Teens alone in the parks

[PixIeTwInKle]

There has been a couple comments made regarding that people would let their kids go off alone if they were in the park or if they were in a park near their hotel.

In reality it makes no difference if you are close to them when they are alone or miles away. If something is going to happen, which personally I don't think anything will, it is going to happen regardless of where the parents are.

I am now 19 and about 2 years ago my sister and I went to the EMH by ourselves and from what I seen the parks looked the same as in the day, except there were less people and less little kids. There are still adults with families and its not all teens. I thinkd if you trust your daughter and her friend then you should let them go. Its always fun to do things on your own when your young. It makes you feel more like an adult.

I would just make sure you communicate well with them when they are supposed to check in and make sure they know their ways around the parks and how to get back to the hotel. However, don't do something you are uncomfortable with. Ultimatley its up to you, you know your daughter the best. Good Luck!!! And have a wonderful vacation!!

 

[madge]

My 15 y/o DD is bringing a friend with us to WDW this year. We have no problem letting them tour the parks alone during the day. My question is, should we let them go to the parks alone at night? We will be staying at the Swan. My DH thinks it would be fine but I'm still debating weather or not I want to offer this kind of freedom to them. It would be ok to go to Epcot alone to see Illuminations etc. but I'm not so sure about extra magic evening parks. I do trust them. I'm just protective! I would appreciate any comments. TIA

Muffy

Muffy--

I think your DD has enough WDW experience to venture over to Epcot for Illuminations with a friend or over to the Studios for the evening, since both are close to the Swan. I'm not sure I can get behind the EMH hours idea, though.

Madge

 

[metsfan11]

IMO, disney is one of, if not the most safest places on earth. if you have cell phones, definetly go. plus, your hotel is right near epcot. let them go, and they will have a great time and be thanking you for the rest of your trip. have fun!

 

[pezpam]

My DD isn't a teen yet, but I tend towards overprotectiveness and have to keep myself in check sometimes. That said, this thread made me stop and think...... My first trip abroad was a trip through Europe with kids from my school, chaperoned by tour guides and teachers and such. I was **14** and we were allowed to go off in pairs and small groups for free time once the rules were laid down. My teacher even explained the whole train system and gave us itineraries in case we got lost at some point - we could catch up with the group. There were 25 or 30 of us and we had a lot of free time. Since we stayed in pairs/groups and were basically responsible kids, noone had a problem or an accident the whole time we were traveling.

So, while the thought of letting my daughter roam with a friend alone gives me the willies, I have to back up and realize how easily I handled it at that age in a situation much more fraught with potential problems. With Disney, there are always a hundred CMs around to help them and even a transportation mixup is pretty easily solved. I'd make them swear on everything they hold dear that they would not split up for any reason and have them carry a cellphone so I could call (and I would call once) or they could call me. If it makes you less nervous, you can insist they stay in the same park as you and see how that works for everyone. This is also something that just has to be decided with the specific kids in mind - if they are irresponsible or likely to be obnoxious when let loose, I might think three times. (I'm already thinking twice, lol)

 

[iluveeyore]

I am taking my two sons, aged 16 and 14 for our March Break 12th-17th this year with their two friends, also 16 and 14 on my own. They will be leaving me alone every day morning till night to go off on their own. We go to Disney every year, in fact just went in October, and the boys were always off on their own - they were fine. Something about the Disney parks that just feels like their own protected world. There are enough cast members around that I never worry if they need help. My 7 year old nephew got separated from me and his mom last year after a parade at MK, and three cast members scrambled with us frantic adults and found him with another cast member nearby trying to calm him down and talk to him. I know mine won't get lost, but it's comforting to know the cast members & security don't miss a beat. You know your own child, so do what makes you feel comfortable. I wouldn't let my kids go off on their own if I had to spend the whole time stressing and worrying - I'm there to relax and have fun too!
Have a good time - Hakuna Mutata (no worries!)

