Childcare for a teenager at WDW? Fairy Godmothers?

[addicted_to_WDW]

I know, weird question.

DS will be 13 when we go to WDW in June. What we'd like to do is hire someone to take him to Disney Quest while we go to Pleasure Island for the evening. He doesn't need a babysitter, but I wouldn't be comfortable leaving him alone for 4 or 5 hours. Will the Fairy Godmothers or any other service watch older kids in the parks or other attractions?

 

[DVCLiz]

For a minute your title had me scratching my head, but that makes sense to me. I wouldn't be comfortable letting my 13 year old go to Disney Quest alone, either (although I would let her go to a park and take Disney transportation back to our resort, if it weren't too late at night).

I would think the Fairy Godmothers have probably run into this before - don't they have people who will take your kids to the parks? I'd just give them a call and see.

 

[addicted_to_WDW]

Thanks Liz. I'll give them a call. I've been conflicted about this. I know that if I mentioned getting him a sitter he'd probably just die! A while back I floated the idea of him going to DQ alone and he said sure, but I just don't know. The good news is that he is 5'10" already and I wouldn't be shocked if he's 6' by then (geez do they grow fast). He's not an easy target for anyone but he's still just turning 13...

 

[snugglepeas]

If you have 2 cell phone I would just let him go to DQ and call him once in a while to check in, if you think he can be trusted to stay at DQ.

 

[DVCLiz]

You know, if he's a boy and almost 6 feet, and he has a cell phone...

I might be tempted to let him go by himself, too. I was thinking more along the lines of some of the boys in DD13's class, who haven't started their growth spurts yet.

On the other hand, Disney Quest is a more public place than the theme parks, at least to me. I still might feel better knowing he had an older teen with him.

Gosh, that sounds helpful, doesn't it? Maybe yes, maybe no???

 

[addicted_to_WDW]

Snuggle and Liz - Yeah, if I don't put on my overprotective mommy cape, I'll let him go alone. He has a cell phone and can generally be trusted. I wonder if I'll be able to relax and enjoy myself or if I'll call him every 30 minutes.

 

[snomofinn]

Call me the over protected mother..I have a 13 year old daughter and would never let her go alone anywhere..But, Iam one of the lucky ones...I have a built in babysitter...my 20 year old daughter! they go on there own at the parks from time to time or in the evening they'll take the transportation and walk around DTD.

 

[Hannathy]

I would have no problem with him being at Disney Quest for the evening, I assume since you are going to PI you would walk him to DQ and then leave. The only thing I wouldn't want to do is let him go back to the resort on the bus late at night by himself. If you will meet him and go back together I say go for it. You could even go back to PI after safely getting him to the room with a pizza and sodas, and the remote control! I would tell him he has to stay inside DQ till you got there is all. I have a 14 yr old DD and I would let her stay there for the evening I wouldn't let her wander around DTD at night but safely inside a Disney Building where you have to pay to get in and has a lot of CM's yeah I'd do it and she is barely 5'1" let alone 5'10"

 

[Traveliz]

Snuggle and Liz - Yeah, if I don't put on my overprotective mommy cape, I'll let him go alone. He has a cell phone and can generally be trusted. I wonder if I'll be able to relax and enjoy myself or if I'll call him every 30 minutes.

I have found its sooo loud in Disney Quest that he will unlikely be able to hear your phone...there are also spots where the reception is poor inside that building.

Just another something to think about.

Liz

 

[DVCLiz]

I have found its sooo loud in Disney Quest that he will unlikely be able to hear your phone...there are also spots where the reception is poor inside that building.

Just another something to think about.

Liz

Make him text message you every 30 minutes - he'll be able to keep up with that.

 

[WantToGoNow]

If he's a fairly responsible kid, then maybe I would let him go. My dd was staying at home by herself when school was out by that age -- and babysitting my cousin's 3 children. It really all depends on the kid. I would 2nd making him keep in touch with you -- he could even go in the restroom to call -- it's generally much quieter in there.

 

[alicenwonder99]

Hmmmm...maybe if there were two 13 year olds going together. But by himself, I would worry too much.

Is going to PI that much of a priority to you? I would just skip it. Go to it on the next trip when your son is older and more responsible to be by himself.

 

[dsnymomof4]

I think it depends on the indivdual child, but just wanted to add that I would have no problem letting my DS13 go to DQ by himself, especially if I was going to be right in the area. I like the idea of text messaging every so often-that should put your mind at ease. I'm sure there are plenty of CMs around that keep an eye on the guests. Just have a talk with him and let him know exactly what you expect of him. I'm sure he will have a great time.

 

[addicted_to_WDW]

Is going to PI that much of a priority to you?

Yes! I need to spend time alone with DH.

Thanks everyone. I'm still conflicted (it is the mother in me), but he is a responsible kid and I won't be far away so maybe we'll do it. The other option is to let him hang out at the pool at Pop but that wouldn't be as fun for him. He spends his entire summer at the pool.

 

[zurgswife]

My kids 13-15 frequently travel solo to DTD or the parks. As long as we keep in contact. Cell phone. We haven't had any problems.

 

[nuttylawprofessor]

If you wouldn't get a sitter for him at the hotel, I wouldn't get him a sitter for DQ.

Let me put it to you this way, when DQ was here in Chicago, there were many school and park district trips to DQ. Do you think that those kids, as young as 4th or 5th grade, were staying in their small chaperone groups? Of course not! Telling him to check in every 90-120 minutes is fine. You all can probably handle it.

 

[tammydel]

HI!
I'm probably not much help because I have a sort-of similar thread going. I'm traveling with friends who have a 12 and 14 year old. We want to go to the Adventurers Club. My kids are 9 and 10 and will go to the kids club at the Polynesian where we are staying. But what do you do about 12 & 14? Mine will be that age soon!
DQ while you at PI is a good idea because you are close by. We can think about that....
Good luck with your decision.
Tammy