What age do you let your kids roam the parks?

[earthfaries]

I think it all depends on the child of course, but probably around the age of 15 or 16.​

 

[wendylovesdisney]

I'm curious for those who feel this way... Do your kids plan on going off to a traditional college experience (dorm living, etc.) and how old will they be when they leave? Both my girls will be 17 when they start college and I can't imagine feeling like they were ready for that if I didn't think they could handle the very controlled environment of WDW on their own just a year or two earlier.

To answer you: My child will be 18 when she graduates. She will not go out of state to go to college. I was 18 when I got married and wish someone tried to keep me a "kid" longer. It wasn't that I wouldn't have listened, it's that no one cared. And I was molested as a 13 year old by a stranger. So I can speak from all levels on this. (would like to add that it happened in a public place, with people very close by and my Mother thought I was safe on my own)

And it's amazing to me how when stating a reply to a question people will attack you or belittle you to the end because they don't like your reply.

I've had people quote me several times after I answered honestly someone's question in order to ridicule me or try to negate it.

 

[wendylovesdisney]

I DID say I would prob allow it at age 16 with a buddy. Not sure if people are just in too much of a hurry to make fun of me to read that or what...

 

[traviesojmt]

I have not read most of the posts, but I agree with you I would not allow my 9 yr old roam the park alone. I have twins that will be 9 in Sep, a 10 1/2 yr old and a 12 yr old and they will be staying with us at all times when we go in August 2012

We live on a military base and have specific regulations regarding children left alone. Children are not to be left home alone until the age of 10. Even then, it can only be for a few hours. I can't imagine letting my kids roam Wdw until middle school. I am fairly protective and I would have no problem letting my 13 yr old roam with their 16 year old cousin.

 

[canopynut66]

with the cell phones now would let a 16 year old for sure and then have say three hours to meet somewhere. give them some space. we always did things with our cousins boys and girls so that would not bother me if it doesn't him...or maybe just try two hours at first to see how it goes. would not want them to leave the park we in or that would be end of it for me and them as to me was trusting him to stay in that park period.

 

[cinderella73]

I dont think anyone here is right or wrong. You gotta do whats best for your family. But the people that are saying nothing ever happened at Disney are very wrong.

I am not trying to alarm anyone but just to make a point that stuff does indeed happen on Disney property. Its rare of course . But the best way to make a decision as a parent is to just be informed, and not develop a false sense of security that some have here.

Here are a few links on stuff that happened on property. Not kidnapping , but disturbing non the less. This is just 2 links. Dont forget the food service worker that worked at MK that was arrested on child porn charges , or the guy at the Grand Floridian trying to sneak off with a little girl .

With as many people visit Disney, I think kids are pretty safe. A huge majority of the people in the world are good, only a small amount bad. Just make sure if you are considering letting your kid go off that you understand Disney is like any other place. Then make the best choice for your family.

http://www.wdwradio.com/forums/show...sting-young-girls-at-Typhoon-Lagoon&styleid=8


http://articles.orlandosentinel.com...re-charges-lascivious-exhibition-new-york-man

 

[smidgy]

I don't think I will let mine roam alone anymore just because I watch too much ID channel.
No seriously though...I used to think I would be ok with them roaming at around 15 or 16 but you never know these days. My husband and I were actually just talking about allowing our kids to go to the pool together with us in the room right by the pool (bottom floor) but with the recent flashings that won't happen either. The world is too crazy and I am too paranoid now.

really? you would be right by the pool and wouldn't let your kids, 15, or 16 go to the pool by themeselves? (or maybe your kids are younger, hardto tell from your post)

to me, if I were middle school age or older, and I was "flashed" my sister and I , or my friends and I , would have found it hilarious.,(not "traumatic") that is how most middle school or high school kids are. it's like "EEWWW! what a weirdo!!! jerk! dirt bag!" and NOT traumatized in the slightest.

 

[nchulka]

really? you would be right by the pool and wouldn't let your kids, 15, or 16 go to the pool by themeselves? (or maybe your kids are younger, hardto tell from your post)

to me, if I were middle school age or older, and I was "flashed" my sister and I , or my friends and I , would have found it hilarious.,(not "traumatic") that is how most middle school or high school kids are. it's like "EEWWW! what a weirdo!!! jerk! dirt bag!" and NOT traumatized in the slightest.

