Too young to be on their own in parks?

[mickeyscrapper]

Hi all you Mickey lovers! I have a couple of questions. I have an 11 and 13 year old (girl/boy). Very responsible, a tad bit forgetful. Anyway, there are ten of us going to WDW Dec. 22-29. They will each have cells by then (Santa). I feel fairly comfortable sending them off on their own to explore the parks (together) but wondered if anyone has any input on doing this themselves? Also, any ideas on what they could carry (attach to their bodies) to hold their cell phones and Disney cards? I was thinking of getting them lanyards but doubt if they would be good for the phones? Any input from the experts is appreciated. Thanks

 

[katyjeka]

We have a girl(12) and we would never let her go on her own, even with a buddy her age. Disney is VERY family friendly, but you still have thousands of strangers and a lot of opportunity for something to happen. Maybe we're just overprotective, but you asked for opinions. Have a wonderful trip. Janice

 

[gardenia]

I don't even send my teens (16 & 18) by themselves, we always go together. In fact, that's the whole point of going for me - to be together. But aside from that, don't be lulled into thinking that the parks are "safe" just because it's Disney. It's like any other public place, and for most people it's a public place that's a thousand miles or so away from home. I wouldn't recommend anyone send their kids there alone.

 

[kellyg403]

I really think at this age, if they are responsible they can go a few hours on their own and be fine. They will be together and have cell phones. I have let my dd's, 12, 14, 15 go off together before.

If it were me, I would start off slow with them to see how it goes. Stay in the same land at MK but let them ride whatever rides they want and have a meeting place for 2 hours later in that land or area you have designated. If they show up, no problems or issues between them, then you can extend the time they can go alone and the area they can cover.

The biggest issue for my girls has not been responsibility but the arguing that occurs between them when 2 want to do something 1 doesn't. I have 1 who likes to argue and get her way. So I have to limit their time or disaster occurs! But, other than that they are allowed to stay in the same park and checkin by cell every hour or so, answer their cell when I call or soon after if they are on a ride, and arrive at the designated meeting place close to on time or on time. I usually give them a little leeway if they call, but no more than 1/2 hour.

As for the WDW cards, they leave those with us. They have a little cash on them to use for drinks or snacks as we always eat together. For the cells, they have the carrier that attaches to their clothes on their waist.

Every person is different and only you can decide if your dkids are old enough for a few hours of freedom. A suggestion given to me when I asked this same question a few years ago was to let them off at the local mall or store and get them used to being by themselves. They may not actually like to go off on their own just yet!

Have a great trip no matter what you decide!
Kelly

 

[HopperFan]

My kids have grown up in those parks, go regularly since birth and are very responsible.............but 14 is my minimum age. I might go 13 if with another older and responsible. No way on the 11 year old.

If you really want to let them go on their own, I would at least insist they stay in the park that we are also in.

 

[Gillian]

I wouldn't let them go, especially during such a busy time of year. I've had trouble connecting with DH via cellphone, but at least he's an adult. Maybe not a responsible one, but able to get back to our room himself and deal with any emergencies.

Good luck with whatever you decide!

 

[all4fun]

Hi all you Mickey lovers! I have a couple of questions. I have an 11 and 13 year old (girl/boy). Very responsible, a tad bit forgetful. Anyway, there are ten of us going to WDW Dec. 22-29. They will each have cells by then (Santa). I feel fairly comfortable sending them off on their own to explore the parks (together) but wondered if anyone has any input on doing this themselves? Also, any ideas on what they could carry (attach to their bodies) to hold their cell phones and Disney cards? I was thinking of getting them lanyards but doubt if they would be good for the phones? Any input from the experts is appreciated. Thanks

I think it is too young. WDW is a huge place and while Disney makes it as safe and family friendly as possible, that doesn't mean bad things can't happen there. Kids are kids and they are impuslive. Also there are bad people every where. I'd love to think they stay away from Disneyworld but I know that is unrealistic. As a travel destination, I think this is one of the safest places in the world to take your family but I wouldn't let that lull me into a false sense of security and drop my guard for one second. JMO of course. I hope you have a wonderful trip whatever decision you make!

 

[jodifla]

Hi all you Mickey lovers! I have a couple of questions. I have an 11 and 13 year old (girl/boy). Very responsible, a tad bit forgetful. Anyway, there are ten of us going to WDW Dec. 22-29. They will each have cells by then (Santa). I feel fairly comfortable sending them off on their own to explore the parks (together) but wondered if anyone has any input on doing this themselves? Also, any ideas on what they could carry (attach to their bodies) to hold their cell phones and Disney cards? I was thinking of getting them lanyards but doubt if they would be good for the phones? Any input from the experts is appreciated. Thanks

From about 12 on, I was allowed to go off with a buddy and meet up with my folks later at the Magic Kingdom. First it was an hour then we'd meet up, then two hours, etc.

And here I am to tell the tale, 35 years later.

 

[Imelda in TX]

We allowed our DD to go off "by herself" about 2 years ago. For example, in Epcot, I'd stay in Italy and she may go on to Germany, and we'd set a meeting time of 30 minutes later. She was 9 yo at the time. She had a cell phone on her. She was instructed on procedures in case she needed us: go to a CM behind a counter/in a store,etc. Give your info, have them reach us. It was never necessary. Also, the first few times, DH would covertly follow her to see how she would do.

