Please let the "wonderful children" gods shine on us.....

coopersmom said:

Just this past weekend I was at friend's house and the one couple without children told us, with great moral authority and much sincerity, that when they have kids, their lives aren't going to change. That the kids will fit into the parent's lives and not the other way around. It took about five minutes for all the moms and dads to stop laughing.

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Sammie said:

This is the reason we love DVC and those huge one bedrooms so, that you can honestly take an adult trip and have a quiet environment at Disney.

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FutureMrs.Incredible said:

I totally agree! I can't count how many times I have been out in public with my fiance when we get run into by a screaming out-of-control child. Often I look at the parents, and they don't even acknowledge us! We just give each other that look that says, "We will never let our kids do that."

I will probably get flamed myself, because I do not have children yet (but mostly will in a few years), I understand that its hard. Kids are their own people and will do what they want when they want sometimes! However, as a former nanny, a dance instructor to small children, and in having a brother eight years younger than me, it doesn't kill you to discipline a child. I think people are too embarrassed to do it in public. Lucky for me, I don't care what people think about me!

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fla4fun said:

I tend to request rooms in areas that families would see as less convenient. For example, I prefer to be at the end of the hall farthest from the elevator - that sort of thing. It usually makes for a quieter experience - although I have to say I've had more issues with adults making loud noises or using their "outside" voices indoors than I have with kids. Another thing to consider is making sure you do NOT have a connecting room. Noises travel through and around those doors much more than through walls. If you get a connecting room, and can't be moved to another room, roll up a towel and put it on the floor between the two doors - that helps some. I don't think there's any one particular deluxe resort that is better than another for an adult experience, although I do admit I don't see as many kids when I stay at YC as I do most of the other resorts - probably because of it's proximity to the BC/YC convention center.

Personally, I travel with a small fan and a white noise machine. With those two things operating, I don't hear much of anything from anyone - so I always get a good night's sleep. If you get a good night's sleep, you'll be in a much better position to handle whatever comes during the daylight hours.

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mickey&minniealways said:

Just one of the many reasons we like OKW. Even though there are lots of families there with young children unless you are at the main pool you don't hear alot of shrieking. You are spread out so you don't feel like you are ontop of each other. The entrances are on the outside of the buildings an the way it is done there are no long hallways for the kids and teens to run up and down. They also tend to put families with young kids on the ground floor when possible. So ask for a top floor.. The entire resort exudes a quiet relaxing peacefulness. As I have children with disabilities we tend to know of others that do also. Alot of them as do we like it because after a long stimulating day at the parks it seem far removed from the chaos. I can see mine visualy relaxe when we get there. Then you get those who go there for just a golfing getaway. If my father was still alive this is what he would be doing. So it might be just what you are looking for. There are ways to make it much more afordable then rack rates and a studios have 2 queen beds. The buildings in the turtle pond area can be quite remote. Most people like OKW because it is so relaxing. I imagine parts of SSR to be much the same. I just don't care for SSR myslef. But that is why there are so many choices.

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mskayjay said:

"I agree with those that have said, if you're looking for quiet, relaxed and seen-but-not-heard children, Disney is NOT the destination for you. (And who would logically think it is? Child-free hotels at Disney make as much sense as family-ONLY hotels at Vegas. The market would be very, very small.)"

How about if we agree to disagree on this point. I think they would find it incredibly popular. Based on the responses on the few threads like this one that have stuck around for a while (sometimes people get too aggressive with their opinions and they have to shut them down) there is a lot of "I would stay there is a minute" type responses.

Again, if you look at say WL and say that the top floor facing the villas is an adult only area with all King beds, what/who is it hurting and from a business stand point, it is actually serving another part of your demographic which is a great idea.

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coopersmom said:

I have no problem with the agree to disagree, but I mentioned Vegas because they spent millions trying to rebrand as a family vacation spot ... And it was a massive flop. Sure, people request kid-free zones at Disney, and a few would leap, but the vast majority wouldn't. I, personally, feel like a non-smoking Vegas hotel/casino would be a HUGE hit, and I hear people complain all the time when I have to go there annually on business (I hate it!), so I'm not the only one. In fact, Vegas hotel employees I mention it to say they hear that all the time. BUT, I'm sure someone has done the research and found it's not profitable ... If it was, they'd do it.