 

[deenooth]

Both my wife and I are teachers as well as coaches of that age (Sp. ed. 9-12 for myself and biology with concerns to my DW.) We both coach JV sports ( ages 14-16 ) and for this situation, considering the place and times your considering, I believe this idea is acceptable. Understanding that it's only my opinion, and everyone should govern their children by their own rules and ideals, both of us, and I'm speaking for my DW, feel that WDW is the "safest" place to spend a vacation (as well as other enjoyable aspects) and you're talking about "evening" activities not "nightime" activities ( and I do realize that darkness will be invovled.) If our children are to be trustworthly than we need, as parents, to be trusting. Where else to start but WDW. But, like many have said, keep a cell handy, but only use it in emergency situations. Good luck with everything, I hope you have a great trip!!!

Chris & Kim

 

[LoveWDW]

I'd say you know your daughter, and the fact that you are having doubts means don't do it.

 

[miller2470]

We too will be there in June with our 15 year old DS and his 15 yr old friend and we have been contiplating the exact same issue. I really trust my son as well and we too go to WDW every year. Last May we went on the cruise and we let our 15 year old come and go as he wanted, not making him come back to the cabin at any particular time at night. I figured we're on a ship in the middle of the ocean...where could he go? There were a few nights that he stayed in the teen club until 1:30-2:00 doing karyoke or scavenger hunts. It kind of made me nervous that it was so late, but he did pick up the phone and call to check in every hour. That being said, WDW is totally different, therefore I am very nervous. My son keeps saying "I have a cell phone, and can call once every hour" which I think is very reasonable. Needless to say, you cant help as a parent worrying. My sons friends mom is ok with it, he went with us 2 years ago so I think she is comfortable with us making the call.

 

[EEYOREMAMA]

Another thing that needs addressing is safety on the walk to MGM. If your Dd is going to head over there, stress taking the launch and not walking. My DH and I were staying at the BC and walked over to meet our sons who made their way over several hrs before. We are "street kids" and something didn't feel right. We turned around and there were 2 guys behind us. We noted this (they were also wearing black leather jackets in 90 degree weather. A few yards later another 2 came out of the bushes "taking pictures". Interestingly enough they were wearing the same leather jackets. The 2 behind us started walking faster. Just then a launch came by and the foursome went back to taking pictures in the bushes. Coincidence? We'll never know. I just stopped wanting to walk (this was in broad daylight) and starting going by boat. A one-in-a-million chance of happening again? I couldn't risk it with my sons, they wouldn't know what to do. Just be aware that stuff happens everywhere and remind her to be aware.

 

[Luigi's Girl]

Many people will probably disagree with me but this is only MY opinion and I only give it because you asked for it. I have a 15 yr old daughter and I could never feel comfortable back at a resort with her in the park. I especially feel this way because not just resort guests could be roaming the boardwalk and with the numerous places that serve drinks you just never know what kind of people could have had a few too many. Of course I would suggest if you do allow them to be alone at Epcot at night they would probably be safer taking the boat strait to the hotel. I hope I don't get flamed for anything I said, it's just my feelings and mean no disrespect to anyone. Good luck in your decision.

 

[Ziva]

I'd let them go out on their own.

 

[shelby_36]

Tough call. Personally I was uncomfortable letting my 15 year old SON go alone across part of the park during the day to see if Space mountain had reopened. I was a nervous wreck the whole time and that was during the day. I for one wouldn't worry about MY child's sense of responsibility or maturity- I would highly worry about the types of people that pray on teens these days. Add to that the dark and two young girls.... I would be physically sick the whole time... Not to mention the responsibility to the other girl and her safety.

Is there anywayyou can go with them to the park and do a section at a time and have checkins?

 

[Skroops]

I think that WDW is one of the safest places I have been! I think that communication is very important, and that if you talk at set upon intervals, being at your hotel while your daughter is in the park is fine. There are "bad" people everywhere in life, but there are very few places in WDW where there aren't alot of people close by. Make sure they know the basics of personal safety so they don't hop in a car with some cute teenage boys to go somewhere else!
WDW is a safe place, I have traveled alone there several times and have never been in any scary situations (although I am not a teenager!). Go with your instincts!

