DS bringing a friend

[tinkerbell423]

My son's friend is going to be joining us on our trip this year. I was hoping anyone who has brought their child's friend could offer me any tips or advice they might have.

Is there anything you wish you did different or anything you thought worked well. Also anything that we should talk with the parents about before we leave that we might not think of.

Thank you

 

[Jerseyguy's Wife]

I can think of one or two things to discuss with the parents. Here goes:
1. You need some documentation stating that it is okay for you to authorize medical treatment for the child-just in case.
2. You need written permission to take the child across state lines.
3. You need to have a very clear discussion with the parents about how much, if any, money the child needs to bring with him. This one is important. My girlfriend went to WDW as a 12 y/o, and her mom sent as much money as they could spare; turns out it wasn't really enough, and she spent most of the trip being hungry. Of course the family she went with was a little shady; they spent all their money and started demanding hers.
4. I would give them a packing list. If the child has never been to WDW before, they may not know what he will actually need.
I can't think of anything else right now, but if I do, I'll add.
Kate

 

[kissy]

How old is your DS? My DD (age 14) brought her bff with us last Sept. We had a great time and so did they. Her BFF also goes with her family to disney once or twice a year so packing and what not was no big deal for us. For the first couple of days they stayed with us then towards the end of the week we would let them go off on thier own for a hour or two. The BFF also brought her own spending money. We all were on the dining plan so all she had to pay for was her ticket and whatever souveniers she wanted. Honestly, I think if you can swing the dining plan do it. It's so convienent! We made it clear before we went that if anyone wanted souveniers they were going to have to pay for them on thier own (that included my kids) So all of them saved thier money for months before we went.

 

[angierae]

Also, you do not need written permission to take a child across state lines. You don't even need any documentation to take a kid under 18 on a PLANE - neither my daughter nore her 15 year old friend were ID'd to get on the plane to Florida, the security guy that checked the tickets took them from them, asked them their names, and we walked through to the security checkpoint.

We did get a note saying I was authorized for medical treatment just in case something happened, but it wasn't needed. I had work and home phone numbers for both parents anyway, so if the hospital had needed to talk to a parent the odds of getting a hold of one or the other were very high, but I did take a note as well.

I took care of all food (free dining) so she just brought spending money for herself.

 

[Hannathy]

Also, you do not need written permission to take a child across state lines. You don't even need any documentation to take a kid under 18 on a PLANE - neither my daughter nore her 15 year old friend were ID'd to get on the plane to Florida, the security guy that checked the tickets took them from them, asked them their names, and we walked through to the security checkpoint.

We did get a note saying I was authorized for medical treatment just in case something happened, but it wasn't needed. I had work and home phone numbers for both parents anyway, so if the hospital had needed to talk to a parent the odds of getting a hold of one or the other were very high, but I did take a note as well.

Yes!!! I can't believe how many people think you need a note to travel in this country. Arrghhh You do not need a note to cross state line.

You don't need a note for the airlines. They don't care who you travel with, it is none of their business and kids under 18 don't need ID so nothing needed at the airport within this country (unless on a very very rare child fare)

You don't need a letter for medical, they can call and get permission and a signed permission can be electronically sent if they need it and they will treat in a real emergency anyway.

The only thing that is really helpful is to have a copy of their insurance card so you don't have to pay OOP if anything is needed. Good to know their allergies also.



On taking a friend I would just be clear when you propose it to the parents as to what you will be paying and what you expect from them. Like we would like Suzy to come with us to Disney. She can ride with us and stay with us so all she would need is to pay for her tickets and meals and spending money . or whatever you need her to pay so they can make an informed decision. Or if she would need to buy her own airline ticket.

 

[Darcy03231]

We took dd's best friend on a cruise when they were in middle school. I paid for everything except for souvenirs, so she just needed spending money.

I got a signed, notarized letter giving me permission to take her out of the country and to get emergency medical attention if she needed it.

Not that I expected any problems (and we didn't have any) but I talked with the parents ahead of time about discipline - just in case. They also talked with her ahead of time about what would happen if there was a discipline issue so we were all on the same page.

We had a great time. The girls are now in their 2nd year of college and her friend still says it was the best vacation she ever had.

 

[karic19]

Although you may not REQUIRE a written consent to take the child over state lines I still recommend you do so. JUST IN CASE. The airline may not care but if the child gets in any trouble with the police or such you may need documentation that the parents are aware that you have their child and that you are responsible for them at that time.

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

Although you may not REQUIRE a written consent to take the child over state lines I still recommend you do so. JUST IN CASE. The airline may not care but if the child gets in any trouble with the police or such you may need documentation that the parents are aware that you have their child and that you are responsible for them at that time.

Sorry, but as already posted, this is absolutely not needed. A quick phone call (and who can't be reached in the US just about anytime via cell phone?) would resolve this issue. Don't waste your time (or money if you have to pay a notary).

 

[pixiewings71]

I too think it's a good idea to have a note from the parent of the friend. No it's not needed, but what if the parent(s) can't be reached via cell? Not all parents are able to be contacted at the drop of the hat, having a note is helpful in that situation.

We took friends with us on 1 trip, each girl picked a friend to take, we simply asked them to have money for some meals and souvenirs and the parents bought their kids tickets. We paid for the gas to get there and we covered the hotel room (larger than normal because we had 6 instead of 4), we also gave each kid pins for trading and gifted them with lanyards. If the kids didn't have enough money there's no way we would have let them go hungry but it wasn't an issue, the parents sent plenty of money and we gave them money back when we returned home.