I think it depends on your children and how impulsive they are. Our DD is very responsible, loves to explore on her own, wants to keep that priviledge, so we have never had a problem with her spending too much on her room card or not calling to check in with us at designated times. She always stays in the same park with us. This past spring break, we took her friend with us, and the two girls, friend age 11, DD age 10 at the time, roamed Epcot's WS for several hours, met up with a CM friend from Sweden that they had made a few days prior, traded pins, "worked" behind a counter in Mexico, etc. Probably the best day they had.

I should mention that DD is 5'5, 120 pounds at age 11. We plan to let her do the same in a few weeks.

I know that there are creepy people out there, everywhere, even at WDW. So, yes, you have to be cautious. But, you know your kids best. I think with procedures in place (like designated meeting times, calling in regularly, emergency plans, etc.) you can allow them some freedoms.

Good luck and have fun!!!

 

[MSSANDRA]

I too think 11 is too young. DS and his same age cousion wanted to go off on their own at 11 and we said no way. Both know the parks and DS was even then VERY mature but still no way. We told them we would "talk" at 13. That trip we did not go together and DS had no desire and would not have been allowed to go off alone. Age 14 or so for both kids in the same park with small chunks (2-3 hrs) of time is my vote.

 

[mickeyscrapper]

Thanks for all the great input. We'll prob wait to see the crowds, etc. before we decide completely but you all had some great thoughts that hadn't occurred to me.

 

[phlufster]

I think that they would be fine. We always got to go alone but we had to check in at certain times and if we didn't then we lost our "freedom" for the day. We also always had a designated meeting spot in case phones weren't working. We would meet in front of City Hall at MK, by the World Gateway in EPCOT, and in front of The Great Movie Ride at MGM. It always worked out great and nothing bad happened. If you feel your kids are responsible enough, then go ahead. Do they do things on their own at home like go to the mall? If you are comfortable with that, then they should be fine.

 

[graygables]

I agree they should be fine. Mine will certainly be allowed at those ages (they are 11 & 9 and we were just on the fence about next year, when they are 12 & 10)

As for the cell phones...for your DD there is a super-cute cell phone/wallet thingy at the AKL gift shop (and probably AK, too) It's black with a faux leopard fur Mickey silhouette on it. It has a wrist strap, but also a velcro loop to attach it to a belt or purse strap. I got one and it's very handy (and has places for room key/gift cards/ID) I know I've seen other cell phone holders, or if your DS wears a belt, there is a very small camera bag he could use to stow his stuff.

Have fun!

 

[sweetpeakaris]

Personally I would'nt do it until they are at least 16.

 

[rwrocksme]

I wouldn't let them go on their own. However, if they wanted to ride something that you couldn't stomach ( literally or figuratively) they should be able to go alone (with you waiting at the exit).

 

[gardenia]

I agree they should be fine. Mine will certainly be allowed at those ages (they are 11 & 9 and we were just on the fence about next year, when they are 12 & 10)

Don't know about your state, but in Florida it's illegal to leave at child under 12 without adult supervision. Obviously a law that's not always enforced, but it's there for a reason.

 

[solgent]

When I was a kid, I took a city bus home from school to an empty house from the age of 9 (6th grade). I don't recommend that but I was able to handle it. My kids (ages 13, 13, and 9 at our last visit) have been on their own in a very circumscribed way at WDW. They have to stay together. The level of responsibility permitted would certainly vary according to the child, and what experiences they have had before the trip.

Nowhere is completely safe, but I think WDW is safer than the city I grew up in & the city I went to college in, if only because weapons are not allowed and there are numerous CMs present to turn to for help. When I was 16 I was already going to college in a city 500 miles from my home. So I think a 16 year old is definitely able to navigate WDW.

 

[Emmabean2000]

How time has changed. One of my best Disney memories was a family vacation to Disneyland in the late 70's, and one night my parents (obviously tired of spending time with us kids!) went to a baseball game, while my older sisters and I took off to the park with our e-tickets for a night of fun. I was probably 10 at the time, my sisters 12 and 14, and we had a blast. Now, though my kids are only 8 and 6, it will be awhile before they have an day in the park on their own (unless Dad is dressed in disguise and following them from a safe distance... )

 

[Northstar]

How time has changed. One of my best Disney memories was a family vacation to Disneyland in the late 70's, and one night my parents (obviously tired of spending time with us kids!) went to a baseball game, while my older sisters and I took off to the park with our e-tickets for a night of fun. I was probably 10 at the time, my sisters 12 and 14, and we had a blast. Now, though my kids are only 8 and 6, it will be awhile before they have an day in the park on their own (unless Dad is dressed in disguise and following them from a safe distance... )

Watch out, that will likely get him arrested as a very suspicious character!

 

[barbmouse]

My dks are 11 and 14 and I would not feel comfortable with them going alone. So far it hasn't come up as we like to visit the parks together. They are level headed trustworthy kids but DW is a very crowded place...it's all those folks we don't know that make me leary to let them go it alone. They know their way around pretty well but it is so easy to get turned around, etc.