DCL Children's Programming - Participation Guidelines
- Thread starter Michelle
- Start date
- Status
when I called DCL to change and cancel my excursions because of this she said "Let me check and make sure that's correct". So they called the Magic right then! She wanted to hear it directly from the horse's mouth. YES! They open the kid's clubs early on Tues. and Wed. so that people can go on the early excursions! So, I don't have to change anything!! 
Dave_from_Marietta
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- May 19, 2001
Actually, this is Dave's DW replying. I am very pleased to hear so many positive experiences with kids in the clubs. I wish that I could say the same for my experience with our then 4 year old. He had recently potty-trained, but I thought for safety's sake and to make it easier on everyone, I only brought pull-ups on the cruise--new place, lots of excitement, great opportunity for accidents. We had no accidents and no potty problems, but on the Thursday night of the seven-night cruise I was paged to the club and told that I had to take my son out of the club because they did not allow children in pull-ups to be in the club. I explained my reasons for putting him in a pull-up, pointing out that he had been in them the entire cruise, but they said health department rules didn't allow diapers, and pull-ups were diapers.
On Friday, my son desperately wanted to go to the club, so I asked if he could go if I would accompany him. That was fine with the counselors, and we had a good time, but I was rather aggravated when one little girl wet her pants and the floors--just what I was trying to avoid by putting my son in pull-ups.
My personal feeling is that the counselors used the pull-up issue as an excuse to kick him out of the club. They want good little cooperative soldiers who do what they are told when they are told to do it, and lot's of 3-4 year olds have difficulty with transitions. If your child does have difficulty with transitioning from one activity to another, or finds the very visible presence of playground type of equipment a distraction from a less physical activity, you may find yourself frequently paged because your child won't cooperate.
On Friday, my son desperately wanted to go to the club, so I asked if he could go if I would accompany him. That was fine with the counselors, and we had a good time, but I was rather aggravated when one little girl wet her pants and the floors--just what I was trying to avoid by putting my son in pull-ups.
My personal feeling is that the counselors used the pull-up issue as an excuse to kick him out of the club. They want good little cooperative soldiers who do what they are told when they are told to do it, and lot's of 3-4 year olds have difficulty with transitions. If your child does have difficulty with transitioning from one activity to another, or finds the very visible presence of playground type of equipment a distraction from a less physical activity, you may find yourself frequently paged because your child won't cooperate.
Buschfan
Mouseketeer
- Joined
- Mar 31, 2000
I have to agree with your posting Dave's DW. It seems like they find any excuse to remove children from their program. It was a major complaint I had with DCL in September of last year. They expect a 4 yr old to go along with everything and act like a robot, no exceptions. Now, as a 5 yr old (almost 6), he has outgrown this stage. No sympathy is given if your child has a one time accident in their pants or becomes frustrated. No time outs, page the parents and keep track of the incidents in a computer so they can say your child is not welcome when you are dressed up ready to do your one night at Palos. Disney denied this was their policy to ban children after three incidents or 'strikes' after our cruise, but I now feel they were just doing damage control since I brought the situation out in public on this board. It took DW to show her disappointment in tears for them to have a change of heart to watch my child while we were reminded to pick him up as soon as we finished eating. We were concerned my son might be mistreated since he was left under these circumstance. I still remember DW saying 'please be good to my baby' as we left. Needless to say, Palos was a not a pleasant experience for us that night after what we went through. We felt guilty leaving him there. I am not trying to win an award for being dramatic with this, just stating what we encountered. I had the same feelings of DW, but am just able to keep my feelings hidden.
They need to take in account the age of the child. Hurting another child is one thing, but being paged because your child is not being cooperative for one reason or another is something else. My son could only stare through the fence at Castaway Cay at the other kids in the children's program while they were having fun in the sand. I was probably hurt more than him that day. Some children's program. The delayed and very underwhelming response that I received after the cruise from DCL's office in Celebration was another disappointment.
I will say my 9 yr old child loved the program and stayed at the program more than we expected. The ship also had the best children facilities and cabins of any ship we have ever been on. The ESPN mug and Dreams Unlimited rule too! (Sorry, not used to being so serious). We received one heck of an upgrade also. Anyway, they just don't seem to have much patience with the younger children. I believe the counselors have no incentive to be understanding as they are one of the few castmembers who are not allowed to be tipped. They don't care if you are disappointed or not. It makes their jobs easier with less children to watch. I feel our situation was isolated and maybe Dave's DW to a degree, but it does not make me feel any better about the disappointment our family encountered. I am sorry that Dave's DW and family had a similar negative experience.
