Disney Parks & News: Disney Changes Admissions Policy; Universal Speeds Ahead on Construction

I was 9 years old in 1952 and lived in Wichita with my parents. My three buddies and I went swimming at Municipal Pool, went to Joyland Amusement Park on the other side of town, and movies. I went to the YMCA for swimming lessons. All of us used the bus for transportation. None of us were ever, that I know of, approached by a pervert or any of that type. Were there any of them "out there"? Probably so - would they have tried to approach us on the bus or other public place - probably not. Why? Because everyone within seeing or hearing distance would have come to our rescue and pounded the dickens out of them. I do believe times, moral values, and willingness to help another human being in need have indeed changed.

We took our kids and 10 of their friends to Six Flags when we lived in Atlanta. They were 13/14 and were there all day. Would I do that today? NO.

God! Don't people read anything before posting.

You pay an adult ticket because you ride adult rides, not the age you are. You don't get to drink beer in the park just because you purchased an adult ticket either.

It is a shame that the majority of kids have to "suffer" because the actions of the minority.

Everyone that goes to disney can attest to the tour groups of kids that run amok and spoil the event for families or adults traveling by themselves. Groups of kids can develop a 'mob" mentality and behave to the least common denominator I wish Tour groups were required to have more adult supervision also. But these kids stay on property and create a higher revenue stream so Disney is reluctant to clamp down

Disney doesn't actually care if kids run around the park without a parent. They know full well that the families will just split up once in the park. The parents won't want to go every time their kids do anyway. Disney's just trying squeeze as much as they can out people. "Hey, we''ll make the parents buy passes as well, then they'll hardly use them. It's just free money!"

Those of us that fly for hours to get to Disney for a very expensive vacation should not have to endure unsupervised children that should be in a day care anyway. Maybe the lines won't be so long now. Yippee! I'm for sure planning our next vacation to Disney with this wonderful new rule.

I think that age limit is a good one. We have a Busch Gardens and Water Country here in Virginia, but I wouldn't just drop my son off and leave him there all day without any supervision (he's 13). The age when we were allowed to do that was at 16. Now, when we were teenagers, we were allowed to bring a friend or two and go around the park on our own (13 years old or so), but our parents (or responsible adults) were there in the park with us. We just had a specific meeting place and time we had to stick to or we had to separate (this was before cell phones, so now when we go with my son, we do have a specific spot to check into, but if there will be any delays or anything, we all have our cell phones to keep that contact). After we turned 16, we were able to go on our own. I don't agree with parents making it like a daycare, but dropping kids off in the summer when they're off from school while you're at work sure beats them playing video games and being inside all day. However, on the flip side, it's the group of kids who ruin it for any group of teenagers to go and have a good time. IF the kids know how to behave and be respectful, then I think it's perfectly fine. And I like the 14 year old minimum requirement. I do think that's a fair age.

Just a few points of clarification:

The rule on admission age without someone 14 or older is based on maturity level and age of consent for medical treatment without parental approval.

Ticket prices -- child and adult -- are based on the rides available to the guest.

Oh, and minimum age for military service is 18 without parental consent and 17 with parental consent. So, that does not even belong in this discussion.

We are going to Disney in May with extended family. We have three boys 17, 16 and 13. Cousins include 4 more boys 21, 18, 16 and 15. Does this mean Disney is telling me my 13yo cannot enter the park with his brothers and many cousins? So Disney is essentially telling me that my older sons are not responsible enough to watch their younger brother?

As a mother of a very well behaved 13 yr old who would be fine on his own in any situation. However, he is still too young to be left alone unaccompanied. First of all are there more child abductions or do we just know about more, does it matter if your child is taken e taken. I could not live with that if I could have done something to stop it, like be with my child to make him less likely a target. Second as a parent I do not want to have to deal with kids that are out of control because they are away from their parents. Of course hey could be with their parents who seem not to care. My parents would not let me go to an amusement park by myself until I got out of High school. I was able to go with friends when I was 16. I am a 50 yr old so I was raised when it was fine to let a 4 yr old go down the street to play. You let the yr old walk to the birthday party 2 blocks away. My parents went to the party with me then left and came back to get me. I was allowed to go play at a friends house when I was 4 but my mom watched me till I got there. We give kids too much freedom. I am not a helicopter mom but I am not a leave alone one either. My son is none the worse for it. He would on his own want us to be together at parks and other places. He goes to school functions on his own but from time to time he wants us to go too. Disney should have done this years ago. Thanks Disney.

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It's fine. If you don't like the rules go elsewhere. Disney has a right to do this for whatever reason.

Having just returned from WDW, I'm adding my two cents. Disney should have a junior rate for kids 11-13 or have the kids' rate up to 13. You shouldn't charge a person an adult rate but say they aren't adult enough to tour a theme park without an adult.

I think the helicopter parents need to allow their children some freedom to make decisions on their own and that includes how to behave and manage a theme park without a parent. How are they going to behave in the world when they really are adults without mama standing by? To say a child that can drive and have a job can't go to a theme park alone is ridiculous. (Many commenters here, not Disney are saying that.)

