How old to ride without an adult?

[mrswh]

We are off to DLR with another family who has kids similar in age to ours. The kids are very excited to be going together and have been talking about which rides they are going to go on, etc. I know for some rides (small world, Soarin', Pirates) there is enough room for several adults and children so that won't be a problem, but what about the rides where just two go in a car? For example, Toy Story Mania or Buzz Lightyear? I wouldn't put the three year olds on it alone but can the five year olds go together (parents would be in the cars before and after so we can help them on and off)? Is there a Disney rule about how old kids must be? What does everyone else do?

Thanks for any thoughts.

 

[Mom2micayla]

I can't say what the "rules" are, but I know my girls (ages 6 & 7) have gone on by themselves many times. We were always in the car ahead or behind and it's never been an issue. Some rides I've even not gotten on and just walked them up and waited at the exit and the CM's had no issue with it.

 

[Potterswife]

The CM's on our recent trip kept asking our daughter how old she was (she's 8) they said she has to be 7 to ride alone...seems a bit old to me, but maybe others have a better idea.

 

[brergnat]

The official rule is 7 to ride alone. They enforce it STRICTLY. Some rides ALSO have a minimum height requirement to ride alone (like Autopia, Francis Ladybug Bumpercars, and the rollercoasters).

 

[JennCa]

I was told that in order to ride all alone it is 7, but when we went on rides, we were able to put the kiddos in their own space and us in ours. (Like Big Thunder Mountain, not sure if that was supposed to happen or not)

Jenn

 

[Kayla's Mom]

7 has been our experience as well, they have asked my oldest (who is 7) how old she is. They would not let her ride in a teacup alone with her 5 year old cousin.

 

[mrswh]

Thanks, everyone! Hopefully standing in line will be enough togetherness for them . . . I think 7 is a good age - I was on the fence about whether to trust 5 year olds solo.