They need to take in account the age of the child. Hurting another child is one thing, but being paged because your child is not being cooperative for one reason or another is something else. My son could only stare through the fence at Castaway Cay at the other kids in the children's program while they were having fun in the sand. I was probably hurt more than him that day. Some children's program. The delayed and very underwhelming response that I received after the cruise from DCL's office in Celebration was another disappointment.
I will say my 9 yr old child loved the program and stayed at the program more than we expected. The ship also had the best children facilities and cabins of any ship we have ever been on. The ESPN mug and Dreams Unlimited rule too! (Sorry, not used to being so serious). We received one heck of an upgrade also. Anyway, they just don't seem to have much patience with the younger children. I believe the counselors have no incentive to be understanding as they are one of the few castmembers who are not allowed to be tipped. They don't care if you are disappointed or not. It makes their jobs easier with less children to watch. I feel our situation was isolated and maybe Dave's DW to a degree, but it does not make me feel any better about the disappointment our family encountered. I am sorry that Dave's DW and family had a similar negative experience.
My DD had just turned 4 yrs abou 2 1/2 mo. prior to the cruise. So she was one of the younger ones there. My DD loved the club and had no complaints. I have no complaints at all with Oceaneers Club. The counselors were fantastic and interacted very well with the kids. It was very efficiently run also. I would think that it was an isolated incident that Buschfan had. I find it hard to believe they didn't want kids in the Club or find any excuse to remove them. You can tell these counselors enjoy being around kids.
GoofyDisney
<a href="http://www.wdwinfo.com/dis-sponsor/index.
- Joined
- May 14, 2001
Michelle and everyone else...
Just wanted to make sure ya'll know ahead of time. When it comes to swimming in the pools, little ones MUST be in swim diapers. The lifeguards even ask for verification. If not in a swim diaper, the lifeguards will ask you to leave, and go and purchase swim diapers from the ship store.
They seem to be fairly strict policy, and I witnessed (and experienced) them checking with parents to make sure babies were not wearing regular diapers, and for the little ones, were not without some sort of protection, i.e., swim diapers.
Just a FYI...
Just wanted to make sure ya'll know ahead of time. When it comes to swimming in the pools, little ones MUST be in swim diapers. The lifeguards even ask for verification. If not in a swim diaper, the lifeguards will ask you to leave, and go and purchase swim diapers from the ship store.
They seem to be fairly strict policy, and I witnessed (and experienced) them checking with parents to make sure babies were not wearing regular diapers, and for the little ones, were not without some sort of protection, i.e., swim diapers.
Just a FYI...
SportyCruiser
Earning My Ears
- Joined
- Nov 24, 2001
I hear you are going on the disney magic for a 7 night cruise on 12/8. Do you have any young teens?
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inkbounc inkbounc inkbounc inkbounc inkbounc inkbounc I'm kind of wishy washy on this. Our situation turned out ok, but could've gone bad quickly.
We were on the 4-day 11/18 Wonder cruise. DD age 3 1/2 is one of those that does her own thing. While she will participate in group activities (if they interest her enough) she is just as happy playing by herself and was also 'distracted' by the play area toys.
On the Nassau day, we chose to stay on the ship. We took her to the club about 10am. She was very excited to go and had no problem joining in with the group. We snuck into Beach Blanket to check on her during lunch (without her seeing us) and she seemed to be doing fine. We went to the spa, got into the Rainforest room and then got a page. I thought the pager would be alpha so that they could send a specific message, but that is not the case. It simply says something like "Your child wishes to be picked up at Oceaneer's Club." So DH got dressed and went to see what was happening. When he got there, DD was coming down the Pirate slide as happy as could be. He asked what she wanted and she said she just wanted to see him and tell him how much fun she was having. Cool. I liked the idea that they paged you as soon as your child asks for you. I was afraid he'd be greeted with a sobbing child, but they do not let it get to that point.
About an hour later, we got another page. This time, I went to check on her. As the other children sat over by the stage playing a game show, my little one ran over to the playground stuff and started playing by herself. This did not surprise me, but what did was that the one counselor on the stage running the game show called for her to come back, but the other 4-6 counselors did not do a thing to try and engage her in the activity. I understand that the check-in area needs to be manned, but there were about 4 of them in there and a few up and walking around and a few more down on the floor with the kids. I stood there in amazement as my (thankfully coordinated) 3yr old was ignored as she stood straight up on the top of the snail (I think it was a snail -- regardless, her feet were about 4 feet off the ground). Luckilly, she did not fall and soon after one of the counselors came and asked her to come sit with her. That's all it took. She accepted the offer and went and rejoined the group - even getting one of the game show questions right!
