questions on taking teens...

[jeanelain]

our next trip my dd wants to bring a friend, they will be almost 14. I'm not sure how much freedom to give her and her friend. ie., do parents let this age explore the parks on their own and then have a meeting place at a certain time? I just can't see me running around after them to each attraction, since i'll have a younger one with me. (I'll be the only adult).

Do you ever let your kids use the transportation alone? I'm just not sure how much freedom to give? Please don't slam me, i'm a good parent, I just want to know how other parents handle this. Also any tips on staying in touch, like 2-way radios, etc. if they are given the freedom to run...

Thanks!!!

 

[Lesli54]

When we went I had one DD12 and one DD14. We would just pick a "area" within each park (like MK Tomorrowland is close to Fantasyland) that we all would be in at a given time, then let the girls go through the different attractions on their own in that area. When they were done, they would meet us at a pre-specified location and time within that area. It worked well for us, we were all on the same side of the park in case of an emergency and they had some freedom. It also eliminated complaints when we went to areas that DD5 was interested in.

This year they will have even more freedom since they are more familiar with the area and the oldest will almost be 18.

Do what you feel most comfortable with because your peace of mind will make for a happier trip.

 

[Mom to Jordan]

I think that they would be fine with some free time in the same park you are in. I would start with a hour or two in the same "land" and give a little more as you see how it goes. I would not let them travel to a different park or to a resort alone. I would also give then some room at the resort to check out the gift shop or get a snack. They should also be fine a couple hours at the room as long as you are at the resort, perhaps the pool with the younger kids. All this assumes that they will have radios or cell phones. I would not let them out of sight with out those.

Jordans mom

 

[dizluvr71]

I agree with Jordans mom. We haven't been to DW but went to DL last year and my DD took a friend also. We let them go and explore the same park we were in as long as they had the phone with them and stayed together. Everything went just fine. Keep in mind if you set a time to meet up that this is not always feasible with lines/waiting for rides.

 

[me_grumpy]

I think DD was 13 when her and friend got some time on thier own. They even took the bus to a H2O park on their own. We drove over and meet up with them later. We went to play mini golf and when they were done they called us. We planned it so we were playing at the closing of the park. We also left them alone at Universal at while we were at the same parks.

They also went to the hotel pool while we went to dinner one night.