies would be VERY hard to get. I think it's great that Disney can offer things for specific age groups. At the moment I believe the only adult places are Motion (but not everybody drinks and dances) and Mannequins.

Last year we were in clubs at PI, and there were kids running around. In the middle of the night, in the night clubs. What kind of parent takes their little kid to a bar at midnight!?

 

[PrincessTiff]

I don't feel any kindness on this board.

Is there nobody with any compassion anymore?

If you think this ones bad stay away from the community board.

 

[Lisa0503]

I don't have a problem with it (and I don't have any kids). However, I do feel that Disney should offer some exclusively adult things as well (perhaps an adults only restaurant like they have on the cruise ship). I would ADORE something like that and I'd be willing to bet that ressies would be VERY hard to get. I think it's great that Disney can offer things for specific age groups. At the moment I believe the only adult places are Motion (but not everybody drinks and dances) and Mannequins.

I agree that it would be wonderful for Disney to offer more 'Adult only Entertainment'. I think Jellyrolls on the Boardwalk is adult only. I thought Bistro de Paris and V&A were more adult oriented dinning establishments. I have never been to any of these so correct me if I am wrong...

 

[Schmeck]

To set the record straight, I have no problem with WDW having an hour a couple times a week for children of a certain age. What I'm trying to find out is if/how WDW is restricting entry when there has been no distinct written proof that this is their policy. If they don't have it in writing, then I'd get a manager involved until proof was shown to me.

To be told by some posters that I'm not welcome to attend because my presence and my children's presence will spoil it for other kids is rude, IMO. If WDW policy is to let resort guests in regardless of age, and there's no posting of an age limit, then everyone with the right ID can go, whether some people think it's for their kids age group or not.

If WDW decides to publish age restrictions for this event, that's their right. But to be told by others that certain people are not welcome???? Or to even have a CM deny you entry at the gate, when it wasn't in any literature that there was a specific age restriction? WDW has written age and height restrictions for numerous attractions and events. Don't tell me they 'forogt' to do it this time???

 

[MermaidMommy]

Actually I said I could see the point of it. The original debate was there were no specific age restrictions for the event. Even on the official Disney web site it said that this was available to resorts guests. I honestly don't care who they do or do not let in, it will not effect my vacation one way or the other. The other debate was, a child older than say 6 already knows the characters are in costume and they will ruin it for the younger children. I could not agree less. I think for the rare 1 or 2 older children who would run around and be nuts, there are probably 50 that would be well behaved and play along as well. As another poster said, the magic doesn't stop once you exit preschool. I try very hard to keep the magic alive with my 8 year old and I will continue to do so as long as he wants to.
If Disney wants to restrict resort guests to certain events, then they need to be very clear in all written materials about the restrictions. If I were there as a paying, resort guest and I planned to go based on the information I saw on the web site, and when I got to the gate I was turned away, I would be mad. Not to "take anything away" from the little guys, but because according to their own site, we were allowed to go.
Babies, toddlers, preschoolers, etc do not have the exclusive market on believing in magic and a little pixie dust. So to ask your question, what would it hurt if there were older kids there? I don't think anyone over the age of say 10 would enjoy duck duck goose, but the character interaction is still priceless regardless of age!

Dreamergirl, I didn't mean any offense: my last comment was meant to be tongue-in-cheek (hence the little thumbs-up guy.) Actually, I responded to your post because yours was thoughtful and you did say you could see both sides of the story. I can too. My DD is 6.5, and she would LOVE it if she could participate in this, and I would be disappointed if she couldn't. Like others, I would be more accepting if Disney said all along it was for 5 and under or whatever, but it's a moot point for me since we aren't going to be there for them. I never even thought about the older kids telling the little ones about the characters being real, but that seems like a silly thing to worry about, IMO. Like there are going to be gangs of 8 year olds roaming free around Fantasyland to wreak mayhem and destroy magic! And this is from someone whose 6.5 year old still believes, for now at least, that the princesses are "real!"

