I need serious opinions on this

[Mskanga]

We will be going to WDW again in 5 more weeks, by that time my oldest will be almost 10 ( in six more weeks after that ) , she's a pretty responsible kid but I know I will be facing the problem that she will not want to do some of the kiddie rides.
I do not plan on giving her complete freedom but I'm debating if I should let her do her own thing within a certain area for a short time and having the two way radio with her so we can keep in touch and also have a meeting point as a back up. I haven't mentioned that to her and I'm wondering if any of you have done this with your kids, what do you think? too young? I would like to give her some freedom but not too much.

 

[Pam]

I personally would not do this - 10 is still young and even though you're at WDW, there are tons of sick and disturbed people out there in the world.

Pam

 

[PamOKW]

I would not recommend letting a 10 year old be on their own at WDW. It is too easy to get lost in the parks, even for adults trying to meet up and the radios are not a reliable way to keep tabs. You might want to give her the "illusion" of being independent but I would never let her be out of view. If she wanted to go on a ride by herself you might do that as long as you see her get on and then are waiting right at the exit point.

 

[Marla Hellwig]

I wouldn't -

 

[snowball22]

My dd is 10 and there is no way I would let her on her own even with a radio. Too many things could happen. In some states, a nine year old (almost 10) is even too young to be left home alone. This world is a crazy place now and with the threat of war and with terrorists on the loose I would not even consider it. These are just my opinions.

 

[Mskanga]

That's what really holds me back Pam. I also think that her personal choice would probably be stay with us because she would probably be afraid or at least nervous. I want to give her some freedom but not too much.

 

[Michelle]

Olga, I definitely would not. Your daughter may be responsible but WDW is a huge place and you really can't be sure of other people. I wouldn't let a child be on their own at WDW until they were at LEAST a teen.

I know it's hard with kids of differing interests but sometimes they just have to hang for the kiddie rides too.

 

[Buckalew]

Hunter will be 9 in a month. She is very mature and responsible. However, I would never even think of giving her that kind of freedom anywhere. There is just no way...
Would your DD be alone or with an older sibling? I guess I am wondering if not, why would she want to be alone/on her own at all? Anyway, my answer is still no. Of course, I am also trying to picture not wanting to do "kiddie" rides...I haven't been through that one myself.

 

[Dan Murphy]

Another 'no' from me, Olga. 10 is just way to much of a child still. Early teens maybe, but not 10. I am sure she will enjoy the 'kiddie' rides, I do.

 

[Mskanga]

That's the problem Michelle , the little one wants kiddie rides and the older one wants RNR coaster and things like that, up until this year she was not allowed to ride the big stuff because she wasn't tall enough or old enough but by the time we go she will be a month away from being 6 and she's definetely tall enough so I already told her, she is going to ride RNR and other things like this, I guess they both will have to compromise.
I just think that I liked when my parents gave me a little bit of freedom but then again those were different times, you all got a point.

 

[bfeller]

I also do not think a 10 year old should be on her own. I don't know what your family situation is, but is it possible for your family to split up for some of the rides? Maybe one parent with the younger one for a couple of hours and the other with the older. You can still use the walkie talkies to keep in touch.

 

[Lorix2]

Yep, another vote for no here.

I have a DD10 too and would never let her more than a few feet in front of me, always within eye shot.

If you got busy with the younger ones and didnt' see her exit a ride, or get on, etc...it could get very stressful. I think the sick ones would be looking for kids without parents right by their side.

My DD begged to stay home alone one night while I ran to the convenience store less than 5 minutes away. I didn't want to let her, but I had my cell phone and locked the door and told my neighbor, etc...I didn't even get in my car, she was too scared and decided to come (i actually don't think I could have left). If your DD got spooked or the battery went out in the radio, or for whatever reason...your putting alot of unnecessary stress on yourself. Just my opinion...have a great vacation.

 

[kejoda]

Is it possible to separate for a afternoon? Or even take the younger to one of the drop off centers for a evening?

 

[janette]

I gave my 10yo DD some limited freedom during our last trip. She likes thrill rides but my 8yo DD does not. I would let her ride TOT & RnR but not really wander around. I'd usually wait at the exit.

When she was a little younger I'd walk her to the FP line and then wait at the exit.

If she had someone else with her I'd probably give a little more freedom but with her alone I really limited it.

 

[PRINCESS Ariel34]

I understand your daughter wanting to ride non kiddie rides, but please don't let her roam around by herself. There are so many predators out there. There are people walking around with the friendliest faces and sweet smiles, but behind close doors they are the SICKEST KIND OF FREAKISH DEVIL that ever walked this earth. Dh, ds 9, dd13 (who will be 14 on the 11th of this month) and moi went to WDW last July. My daughter is smart and responsible and also has the body of an adult woman Who dresses appropriately for her age. (belly tops and short short anything is a no no in my home ) Even though she is responsible we wouldn't dare let her roam around WDW or any other establishment by herself. Goodluck with whatever choice you make

 

[allicat]

No way! There are sick people roaming around even at the happiest place on earth! I remember seeing a website that listed things that went on at WDW that you never heard about and there was mention of a peeping tom type incident. Now, keep in mind I have no idea if this was true but still...

 

[DonnaS]

I'd say no, too.

Perhaps, speak with both children and let them know that they need to be patient while the other child rides their rides of choice. For the older one, this might mean riding the kiddie rides while for the younger, it will mean waiting in line for a ride she can't ride.

Alternatively, if you are going with another adult, perhaps each of you can take one child for a while each day.

 

[Snow White]

I'd also vote no, I agree, even though it's Disney, there are still some scary people out there, and you just never know! She'll still have fun on the rides....afterall it's Disney!!!

 

[janette]

One of the best parts of our trip in 2000 was when I took each of my DD's separately to MK. My DH isn't a big park person so I left one with him and did an E-Night with my then 8yo thrill rider / night person. The next morning I did EE with my then 6yo Fantasyland lover / morning person. It would have been better for me if I could have done it without doing it back to back but it was really nice to tour with each on their terms. We had a great time

 

[sha_lyn]

Wouldn't let the 10 off on her own or force the 6 to ride RnR. Please don't force her to ride anything that she is afraid to ride.