teens and going to parks alone

[DisneyKraZy]

Hi all,

We are heading to the 'world' in just 20 days and I have a question about safety. My DD is 16 and her friend is 15, do you think it is safe for them to go to the parks on their own? They really want to and I had originally said they could but the closer it gets the more concerned I get. They are both very mature and my DD knows all of the parks and bus system by heart. They know to stick together and what to do should someone approach them but being a mother I have that little part of me that is panicking. Anyone out there with experience on this?

Thanks,
Melissa

 

[walt's assistant]

I'd be OK with a 16 year old...just set a time limit and a place to meet...also, have them carry cellphone so that you can check up on them!


WA

 

[iluvwdw_2002]

Hello! When I was a teenager, my parents would let me and my friend walk the parks by ourselves. We would always have a couple of time and location meets throughout the day for like lunch and dinner or something like that. Or we would meet up to watch the nightshows together.

It worked out really well for us. I knew the bus system and the parks by heart as well. We were able to ride the high thrill rides as many times as we wanted while my parents could focus on the shows and rides they liked. Your daughter and her friend will be fine.

Have a wonderful trip!!

 

[Princess Michelle]

My best friend and I used to do the parks alone when we were 16, we would drive over so we really were by ourselves with no parents whatsoever and never had any problems. As others suggested, a cell phone and meeting places throughout the day are great ideas! They will have a great time.

 

[styloviolet]

Your daughter and her friend should be just fine on their own. The number one tip that I always give to people visiting the parks is to create a meeting place if you get lost. It's helpful to decide that if someone is lost, you will check in at that designated place every hour/half-hour. Security is ALWAYS available and can quickly be deployed to wherever you are if a Cast Member is notified (always a good idea to note what everyone is wearing!).

If it's possible, it might be the best idea to have both girls carry cell phones, but at least one of them should have one. That way not only can you contact them, but they can contact each other. Nine times out of ten, if a party gets separated, the "missing" person is VERY close by.

Cast Members are always keeping an eye out for anything that seems suspicious. I am confident that the girls will be fine and are in good hands. Enjoy your vacation!

 

[iwaseeyore]

DS and his friend went off in the same park at 12 and to other parks at 13. He is a responsible kid and earned those priveleges. When he was younger we would set a time to me.

Last year, at 17 he went to IOA with a buddy.

 

[BonSchwe]

When we were down there recently we were staying at POR. I allowed my DD12 and DS14 take the boat to Downtown Disney to go to DisneyQuest. DH and I met up with them about 3 hours later. I would think it depends on the kids and their sense of responsibility. One day DS14 also went back to the resort alone because he had a headache. Disney really gives you a sense of security and being safe.

 

[danny1649]

I have seen many teens touring without adults and I think it's fine.99% are well mannered and polite and look like they are having a great time.I think WDW is very safe for teens and is fine to allow them a little free/teen time to tour without us parents.

 

[SPAM]

Im almost 17 and I walk around the parks all the time by myself, because my parents tire easily and want to go back to the hotel, but since me and my sister aren't finished yet they give us money and tell us to be home by a certain time. Just make sure they know the busses well so they know how to get home. But I have never had any problems with just me and my sister.

 

[luvmarypoppins]

We just let our 3 ds have time alone on our recent april trip. They too have been there many times and know the locations and transporation of everything. DS 16 was in charge and we gave him money for food, then sometimes we gave them each their own money. They were told that they had to stay together, no matter where they went, when they had to be back etc. DS 16 said he had to drag ds 14 out of disney quest. But I am sure girls dont behave like that, after all, girls just want to have fun, right?

 

[tomerin]

this trip we will be allowing our 2 boys the chance to tour a park or 2 by themselves. they both have cellphones, key charging privilidges and will only have one rule and that is is to stay together.

its kind of tough to "let go" and allow them the responsibility to enjoy themselves without us watching over them but we figure that after all we are in disney so why not let them go.

besides it gives my DW and myself the opportunity to tour the park of our choice by ourselves at our own pace.

 

[DisneyKraZy]

Thanks for the responses everyone. I really do feel like they are old enough and that they will be just fine....I just needed a little reassurance

Melissa