The dangers keep getting reiterated here. And yes there are dangers in the form of predators. Many seem to keep wanting to overlook the bad behavior of the children in question (not all). Of course, the people who don't want to admit that some children (not all) aren't responsible enough to handle such a privilege (not a right) are probably the adults who were never taught themselves to be responsible. Many (not all) of the so-called adults had their children when these adults (not all) were just children themselves. And, so the sense of entitlement was inherited and has been passed on for another generation. I do not think 14 is an unreasonable age. And as for ticket prices and meal tickets reflecting the change that presents yet another problem. Disney provides meal ticket specials. The children's meal program allows children's choices, but these children get to a certain age and they want to order off the adult menu. Their parents think they should be allowed to have an adult meal. Adult entrees are more expensive than chicken nuggets, macaroni & cheese, pizza and hot dogs. Again the problem comes in with the parents (not all) who weren't raised to follow guidelines. And the adults who weren't raised to be responsible (not all) will not like the things I have said. Disney's rules and regulations have kept these theme parks in excellent condition for years. Other theme parks have closed because they didn't want to create rules that would "offend" irresponsible people. Well, if irresponsible people are offended let them stay away. Preserve the good clean atmosphere that Walt Disney created for generations to enjoy.

I think its only appropriate that Disneyland would follow the law. No child under the age of fourteen should be left unattended. Anywhere! So I am all for it...there are too many predators around to allow otherwise. Yay for Disney!

My "kids" are 37 and 41 and we have never split up in any amusement park. We went there for family time and we enjoyed it together. Now these "kids" have our grandchildren and we all go around and ride the rides together. I admit, as grandma, I now sit out the upside down, twisty turny rides but I still love to see their faces as they zoom by. I can't imagine going together and then running off in all directions.

Before moving to Florida we went annually to Disney. When my son turned 15, I gave him freedom to enjoy the parks without having to spend it under our total supervision. He always had a friend with him the same age. The only requirement was for him to text me every hr to let me know where they were and that they were ok. It worked great for all of us and we never had a problem.

Everyone who is complaining about being old enough to go to war but not get into Disney without parents, read the article again. It says under 14 will need a parent. Are we now sending children under 14 to war? Read carefully before sayings ignorant comments. Unfortunately there are a lot of unruly children that should be supervised wherever they go. I also hope that all parents are concerned for their children's safety. Something you should want all companies to take seriously regardless of price.

Props to Disney. I would never let my children wonder any Park let alone one the size of Disney without me there, and I always wonder when I do see this what is the though process of the Parents. So its obvious the thought process is non existent and Disney has made the decision to think for the Parents. Bravo.

The link to "reasons for the change" mention that back in the day some parents who lived in the area would buy year round passes and then use the park as a vast day care center, with their kiddies running around unsupervised all day. I remember that, and I couldent help thinking to myself how many young children there were in the park that seemed to be by themselves. I guess Disneyland got tired of being a babysitter, and i dont blame them.

I've been going to WDW in Orlando since we first took our daughter there around 1982. It was, and still is, a wonderful place. (We have a few relatives in Central Florida, too.) Granted, over the years, there've been many changes. WDW greatly expanded with additions, seasonal crowds, and, yes, unfortunately, some people who go there with the attitude that "social skills" can be left at home. I've never really been disappointed there after a dozen visits. If nothing else, it's never boring. Although the prices are high and should be a factor in planning a visit, I still believe the benefits (entertainment, recreation, exercise (walking???), informal but nonetheless effective educational opportunities) make it worth the trip. Now that I'm older and no longer go on many "rides", I still enjoy the experience. When it's part of a larger "vacation" scheme, there's always ample opportunity for "downtime" R&R. WDW doesn't necessarily have to be "the whole enchilada". The area (Orlando) is chock full of "destinations" and other things to see and do. I still look forward to our next visit, in a year or so.

I'm not sure where I stand on the "accompanied child" rules, yet. I do feel, very strongly, that anyone who is legally entitled to vote, and certainly, old enough to serve in the military (whether he/she does or not), is in no way a "child". As far as I know, at the age of 18, a person is legally an adult. If Disney insists that an adult must accompany a child at the admissions gate, there should be an adjustment in the price for that adult. (But, then, Disney has never asked for my advice or opinion on that matter and, since they're a business, they can make whatever policies they want. As a consumer, I have my own spending "policies" that guide my decisions and plans. "Nuff said."

The first time I went to Disneyland without a parent... Wait... I only went once with a parent!! The rest of the time I went with friends!! I think my first time was around age 10 or 11. My friend and I went every year for our birthdays til I was 14. Our parents would drop us off at the front in the morning and pick us up after the fireworks, around 9:45-10:00 pm. We were not nuisances to the cast members, and we knew how to behave. Call it what you will, but I put the blame on parents for children who are unruly and completely disrespectful. Yes, it's true there are parents out there who just let their kids do whatever.... I was lucky to have pants who instilled manners, morals and values into me. I at 14, my 8th grade class went with a few teachers as chaperones. Again, we knew how to act, and also that misbehavior had consequences. As an adult, I was lucky enough to land a job as a cast member in the merchandising dept. the best time I ever had at Disneyland was working on Grad Nights for senior classes!!! Those kids (ok they were 17-18 yrs old young adults) helped to show me that Disneyland truly is the happiest place on earth !!

