Would you let teens eat alone?

[momof2disprincesses]

We are going in Aug. with a party of 9. Three of the teen girls want to eat lunch at Alfredo's in Italy. None of the adults want to eat there.

I would have NO problem at all letting these 3 girls eat alone at a restaurant here in our hometown, but I'm not sure about at WDW. One would have a cell phone and we'd plan to meet up with them immediately after they're done, but I'm just wondering what the wait staff would think about this.

The girls are all 14 & 13. The 14 year old (my daughter) has been to Disney dozens of times and would know how to handle the dp "payment" at the end of the meal.

Opinions are welcome to help us decide what to do.

 

[Dreamfinder2]

If you know your DD and her friends to be responsible (notwithstanding the burden of even BEING a young teenaged girl! ), then I think this would be a great plan, especially if the rest of the adults are going to be in Epcot anyway.

Over the years I've taken plenty of church youth groups to Disney. There, as in any other theme park, they've been cut loose to be more or less on their own, with a set time to meet back. I never, ever had a problem. I think you'd be hard pressed, as a teenager, to get into too much trouble in one of the parks.

I'll just bet you've raised a quality young lady, and a WDW veteran to boot. This sounds like a win-win all the way around.

 

[got2travel]

I wouldn't have a problem with it either. Especially with one being a Disney veteran.

 

[jbdreamer]

If you would let them go in your hometown, then why not at WDW? Your daughter is familar with the area and will have a cell phone. As long as they are responsible, then I don't see a problem with it. How exciting would it be for them to go to a fancy dinner all by themselves.

 

[just another guy]

just please make sure they know how to tip, and do so.

 

[jbdreamer]

just please make sure they know how to tip, and do so.

They are on the Dining Plan, tip is already included.

 

[44sun]

What a great adventure for them! You could review the menu with them (from Allearsnet.com) so they're sure of everything included with the DDP. Isn't the freedom cell phones afford us wonderful? Here's another vote for let 'em go!

 

[Swimnoid]

Absolutely let them. They'll have so much fun by themselves.

 

[LuluLovesDisney]

It sounds like they'll have a great time. You would probably be more relaxed if you/the adults will be in Epcot as well, so you are closer in case they need you. Have a great vacation.

 

[Dizneydaz]

Another vote yes! Especially with the DDP you won't have to worry that they're spending too much! When I was 13-14 my parents let me younger (16 mo.) sister and I go to Disneyland alone several times. We would have a great time. My mom would drop us off and pick us up. (Don't ask me about the time we lost all our money and had to call my mom to bring us more! . I started carrying a purse after that! )

Go for it-they'll be completey safe and have a special memory too!

 

[Wendy1953]

They are on the Dining Plan, tip is already included.

We always leave a cash tip, even though the tip is already included! My vote is to let them go...they'll have a great time!

 

[minkydog]

Yes, I think this is a perfect example of letting a child just loose enough--they're mature enough, they've been there before, they know how to use the DP, AND you will be close enough for consultation if needed. Go fot it! I bet the girls will have a wonderful time!

 

[bluejasmine]

If you know they are resposible enough and you will be in the same park and they will have a two way radio or cell phone I say let them go. Your DD will have a wonderful time and feel so grown up, she will LOVE you for it! Im sure it would be a great memory for her too..

 

[webray]

We used to let our teens do exactly that...although they would have the majority of the day alone to do disney as they pleased and they loved it.

They knew how to tip, knew the transportation and what to do in case of emergency. I say definately let them do it.

 

[BlindTyldak]

Another vote for let them go. It's great practice for the next trip when they might want to spend an afternoon by themselves for a few hours to hit their favorite rides.

 

[Disneymusicgirl]

Another vote to let them do it! I just got back from a graduation trip to WDW with my best friend, and we had so much fun on our own! I'm 17 now, but my parents have been letting my brother and I roam the parks and go to dinner by ourselves on family vacations since I was 14. Not to mention we're all Disney veterans, so it puts my parents at ease.

Anyway, my friend and I ate at Alfredo's for dinner last week and had a great experience! The dp made it easy, and both the food and service were great. I'm sure the wait staff will not have any problem with them dining there, and think nothing of it. I'm sure they'll have a great time!

 

[Sonno]

What trouble could they get into? Are they going to figure out how to make plastic explosives from fettucini noddles and breadsticks?

Cut the kids loose, let them have fun.

 

[ducklite]

I wouldn't think twice about it. By the time he was 14 DS was spending time on his own at WDW...within limits of course. As he got older he got more and more freedom. The last time we stayed there for more than a night was two years ago, and he was 18--we hardly saw him LOL! He slept until noon, and spent his evenings at PI or EMH at a theme park. He met us for dinner a couple of times...

Anne

 

[EeyoreFan1]

I personally would let them, but I would maybe walk in with them and let the waiters know. If they are responsible teens, then I say have at it!

 

[Amyrlin]

They souund like they are sensible as you would let then do it at home, so go for it, you won't be far away and they can contact you.