Disney World Mom’s Panelist Erin Foster explores a question I’ve been considering a lot myself. How much independence can your give your children when you’re at Walt Disney World.
When children are small, splitting up is not an option; you know can’t send a four-year-old to explore Tomorrowland on his own. And when you’ve got high school seniors, you may be grateful that they want to conquer the Tower of Terror without you. But what do you do in the intermediate years? How do you know when it’s OK to give your child some time alone at your hotel or in the theme parks?
Turns out Disney does have some official guidance. The general rule is that children under the age of 7 need to be accompanied by an adult. But that rule varies at water parks and on certain attractions.
More, including how to know when your child is ready, over at TouringPlans.com.
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The general rule is that children under the age of 7 need to be accompanied by an adult. But that rule varies at water parks and on certain attractions.>>>
As a cast member, the rule I must follow is that a child under 7 must be accompanied by an adult, period. I can’t speak for the water parks, but as far as I know, that rule applies everywhere. It certainly applies on *all* attractions in the four theme parks.
I can’t speak for Disney personally, but I believe the reason that rule is not as widely publicized is because we get many parents who lie about their children’s ages just so they don’t have to ride a ride with them. I can understand not wanting to ride the Tea Cups because you get dizzy, but your 3 year old needs an adult with them.
Agreed
My kids are 8, 7, and 2. We just got home from Silver dollar city. I think in these kinds of crowds a little freedom is ok, but not sure I would just let them roam by themselves. We did go into the gulch area at SDC where there is only one way in and out, And we sat toward the front of the area, and just let them go. The toddler was asleep so we had three 7 and 8 year olds in there. They did great, but would I let them just go through the whole park and meet back….ummm no way. I went to Disney for the first time when I was 8, I would have been terrified to be alone there.
Steff
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Last year we allowed our 11&12 yr olds to go off to rides on their own however, we were in the same park with them and they had cellphones. Next year they’ll be 13&14 when we go. I told them I would allow them to take the buses and go to the parks on their own. My youngest will only be 6. I don’t see myself letting him go off on his own for quite a while yet.
It depends on you and your child as to what you allow them to go do on their own. I am totally comfortable with how secure Disney is and the presence of cast members that can assist the kids if necessary.
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