I asked about the page and was met by counselor Lisa who did not look happy at all. This really took me back. I asked about being paged and she said that DD was not participating and so she (Lisa, not DD) had paged me. When I asked if she was being a problem she said no, but that if she wasn't going to participate, then she must not be enjoying herself and she should be taken out of the club. "We can't have her going off and doing other things 'cuz then other kids will want to do that too.... blah blah" While I understand this, and explained that I didn't want her to be a problem and would take her out of the club if this was the case, I pointed out that she happilly rejoined the group as soon as one of the counselors gave her some individual attention. I asked if I was required to remove her or could I stay and see how it went. Thankfully, another counselor was there too and piped in Oh sure -- I'm not sure what Lisa would've replied. I ended up staying and watching them for about 15-20 minutes during which DD participated the entire time. I asked one of the counselors if it was ok to leave her there and they said sure and that she seemed to be doing fine. I asked again if she had been a problem and they assured me she had not. I told them to be sure to page me if she was any trouble and that I would be back in an hour to take her to the movies if I had not heard from them. We had no other problems at all that day or any of the others, with pages only being at the end of the night when she was ready for bedtime.
Our situation turned out great and DD had a fantastic time in the Club. But if I had not asked and had just taken Lisa's directions and attitude, I probably would've left and not even tried to bring her back. In a nut shell, I think some of the counselors are better than others. IMO, the 3-4s in general need counselors that scoop them up and put them on thier laps. Or make them think it's really cool to sit up by the stage. Some of the counselors (well, mostly one) seemed to want them to sit perfectly still and obey every command on the first try. By watching for just a few minutes, I could tell which counselors do love their jobs and just made sure to let them know that DD loved the program and would really like to stay, but that I supported them if she was misbehaving and would remove her from the club if that were to happen. Remember, these counselors are human, and some are willing to give your child the extra attention if they can see that is what it takes and if they know that you support them if your child does become a problem.
We were on the 4-day 11/18 Wonder cruise. DD age 3 1/2 is one of those that does her own thing. While she will participate in group activities (if they interest her enough) she is just as happy playing by herself and was also 'distracted' by the play area toys.
On the Nassau day, we chose to stay on the ship. We took her to the club about 10am. She was very excited to go and had no problem joining in with the group. We snuck into Beach Blanket to check on her during lunch (without her seeing us) and she seemed to be doing fine. We went to the spa, got into the Rainforest room and then got a page. I thought the pager would be alpha so that they could send a specific message, but that is not the case. It simply says something like "Your child wishes to be picked up at Oceaneer's Club." So DH got dressed and went to see what was happening. When he got there, DD was coming down the Pirate slide as happy as could be. He asked what she wanted and she said she just wanted to see him and tell him how much fun she was having. Cool. I liked the idea that they paged you as soon as your child asks for you. I was afraid he'd be greeted with a sobbing child, but they do not let it get to that point.
About an hour later, we got another page. This time, I went to check on her. As the other children sat over by the stage playing a game show, my little one ran over to the playground stuff and started playing by herself. This did not surprise me, but what did was that the one counselor on the stage running the game show called for her to come back, but the other 4-6 counselors did not do a thing to try and engage her in the activity. I understand that the check-in area needs to be manned, but there were about 4 of them in there and a few up and walking around and a few more down on the floor with the kids. I stood there in amazement as my (thankfully coordinated) 3yr old was ignored as she stood straight up on the top of the snail (I think it was a snail -- regardless, her feet were about 4 feet off the ground). Luckilly, she did not fall and soon after one of the counselors came and asked her to come sit with her. That's all it took. She accepted the offer and went and rejoined the group - even getting one of the game show questions right!
I asked about the page and was met by counselor Lisa who did not look happy at all. This really took me back. I asked about being paged and she said that DD was not participating and so she (Lisa, not DD) had paged me. When I asked if she was being a problem she said no, but that if she wasn't going to participate, then she must not be enjoying herself and she should be taken out of the club. "We can't have her going off and doing other things 'cuz then other kids will want to do that too.... blah blah" While I understand this, and explained that I didn't want her to be a problem and would take her out of the club if this was the case, I pointed out that she happilly rejoined the group as soon as one of the counselors gave her some individual attention. I asked if I was required to remove her or could I stay and see how it went. Thankfully, another counselor was there too and piped in Oh sure -- I'm not sure what Lisa would've replied. I ended up staying and watching them for about 15-20 minutes during which DD participated the entire time. I asked one of the counselors if it was ok to leave her there and they said sure and that she seemed to be doing fine. I asked again if she had been a problem and they assured me she had not. I told them to be sure to page me if she was any trouble and that I would be back in an hour to take her to the movies if I had not heard from them. We had no other problems at all that day or any of the others, with pages only being at the end of the night when she was ready for bedtime.
