Do you let your teens roam?

[MaryLovesPoohBear]

We went when our son was 17. Told him that I would like him to stay on property. Meaning, within the Disney bubble. He did drive yet, so he needed to rely on Disney transportation. He stayed in the same park. And stayed with us about 80% of the time.

We went back when he was 19. That time the rule was, tell us if you go off property. He laughed and said that he was on vacation with his family and he again stayed in the same park. That trip he stayed with us about 70% of the time.

Of course, YMMV.

 

[kohlby]

I have one young teen so I likely wouldn't. He's 13, doesn't have a cell phone, and likely wouldn't want to roam by himself. However, if I had two teens, or even him and a friend, I'd be perfectly fine with it. I went to Disney with a friend when I was 14 and she was 13. We used Disney transportation and were in the parks without an adult. We didn't have a cell phone as this was before that time. It went great! The buddy system is good to have in case of an emergency for anyone. So, I'd want my young teen to be with another child close to his age or older.

 

[carcam51]

It is important to note that everyone has a cell phone in case of a real emergency. You know a Disney emergency, like "Splash Mountain has broken down and we are stuck on the ride" not "we want to stand in the long line for 7dmt so we will be late to home base" No way, Jose. I have noticed that the tweens travel together as a little pack but the teenagers split up.

It's kinda funny to see the kids waiting outside at Pecos Bills waiting for the grown ups to arrive on time. They are busy checking the time on their cell phones just waiting for the chance to say "you are late" to the adults. Now as an adult that is a lot of pressure to make sure to be on time!

Love this...too funny, but oh so true!

 

[babyruth]

yes, they all have phones. text to check in, meet at specific times etc.

ETA but only if they stay together, at least 2 at a time not alone.

 

[Britkurd]

Wow. 16? I went on vacation alone at that age with friends!

Now my own kids? I'll probably keep them with me until 30!