Childcare Question for older kids

[sl_underwood]

We are planning a trip to disney in April and I would like some input. Our children are almost 13 (will be thirteen when we go) and 9. My hubby and I want to ride a few rides the kids dont and we want to ride together. We have never been to disney and I am worried about leaving the kids to wait while we ride but my hubby thinks it would be safer than hiring someone to stay with them so we can ride a few rides that they are afraid to go on. He feels its better to leave our older daughter in charge of her sis than a stranger. I feel its way to much responsibility to put on a ayoung teen. And to add to it, both of my kids want to go to neverland, lol. My teen is bumed that she is to old. I know this is a touchy subject with many parents and I really dont want to start a debate on whether it is right or not, so no flaming please.
Lora

 

[8 Ears]

Urgh! I just wrote you nice reply and the kittens erased the whole thing!!!!!!! Short version this time..... DS 11 and 13 did fine when DH and I went on Test Track without them. Nice CM talked with them, and she took them to a bench right out side of where we were going to get off. As we were leaving she told us all to have a good day
Hope it helps with your decsion

 

[JeffreyY]

Our children, also 13 and 9 love the big rides, I go on some but not all, DH goes on none. I walk through the line with the kids put them on the ride and then I wait in the baby swap area for them to get off the ride. I would think your 13 year old could watch your 9 year old in this area while you and your husband ride. There is usually a CM around.
Hope this helps.
Judi

 

[Mom to Jordan]

They should be fine in the exit area, often a gift shop, or right outside on a bench with a ice cream cone. If the line is long, I would make sure that they have a cell phone, and know that they are not allowed to leave the area for any reason.

 

[sl_underwood]

My teen has a cell phone and is responsible. We figured we would do fast pass for the ride if it was long. We want to ride the coasters and my teen isnt really into them and my younger one isnt tall enough. I just worry. Thanks for responding.
Lora

 

[jme829]

How tall isyour 9 yr old?? MOST big rides are for people 40 inches and taller (with a few exceptions) When we went in '04, our two youngest (then 3 and 5 ) didn't want to ride the big rides (and they were too little) Now this year they will be 5 and 7 and can go on most coasters except rocknroller coaster , TOT (which we don't go to MGM anyways) and Primevil Whirl (but the are big enough for Space Mtn... go figure ) ANyways, what we did last time was get fast passes for everyone then if my older daughter (soon to be 13) wanted to go on something twice we would just use the extra passes that the younger ones didnt' use . SO say you want to go on Space mtn and oldest doesnt't ...get a fast pass for all of you then your youngest can then use her own pass to ride with Dad and then sisters pass to ride with Mom. That way everyone has a turn to ride and a parent can sit withthe other daughter. Does this make sense???? Even though ours will be tall enought to hit most of the big rides, we'll probably still do this this year since my 7 yr old is a nervous nellie and won't go on most big rides anyways. But my 5 yr is raring to go...he can't wait.!! My oldest was 3 when she first went on BTM..she ended up on it 3 times that trip

 

[AnaheimGirl]

jme819 -- TOT's height requirement is only 40", as well. Just FYI

 

[jme829]

Thanks AnaheimGirl for the info...We don't usually go to MGM and when we
do that is one ride we don't do... !!!

 

[grlpwrd]

No flames from me.

I have a 14yo and 11yo and I have trained them to follow our safety rules and work together in times like these - ie when they left unsupervised by me like at a supermarket or at home.

Have they done this before - watch themselves versus having a sitter? You could teach them what to do if they don't ride and wait for you two, like who to call on the cell phone, who to contact at the park if they become lost, etc. if you haven't done so already, of course...and maybe bring walkie talkies.

GL!

 

[Mouse House Mama]

They should be fine. Just let them know your rules (no leaving this area etc.) and maybe they can sit and eat lunch or something in the same area that you will be riding. I think the cellphone idea is great too. If your 13year old is mature enough then go for it. I used to watch my sister when I was 13 and she was 6. I think they'll be fine. Maybe you could space it out so maybe you ride one ride and then go on a few with the kids and then ride another ride etc. so this way they aren't spending too much time alone if you are worried. I hope you have a great trip!