Exactly the kids have no idea they are "victims" until the parents tell them they are and make a big fuss over it and call in the police to take their victims statement!

 

[smidgy]

My kids are now 16 and 14 and when they were 11/12 I let them roam Disney. They had their phones and we also had a set place to meet in case the phones didn't work for some reason (which did happen once). On our last trip in February they would often take off by themselves. We all had a great time whether together or apart. I personally think it's a little bit smothering to expect a kid older than 11 or 12 to be at your side at all times. They need to learn independence somehow.

I also have to add, my sons are now 30 and 33. there were no "cell phones" when we were at WDW when they were 10 and 13. and we stil let them take the bus from CBR to the TTC. then , the monrail to the CR, where they had the BEST arcade, at the time.
it didn't kill us to be out of communication with them for a few hours! and all you parents who only knowabout "constant " communication with your kids in this day of ubiquitious cell phones.. they will live without talking to you for a few hours, and you do NOT have to know where they are every second of every day.

I'm curious for those who feel this way... Do your kids plan on going off to a traditional college experience (dorm living, etc.) and how old will they be when they leave? Both my girls will be 17 when they start college and I can't imagine feeling like they were ready for that if I didn't think they could handle the very controlled environment of WDW on their own just a year or two earlier.

I had a very good friend who would have me "BABYsit" her sons when they went out for dinner, etc. I capped BABY cause her sons were 12 and 14! how can you get a babysitter for a 12 and 14 year old? a 15 year old girl? my best babysitter when my boys were little was a 13 year old!

I agree with a PP who talked about gradual maturation. you can't keep a kid in a closet for 17 years and then let them fly free at 18. thank goodness we no longer have the draft I(which we had when I was in high school)... because you can't keep a kid protected until age 18, and then (as I stated in a PP) think they are ready to go off to afghanistan and be safe.
or, alittle less extreme, live on their own, live in a college dorm and make intelligent decisions.

 

[smidgy]

I dont think anyone here is right or wrong. You gotta do whats best for your family. But the people that are saying nothing ever happened at Disney are very wrong.

I am not trying to alarm anyone but just to make a point that stuff does indeed happen on Disney property. Its rare of course . But the best way to make a decision as a parent is to just be informed, and not develop a false sense of security that some have here.

Here are a few links on stuff that happened on property. Not kidnapping , but disturbing non the less. This is just 2 links. Dont forget the food service worker that worked at MK that was arrested on child porn charges , or the guy at the Grand Floridian trying to sneak off with a little girl .

With as many people visit Disney, I think kids are pretty safe. A huge majority of the people in the world are good, only a small amount bad. Just make sure if you are considering letting your kid go off that you understand Disney is like any other place. Then make the best choice for your family.

http://www.wdwradio.com/forums/show...sting-young-girls-at-Typhoon-Lagoon&styleid=8


http://articles.orlandosentinel.com...re-charges-lascivious-exhibition-new-york-man

stuff happens all over. i think it's weird to not let your teens go to the mall by themselves. or out with friends to a party. or to the local six flags. or zoo, or beach. anyone remember archie comics? their parnets were never with archie and reggie and betty and veronica et al at the beach or the malt shop or whatever. (I hear archie and friends even have a gay couple now they hang around with) and no one is the worse for wear

 

[mom2tah]

I haven't read all the responses.

We let our girls go off on their own for a few hours when they were 11 & 14 while DH & I took our youngest DD (5) back to the hotel for a swim. They both had their cellphones and were told not to leave Magic Kingdom.

Our last trip they were 17 & 14. This time we let them take the buses to the parks by themselves while we stayed at the hotel with youngest DD to swim. They again both had their cellphones kept in touch with us regularly and had no problems.

I remember going to Disneyland by myself with my friends starting at the age of 12. My parents would drop me off and pick me up when the park closed. This was WAY before cellphones. Those were the most memorable times of my childhood

 

[deegack]

really? you would be right by the pool and wouldn't let your kids, 15, or 16 go to the pool by themeselves? (or maybe your kids are younger, hardto tell from your post)

to me, if I were middle school age or older, and I was "flashed" my sister and I , or my friends and I , would have found it hilarious.,(not "traumatic") that is how most middle school or high school kids are. it's like "EEWWW! what a weirdo!!! jerk! dirt bag!" and NOT traumatized in the slightest.

