Should I make my son go?

[BuckeyeBama]

This part depends on their ages. There's a specific age when a child can be unattended in the parks but I don't remember what it is.

What about Universal Studios instead of Disney World? It appeals more to older kids.

I believe it is 14 at WDW, but my boys started doing this much earlier without any questions or concerns from anyone. They had mobile phones, knew every aspect of WDW better than most adults, and were strong and healthy.

 

[prudence64]

This sounds like a kid who doesn't like amusement parks in general regardless of the thrill factor. If he would rather be outdoors somewhere without crowds of people, I'd understand that and not make him go. Disney can be difficult for introverts and people who don't do well in crowds.

 

[J and R's mom]

...His idea of a good time is fishing, riding dirt bikes, and watching Nascar, and if it is anything other than that he doesnt want to do it!

If he likes Nascar, he might also like THIS.

I mentioned it earlier in a generic sense, but just now found time to go look it up. I've never tried it, but it looks fun for those that like racing.

 

[jcemom]

My boys stopped going right around that age. I never saw a reason to make them go. We also homeschooled so we spent almost all our time together. I think they enjoyed getting a break FROM me lol. DH doesn't usually vacation with us either. He just doesn't like to go, so I don't try to "make" him go. He would if I really pushed the issue, but he would rather not. We do other things together throughout the year -- local amusement parks, camping, concerts, etc. DD and I have actually learned to love our vacations together without all the guys along.

 

[chartle]

If he likes Nascar, he might also like THIS.

I mentioned it earlier in a generic sense, but just now found time to go look it up. I've never tried it, but it looks fun for those that like racing.

But I bet the age limit is at least 16 or older even for the ride along.

 

[seven dwarfs]

That's how old mine are! 14,9 and 8, but I have 2 boys and a girl.
Wow! I never thought I would get 8 pages of opinions!
My oldest never has to babysit the younger ones, because I usually never go anywhere without them, and if I do he usually stays at home while the other 2 go to their grandparents who live around the corner. But at Disney, yes, he might have to sit with one while I go on a ride with another. He is not interested in riding any rides. He doesnt like coasters, so its more likely I would be riding the "big kid" thrill rides with the 8 year old who will ride anything. I have tried to include him in planning, we might even go to Universal, but he is not interested in going there either. I asked him if there was anywhere he wanted to go and he said no, he doesnt want to go anywhere! It's not just Disney, we do a lot of field trips since we homeschool, and he never wants to go anywhere. His idea of a good time is fishing, riding dirt bikes, and watching Nascar, and if it is anything other than that he doesnt want to do it!

I am not sure where you are planning to stay, but I wonder if he would like the campground. You can rent an RV or stay in a cabin. It is so laid back. He could fish, canoe, ride a bike, hike to WL. The beach is a great place to watch the fireworks without being around large crowds. You can also rent a boat to ride around the lagoon. You can rent a golf cart and ride around the different loops. (I do think you have to be 16 to drive one according to Disney rules.) There is just so much to do there. It may be a compromise for him. I really hate to make a 14 year old do something he doesn't want to, but I would hate him to also have regrets. I would definitely try to include him and look for ways to make him comfortable if he did go. I can certainly see both sides of the coin on this one. Good luck with what you decide.

 

[bopper]

Nope! You can ride along with Richard Petty at 6.

You must be 18 years of age or older and have a valid driver's license to drive, and be 6 years of age or older to ride.

 

[J and R's mom]

[

If he likes Nascar, he might also like THIS.

I mentioned it earlier in a generic sense, but just now found time to go look it up. I've never tried it, but it looks fun for those that like racing.

But I bet the age limit is at least 16 or older even for the ride along.

]

Nope! You can ride along with Richard Petty at 6.

You must be 18 years of age or older and have a valid driver's license to drive, and be 6 years of age or older to ride.

You're correct, bopper. He would be eligible for a ride-a-long. You can find all of that information on the given link, along with the pricing for the ride-a-long of $99.

 

[Sparkly]

I am not sure where you are planning to stay, but I wonder if he would like the campground. You can rent an RV or stay in a cabin. It is so laid back. He could fish, canoe, ride a bike, hike to WL. The beach is a great place to watch the fireworks without being around large crowds. You can also rent a boat to ride around the lagoon. You can rent a golf cart and ride around the different loops. (I do think you have to be 16 to drive one according to Disney rules.) There is just so much to do there. It may be a compromise for him. I really hate to make a 14 year old do something he doesn't want to, but I would hate him to also have regrets. I would definitely try to include him and look for ways to make him comfortable if he did go. I can certainly see both sides of the coin on this one. Good luck with what you decide.

I was also going to suggest him going camping at Fort Wilderness instead of a hotel. He wouldn't need to even visit a park, just do the myriad of activities around WDW.

There's a cinema at DTD as well as Disney Quest that he may enjoy.

 

[chartle]

Nope! You can ride along with Richard Petty at 6.

You must be 18 years of age or older and have a valid driver's license to drive, and be 6 years of age or older to ride.

Wow wouldn't think that young.

I'm assuming its only one rider per car so that throws out the must be 7 to ride alone.