How much freedom in the park for teenagers?

[mjkacmom]

Disney policy states that any one age 14 and older can enter the parks alone. We allowed a 14 year old to head o the resort food court on her own. Would never consider her entering a park on her own. In the parks we have allowed her to wait in line at the popcorn stand, where we could still see her. I'm always worried - we certainly are living in a crazy world!!

Our world is statistically safer today then when I was a teen, I’ve never heard of any situation at WDW that was alarming. Then again my oldest was flying alone at 11.

 

[pjacobi]

Our world is statistically safer today then when I was a teen, I’ve never heard of any situation at WDW that was alarming. Then again my oldest was flying alone at 11.

I guess you have never read reports of child molestations and attempts to bring guns into WDW!

WDW is a very safe place, but bad things *do* happen. Don't kid yourself.

Even on vacation, you still need to be a parent!


-Paul

 

[FreeTime]

I guess you have never read reports of child molestations and attempts to bring guns into WDW!

WDW is a very safe place, but bad things *do* happen. Don't kid yourself.

Even on vacation, you still need to be a parent!


-Paul

I have. You need to be vigilant. However, we are doing children a disservice by not teaching them independence. There is no reason, aside from a disability needing constant assistance, for a teenager to not be allowed to have the freedom to experience the parks on their own for awhile.

 

[mjkacmom]

I guess you have never read reports of child molestations and attempts to bring guns into WDW!

WDW is a very safe place, but bad things *do* happen. Don't kid yourself.

Even on vacation, you still need to be a parent!


-Paul

I think the benefits of teens learning independence and situational awareness outweighs the minuscule risks of walking around a theme park. My 5’2” 21 year old walks back to her Boston apartment at 3 am alone, I’m glad she had a lot of experience with independence growing up, at 14 she was taking the bus and train into NYC with friends.