Seriously. When I was in high school on the bus home from an away game a man flashed the bus. We all burst out laughing. When a worked at an ice cream store with floor to ceiling windows a man came up in a trench coat and flashed a coworker and I. We were about 16/17. Again we burst out laughing and he went away. We weren't traumatized, no one suffered ill effects except our coach who had to fill out some paperwork.

Stuff can happen anywhere. It doesn't mean I wrap my kids up in bubble wrap and keep them in a tall tower until they are adults. Your job as parents is to teach them how to live I the world and that means how to navigate around. They will walk to school in first grade by themselves. We are moving to a house further away from the school. If it was the current house 1 1/2 blocks away with a crossing guard it would probably be kindergarten. I've actually had people on here say they would call CPS on me if I did that. Because CPA has the extra staff to investigate mom letting her kids walk one block to school.

As for when they can go off by themselves at disney probably 12ish. It depends on te situation

 

[Simba's Girl]

To answer you: My child will be 18 when she graduates. She will not go out of state to go to college. I was 18 when I got married and wish someone tried to keep me a "kid" longer. It wasn't that I wouldn't have listened, it's that no one cared. And I was molested as a 13 year old by a stranger. So I can speak from all levels on this. (would like to add that it happened in a public place, with people very close by and my Mother thought I was safe on my own)

And it's amazing to me how when stating a reply to a question people will attack you or belittle you to the end because they don't like your reply.

I've had people quote me several times after I answered honestly someone's question in order to ridicule me or try to negate it.

Wendy, I am so sorry this happened to you.

 

[nansmama]

I also have to add, my sons are now 30 and 33. there were no "cell phones" when we were at WDW when they were 10 and 13. and we stil let them take the bus from CBR to the TTC. then , the monrail to the CR, where they had the BEST arcade, at the time.
it didn't kill us to be out of communication with them for a few hours! and all you parents who only knowabout "constant " communication with your kids in this day of ubiquitious cell phones.. they will live without talking to you for a few hours, and you do NOT have to know where they are every second of every day.

I totally agree about the cell phones. I got very basic ones for my kids for this reason. I don't expect them to call me except for the same reasons I would have called my own parents in the 80s... getting permission to go somewhere else, letting me know they'll be really late, etc. Unfortunately, that never happens because no other parents these days ever let their kids do anything spontaneous, LOL. I recently took my daughter and her friends (14/15 years old) to Six Flags and their moms expected me to stay WITHIN SIGHT of the kids the entire day! Needless to say that didn't work out, as I'm not going to chase teenaged girls up and down the slides at the water park. Good grief. The best I could do was have the girls meet me before we exited the water park back into the main ride area.

 

[dzorn]

I dont think anyone here is right or wrong. You gotta do whats best for your family. But the people that are saying nothing ever happened at Disney are very wrong.

I am not trying to alarm anyone but just to make a point that stuff does indeed happen on Disney property. Its rare of course . But the best way to make a decision as a parent is to just be informed, and not develop a false sense of security that some have here.

Here are a few links on stuff that happened on property. Not kidnapping , but disturbing non the less. This is just 2 links. Dont forget the food service worker that worked at MK that was arrested on child porn charges , or the guy at the Grand Floridian trying to sneak off with a little girl .

With as many people visit Disney, I think kids are pretty safe. A huge majority of the people in the world are good, only a small amount bad. Just make sure if you are considering letting your kid go off that you understand Disney is like any other place. Then make the best choice for your family.

http://www.wdwradio.com/forums/show...sting-young-girls-at-Typhoon-Lagoon&styleid=8


http://articles.orlandosentinel.com...re-charges-lascivious-exhibition-new-york-man

Neither of these happed at the major parks. EPCOT, MK, DHS and AK. Bad things can happen anywhere, but fear should not stop people from enjoying themselves or letting their children enjoy some freedom in a safe enviroment. You take reasonable precautions and go on with life.

