CONFIRMED! Disney changes admission policies for teens and tweens.

[micromind]

Perhaps DL management has gotten the idea that DL is becoming a hangout rather than a destination resort and doesn't want it to become another Magic Mountain?

I think this is a good idea. It's easy to believe that with APs being what they are, DL has indeed become somewhat of a babysitting service.

True enough, patents can still take their kids to DL and leave, but the inconvenience of having to park, walk or take the trams to DL, wait in line to get in, etc. has very likely made it no longer feasible.

I don't often agree with the corporate decisions made by TDC, but this one makes a lot of sense.

[skratch addict]

Perhaps DL management has gotten the idea that DL is becoming a hangout rather than a destination resort and doesn't want it to become another Magic Mountain?

Thats a good way to look at it.

[RosevilleDisfan]

When I was a kid, during summer vacation, my Mom would drop my sister and I at the community pool. We were probably no more than 7 or 8 at the time. Any idea we may have had to act like idiots was strongly deterred by the thought that we would not be able to go again. We were always on our best behavior at these times and were told not leave the confines of the pool until she came and got us. But not all kids or parents are the same and I can see how Disney would want to prohibit things like that. Of course back then when we misbehaved there were consequences. Now, many parents choose to defend their kids and blame others for their kids bad behavior.

[Poisonedapples]

ah ha! Orange county regiser is reporting now this new change...

Because most children under 14 do not have government-issued identification cards, the policy won't be enforced by ID checking. Employees will approach those who look young, and if the children are under 14, they will contact a parent or guardian.

Disney to impose age policy at theme parks | policy, children, age - News - The Orange County Register

and not just Disneyland, WDW is doing this also...

NBC reporting also Disney Parks Change Minimum Age Rule, Requires Children Under 14 to Have Supervision | NBC Southern California

[KiMcHeEfOrLiFe]

ah ha! Orange county regiser is reporting now this new change...



Disney to impose age policy at theme parks | policy, children, age - News - The Orange County Register

and not just Disneyland, WDW is doing this also...

NBC reporting also Disney Parks Change Minimum Age Rule, Requires Children Under 14 to Have Supervision | NBC Southern California

Yeah, I can also confirm this is popping up on news site. I just read it on CBS and was going to post it here, but Poisonedapples beat me to it.

[Nephythys]

So- a herd of unattended 14 year olds can still run amok should they choose- right?

[Poisonedapples]

Yeah, I can also confirm this is popping up on news site. I just read it on CBS and was going to post it here, but Poisonedapples beat me to it.

i am just quick like that!

umm i am not sure 14 yr olds can run amok anymore now..

[alphabassetgrrl]

Hoping, I guess, that parents have given them some good sense by that age, and that they *won't* run amok.

[Poisonedapples]

Hoping, I guess, that parents have given them some good sense by that age, and that they *won't* run amok.

true. but some people's parenting is different then the next persons... but now i'd like to see the reports on this new change as it is making parents angry? or making family trips a bit more complicated cause the kids can't go off on their own? etc

[DrFink]

The trick is going to be if a group of younger kids (14 and under) are escorted into the park by an adult but then left unattended for the day. Unless CM's are going to approach children and ask where their parents are, that is a major flaw in this new rule. There is nothing stopping a parent or guardian from entering the park with their kids and then turning around and leaving after 20min leaving the kids inside the park for however long they want to be there.

The only thing they can do is make special wristbands for 14 and under kids, or something.

[pinkertonfloyd]

I thought the adult pass prices start at 10 already?

I said "from" 10... but my point is that would make it a lot easier for the age to be checked...

[stitchfanocala]

With today's society, this doesn't surprise me. But I'm also with the consensus around here, its not a bad idea either.

[BoygunaSurf]

At first I was going to be crotchety old 20-something guy and be excited by this, but thought better of it. If I were a 14, 15, 16 year old dude, my parents were hanging back at the hotel for a bit for an afternoon, early evening nap, and I wanted to get a head start, I couldn't? Maybe I didn't read the fine print, but if that is the deal, that is unfortunate.

[Diznygrl]

^^^If you are 14, 15, or 16 you can. This new rule only applies to children aged 13 and under.

[ILVDL]

I dunno, maybe the age would have been better starting at 13? I've seen lots of posts talking about 13 year olds alone, myself included back in the 80's.

That being said, I'm curious if the "ride alone" age is still 7 and older? My 7 year old was ecstactic last trip because he was able to ride Screamin' alone when no one else wanted to ride with him. Now, I would never let him wander around DCA or DL at 7.5 alone, maybe say 10, but for now he and my 16 year old seperate for a few hours when they get bored with what mom and dad want to do.

Hmmm...I'll have to call tomorrow and ask age restriction to ride alone without an adult. But it has been 7. And even at that we waited outside the exit of Screamin' and when it seemed he was taking a little too long I started to panic. Not that someone would steal him but more of the fact he would get lost in the sea of people.