I would be on it in a heartbeat! In fact we have one casino near here that does ridiculously well but then when you have the market cornered........ Anywho, the Turning Stone Resort had a modest non-smoking slots area, installed an amazing air recirculation system, has many card and other gaming tables non-smoking, etc. It has worked out very well! I really have to wonder why they have not tried it for at least a test period since I was asked about it in a test group years ago....

I also wanted to clarify that I in no way condone or endorse bad, rude or crude behavior from children or adults, in Disney or anywhere else. But, I am also realistic in that children are neither perfect, nor silent and Disney World, while beloved by many adults, is definitely kid-centric. In fact, I think it's fair to say it's a mecca of childhood. totally agree that it is a mecca of childhood. Been going since a year after it opened! and I was a kid back then! I still am. God just updated my packaging a bit!

To me, complaining about kids at Disney is kind of like complaining about kids at Chuck E Cheese. If you don't like it, don't go there. It's easy to avoid. (And, even as a parent, I do try to avoid it.) No, Chuck E. Cheese (didn't like that place even when my kids were little....blech) didn't spend millions on an ad campaign luring me back as an adult like Disney did! They had an amazing campaign telling people to come back, it is for adults, it is for celebrations for all ages, etc etc etc. And honestly the hotel people we talk to all say their lives would be so much easier if they could just have some areas to put adult guests.

Taking my son into that over-stimulated, loud atmosphere with loud music and hyper-active video games in every corner, and then expecting him to have the same manners, discipline and restraint (sit quietly, don't run around, use a soft voice) as at a normal, sit-down restaurant is just plain impossible.

You mean at CEC correct? I agree. But by the same token, I feel that when DH and I go to dinner at California Grill with a 9PM dinner reservation and a $200 dinner/drink tab, we should be able to enjoy a bit of an adult environment. Now if we were at 1900 or Crystal Palace then of course I wouldn't expect it.

Expecting kids to stand quietly single file in line while waiting for the most exciting ride of their life at Disney World, line up for two hours to watch a parade and not get cranky/tired/ornery or quietly tiptoe through hotel hallways on their way to see Mickey Mouse so you can sleep in, is just not a realistic expectation of the experience you are almost certain to have.

Totally agree and there has been more than one dirty look given to a parent who is flipping off on a child who is truly feeling just those emotions. Again, I have no issues at the parks with the children but the parents.....ugh...... They let the kids eat things that they are not used to, their tummies get upset or they are sugar overloaded and Mom and Dad start yelling because they're crying about not feeling good???? Come on..... However again, I do think I should be able to sleep past 7AM undisturbed. With an adult wing you would be more likely to have that type of experience.

While Disney World is a can't miss thrill for just about every parent I talk to, and most take their kids on multiple trips over a lifetime, not a single person I've ever spoken with refers to it as "relaxing." That's just not the vacation experience it's designed to be.


The whole idea though is that my trips with my children were not relaxing but absolutely fabulous at that stage of my life. They (Disney) said "come on back and experience it in a different way" and they didn't keep up their end of the offer. I say that adults are allowed to have that relaxing vacation at Disney and it would take very modest changes to make it happen.


When your children are small or younger, its more likely that you will see it from the perspective of someone in that mindset and when you get to our stage of life you can see it from a point of view you never thought you would embrace. I seriously NEVER thought we would do Disney without kids or grandkids. Who the heck would want to do Disney was what we thought. Wow were we wrong! It is so amazing on so many levels and there is still room to grow, adapt, and respond to people's changing needs and wants. That at its core is what the dining plan was/is, Pleasure Island, Downtown Disney, the Water Parks, you name it. Hearing/seeing a need or desire on the part of guests and helping to make it happen.

Bottom line, Disney is about making dreams come true. I "dream" about that wing!!!!!

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roomthreeseventeen said:

Not sure what that has to do with anything. Do they not allow children in DVC areas?

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Sammie said:

Yes of course they do but when you stay in a larger room you don't hear the outside noise. The villas are quieter than a room. Plus DVC children are very well behaved.

OKW and SSR are the two quietest resorts at Disney and I have stayed at all of them.

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Tinkerbellie16 said:

If you want to be totally bored, go to Swan or Dolphin - YAWN.