 

[LilyWDW]

Sit down with the whole family (friend and parents) and make sure you outline everything. Make sure there is a FULL understanding as to who pays for what. Give the parents an estimate if you can so they know what to send with the child.

Sit down with your child and the friend and be up front with your expectations. That way, you are not fighting them when it is time to get up and go to the parks or have them whining about not wanting to go to Epcot today.

Having something signed that gives you permission to seek medical treatment is always a good idea. You do not want to delay treatment just because you are playing phone tag with the parents. Also, have a copy of their medical insurance.

 

[tinkerbell423]

Thanks for some good ideas.
I should have said DS and his friend are 14. His parents are buying his airfare and park ticket. We will talk next week about any other money he would need. We are renting a house so dining plan is not an option. I figure we would have breakfasts at the house before we leave and maybe one or two dinners at the house that week the rest would be counter service. Dh and I estimated he might need $250 for food? Does this seem right?
This all happened kind of quickly and I want to make sure I've thought of everything when we talk next week.

 

[AndreaDM]

If my kids have invited friends to go anywhere, I assume that I will be paying for their food. If he's already paying for his flight and park tickets, I would absolutely not ask for any money for food except what he wants to bring for snacks.

 

[pixiewings71]

Thanks for some good ideas.
I should have said DS and his friend are 14. His parents are buying his airfare and park ticket. We will talk next week about any other money he would need. We are renting a house so dining plan is not an option. I figure we would have breakfasts at the house before we leave and maybe one or two dinners at the house that week the rest would be counter service. Dh and I estimated he might need $250 for food? Does this seem right?
This all happened kind of quickly and I want to make sure I've thought of everything when we talk next week.

I would estimate based off all ears menus, it's hard to say because who knows exactly how much a 14 y.o. boy will eat. I might even go with $300 for food just to be safe.....

If my kids have invited friends to go anywhere, I assume that I will be paying for their food. If he's already paying for his flight and park tickets, I would absolutely not ask for any money for food except what he wants to bring for snacks.

Different strokes for different folks. I pay for my kids friends food if we go out for dinner and take them, I wouldn't expect to pay for all the food if we took them on vacation, nor would I expect my kids friends families to pay for their food if they took them on vacation.

 

[GenieCat]

This article might be of help to you. It was written by one of the authors of the Unofficial Guide:

Mom! Can Eddie Go to Walt Disney World With Us?

 

[ddoconnell]

We have taken my kids friends with us many times. We always chat with the parents so that they know the dates, times and the plans that we have made. We also always get permission for medical treatment and copies of insurance cards, so that we can speed that process should it be required. I ask about any food or medicine allergies and if there are things that should be avoided?..like too many late nights, etc. I also make sure that I have multiple ways to contact them, and they have that for us. I also give them the name, address and main phone number for the resort where we are staying. You never know when there is an emergency and they just can't get you on the cell phone.

Have a great time on your trip!!

 

[LilyWDW]

If my kids have invited friends to go anywhere, I assume that I will be paying for their food. If he's already paying for his flight and park tickets, I would absolutely not ask for any money for food except what he wants to bring for snacks.

I think that as long as you are upfront with the parents, it doesn't matter if you are paying for all the food or if they are. Just make sure when the invite is given to be CLEAR as to what the cost expectations are. That way there are no hard feelings...

 

[mom2cookies]

eh i'll add my 2 cents too.

All 4 of my teen agers have taken friends with us to WDW or other vacations. We expect and do pay for lodging and food and special events. If we can we pay for transportation as well. ( we don't fly so it is either Amtrak or driving ). We tell the parents and friend, they will be buying their own souvenirs and any extra snacks they want. If we are not on a dining plan, we find out if there are any foods they don't like or are allergic to. If we are going somewhere where i will be cooking, if the parents offer to send money or food, i tell them they could send some snacks if they want.

 

[Priorityonecb]

We often take the girls friends on vacations. If we invite them, we pay for everything except spending money.

 

[CatNipRules]

I totally agree with the others who have posted that a note from the parents giving you permission, while not legally required, might be a good idea. In some cases.

Example:

My best friend and her husband are divorced. It was a nasty divorce and her ex was always looking at ways to get back at her. As such, when he found out that DH and I had taken their DS on a trip with us, he called the police. Because we had taken our car, he knew our license plate number. Because she had full custody of him at the time and had written a note giving him permission to travel with us, a possible crisis and delay in our travel plans was avoided.

I'm not saying that any of that will happen, but if it does, I think it's better to be safe rather than sorry.....

As long as there is a clear understanding of who should pay for what, then I think you are good to go. Other than making sure you have the necessary insurance paperwork in case you need to take him for medical treatment......

 

[torinsmom]

DS17 is taking a friend this summer. I am paying for his tickets(Disney and Universal), the house, and the food we eat there. I have asked the parents to send money with him for food at the parks and souvenirs. They will be on their own once we are at the parks, so it's up to them what they spend, but I am giving my son $20/day plus about $75 on top for souvenirs. We will eat breakfast and one other meal at our condo. DS knows to get free ice water so the $20 will be mainly for snacks and such and we will be in the parks if he(or his friend)needs more money for any reason.