teen companion for only child?

[never2L8]

We are going "home" beginning Aug. 9- Aug. 15 and we have a 15 yo son (only child).

We thought about bringing a companion for him to go on rides and hang around with, but who we asked was also going on vacation elsewhere with his family. The rest of his friends are new and we weren't comfortable taking them as we don't know the families.
Anyway, is anyone going that week or part of that week that has a 14-16 yo that is looking for someone to pal around with and go on rides? We are staying at BCV for 3 days and 2 days at Swan and 2 days at Poly(wanted to try a few different places). Son loves all rides, and we don't. He's a great kid, well behaved and respectful, loves music, both playing and listening.

Just thought we'd ask.

Anyone interested?

 

[Rob&Jan]

never2L8
I wish I could help we also have a 15yr old son (also an only child) and are always faced with the same situation. We will be there Dec 20th thru Jan 2nd and the week of March 7th next year. I've often thought a list of families with teens and their travel plans would be a great idea so we could arrange for them to possibly get together.
Good luck and have a great trip.
Rob

 

[HeatherPage]

When I started high school, I got to be friends quickly with one girl in my class (I'm 30 now by the way) when it came time to go on vacation it was only me, my mom and my dad as my brother who is 8 years older than me was off having fun in college. Anyways, they told me I could ask and friend so I asked the girl, Michelle. My families had not met at that point but it was a good icebreaker for the parents to chat (they dropped me off one day to hang out or vice versa) and the mothers chatted and my mom explained how she was welcome to come that they'd provide the room and all she'd need is tickets and spending money (they treated us to some dinners and we'd go off on our own most of the time). We ended up being best friends through high school and going 3 times in all. So maybe this could be an opportunity for someone your son sort of feels close to to ask them and talk with their parents (even though you and his first choice wasn't available). Well I hope I haven't babbled too much and either way, I hope he has a great time!
Also, on another note, does he have any cousins of similar age you could take or could meet you there?

 

[Jeanne]

We have allowed our 2 teens to each bring a friend on 2 different trips. 1 was a week camping, one was a week at WDW. The kids had to pay for their own tickets, and $20 a day towards food. My kids had a blast. Even though they have always had each other, having a friend made the trips that much better. I think you should encourage a second choice.

 

[DVC Daisy]

Never2L8

I can so relate to this! We also have DS12 (he THINKS he is 14 ) and he is an only.

I wish there was some DIS list where we could find out what other teens would be there at the same time. We could set up some teen DIS meets.

So if anybody is going Aug 15 - 18 to Universal or 18 - 24 at WDW and has a youngish teen (who thinks they are much older) that will be bored let me know....unfortunately we will miss Never2L8's son by a day it seems.

 

[BigTigger]

DVC Daisy -

We'll be at BWV from 8/15 to 8/23 and have three teens (17, 14, 14) and an almost teen (11) in residence with us. Mine are all girls, but kids are kids when it comes to finding friends to pal with. I'll PM you with our name if you want to call our room to introduce the kids at the clubhouse or pool.


Never2L8

Sorry we're a week too late never2L8, but we'll be at SeaWorld/Universal the days you are there and then on too Disney to finish the trip. If you're going to either of those parks we could always hook the kids up.

 

[DVC Daisy]

BigTigger,

Thanks! I'll take your info with us & give you guys a call. You actually may be easy to spot as you have quite a group of girls!

 

[keenercam]

There is a thread at the top of this forum that lists dvc members who are going to the member barbecue each tuesday. You might want to try PM'ing those who are going to be at WDW the week you are, to ask if they have kids.
There is also another forum that is for Teens. That may be a great place to look for others -- there are often threads for different weeks asking who else is going.
We have "met" a lot of families on these boards before each of our last two DCL cruises and both of our kids have met others online ahead of time and exchanged pix so that they could look for each other at the port before embarkation. It is easier on a cruise because the kids can go their own way in a contained setting. It might be harder for your son to hook up with someone at WDW because it is soooo huge. My last suggestion is that he go to the pool at your resort the first day or the arcade -- he is sure to meet others there that he will end up hanging out with.
Good luck and enjoy. We have not yet taken our DD15 and DS10's friends with us to WDW but they always seem to meet other kids at the resorts. They both LOVED that at HH and DD still has 2 penpals from last XMAS and they write to each other nearly every week.
Good luck!

 

[Regina]

Good suggestions keenercam.

Just a note, we prefer that only teens post on the "Teen Board."
If your DS would like, have him register and join in the fun. They're a great group of kids.

Good luck!