I prefer to be around the kids - they make it so much fun! Even when I go on adult only trips - I just love to interact with the kiddos. They have interesting things to say and have great imaginations. And what is fabulous is that you can enjoy the conversations, watch them frolic, and yet not have to be with them 24/7.

Oh, I'd still avoid the values (has nothing to do with the kids though)

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mskayjay said:

I have tried soooo hard to get in there and never have any luck! I so want to try that resort one of these days! It looks gorgeous and I've never heard a bad word about it. I'll keep trying!

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coopersmom said:

I also wanted to clarify that I in no way condone or endorse bad, rude or crude behavior from children or adults, in Disney or anywhere else. But, I am also realistic in that children are neither perfect, nor silent and Disney World, while beloved by many adults, is definitely kid-centric. In fact, I think it's fair to say it's a mecca of childhood.

To me, complaining about kids at Disney is kind of like complaining about kids at Chuck E Cheese. If you don't like it, don't go thereIt's easy to avoid. (And, even as a parent, I do try to avoid iI really dislike it when people use the "don't go there" arguement"

Taking my son into that over-stimulated, loud atmosphere with loud music and hyper-active video games in every corner, and then expecting him to have the same manners, discipline and restraint (sit quietly, don't run around, use a soft voice) as at a normal, sit-down restaurant is just plain impossible.

Expecting kids to stand quietly single file in line while waiting for the most exciting ride of their life at Disney World, line up for two hours to watch a parade and not get cranky/tired/ornery or quietly tiptoe through hotel hallways on their way to see Mickey Mouse so you can sleep in, is just not a realistic expectation of the experience you are almost certain to have.
the OP was not talking about waiting in line. OR "tip toeing" in the hallway. there is a broad spectrum between "tiptoeing" and running , yelling, down the hallway" of course, you should teach your children, whereever you are, that, when in a hotel hallway, others are in those rooms you pass. use your inside voice. saying "so you can sleep in[/B was condescending.COLOR]
While Disney World is a can't miss thrill for just about every parent I talk to, and most take their kids on multiple trips over a lifetime, not a single person I've ever spoken with refers to it as "relaxing." That's just not the vacation experience it's designed to be.

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I beg to differ, I think it CAN BE designed to be relaxing. hubby and I find a trip to WDW VERY relaxing. we enjoy our trips, even though we go without children. and we enjoy the children we encounter. but there still is nothing wrong with teaching children to be considerate of others when passing other rooms. it might not be "adults only" (sleeping in) in those rooms. maybe it is a family, just like yours, who FINALLY got the 2 year old to take a nap, so mom can nap, too, and dad can take the older kids to the pool?

Sammie said:

. Plus DVC children are very well behaved. .

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this is just funny. nuf said on that.

kaligal said:

If you want an adults only vacation, you have selected the least likely place to have it. Why go to kiddie heaven and complain about kids?

I'd love an adults only hotel (or floor, too.) I hate being awakened by children whose parents allow them to bump and yell and scream down the halls.

I despise listening to parents who have no control over the kids constantly trying to get it. "Ryan...Ryan...come here, Ryan. Stop that. I mean it. I'm going to count to three...1...2...3...Ryan! Come here!"

Much rather listen to Ryan banging his toy on the ground than Ryan banging and his dopey mom counting.

But this is what you get at Disney World. You know it is going to be that way. Kids will yell. Kids will bang. Some parents will stop them. Some won't. Some can't, but will keep trying.

You can avoid it in the hotel by renting a vacation home (which will be nicer and cheaper!), but you can't avoid it in the parks. A friend and I made a game of counting how many parents we heard demonstrating their ability to count to three. In line at Test Track we heard one and I said, "Is that seven?" No, it was not. "Eight," she said. It was fun. We joked about getting t-shirts with numbers on them and handing them out to people.

You can joke about it. You can whine about it. But you can't avoid it.

If you know all this in advance and still go, just find a way to deal. Don't go and complain like it was something you totally could not foresee. That's nuts.

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DisneyMomx7 said:

Here's what I don't understand - if kids annoy you so easily why in the world would you put Disney World - probably the vacation site with the most children ever, during a cheerleading competition, at a value resort, for your vacation? Aren't you just setting yourself up for disappointment?

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