Rides - kids going together

[dannysmommyval]

I am gearing up for our trip and have a question...
My two 10 year old boys will be going on rides together while I am on the ground (I can't do them...ugh). Should I wait in line with them? Is there a way for me to exit when they get on? Is it ok for them to do this?

I am nervous about this and would love your input. There is no way I can do the rides due to medical reasons and I don't want them to miss out.

What would you suggest?

Thanks very much for yoru help

 

[DisneyBamaFan]

It depends on the kids. Last year, my boys were 8 and 11. My oldest, we let him do many things on his own - he is very mature for his age. We wouldn't let our 8 year old out of our sight (he was very immature).

This year we will let both ride (including waiting in the queues) without us if they wish. My youngest son has really matured a lot in the last 6 months.

That said, some of our best times in WDW were spent in line. What a great time to "connect"...

 

[dannysmommyval]

Can I exit the ride line when they get on?

 

[bkaz]

I would definitely go through the ride line with them and then ask to wait for them at the exit (there's always a "chicken" door). I would be uncomfortable letting them wait by themselves for very long...particularly for something like Space were the queue is long and dark and they might be in there for 45 minutes or so. I'm just one of those hyper sensitive moms I guess who would want to know who was saying or doing what around my kids!

 

[SRUAlmn]

Can I exit the ride line when they get on?

I think all (or almost all) of the 'thrill' rides do have an exit before you board. It's the chicken exit for me - which I use VERY frequently! I would maybe just ask a CM before you enter the line to make sure so that you don't get stuck with no way out.

 

[christophfam]

I walk the kids through the queues. I've never had a problem loading them on and then waiting in the area where they will get off. The CMs always point me in the right direction for the exiting area.

Don't worry, you'll find it very easy.

One word to the wise. Just this last spring break I decided to let my kids go through the queue by themselves (10 & 13). My son (the oldest) decided part way through that he didn't want to go, my daughter wouldn't leave. He left her there by herself thinking he would get me and we'd catch up to her. She was way too far down the queue to get to her. They both should have known better and in fact had heard me say that I didn't want them to go by themselves, but they were fighting with each other and it happened. Don't let that happend to you.

 

[mb168]

Another yes vote. We've been letting DD10 and DS11 do this for a few years now.

Just be aware of where the ride lets out at so you can be there waiting nearby and they aren't wandering around.

 

[fun4disney]

The minimum age to ride any Disney attraction alone is 7 years old.

I would NOT allow my 10 year old to wait in line without me. I see it as I am waiting for them anyway, I might as well with them and make sure all goes well. There will be an exit for you. they wouldn't make anyone who didn't want to ride a ride last minute ride.

IMHO I would say Wait in line with them!

 

[DisneyBamaFan]

A great way to introduce you and them to this sort of thing is by using the single rider line as a family. You will get separated when you ride, but as long as you go first, you will be on the other end waiting when they get off. They learn to be comfortable and have fun on the rides without you next to them the entire time. You learn to relax and trust their judgement/behavior. All in small doses...

 

[disnut8]

You can leave ANY Disney attraction right before you board the ride vehicle. Any of them, including Dumbo. So you can easily wait in ANY queue line with your sons and then when you get to the seater, simply say "two to ride, one to leave". You will be shown or told the way out. It's easy. I do some queues with my husband since I love those but cannot do the actual ride (medical reasons for a few things).

The only thing I will advise you to do is to ask the Cast Member at the beginning of the attraction where the exit is. If you can't see it and don't know exactly where your sons will come out. I know for certain things like Twilight Zone, Rock and Roller Coaster and Expedition Everest, the exit is through a gift shop so those are easy. Some others, like Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, you will want to know where it is.

Leaving right before boarding is so easy so don't worry about it. The only time you will have to wait is the time your sons are actually physically on the ride itself.

I don't know what your medical condition is but there will still be plenty of things all of you can enjoy together.

 

[dannysmommyval]

Yay - confirmation of a chicken door at every ride! I have already gotten them their own cell phones and have threatened to put a leash on them (I am OVER protective thus my being nervous) if they get lost.

I will happily wait in line and then chicken out and wait for them. I just wasn't sure if it was allowed.

Thanks to everyone who responded, my nerve and I appreciate it!