Originally Posted By rainbowmama At long last, I'm returning to DL in June with my 3 kids--girls 14 & 13 and a 7-year old boy (yea!). The Unofficial Guide says it is safe to let teens wander on their own. This would make my girls VERY happy as they certainly will be interested in different rides/shows than my son. I'm wondering if you all agree? It makes me anxious to think about it but they are very responsible and would likely do okay plus have cell phones so we could stay in contact. I just worry about safety. I'd also welcome any other tips you have on making the trip special for teens. We had a fabulous time about 5 years ago but were spoiled by no crowds in October! My son wasn't with us yet so having a little brother along will also make things more challenging. Thanks for any thoughts, ideas & suggestions!
Originally Posted By gottaluvdavillains Yes as long as the girls stay together it's fine to let them go off together. Our rule was the kids had to call at certain times to check in... and they were not allowed to leave a park (like go to DL from DCA) without calling and actually talking to us first.
Originally Posted By A Happy Haunt We always dumped our parents at WDW, we were 10 (me) & 13(older sis). This was way before cell phones & pagers. We had a watch. I'm pretty sure that there is no record of child abduction at a Disney Theme Park. Never heard if there was.
Originally Posted By MOLLYSMOM My DD is 14. She's allowed to do her own thing at the park if she wants. We keep in touch by cel phones, and let each other know where we will be. She knows her way around the park as well as any.
Originally Posted By rainbowmama Okay....this makes sense and it sure will make my DDs happy but I'll just need some time to get comfortable with the idea. Happy Haunt...I'm still getting used to the idea that my kids might want to "dump" me anywhere (especially someplace as wonderful as DL!). I miss the days when they thought I was totally terrific <whine>. At least I've got my son who likes to hang out with me (at least this week!).
Originally Posted By gottaluvdavillains Ohh Honey - they will find you when they are hungry... or out of money! =)
Originally Posted By rainbowmama Oops...I was so anxious reading your posts that I forgot to say "thanks" for your thoughts! I hadn't thought about moving from DL & DCA so really appreciate the hints!
Originally Posted By 999HAUNTS Can I give one piece of advise from one mom to another??? Only if you are on a budget, that is. Give them a Disney gift card each! That way they are not nickel and diming you to death the whole trip. Just decide ahead of time what each teen's spending limit is and give it to them on a gift card. Once it's gone, that's it.
Originally Posted By ncnike7 My mom could win an award for most paranoid mother in the world, but she did let us roam the parks alone as teenagers and needless to say we are still alive and well. We had a meeting place (Walt and Mickey) and met at speicifc times throughout the day (pre-cell phones).Just don't get too scared (as my mom did) if your kids are a bit late (a couple hours) to meet or call. Rides break down, cute guys can distract...
Originally Posted By rainbowmama You guys are too funny! So, I'm willing to buy that DL is safe for my DDs to roam on their own a bit but I don't think I'll ever be okay with them being a couple hours late! I'm an old Mom and my heart can only take so much! Still..I'll keep working on it 'cause I don't want my kids calling me paranoid on LP 10 years from now!! LOL! Disney gift card is a great idea--thanks. Love the idea about drinking at DCA--does this mean I can let my DS (7) roam, too?? Ah, well..one can dream...
Originally Posted By gottaluvdavillains Yes you can.. They sell Rita's and Beer for walking around with... ohh and wine too. I think the gift card is a good idea too - but Disney Dollars might be good too. I would give them an allowance for each day - you don't want them to use all the money the first day. If we are meeting for meals I give my kids $20 each day for snacking. Once it's gone - It's gone.
