Parents of 15 yr. olds, what do you do about this?

[Jillpie]

We are going to DW for our fifth trip in April (5 years in a row). We have 3 boys, ages 10, 11 and almost 15 in May. Our teen loves DW, but doesn't want to go to MK as many times as we do. He'd rather spend most of his time at Epcot (we're staying at the BCV's). He's a very responsible boy, I have no problem there. I just wanted your opinions. I am pretty leary about letting him go on his own and my DH is definitely set against it, where we go, he goes. Anyway, your thoughts?

 

[becka]

I would not want any teenager just running around by themselves. If there were two of them I would not have a problem with it.

Maybe your DH and you 15-year old can have some time at Epcot while the rest of you are at the MK?

 

[PammyK]

Okay, I don't have kids, but gosh, at almost 15, if your son is responsible, I think a few hours on his own at Epcot is a great way for him to spread his wings. He should have a cell phone if possible so he can keep you advised of his whereabouts. Give him specific rules and let him know that there will be consequences (endless rounds riding Small World for example, lol) if he doesn't obey the rules. Start with a short period of time - say 1 hour and if things go well, increase from there. It would be easier if there were another teenager with him but even so, I think if he has a plan and will be checking in with you regularly it can work.

Of course, you know your son best with regard to whether you can trust him and that is really the bottom line. If you don't feel your son can be trusted on his own then you shouldn't let him go.

 

[Stepman]

When I was that age five years ago, my parents let me go, one reason was that we stayed at the POLY, because of the monorail being right there at the hotel. We were responsible enough, we weren't going to do anything stupid. Being that age you don't really want to be seen with your parents in a queue line when tons of cheerleaders are let loose after those cheerleadering competitions

 

[wdwnut]

hi: we've been going with teens for many years. it really depends on each individual-if there were 2 teens and they were responsible, then fine and dandy. with only one teen, you'll kind of have to play it by ear. we've let them go off individually a few times over the years but are definitely more comfortable with the idea if there are at least two together. talk with him; it may be he's just a bit too grown up for some of the mk attractions or he may just want a bit of time to himself. maybe if he has a bigger say in planning your mk time, he'll want to hang out with the family.

 

[ltldeb]

The first time we took our kids, our oldest son was almost 16. He was a very responsible person, so we let him go off by himself for a while, but had to meet up with us at specific times. It was great for him. He had a great time.

 

[Dopey Sharon]

You know your kids better than we do, but I would let a 15 year old go off by himself. I would definitely give him either walkie talkies or a cell phone, though.

 

[Earstou]

I remember reading in one of the guides a while back that DW was probably the safest place in the world to let your teens loose!
If the teen is responsible, let them do it, with times to meet firmly established ahead of time!

 

[jenjie]

I'd be OK with them going off on their own in the same park, but would be extremely nervous if they were in a totally different park. Is it possible for your 15 y.o. to bring a friend? It would probably make all the difference in the world to him.

 

[Matty_Disfan]

When I was 13 my parents let me off alone.

He'll be fine.

 

[RobinLyn]

Jillpie,

We also have two teen sons, ages 14 and 16. Our next trip is in May and I agree with the majority. You know the maturity of your boys best. I would let either of my boys go to Epcot for a bit on their own (staying at YC) but at the same time we make sure they have a cell phone or at least an FRS radio so we can stay in touch. At that age they need to feel trusted and it's a good place to start (safer then most, IMHO). No place is 100% safe. With that being said, kids grow up fast and need independence. Have a great time!

 

[kdibattista]

I agree that only you know your son well enough to decide. I don't see any harm in it. My 16 yo brother will be traveling with us next year (he will be 17 at the time) and my mom is okay with him going his own way.... sometimes. If it were up to him, he would never be with us

 

[TTFN]

When my daughter was 16 I did let her go by herself for a few hours. We were at the Yacht Club. My older daughter and I wanted to go to Downtown for a while and the youngest had no interest in shopping. Epcot was (and is) her favorite park, so she walked over and spent several hours. She even had lunch by herself at Alfredo's, and got lots of attention from the wait staff (kind attention, not leering attention ) She had a great day!

 

[Bill From PA]

By the end of our second trip to WDW it was clear that our three kids knew the 'lay of the land', were comfortable with using the WDW transportation system and were level-headed. We cut them loose at 13 with nothing but good results.


Bill From PA

 

[BuzzMe]

My 14yr old son wanted to squeeze in one more time at MGM before we left, so I let him go by himself. He got himself up for EE and I had him check in at a certain time(he had his cell phone). He had a great time, called me when he was supposed to, and returned to the hotel right on time. I was nervous about letting him go by himself, but he proved himself to be as responsible as I hoped he would be. This was his 10th visit to WDW so I knew he was familiar with parks and transportation(he's usually the one telling us which bus to take where)

 

[eeyore0062]

If he is mature and responsible enough to go to the mall by himself, then he is mature and responsible to go to Epcot. My parents allowed me time in the parks by myself at 15, and (gosh I hate to say this, but) I am a girl. Just make sure that he has a cell phone or walkie talkie and has it on, so you can keep in touch with him. I see no problem with this.... teens have to take responsibility for themselves at some point, and what better place to give it a try than WDW? They need to know that you trust them.. and this gives them a safer way of proving it.

 

[tracyeliza]

I am so happy to read that so many others would consider letting a 14 year old with a buddy wander alone with a cell phone. We are bringing my sons friend and had decided to let them go in the same park that we were in. I had not yet decided to let them go to a different park. My son is very good at getting around and often navigates for me on trips. His sense of direction is better than mine. I told him not to push me on a decision about other parks, that when we get there I will decide how comfortable I feel about him getting on the bus with his friend alone. Thanks for the opinions.!!! TRACY

 

[nancyv58]

We have been going to WDW for years and let our teens go when they turned 13. They had to let us know what park they were going to and if they left that park they had to call our room OKW and tell us where they were going and what time it was. No problems at all. Now we have cell phones so it will be even easier. My daughter is now 19 and working at Disney and my son is 16. If you trust them they will be fine.

 

[jamsmom]

I have heard of others besides myself who have a hard time with cell phone signals inside the parks. Just wanted to let you know.

 

[tracyeliza]

I too have had a few signal problems but we have a family talk verizon program and did ok the last time we went....was thinking about getting the walkie talkie things just to be safe...how are they? I see alot of people using them. Thanks for the warning...I will consider this.