Personally, I think if everyone just exercised some common sense, there wouldn't be a problem. If you have little kids, go. If you have an 8 year old who loves the characters and would enjoy it, go. If you've got a 13 year old who couldn't care less, don't go and let the little ones have an hour to enjoy themselves. And I don't think anyone without kids should go, but again, that's my opinion.

 

[dreamergirl78]

Dreamergirl, I didn't mean any offense: my last comment was meant to be tongue-in-cheek (hence the little thumbs-up guy.) Actually, I responded to your post because yours was thoughtful and you did say you could see both sides of the story. I can too. My DD is 6.5, and she would LOVE it if she could participate in this, and I would be disappointed if she couldn't. Like others, I would be more accepting if Disney said all along it was for 5 and under or whatever, but it's a moot point for me since we aren't going to be there for them. I never even thought about the older kids telling the little ones about the characters being real, but that seems like a silly thing to worry about, IMO. Like there are going to be gangs of 8 year olds roaming free around Fantasyland to wreak mayhem and destroy magic! And this is from someone whose 6.5 year old still believes, for now at least, that the princesses are "real!"

Personally, I think if everyone just exercised some common sense, there wouldn't be a problem. If you have little kids, go. If you have an 8 year old who loves the characters and would enjoy it, go. If you've got a 13 year old who couldn't care less, don't go and let the little ones have an hour to enjoy themselves. And I don't think anyone without kids should go, but again, that's my opinion.

Everything is a-ok. Thank you for the clarification. It is REALLY hard to determine a tone of voice when it is flat text on a screen. It has been very frustrating on this thread and the other ones similar to it because even when a completely non abrasive and logical comment is stated it gets blown WAY OUT of whack. I was personally offended by several posters who just thought my child (and others) would ruin the magic and spoil the morning. So thank you again for your response, I am glad to know my thoughts are not so far out there that rational people can't understand them! It would be something my son would enjoy. I mean what kid would NOT love the chance to hang with the characters? (even some adults...lol) But it looks as though the event ends on the 30th of Sept which is our arrival date.
I am shocked it turned out to be the big debate that it became. We all go to WDW for pretty much the same thing, to enjoy family time and experience magic that is not apparent in our day to day lives. How anyone could or would put an age limit on that is beyond me. I hope you have a GREAT evening.

 

[Jennasis]

I was looking through my 2006 Birnbaum's guide and I can't find any extra activites or settings that exclude children/are adult only. Even the tours are inclusive with the 16 year age limit imposed for the Segway tour. However the kids have Pirate cruises, Princess teas, the BB Boutique, Simba's Cubhouse, the Neverland Club and on and on. How about some goodies and recognition for the folks who actually PAY for the trips (or for their kids trips)???????

 

[kribit]

How about Pleasure Island? This is a great adult place.

I have little ones now so DH and I won't be making a trip over there for that reason. What "adult" wants a small child running around ruining their "adult time?"

Have a great trip!

 

[dreamergirl78]

I was looking through my 2006 Birnbaum's guide and I can't find any extra activites or settings that exclude children/are adult only. Even the tours are inclusive with the 16 year age limit imposed for the Segway tour. However the kids have Pirate cruises, Princess teas, the BB Boutique, Simba's Cubhouse, the Neverland Club and on and on. How about some goodies and recognition for the folks who actually PAY for the trips (or for their kids trips)???????

Uh-oh. I feel another backlash comming.
Yes there are lots of extras. But they are all paid for events. None of them are "perks" of being a resort guest. There is a difference. For me the issue was never about one group getting something over another group. This debate came about because of the confusion on printed WDW materials. And people's opposing views on who should/should not be excluded or included.
And the debate about when magic stopped for the kids.
I can understand your point of view, as well as the other side. Good luck!

 

[Fitswimmer]

I had a different take on it, actually. If the little ones are all going early, then I'll go over after lunch when they are all back at the resorts having nap time!
Being child free, there are times when I wish that WDW would have EMH's for the 18 and over crowd, but then when I really think about it-that could get ugly. There are people that would assume since there were no kids around, they could ( fill in whatever adult behavior here).

