Ok for a 19 and 15 year old to go alone?

[Budgie_Boo]

I didn't know where to post this, but I was just wondering if you think it'd be alright to take my cousin who's 15 with me to Disney World. I'm 19 and very responsible and I've been there this past year. I took my mom and my sister with me but I really want to take my cousin because she is a Disney fanatic and I know she really wants to go, but her family can't afford to go. We live in Canada and it takes about 7 hours to get to Florida. My mom and aunt are okay with it because of the buses taking us everywhere but are kind of worried about us getting there on the flights down. This past year if my mom and my sister didn't have me they would have been totally lost! Anyways, I'm just asking for your opinions about whether you think it's totally safe. I know Disney felt very safe to me. Any opinions thanks!

 

[kstella]

I would have no problem letting my 14 year old go with a 19 year old cousin as long as the 19 year old has proven themself mature enough to handle the responsibility. How nice of you to want to share the Disney experience with her.

Will Disney rent a hotel room to someone under 21?

 

[Rob562]

Will Disney rent a hotel room to someone under 21?

Minimum age at Disney hotels is 18.

A suggestion to the OP, if you do go ahead with the trip, make sure the parent of the younger cousin gives you a signed letter stating that you are the guardian on the trip, etc. It would make things smoother if there were a medical or other problem while on the trip and their parents weren't right there.
(My parents did something similar when I stayed with neighbors for 10 days while they took an anniversary vacation to Europe when I was 11 or 12)

-Rob

 

[Bug715]

If your parents are worried about you all flying down by yourselves try to get a direct flight or one with the least amount of stops. I always call my mom before I get on the flight and call her when I get off so she knows where I am. If you helped your mom and sister find where to go you should be fine getting around.

 

[bgraham34]

If you are trustworthy and your parents agree I don't see an issue. But you will definately need a note saying you are the guardian.

 

[jjgoo]

Of course nobody can tell how responsible you are from seeing you post on the boards (welcome aboard by the way!). However you seem to have it together and you already said your mom and aunt feel like you are responsible.

I take it you have been on planes flights before, so you know what it is like to have to go through security and get to the correct gate. That doesn't change just because your parents are not with you. If your cousin is not familiar you can lead her through.

Familiarize yourself with the route you are taking and print out maps of the airports you will be in. Have a plan with your cousin of where you will meet if you get separated, make sure you both have cell phones or short distance two way radios, you should each have some emergency cash on you and a plan on what to do and who to call if you have any problems. I would suggest using a travel agent for all your bookings, that way you have someone to help if you have any problems.

If you have all those plans and precautions in place I don't see any reason why your mom and aunt should worry at all. Younger people travel alone all the time with no problem. And you are going to Walt Disney World not some war torn dangerous place.

Go for it and have fun!!!:sohappy:

 

[Tinkerbella16]

I think it would be fine, if yours and her parents are comfortable with you both going together. My sister and I went to wdw together 3 years ago, just us two...at the time I was 19, and she was 22, and my mom was still a worried about us doing the plane thing by ourselves and all. I have flown by myself to Michigan when I was 18 on a 1-stop flight and my mom didnt like it, but everything was fine, and I knew what to do. I think it would be safe for the two of you, especially if you are using disney transportation and DME.

 

[daliseurat]

Most likely you'll be fine, if your parents are fine with it. I would however check with the airlines, busses, and the hotel to make sure. You might need some documentation as guardian. But, a lot of underage kids do go with chaperones on school trips, so it certainly not unprecedented! Enjoy!

 

[UberPlannerMom]

I started flying alone at the age of three so to me there shouldn't be any worry about the flights. Just stick together. That way if anything happens you have eachother.

 

[Eyorefan]

My daughter flew from Texas to Hawaii by herself this summer and she's 9.

Honestly, As long as you are both mature, responsible and know how to read maps, signs or ask for directions, I don't see why it would be a problem for you two to go on your own.

 

[Philo]

My Brother is 9 years younger than me and I know that a the age of 19 my Mum would be fine with me taking him away for a while even though he was only 10 - however, I would expect to get A LOT of calls to make sure we're ok.

As long as your both responsible then I don't see a problem

 

[figmentmom]

If both sets of parents are fine with this, then I say go for it! Like others have already said, make sure you have a letter stating that you are the temporary guardian for the duration of the trip in case of medical emergency, but otherwise, you should be fine. :wave:

 

[slappy magoo]

The biggest question as far as I'm concerned is: Will your 15-year-old cousin "respect your authoritah?" Will she acknowledge that you are the adult in charge of this trip and follow your lead AT ALL TIMES? Or, if there's any bit of friction/tension, will she split from you, ignore you, cause problems or scenes? If she meets a boy who rocks her world, will she try to blow you off to be with him? (And on the flip-flop, are you sure nothing or no one's going to turn YOUR head & make you shirk your responsibilities?) You need to think of those worst-case scenarios, discuss them with your cousin & families. Even the best-behaved teen can lose it a little when the usual authority figures are a country away. If your cousin has her head on straighter than that, go & have fun. But seriously ponder the above first. Assume things could go very very wrong & think about how you'll both behave in that situation. I have nieces of various ages, some I trust far more than others, and sometimes the younger ones are more trustworthy. When my sister & I were younger, she was the one who would invariably throw parties when the folks were away, & I was cleanup crew & alibi-establisher, though I was 18 months younger. Ponder. You know you & your cousin better than we do; you'll know what you each can handle.