Our situation turned out great and DD had a fantastic time in the Club. But if I had not asked and had just taken Lisa's directions and attitude, I probably would've left and not even tried to bring her back. In a nut shell, I think some of the counselors are better than others. IMO, the 3-4s in general need counselors that scoop them up and put them on thier laps. Or make them think it's really cool to sit up by the stage. Some of the counselors (well, mostly one) seemed to want them to sit perfectly still and obey every command on the first try. By watching for just a few minutes, I could tell which counselors do love their jobs and just made sure to let them know that DD loved the program and would really like to stay, but that I supported them if she was misbehaving and would remove her from the club if that were to happen. Remember, these counselors are human, and some are willing to give your child the extra attention if they can see that is what it takes and if they know that you support them if your child does become a problem.
Hi, can anyone tell me if the activities in the clubs are required when your child is there or would they be able to do their own thing if they do not want to do the activity?
Also, is there anywhere my 9 yr old can chat with friends backhome via internet?
I read that at her age she would be able to check herself in/out of the clubs. not sure if i like that because I wouldn't know where she was or do they page you and let you know ?/
off subject: what are the ship to shore phone rates?
Also, is there anywhere my 9 yr old can chat with friends backhome via internet?
I read that at her age she would be able to check herself in/out of the clubs. not sure if i like that because I wouldn't know where she was or do they page you and let you know ?/
off subject: what are the ship to shore phone rates?
SportyCruiser
Earning My Ears
- Joined
- Nov 24, 2001
Your 9 year old can go to the internet cafe on deck 3 aft. There is a fee for 75 cents a minute or 82 dollars for the whole cruise. If you are going to be on for more than 20 minutes a day than you want the 82 dollar package. To call to the US it is 6.25 a minute. Online is Better.
Rory
Disney Magic
December 8-15, 2001
Rory
Disney Magic
December 8-15, 2001
Hi everyone.
Do they keep the kids in this lab the whole time they are in the kids programming? Or do they take them outside to do things around the ship?
When you are on Castaway Cay do they take them out on the beach or again have them stay inside a room?
TIA
AM
Do they keep the kids in this lab the whole time they are in the kids programming? Or do they take them outside to do things around the ship?
When you are on Castaway Cay do they take them out on the beach or again have them stay inside a room?
TIA
AM
SC Minnie
I'm no quitter - Are we there yet?
- Joined
- May 18, 2001
This may seem like a stupid question but what kinds of shoes are the kids supposed to where in the clubs? sneakers, sandals, are flip flops OK? Just trying to get an idea on how many pairs and what kinds of shoes we need to pack for DD 7.
Thanks.
Thanks.
1 Disney Lovin' Mom
Earning My Ears
- Joined
- Nov 14, 2001
SC Minnie, that is actually a very good question. I would also like to know if there are any shoe/footwear requirements in the Oceaneer Clubs & Labs. We will be cruising with our DD10, DS7, DD6 & DD4.
Does anyone have this info?
Thanks,
1 Disney Lovin' Mom
Memphis, TN
Does anyone have this info?
Thanks,
1 Disney Lovin' Mom
Memphis, TN
For those of you concerned about whether siblings will be together. I think my children who were 9 and 12 for our last disney cruise would have made more friends if they had been seperated. We were allowed to bump our 9 year old up a age group. They hund out together and didn't make any friends in the club. This time they will be seperated and I think they may have more fun.
For those of you concerned about whether siblings will be together. I think my children who were 9 and 12 for our last disney cruise would have made more friends if they had been seperated. We were allowed to bump our 9 year old up a age group. They hund out together and didn't make any friends in the club. This time they will be seperated and I think they may have more fun.
MCazer
Unofficial Travel Agent to My Friends!
- Joined
- Nov 23, 1999
All the programs are designed so that everyone can participate. So in effect, if you decide to go, there will be room, and if you don't, not to worry.
My kids did the things that they wanted, and at the spur of the moment joined things last minute too.
It was the best of both worlds. We had plenty of family time, and plenty of mom and dad time. Have to love the adult only pool!
My kids did the things that they wanted, and at the spur of the moment joined things last minute too.
It was the best of both worlds. We had plenty of family time, and plenty of mom and dad time. Have to love the adult only pool!
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