I think it was just a way to try and keep attendance up and market to people that have kids, but don't yet have to work around school schedules.

 

[Sleeping Becca]

Last year we were in clubs at PI, and there were kids running around. In the middle of the night, in the night clubs. What kind of parent takes their little kid to a bar at midnight!?

I'm really insulted. I bring my kids to bars, they know how to drink responsibly. It is better for them to drink at Disney, because I know they won't be riding their bikes drunk in traffic. At home the nearest bar is one exit down the interstate, it can get quited dangerous for a 6 and 7 year old to ride on the interstate, can you imagine if I'd let them do it drunk!

I only let them drink wine coolers, it's not like they're doing shots! OK maybe one jelloshot, but that's it. I also let them wear makeup and tubetops and short shorts, they're really cute!

I guess some of you think I'm a bad parent. Well I'm not, I'm an awesome parent, my kids tell me that all the time. "Mom you are so cool". Umm yeah.... I know!

My kids have been going to bars all of their life, I brought them even as infants, so they know how to act. They don't run around, they sit at the bar, and mind their own business.

 

[blondeheroine]

I'm really insulted. I bring my kids to bars, they know how to drink responsibly. It is better for them to drink at Disney, because I know they won't be riding their bikes drunk in traffic. At home the nearest bar is one exit down the interstate, it can get quited dangerous for a 6 and 7 year old to ride on the interstate, can you imagine if I'd let them do it drunk!

I only let them drink wine coolers, it's not like they're doing shots! OK maybe one jelloshot, but that's it. I also let them wear makeup and tubetops and short shorts, they're really cute!

I guess some of you think I'm a bad parent. Well I'm not, I'm an awesome parent, my kids tell me that all the time. "Mom you are so cool". Umm yeah.... I know!

My kids have been going to bars all of their life, I brought them even as infants, so they know how to act. They don't run around, they sit at the bar, and mind their own business.

This may be my favorite post on this board yet.

 

[Angelgirl13202]

Since Folks with young children are happy that EMH for "Little Ones" is a fine idea, who can come up with the next group who get "exclusive rights" to the MK on selected mornings?

I may be wrong here and sticking my .02 Where it doesnt belong but I think this was origanally ment as a fun post not a debate. I think it was meant more as a what do you think will be next alot like the "what theme park should be done as the worlds 5th" or something like that where were assuming the future the ones that have some really good Ideas

Such as someone said Pirate emh or something like that what other groups do you think diney is going to do or would you like to see done not as a debate of weather who can get in and not get in.


This is a promotion those who are unhappy about it please contact Disney and put your complaints thier. I personally do not have little ones this age group yet but hope they do this when I do from the stories I have heard of all the extra charicters it sounds like something tottlly awsome for the young ones I love watching the charicters they are one of my favorite parts of Disney World.

sorry so long just my .02

 

[DiszyDeanette]

How about Pleasure Island? This is a great adult place.

I have little ones now so DH and I won't be making a trip over there for that reason. What "adult" wants a small child running around ruining their "adult time?"

Have a great trip!

It may have been adults only in the past, but last August I saw little kids IN the clubs and it must have been after midnight. I couldn't believe that not only were there parents that ignorant and rude, but that Disney allowed it! Everything I have read about Walt Disney has me convinced that if he had lived to be over 100 (as he should have!!) we would have adults only places and/or activities. He was very much into catering to grown-ups as much, if not more than children.

 

[blondeheroine]

Everything I have read about Walt Disney has me convinced that if he had lived to be over 100 (as he should have!!) we would have adults only places and/or activities. He was very much into catering to grown-ups as much, if not more than children.

"You're dead if you aim only for kids. Adults are only kids grown up, anyway." - Walt Disney

 

[Lisa0503]

"You're dead if you aim only for kids. Adults are only kids grown up, anyway." - Walt Disney

WOW - That is a great quote!!!! I had not heard that one before but I definately like it!!!!