Sending Teens solo~Senior Trip

[PinMan]

Has anyone ever sent their kids on vacation wo an adult?
I will be sending my 18 year old son down in June with some friends and want to know if there is anything I should be aware of that they could run into trouble?
NOT the obvious type of trouble teenagers could get themselves into (I wouldn't be sending them if I thought they couldn't handle it) I mean pracitcal troubles....will they need a credit card for anything? Things like that...all but one will be 18 at the time of the visit.
They will have an arranged ride from the airport to the resort, the ressie will be in his name and I'm considering the meal plan for them.
Thanks,
Pinman

 

[Merilyn]

I did that one time but my son was 21. I am not sure about all being 18. I think there is an age requirement. You can check with member services. They will need a credit card on file with their reservation. They ask for one at check in. I just told them the things they had to remember, no loud noise, keep things clean and do the dishes when they leave. I thought it was funny, but Tim called me before they checked out and asked if he should turn on the dish washer. They were very well behaved and I don't think there was a problem. I hope things work out for your group. I am sure some 18 year olds can really get into trouble, but I gather, from what you said, that you have a good group of kids going.

 

[CarolMN]

AFAIK, the minimum age to check in alone is 18.

You are only required to leave a credit card at check in if you want to charge back to the room or want express check out. It is not mandatory.

My daughter and her friend traveled to WDW alone when she ws 19 and her friend 18. They did not have any problems that I knew about. I did insist that they use a towncar to get to and from the airport (no ME at the time). FOr me, it was a safety issue.

Best wishes -

 

[LSchrow]

many CC's offer an extra card without charge, so your son can have his own.
also, there are prepaid CC's (visa, MC, AMEX) ~ if they don't spend it all while there, the cards are good anywhere CC's are accepted (just watch the expiration date). they can use it for snacks & drinks (non-alcoholic, of course), counter service (PIZZA!! ), souvies, etc.
i dunno about the meal plan.......do you think they would eat at a sit-down restaurant every night? (i can't see my 17yo DS doing that)
other "things":
- cel phones (make sure they bring a charger)
- medical ins cards (better safe than sorry)
- some cash (mickey bars, etc)

& copy EVERYthing ~ plane tix, park passes, resort ressies, driver's license, etc ~ and have them carry the copies seperately from originals.

hth,
laurie s

 

[PinMan]

Thanks for the replies. That was exactly what I wanted to hear. I don't want them to leave a card at the desk. One of my fears was that a card would be required and then the room service (pizza delivery) calls would begin!
My other biggest fear is the sun and sunscreen...I hope they reapply often.

PS This is Pinman's wife...no offense but most Dad's wouldn't worry like that!

 

[PinMan]

Good advice on the copies...I didn't think of that.
As far as the sit down...yeah I do think they will eat...it's all they do! LOL
I'm hoping to get them on the Boardwalk and they've been talking about the ESPN Club, my son's favorite is the buffet at Chef Mickey's and he really wants to go to Le Cellier. I just have to look over the restarant list to make sure the restaurants will match up with their schedules.....water park, Boardwalk, etc. I believe they would eat a steak dinner each night if they had the opportunity.
I can't speak for all the kids but when my son is there he likes to use the recreation just as much as the parks. Last November he and his friend brought their own Ping Pong paddles and played for hours each day.
To each his own I guess?

 

[dianeschlicht]

I think this sounds like a GREAT idea, and I have no doubt your son will have fun, and will behave too, because you obviously are very good at teaching responsibility!

 

[gracelrm]

If one of your son's guest is under 18, then you should have a medical release from his parents. It should be notorized too. This is my understanding of what needs to be done when a minor is traveling out of state.

 

[PinMan]

Another good piece of advice, thank you. All will be 18 except one who turns 18 the week after they return home.

 

[BillPA]

Don't forget to sign them up for M.E.

 

[PinMan]

Do you mean the ride? I don't think we qualify because they are flying Soutwest. I thought I read somewhere that they didn't participate. Please correct me if I'm wrong.

 

[gamomof2]

ME can pick up anyone from the airport. The participating airlines are those that will allow you to check your baggage at the hotel/resort for the return flight home.

So all that means is that when he boards ME to meet his return flight he will have to load his luggage at the bus himself.

Good new huh!!!!

 

[Para2176]

You can get it but there are some difficulties. When you depart the resort, they do not have luggage check-in so you will have to check your own luggage in when you return to the airport. At least that was the way it was when we were there in November. It may have changed if Southwest started participating in the resort program.

Tony

 

[LSchrow]

Do you mean the ride? I don't think we qualify because they are flying Soutwest. I thought I read somewhere that they didn't participate. Please correct me if I'm wrong.

SWA is a non-participant, but they can still use ME.
the boys just put the ME tags on their luggage before the flight, then go straight to the ME area to board upon arrival at MCO (ME CM's will take the luggage from the carousel & put it on bus).
on the return, they will need to bring the luggage to bus, & check-in the bags, etc. at SWA (btw, they can go to the concierge desk at the resort & print their boarding passes anytime after midnight!! )

 

[sz9144]

prepaid visa cards are always useful

 

[DonnaL]

If flying SW you don't need to wait until after midnight anymore.....it is now up to 24 hours before your flight for online checkin.

 

[Terry S]

I would feel more comfortable with the Town Car. Knowing that my child would have a guy waiting for him with a sign would make me feel better. But heck mine are still little. I may not feel that way when they are older.

 

[PinMan]

I actually called MS after reading gamomof2's post. I had no idea that they were eligible! Thank you for the info. As it turns out I think I am still going to encourage them to pay for the limo...6 of them will split the $110.00 charge and it will stop at the Supermarket for them to get their Moutain Dew and junk food. These are big strapping athletic boys and they like their food! LOL
Hubby and I will be down in October for our 20th anniversary and I will definitely keep the ME in mind for us at that point.
We're hoping to be on the Boardwalk so that we can be close to the Food and Wine Festival.

 

[gamomof2]

We'll be in a SSR GV for October 8-13. I will be taking down our daughter and 4 of her friends for her 14th birthday. We will have the dining plan for all the girls and tickets. I have decided not to put charging privileges on the room keys. Visa Buxx is a wonderful program we found this year for teenagers need plastic when traveling. We gave it to her for Christmas and load her allowance and extra earned money on it. She keeps up with her balance, budgets her money and is learning how to be thrifty. Some girls are taking cash and some are getting Visa gift cards.