Is my niece old enough to watch 6 year old?

[starshine514]

The age thing has only given us a bit of problems. Usually, when DD4 doesn't want to ride something, she just stays with DH (who also doesn't want to ride it ). But, when DH isn't with us, we've had to forego some other rides b/c DD6 wasn't old enough to ride alone and all 3 of us couldn't ride together (Gadget's Go Coaster, GSS, etc.). That will be taken care of for us next trip, which will start on her 7th birthday (and I believe she'll be 48" by then as well, so SSS won't be a problem anymore either).

I think the 6 yr old should still qualify for rider swap - just because he's tall enough doesn't mean he will always want to ride and he is too young to be left alone in the park. I don't think you'll have any problem 'swapping' for him. Then, he, your niece and the adult can go do something else while the others ride.

 

[Disney Dreams]

Do you think I should allow my 12 year old niece to watch my 6 year old son while we ride the fast stuff?

I don't think anyone but you can really answer this question because it completely depends on the 12 year old - and the 6 year old. Not knowing those children, no one here can tell you the right thing to do. I know some VERY responsible 12 year olds. And some very immature ones. It is a very personal decision.

- Dreams

 

[rentayenta]

OP: Only you know these 2 children but I would say yes. If it were my children, I wouldn't make them walk through the line with me either. I'd show them the nearest snack cart, give them some money, and show them a bench near the ride exit. A little trust and responsibility never hurt anyone.

June 2010, I allowed my DD13, her friend who was 13, and my middle DD11 to run back to the villa at the GC after getting soaked on GRR. Guess what? They survived!!!

 

[nchulka]

OP: Only you know these 2 children but I would say yes. If it were my children, I wouldn't make them walk through the line with me either. I'd show them the nearest snack cart, give them some money, and show them a bench near the ride exit. A little trust and responsibility never hurt anyone.

June 2010, I allowed my DD13, her friend who was 13, and my middle DD11 to run back to the villa at the GC after getting soaked on GRR. Guess what? They survived!!!

I agree! They'll be fine. Just FYI regarding the age 7 rule. We were in WDW last year where they also have the same rule. DD was 8 and DS turned 7 on our trip. He is very short, only 46 inches at the time. The kids rode some rides alone and no one ever asked his age. So chances are your 6 year old will be fine. I'm sure if an 8 year old was trying to get on with a 3 year old they may stop them, but as long as your son can pass for 7 they probably won't ever ask. They could ride something else nearby and you could all pick a place to meet.

 

[Judy from Boise]

as you have described your niece I would be perfectly comfortable, even letting them have some "wander" time as long as they had a cell phone.

 

[bumbershoot]

So to sum up, it sounds like unless the kids look alittle older then they are they won't be able to wait at the exit for you and the other adults to ride the fun stuff.

The way I read it, that's about using rider swap, and more importantly about who is responsible for a younger child *while ON the rides*. Which is not what the OP wants to do.