 

[disneyfan61]

We are going in April. My one DS will be 17 & other DS will be 13. I will probably
let them go out during the day if my DH & I want to go to the pool but I think
at night they will be with us-unless we are in the same park I will let them go
do rides while we hold a place for the parade. We also will be using cell phones
& they WILL check in often. Who knows-they may be with us the whole trip which would be just fine with me!!! I agree with op's-only you know your child & I also believe WDW is one of the safest places to be.

 

[marcbelt]

My kids aren't teens yet, but if they were, I'd probably let them go on their own. After all, where would they go? To get off Disney and go anywhere worthwhile, they would have to get a cab and pay at least $30 each way. Add to that any expenses, and, well, they just can't go (unless you've given them enough money to do so). Getting out of Disney would be time consuming too. They wouldn't have the time to go anywhere either...(unless they're REALLY wild and don't care or have any values at all).

 

[gingermommy94]

I think it's totally a personal decision. My DD is 13 and will be 14 on our next trip. We wouldn't allow her to go out alone or with a friend at WDW. That's just our parenting decision...everyone should do whatever they are comfortable with and is right for their family/kids.

 

[dgaston]

Muffy, this is not Woodstock! Does your Daughter feel safe at WDW? While I know DS is a male, he has been navigating WDW for several years! He has managed to find AKL after MNSSHP, very late, and can get anywhere he needs to with WDW transportation. Check with the girls and see what they say about their safety at night. I do remember when DD now 22 said that some teens talked to her on a bus to FW, she was easily able to out-manuever them, and was proud of her replies! And she was by herself. Give the girls a chance if that's what they need.

 

[SorcererDonald16]

I for one wouldn't worry about MY child's sense of responsibility or maturity- I would highly worry about the types of people that pray on teens these days. Add to that the dark and two young girls.... I would be physically sick the whole time... Not to mention the responsibility to the other girl and her safety.

Granted I'm almost 23 and have no children so take my opinion for what you will, but ITA with the comment above. Even if you trust your daughter and her friend, it's also a matter of the other thousands upon thousands of people around them that you know nothing about. Sure, WDW feels safe and sure you don't hear about much crime there aside from shoplifting, but you have to keep in mind that Disney is very careful of what is made public and what isn't. Just because it's Disney doesn't mean there aren't a bunch of slimebags lurking around ready to do something terrible. And as someone else said, if you're already doubting the idea, I wouldn't do it. JMO.

 

[Gabrielle]

I would let her go. WDW is a great place to allow teens a little freedom.

Give her a cell phone; lay down the rules; i.e., no leaving the park; go to restrooms together, etc.; arrange to meet back together at a specific time and place.

 

[DVCLiz]

Disney after dark is not really very different than Disney in daylight - the parks will be full of families at both times. If you're worried about transportation, make sure they know to take a bus or boat, and you could always meet them at the bus stop or dock.

All of this talk about what could happen feels like extreme paranoia to me. These girls are 15, not 5, and presumably have been navigating around in their hometown without direct parental supervision in a number of situations. Disney after dark is perfectly safe for teens, in my opinion. There are Cast Members all over the place should they need any help.

In my personal experience, my DDs, who were 16 and 11, stayed in the park for MK EMH (until 1:00am!!! Gasp!!!) and did their own thing, while I rode what I wanted. We met up going to the dock to catch the launch back to VWL. It worked out perfectly well.

Here's my perspective - three years from now your DD will be on her own, away at college, having to do all sorts of things and make all sorts of new decisions. I've been grateful that my older DD has had safe places like Disney to practice being independent. She's totally on her own, making her own decisions and learning her personal boundaries, but she's still in an enclosed resort area with many staff available if needed. If you want teens to begin to have some freedom, even after dark, Disney is about as good as it gets.