I could get into a car accident today or be hit by a car after all these happen to people all the time, but that still is not going to keeping me from going out.

If we worry about every possible thing that could happen no one would ever leave home.

Denise in MI

 

[Amyhoff]

I would let them roam for sure! I think Disney transportation should be available to them too, if they want to go back to the hotel or a different park.

I mean, the kid is 17... there are some people that go off to collage at 17. I think the over protection in our society is ridiculous.

This country wants to let infants cry it out to be "independent" at six weeks of life, but at 17 years, we want to treat them like nurslings. Crazy.

 

[dzorn]

To answer you: My child will be 18 when she graduates. She will not go out of state to go to college. I was 18 when I got married and wish someone tried to keep me a "kid" longer. It wasn't that I wouldn't have listened, it's that no one cared. And I was molested as a 13 year old by a stranger. So I can speak from all levels on this. (would like to add that it happened in a public place, with people very close by and my Mother thought I was safe on my own)

And it's amazing to me how when stating a reply to a question people will attack you or belittle you to the end because they don't like your reply.

I've had people quote me several times after I answered honestly someone's question in order to ridicule me or try to negate it.

Wendy so sorry that happened to you, but you would actually not allow your child to go to an out of state school if that is what she truly wanted?

You wish someone would have stopped you from getting married at 18. Do you really want your DDs to regret not going away to school becasuse of your fears of what could happen. I have a special needs DD and if her heart is set on going away to school I will do everything possible to make that happen for her, no matter how I much I would worry.

Denise in MI

 

[BarryCF]

Our 14yo DD, is an incoming HS Freshman. We are performing in the Candlelight Processional this year with our Church choir and the HS Choir. She'll turn 15 before we go. The HS kids will be allowed to tour using the buddy system, with rules about checking in and meeting times. Our choir teacher subscribes to the theory that to be early is to be on time, to be on time is to be late, and to be late is REALLY REALLY bad.

DD has been to Schlitterbahn 4 times on school and Church trips, to Church camp and mission trips. This will be her 4th WDW trip and she knows her way around. DW and I will be there as Church choir performers and chaperones, so that makes us feel better about things.

As others have said, the right age is not the same for everyone. It really depends on the kid, and also what the parents can handle.

Barry

 

[TwiddleDeeTwiddleDum]

Anybody have comments about only children? Just wondering your age comfort level letting them roam independently?

Our last trip DS was almost 14 so we let him sleep in a couple mornings & did RD or went to the pool. By the time we'd get back from RD for a pool break he'd just be getting up When we all toured, it was great having him be the FP runner! Our last night he was too pooped out to stay at Epcot and since DH was going to meet us, instead he waited at the resort while DS rode the bus back. Then DH met me at Epcot for dinner. DS later told me he liked the independence riding the bus alone.

When we go to amusement parks at home we'll split up for rides that both of us don't like to the other can ride, but then we meet back up. If he's with friends they tour & we'll meet periodically. Next trip we're going to find ways to give him more independence. However, since it's a family vacation I don't want him to sleep in EVERY single day

 

[Tltorrez]

Anybody have comments about only children? Just wondering your age comfort level letting them roam independently?

Our last trip DS was almost 14 so we let him sleep in a couple mornings & did RD or went to the pool. By the time we'd get back from RD for a pool break he'd just be getting up When we all toured, it was great having him be the FP runner! Our last night he was too pooped out to stay at Epcot and since DH was going to meet us, instead he waited at the resort while DS rode the bus back. Then DH met me at Epcot for dinner. DS later told me he liked the independence riding the bus alone.

When we go to amusement parks at home we'll split up for rides that both of us don't like to the other can ride, but then we meet back up. If he's with friends they tour & we'll meet periodically. Next trip we're going to find ways to give him more independence. However, since it's a family vacation I don't want him to sleep in EVERY single day

I've been thinking about this myself. This seems very reasonable. My dS will be 10 this trip. We already let him out of sight within a small range - when he plays Kim Possible within a WS pavilion. I was thinking, in a couple years, I would let him go off with a friend. But we don't usually travel with anyone else, and my DS is severely ADHD. I trust him to make smart decisions, when he's making conscious decisions, but when he gets distracted... I don't know. We'll have to see where he is in a few years.