At What Age

[danny1649]

Do you think it is safe to let children tour Magic Kingdom and other parks at WDW?I ask because on our June trip we will be with our 13 and 10 year old grandson's.Since Grandma and Pa move slower than in past.I thought we could let them go on and tour and meet up with us at Casey's in a couple of hours.Both are well behaved boys and have been to Disney serveral times.They have never been allowed to tour alone though.Grandma does't think it is a good idea.She feels they need to be a couple of year's older.What is your thought's on this?

 

[Jordan's MOM]

We have told our DS now 11, he can go off with a friend at 13. He and his same age cousion wanted to go off this year but we were not ready for this. I would consider several things before deciding.
- Will the 10 year old listen and respect the 13 year old. 10 is kind of young.
-Do they know the parks well. Our boys have been enough that they know how to get around with out getting confused.
- Will they have cell phone. (I would not consider this with out them)

If you decide to let them, start with just an hour or so and increase as you feel they are ready.

Sounds like a special trip. HAve fun.


Jordans' mom

 

[AimeeM]

Hmmm... thats a tough call. Maybe for only and hour or 2 at a time, and buy walkie talkies so you can be in constant contact!!

 

[bobbiwoz]

What do their parents say?

 

[Sue & Co.]

This trip my son was 121/2 and my twin DD's almost 10 and the only time they went off on their own was on Tom Sawyers Island whilst we sat on the terrance at Aunt Polly's (although it was closed). Next time they will be 131/2 and 11 and I still don't think I would be happy letting them wander off for a couple of hours even though they are really well behaved sensible kids and the girls do listen to their older brother. (I sometimes leave them alone at home for short periods with him in charge). I think I would want mine to be all at least 14 before I thought about that. Just my opinion.

Sue

 

[kaygela]

I would also be too nervous to let those ages go off on their own. 10 is still young and that is alot of responsibility to put on a 13 year old where there are so many distractions. That's just my opinion.

 

[crisi]

Another idea is to let them run ahead to the rides, and then just mosey along to meet them at the exit. So they want to ride Splash Mountain, they run off, you wander along, and after they wait in line and go on the ride, you are waiting at a bench near the exit. When you walk up to the ride and get a peek at how long the line is, you'll know if you have time to browse nearby shops (or one of you, while the other waits, just in case the line is a lot shorter).

 

[Xtine76]

That is a tough call! I can remember going to parks and such up here when I was very young with school groups-I was 11. We were allowed to go off on our own, but looking back I really don't think that was the best of ideas. I know I would want my daughter to stay with me at that age so that is probably what I would insist upon now.

 

[MissMagnolia]

10 seems kind of young - 13 should be fine (can't children legally stay home alone at 13; baby-sit at 13, etc.?). Now, having said that, my oldest child is 3-1/2, so let's see if I say the same thing when he's 13 .

I think you really have to take into consideration the maturity of the children.

 

[Simba's Mom]

How about trying it for an hour or two, stay in the same park, then if that works, try a little more? I was thinking back, DS #2 went over to SM by himself at age 11. Then both DS's went renting watermice alone at 14 and 11. But I think they were a little older before they went by themselves for hours, allowed to leave the park stuff. Make sure they have watches that are "synchronized" with yours!

 

[Terry S]

I would say if they are mature kids, I would let them go off for 2 hours, but only in the same park that you are in and I would make sure they had walkie talkies and make them check in with you a couple of times on the walkie talkies during those 2 hours.

 

[dreamscometrue47]

We are going in April with friends, and are allowing the 14 and 15 year olds to go to off by themselves, but ONLY in the SAME park and with a cell phone so that we can be in touch with them. The 2 10-year olds are staying with us. 10 just seems very young to go off with the older kids, who will probably forget about them! And when we told the younger kids about this, they were perfectly fine. I think they are still young enough to enjoy the parks with their parents and not bicker with their older siblings.

 

[TinkKel]

I agree with CRISI....just let them run ahead (that way, you know exactly where they are) and you can mosey at your own speed. I have two sons myself....funny enough, also 10 & 13. I would trust my 13 yo. He's at the age where I don't really worry about pedophiles anymore, and he would know what to do, but my 10 yo is another story. I don't know about your grandsons, but there is NO WAY my 10 yo is going to let my 13 yo "Be the boss of me", and as crowded as it gets at the world, I'd be so afraid of them getting separated. If you do decide to let them have some freedom, I'd follow some of the above advise and provide them with walkie-talkies or a cell phone.

P.S. There may also be some sort of "law" about leaving children under certain ages unattended at the park.

 

[danny1649]

For your replys,you have given us some great ideas and options.Grandma favors letting them run ahead to attraction and meeting them near exit of that attraction.I like the idea of cell phone or walkie talkie's and give them 1 hour on their own to start with.So first couple of days we go with Grandma's pick if they handle that well we go with Grandpa's pick and see how that does.Son and wife are ok with these plans.I thank you all for the great information and idea's and posting.