Freedom Question

[NASOTM36]

This Oct. my parents are taking me and a friend to Disney for my 16th Bday. Now ive been to Disney once, maybe twice, a year, sooo yeah- I know my way around. My friend and I want to go off by ourselfs and meet up with my parents for the fireworks. My parents want to get Walkie Talkies... I think thats a good idea. I said to them 'Nothings gonna happen to me, I mean, its Disney World.'

Do you guys think im asking for too much? Or would you let your teenagers go off on their own?

 

[bjakmom]

Have a wonderful 16th birthday ! We just took our son in Jan for his 16th and he brought a buddy with him. He's been to WDW many times and he knows his way around - we travel a lot and he's very independent - at home he spends a lot of time on the boardwalk, so he knows how to get around in crowds - the bottom line for us is that he stays out of trouble and has, so far, made good decisions that we're comfortable with when he's out on his own. We asked the guys to start out their days with us so we could have some memories together - by late morning they were off on their own - checked in several times a day by cell phone (the walkie-talkies or cell phones will definitely help your case!) - we always met up again for dinner. We all had a great time - the boys even went to PI one night by themselves after O'Hana's while DH and I enjoyed Wishes from the beach. Just remember to be where you say you'll be - be in the room by the time your parents ask you to and you'll build their trust for letting you off on your own - oh yeah, did I mention, don't argue with them about it ? - be smart and stay safe - bad things can happen even in WDW !

And Welcome to the DIS !

 

[MyHappyEnding_]

My brother and I walked around alone a lot on my past trip. He had just turned 16 and I had just turned 14. Nothing bad happened, and we both knew our way around. Walkie Talkies aren't a bad idea, I guess. We each had a cell phone, but if you don't, I think the walkie talkies would be a good thing. Whatever makes your parents comforable I guess? Have a good birthday!

 

[NASOTM36]

Thanks for that. I think it should be great.

Thanks for being so nice as well. haha

 

[ClarabelleCowFan]

Happy sweet 16. I would definitely let my kids have some freedom to go off on their own at Disney at that age if we agreed together on a few simple ground rules - easy ones like checking in at certain intervals (like every few hours) and not leaving the park.

Have a great trip!

 

[lovethattink]

Have a great 16th b-day. As a parent myself, I would want to know where my child was. My son is 11. He knows his way around WDW. We have allowed him and his friend (14) to go off on their own a couple times. His friend has a cell phone, so we were in contact that way. (Basically we ate at Electic Umbrella while they rode Test Track and Mission Space.)

Follow the advice given by bjakmom, there's wisdom in those words.

 

[NASOTM36]

Thanks everyone. This Bday is gonna be my best yet

 

[lillygator]

I would let my girls have some freedom but would stil want to be able to contact them....as much as i like to think I live in WDW this is still the US

 

[Angelgirl13202]

AS an above poster said
DO not argue with your parents
Maybe present the case as you want an hour at one park while thier at that park than meet back up at first and as the trip goes on give your parents the trust thier looking for show good judgmetn be smart and maybe they will let you
but most important dont argue if they absolutly say no than have a great trip with them.... I wish i had gotten to go for my 16th birthday that would be totally awsome ( I have been thier on my birthday since and its so much fun) consider your self luckey that you will be theri with sounds like loveing parents for taking a friend.