Did you use (or plan on using) your DVC for child's senior trip?

[mouseclick1]

A little background: My older DS is entering his junior year of high school. We have let him know right from the start that an unchaperoned senior trip would be out of the question. He will most likely go on a school sponsored trip to Japan after he graduates. We own points at both HH and BWV.

I would still like to do something fun during spring break. I was thinking about booking a grand villa at HH, and allowing him to bring several friends along. We could also go to Disney instead, but we would only be able to book a 2 BR due to the high points during Easter week. I've asked him for his thoughts and he says I'm planning too far ahead and he doesn't know.

So, I was just curious to see what others may have for their seniors using DVC points. Where did you go, and did everything work out OK?

 

[spiceycat]

depends upon the teen - some are mature - others aren't.

Disney says at 18 year old - they can stay without a parent on property.

the decision is up to you.

 

[mouseclick1]

Well, he's pretty mature, but I still don't like the unchaperoned trips for high schoolers. I was more curious to see if others have taken their seniors along on DVC trips. Did they go to WDW, HH, or VB? Did they bring friends? How many? Did they have fun? Did parents stay in the same room, or book their own room? Were there any regrets? Things like that.

 

[donmil723]

In 2003, DD graduated from high school and wanted to take 2 of her best friends with her to WDW. I booked a studio at BCV for her and her friends and another studio for me and my best friend! We had a great time. Part of the time we did things together and part of the time, they did their thing and my friend and I did ours! No problems whatsoever!

Donna

 

[ccw]

We took our high school junior and two of his buddies to Disney for their spring break. We had a 2 BR at OKW. My husband and I had the master BR and the three boys shared the 2nd bedroom with an Aero bed added so no one had to share a bed. It was awesome. The guys even commented about how glad they were to be at DisneyWOrld instead of at a NC beach house with their other friends (ok, it didn;t hurt that the weather in Orlando was perfect and the weather back home was cold and rainy!). we let the boys be pretty much as independent as they wanted to be...funny how they were quite fine with joining us for meals or anything else involving money! With teh Disney transportation they could go wherever, whenever! Now, if they wanted to go back without parents, I might think about it but I would have to say that if you are deciding between HH and Disney, I'd DEFINITELY feel safer with them at Disney...would feel safer still if they flew down and did NOT have a car. Not an option in Hilton Head which is one reason I would not like that as a spring break unchaperoned destination. I also think there are more safeguards against reckless behavior at Disney World. (I do love HH...just not my first choice for teens who are unchaperoned!)

 

[mouseclick1]

We would be going too so they wouldn't be unchaperoned. Both of your trips sound great! That's the kind of thing I want to do.

 

[ccw]

Forgot to mention that we booked two things which added to the enjoyment of the trip. Your gang might like them also. First, we decided to rent a boat for an hour or so and the guys really liked that. We just cruised from OKW to Port Orleans and then to DTD and back to OKW. Very relaxing and a break from the usual park stuff. The real highlight for the boys, though, was the Segway tour at EPCOT. THe three of them did that while my husband and I got Fastpasses for a couple of rides. We also stayed with them a little while, while they were learning to operate the Segways. They really were pumped up about doing that. DVC discount made it not so terribly expensive a thing to add on. Hope it all works out for your family.

 

[LoveToDisney]

Well, he's pretty mature, but I still don't like the unchaperoned trips for high schoolers. I was more curious to see if others have taken their seniors along on DVC trips. Did they go to WDW, HH, or VB? Did they bring friends? How many? Did they have fun? Did parents stay in the same room, or book their own room? Were there any regrets? Things like that.

We took our son and his friend on a senior trip to Disney. We had a wonderful time. Stayed at BWV in a 2 BR. They loved it because they had bus access to go anywhere and they own room. Funny enough they were in bed many times BEFORE us! I gave each one Disney tickets and a per diem. They could spend the money any way they wanted. We also supplied the kitchen with teen favorites including pizza so they could eat at the villa if they wanted and use their money to play. They came back and ate a lot on their own (as we could see food disappear). Our son's friend had money left over after the trip and offered to return it to us. I smiled and told him to keep it for any pre-college expenses. Choose the friend carefully so you can relax and enjoy your trip. This was our first time to have some "adult" time away from the teens.
By the way, this was the "second" trip planned (actually went in May) because the Spring break trip was planned and then something came up and the teens couldn't go. My DH didn't want to go without our son and encouraged me to invite a girlfriend to go and use the reservation anyway (I'm the Disney crazed one in our family). WOW, was it fun having a 2 BR with 2 bathrooms for two women on a girl's trip! That was a dream! We had so much fun...we're planning another one someday.

 

[MrsG]

I think it sounds like a great idea! I also wouldn't let my 18 yr old go unchaperoned, but sharing a 2 br or villa gives everyone the right amount of privacy, but still lets you keep an eye on things. My son's HS took them to Disney for their senior trip and he still talks about the fun he had with his friends (he's 22 now). Having friends come is really the fun part. They are free to move around on their own and yet it makes them feel "grownup".

Don't be disappointed if he doesn't seem interested now. Kids don't like to think that far in advance, although you need to know so you can get the room. Once school starts, they'll all be planning and you'll be ahead of the game.

Good luck!