I agree that if the Disney "suits" are imposing this new rule about what age a child can be unaccompanied, then Disney should go back to when the child rate included children under age 10, but raise it to include children under age 14. Why make children pay adult prices when they're just children? Disneyland is so expensive now... $100 to walk in the door, $15 to park, and average of $12-$15 per person per meal inside the park?? Easily a $2500-$3000 trip for a family of 4.

I'm not looking to anger anyone and I'm not looking for rude comments about how you view what I said. This forum is full of people and their opinions and thoughts. We, as adults, should be able to read something a person ( a stranger at that) writes and if we disagree, simply move on or simply state "I disagree with your views". If we can't do this, as adults, then we are no better than those we are judging against. We should not "bash" others who say something that differs from our own opinions. After all, where do you think children learn it from?

I totally agree with the rule, and even 14 is a little young, I think. If I'm paying $2500 plus meals for a family vacation, I don't want to deal with someone else's misbehaving and entitled children. Most kids will be very well behaved on their own, but it only takes a handful to abuse the freedom and ruin the privilege for everyone.

Aside from that, heatstroke and sprained ankles can land a kid in the medical services area pretty quickly. It would take over an hour for a parent to arrive who isn't already in the park. In the meantime, there is very little that the emergency workers can do for your child until you arrive. Why would any decent parent risk that??

Even as mature as my 10 year old daughter is, I would not allow her to go the parks alone under the age of 14. That said, I think Disney should align its ticket and dining plan pricing to this new policy. Perhaps a "Junior" price - somewhere in between child and adult? Not sure, but didn't they have such a thing in the past?

This rule is not about your brats SAFETY it is about the kids who ANNOY everyone else!! To use any business as a babysitter is not fair to ANYONE!! The rule should state, if you live with in 100 miles of the park you can only come in if accompanied by your own parent! For every parent that is worried about little Susie getting abducted/abused there are 10 who let their kids run free/ wild in parks/malls/pools. The rest of us get to suffer t through their poor behavior!! A venue may not be able to "transport" miner but I am pretty sure an ambulance can haul anyone--the question is who will pay for the ride!! Possibly the rule should be if anyone is observed by an attendant or guest being rude they will be immediately removed from the park. Someone needs to save the rest of us from poor parenting!!

When visiting Disneyland in the 60's at 11 years old, my 7 year old sister and I would walk over to the park in the morning from our motel. I was a very responsible kid and we would ride rides and have breakfast. We would then walk back to the motel around noon to meet up with my parents.

The key word is responsible and in the 60's. The world is simply not safe now and many more children are bratty entitled know it alls who live to annoy. Always the minority who ruins it for the majority.

M.Steels I agree with you about it not being safe back then as well i am sure the girls in Cleveland that were just found would not think it was so safe yrs ago as well...it can happen to anyone at any time..I don't leave any of mine alone to take the chance...they are to pressious for that!!!...How would you ever forgive yourself if something were to happen to them or even one of their friends...now of days i even make them go to the bathroom in sets of 2 or 3.. just to know they are safe...call me paranoied i dont care i know they are safe!!!

Did they forget to mention they are raising the ticket price to 92 dollars?

I went to Scary Knotts Farm freshman-sophomore year at my high school, at night. Once we arrived all the adults that did come let us on our merry way. All they said was, "Be back here before 10 or you'll be left behind."

I think the new rule is for the best, it's better to be safe than sorry.

They should charge more money for admission and t-shirts. The parks need to a profit just like any other business. If you don't like the prices, don't go. But complaining here won't change anything

As I remember, my daughter and her friend were allowed to catch the bus to the rope drop at MGM when she was 15. She had a cell phone and we were to meet and join them at 11AM. It was a big thing to her to be about to be alone in Disney. As part of her reward for being Validictorian she and four of her friends flew out of Indy for a five day stay after high school graduation.

They failed to mention that the also raised ticket prices last month to over $90 an adult ticket.

So much for every child getting to visit the so called happiest place on earth

Just returned from Orlando four days ago, but if a kid younger than 14 is in the park and gets hurt, it would take parents over an hour just to get them and help them out. Even with EMTs, that's a long time to wait as a child with a broken ankle or something. I am a teacher and I like the new rule. Disney Cast members need to be able to serve joyfully, not babysit kids that are too rowdy or be pulled away by medical emergencies with no parents to help.

My mother used to let my friends and I go off on our own in theme parks. We'd meet up with her every 2 hours and all was well, HOWEVER....that was in and about 1990-1996, the world seemed a whole lot safer then. There was no fear of leaving your kids like there is today. So sad.

no child should left alone in any park.