Letting go?

[walls1999]

I have a question which will probably bring a hornet's nest down on my head. My DS is going to turn 12 the month before we leave. My DN will be 11 in July. We are leaving in Dec for WDW. My question is are they old enough to be let loose in WDW? We have gone to Carowinds A couple of times this year and I have given them a two-way radio and sent them off. We have no problems with this. But, Carowinds is at least half the size of MK. I was just wondering if anyone out there has ever let there pre-teen go by themselves. Thanks!

 

[tcfdick]

I let my DS 11yo go to DQ by himself with a 2-way radio, but I was in the DTD shopping area. He had been in DQ several times before I let him go alone and knew his way around inside the building. He did fine by himself. I've also let my DD (then 12 yo) go on rides by herself with 2-way radio and meet me and DS (then 5 yo) at a predetermined meeting place while in the parks. She had been to DW many times by age 12. She did fine by herself too. I did this because I took them by myself and my DD wanted to ride some of the bigger rides that her DB couldn't ride at the time because of height restrictions. I did not let them go off by themselves without me being nearby and with 2-way radios in hand. I think if your children are responsible and have rules set down before letting them go, they will do fine IMHO.

 

[dzneelvr]

We've travelled to WDW since the kids were small and the last trip (DS was 14 and DD was 12) was the first one I let them go independent within a Park. Reason being--give you kids a chance to get to know the world inside and out so you all are on the same wavelength as far as where to meet.

If this is your first trip--to me it's not the time to seperate as a family. You all should experience things together so that you know what you want to include (or eliminate) from your next trips.
Even now my 2 teens don't always want to go "independent"--they're afraid they'll miss something!!

I'd say no this trip for independence in the Parks. Down to the resort pool or cafe or gift shop is another thing--they could do those excursions as long as they follow strict rules. And always always have a meeting place in case the technology on the machines isn't working (or the batteries go dead!)

Have fun!
WDW ON JUNE 24

 

[Barb D]

I let my 12yo go off on his own for short periods. I should say, my mom let him go off. I was in a conference, and she had my kids at the park. He wanted to ride RnR and ToT, and she and my girls didn't want to. They set a meeting time and place. The times need to be a little flexible since you don't necessarily know how long lines are going to take. I have to say that my 12yo is very responsible, and has been to WDW many times so he's comfortable there and knows his way around.

I'd say if your kids get along well together, are responsible, are comfortable with being independent, etc. they'll be fine. WDW is the safest place I can imagine to let them have some independence. There are CMs all over the place if they have a problem. I don't know that I'd let them go to a different park at that age, but within the same park...sure.

 

[4greatboys]

As long as you are in the same park I dont see a problem with it.

 

[luvabargain]

If your kids are responsible I'd say give them some independence. I would make sure to have some set meeting time and places though, just in case the radios quit functioning.