How old for kids to go on their own. About This Page:

[teacher1]

Just wondering how old some of you let your kids do the park and/or use transportation on their own? My son will be 15 and I thought I might let him and his 11 year old brother go on their own some. He is also not an early riser. I thought about leaving him and letting Disney transportation take him to the park to meet us. We will have cell phones to communicate with.

[krisk11]

If you feel he is responsible enough then I really don't see why you couldn't just have him meet up with you at whatever park your in. It seemed like a safe place and while my dd is only 11 and still too young I think I would let her at 15 do a few things on her own.

[Aimee W]

my daughter is 11 and I wouldn't but I might them go to the arcade together when I can still see them! My son is 7!!

15 maybe try it for an hour and see how they did!

[Stripes]

I have 1 son who's 10, so I can't give you actual BTDT advice but IMO, make your decision based on how the kids behave at home.

Do they obey curfew, stay out of trouble at school, will the younger listen to the 15yo and take direction from him without a fight? If they demonstrate responsibility at home then some more freedom is a good follow-up to that. [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/082502yes_prv.gif[/img] Maybe start with some time in the arcade at your resort and see how it goes, then work up to meeting you in the parks. I would tell them they have to stay together, make sure they have the cell and are familiar with the transportation systems and park layouts.

I wouldn't be comfortable with seperate rooms yet as there is no guarentee of an adjoining room.

Hope that helps some.........

[Shell_of_the_South]

I have 3 teens, and I let them tour the park on their own (but not alone, they have to be together). We've left them at the hotel while we went to the parks, and I felt fine with that. The oldest is 17, I'd probably let him use Disney transportation on his own. The younger two - I'm not sure I'd feel as comfortable. I'd probably go back to the hotel and meet them. But that is just me.

[wdwlovers]

I agree, it depends on how responsible you think your kids are and how they might fare. I like the suggestion of trying it for an hour and seeing how it goes. Maybe let them have an hour or two in the same park as you then meet up again as a trial run.

[Happymommy]

I would definitely let them do an hour or so, and if it goes well I'd be ok.

[ilovedisney0_0]

Well, I am overprotective I guess, but I think 15 is too young. My DD is 14 yo, and although she is extremely responsible, I am always really afraid of what other people will do. I am sure there are child molesters wandering around at WDW, too. I don't mean to freak you out, but I might wait until they are a little older...maybe 17 or 18. JMO! [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img]

[JennyK]

I grew up in a town with a large amusement park. I started working there at 16 and had friends who started as young as 14. The first time I went there without parents' supervision was when I was 12.

I'm not sure I'd let my kids loose at 12, but at 15 and 11 if they get along well enough and will stay together why not let them seek out attractions on their own or meet you at the park later on? Chances are that if you're considering it you already trust your boys to be on their own sometimes.

[eff051102]

IMHO I would try it out in a park first. All of you arrive at the park together and make a meeting place for say 2 hours later for lunch. Tell them to keep the cell phone on and they have to stay together or no go and they have to stay in the same park as you.

If that works then gradually work up to the sleeping in and meeting you in a park at a certain time and place.

Then the next time you go...you will feel better about them touring alone and you will know that they can do it.

I would say though that for me, 15 y.o. would be my minimum age and that the 11 y.o. would have to stay with the older one to do it. If the kids don't get along I wouldn't do it. Them touring on their own should be a sign of responsibility and you could use the, "if you act up then the answer will be no" card.

[tndisneyfam]

[ QUOTE ]
Well, I am overprotective I guess, but I think 15 is too young. My DD is 14 yo, and although she is extremely responsible, I am always really afraid of what other people will do. I am sure there are child molesters wandering around at WDW, too. I don't mean to freak you out, but I might wait until they are a little older...maybe 17 or 18. JMO! [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img]

[/ QUOTE ]


I share the same opinion. If it was my children, I would let them run around the park without me when they were 17 or 18, but I would be at the same park. I worry too about what other people would do.

[rourkesmom]

Depends on the kids, definitely. I've traveled with high school students to Europe and there is always free time to explore. Sixteen is definitely old enough (after all,in a lot of places, they can drive anywhere they want at 16). An 11 year old is a different story but as long as they stay together they should be fine. Especially with cell phones to check in!

My kids have had separate rooms. Now they are 16, 14, and 11. Disney does their best to have their room as close to yours as possible. Last time(5yrs ago), we stayed in WL and had separate rooms. I was leary at first but they did ok.

On the other hand, my kids have skiied alone for at least 2 years. The oldest by himself and the younger two together. They had to have a walkie talkie and check in with me at designated times. (I was in the lodge by the fire!)

They'll never learn if you don't try. At 16 now, you only have 1-2 more years of high school and then at lot of times they're off on their own at college. Try it.

[Teresa]

I've got older and younger kids. I let my 13 and 8 yr olds go off on their own in the parks. The older kids were 14 when I started letting them negotiate the WDW transport.
As long as they have an understanding of how to get to where they need to, and the amount of time it takes (give it an hour!), then I'd do it without thought!

[LuvMinnie]

I too think it's a bit young. Also, being responsible for his 11 year old brother may be too much. They are still young & easily distracted. (14 & 18 will be much better) I'd let them get in line for a 2nd/3rd ride as I rest on a bench eating a Mickey Bar & people watching, but that's about it.
As others have stated...they could do fine, but who is watching & waiting?
Today is not like when many of us grew up...sad but true.

[DrDolphin]

My parents let me go - with requirements - at 14 in WDW with my 13 year old cousin. MK and EPCOT were the only parks. We had to meet the parents at certain times and in certain places. As long as we did not screw it up - we were ok to have some freedom. I think that it has to be based on your son's maturity.