Do you allow your children to visit the parks alone?

[diskids2]

My DH and I are discussing this issue and I wanted to get the opinions of fellow DISers because I respect what you all have to say.

Some background information:

1. DD - age 15, DS age 11
2. Fifth trip to WDW - know the parks well
3. Each will have a cell phone that I know work in the parks.
4. They will not be allowed to go alone, separately. We are discussing, allowing them to go off alone - together - I hope that makes sense.
5. We will set up rules (would love to hear your views on what these should be) and have backup plans - in case you get separated - if something happens, etc.
6. Each child is responsible and trustworthy at home and I see no reason why this would change.

The reason this is coming up is due to planning and touring and the things the kids like to do vs. the adults for example, Rock N Rollercoaster is good for me once maybe twice, but not more, lol! Even certain restaurants the kids hate (ok maybe too strong, dislike) and my DH and I adore them - Victoria and Albert's - Brown Derby, etc. In the past we have compromised and made this all work, but..........DH (well read below)

I am very apprehensive. For me it's more about the rest of the world, and the "What ifs" and not my own kids. DH is all for it, says that they are old enough. I'd love to hear if you would let them tour a park that you are in, but not necessarily at the same place and/or if you would let them be at the hotel, while you are at a park or vice versa - (onsite - not sure which one yet most likely CBR) - or parents at one park or DTD and kids at another park.

Also, we are not discussing doing this the whole trip, just at certain points, maybe a few hours for three of our ten days.

Again, I'm just looking for opinions and hope that this can stay nice and friendly.

 

[luvmick]

I think thet should be able to handle a few hours on theie own if they are together.We have two boys the same ages who have been many times.We alow them to go off together in the same park we are in and meet us at a specific time and place.We have never had a problem, But they have always been in the same park as us and must stay together!

 

[Megster]

Well I don't have kids, since I'm only one myself. But I do remember my parents letting my step brother and I go off by ourselves for a few hours at a time. We were all in the same parks, but just doing different stuff. I think that if you can trust them at home there is not reason not to trust them there. Make sure you have a designated spot and time to meet. And that everyone must have their cell phones on at all times.

 

[Maleficent13]

The first time my parents allowed us to go alone, I was 14 and my brother was 11. We stayed together, but we were allowed to roam as long as we were back by a certain time (determined before we left). This was before cell phones were common, too.

I would feel comfortable with DD going (in a pair with someone) at your kids' ages.

 

[MoniqueU]

It sounds like you have your bases covered. I would feel ok about it. I think they should be fine.

 

[Toby'sFriend]

I would allow my 15 year old and my 12 year old to go together. We would all have cell phones and check in periodically.

 

[diskids2]

Thanks for all of your opinions!

 

[Disney1fan2002]

I think 15 is plenty old enough to do the parks alone. And to have an 11 yo sibling, all the better!

I fully intend on letting my kids do their own thing when they hit 13-14. By then, they will have "grown up" in the parks.

I don't think you will get too bad of a flaming on this one.

 

[4myson]

My children are under 12 yo, so, now way. When they are around 16, I will allow them to go to the same park as us, but do different things and meet up for lunch and dinner. Communication is very important to me.

 

[Barb D]

Yes. Definitely in the park we're in. If we were going for a longer time I would let them go to another park together.

 

[nwdisgal]

Well coming from a generation where we were allowed to roam the parks at age 12, and we did, and I'm still alive to tell the story I think 15 is definately old enough. Hey, technically, your child is old enough to have a driver's permit in some states. Sounds like you have it covered!

 

[hdecker]

I grew up in So Cal and can remember I was about 12 when I figured out the bus system to get from my house to DL. Had to change buses twice to get there, but once I figured it out I was there almost every weekend by myself. I absolutely loved that freedom. My dd's 13 and 15 want no part of separating at WDW, something very odd for me, but now looking back at my adventures at their age I have to wonder what the heck my parents were thinking when they let me do that. I guess every child is different

 

[lulugirl]

I think they are old enough, they sound like trustworthy kids.