Is a Disney Trip for 6Th Graders Appropriate Without Supervision?

I'm really shocked that a school would consider this, given all the liability issues. I can't believe the school system policy would allow it. And Disney has its own rules anyway. No way they're going to allow kids to roam around at age 11-12. Disney is very safety-conscious and that's why they have these guidelines.

It makes sense to break them up into smaller groups with one chaperone, and give each group the power to make its own decisions about which attractions to visit. They're old enough for that, certainly.

I think you should take whatever flyers or descriptive info you received from the class teacher or trip coordinator, and run it by the principal or the district office for clarification.

I am in agreement. I would think this sort of thing would still have smaller groups with an adult tagging along.

If the parents want to come and supervise their kids can they go? I would think that is the only way this would happen.

I say yes. We went to Magic Mountain (Ca) as a class trip 7th grade (first year of Jr.High 12-13 year olds), we roamed free with friends, just had to meet back for the bus. It was easy. We all handled it. Met for lunch. We had a blast!~ Sounds fun!

From the Disney site:
https://disneyland.disney.go.com/park-rules/

"f. Please supervise your children at all times. Guests under age 14 must be accompanied by a Guest age 14 or older to enter the park. To board an attraction, children under age 7 must be accompanied by a person age 14 years or older."

With that in mind. I don't think letting a classroom of 12 year old loose with no supervision at the parks is a good idea and it doesn't sound like what the parks themselves have in mind either. We've been long time pass holders and I wouldn't consider letting my child loose by themselves at that age. Around 16 is when I would consider it. They need to have the maturity to not drive all the other guests crazy, to behave and sit down for extended periods of time if an attraction goes down while they are on it, to navigate large crushing crowds. I don't think this trip is a good idea.

Really shocked a school would sponsor a trip without chaperones for each group of kids. 8th graders roaming around, yes. 6th graders, no.

To everyone saying it's Disney, what could happen? That's what the parents of the child killed by the alligator thought. Things can happen and its nice to have a set a mature eyes watching from the background. I'm guessing your son would be fine having been there so often but I know some 6 th graders that I would NEVER let roam free there.

What do other parents of the class think?

Is the park closed to the public on the day they will be attending? That would be the question I would ask.

Why are they doing this trip? Is there some significance behind it? Like a reward or just because?

Does the park even allow this? I checked the website and it said that children under 14 must be accompanied by an adult.

https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/faq/parks/minimum-age/

It's Disney, what exactly are you concerned about? They have crazy good security.
I feel like today's kids are coddled way more than they were when I was a kid. At 12 I was rarely supervised after school, walked home alone, had regular babysitting jobs, etc. I went to dance class and 4 H meetings on my own too. My mom only came if there was a performance or competition.
We walked around the fair on our own every summer too and that was a LOT more sketchy and dangerous than Disney!

What are your expectations as far as a chaperone? A chaperone with your child one on one, small group?? Maybe you could volunteer to chaperone if it nKed you feel better.

You're talking about 12 yr olds. A lot depends on the maturity of the 12 year old.

I went on trips with groups where we had to check in at a specific time/place ( no cell phones). My daughter has been on school group trips where they check in at Specific times and places.

The only time small groups were with 1-2 chaperones was in k-5 field trips.

The only right answer is what you feel is best for your family.

I personally would not have an issue as long as I knew adults were readily available when needed.

I remember going on school field trips to Disneyland at that age and we never had to stay with an adult once we were inside the park. Make sure he has at least one friend that he will agree to staying with ALL the time, even if they wander with different groups throughout the day. Have them make a plan for if they get separated.

ETA: Our trips were always during the day, not until 11 p.m., which does make some difference. It's a different clientele at night than during the day.

My Girl Scout Troop did a trip to Six Flags when I was about that age. Yes, there were chaperone's but I think we just saw them at the beginning and end of the day. Keep in mind, also, that when I was 12, there were no cell phones. So if we got lost or separated, we had to rely on the PA system to find each other.

Does your son have a cell phone? If not, it might help you to feel better if you provide one for the day. Include the numbers of the chaperones and your phone number ... just in case. Also, give him a ziplock bag and remind him to place the phone in the bag and seal it before going on any water rides. I fried a phone on a water ride one time! That was not an inexpensive lesson!

It's fine, really! Hope he has a great day!

I would not be concerned it is forcing them to grow up. I would be concerned that packs of rowdy kids without and adult might bother other people. I think there should be one adult per group of children walking around. It's not that I don't think the kids can handle it. It's that I know that groups of 12 year old boys like my son and his friends might be super silly and obnoxious together, might be too loud in line, they might argue, might get in a silly pushing match or jostle people. They tend to be oblivious of others around them when they are in groups. I guess I would not want the kids to bother other people. I think from the 12 year olds I know as long as they have a buddy at all times and knew a time and place to meet, they would probably be fine. I would not worry about anyone getting lost...as long as they have a buddy system in place and have their adult supervisor's cell phone numbers since almost every 12 year old has a phone these days. After saying all that...I would still definitely let my 12 year old son go. I would give him a talk beforehand...to be polite and aware of others around him...to remember to eat and drink...to stick with a friend at all times...to set an alarm on his phone to reming him to meet back at the set time and to make sure his phone is fully charged by the start of the day. I think it would be a really good experience for him.

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I would not be concerned it is forcing them to grow up. I would be concerned that packs of rowdy kids without and adult might bother other people. I think there should be one adult per group of children walking around. It's not that I don't think the kids can handle it. It's that I know that groups of 12 year old boys like my son and his friends might be super silly and obnoxious together, might be too loud in line, they might argue, might get in a silly pushing match or jostle people. They tend to be oblivious of others around them when they are in groups. I guess I would not want the kids to bother other people. I think from the 12 year olds I know as long as they have a buddy at all times and knew a time and place to meet, they would probably be fine. I would not worry about anyone getting lost...as long as they have a buddy system in place and have their adult supervisor's cell phone numbers since almost every 12 year old has a phone these days. After saying all that...I would still definitely let my 12 year old son go. I would give him a talk beforehand...to be polite and aware of others around him...to remember to eat and drink...to stick with a friend at all times...to set an alarm on his phone to reming him to meet back at the set time and to make sure his phone is fully charged by the start of the day. I think it would be a really good experience for him.

I'd be complaining to the principal about this. You aren't being ridiculous or protective.

if you are going to let her go, then you should be be going as well. You should be the chaperone.

Will the chaperones take suggestions? A friend of mine recently chaperoned on a school trip to Disney. The kids were in pre-assigned groups and each group had to check in by text to their assigned adult on the hour (within 10 minutes) every 2 hours. If they missed their text check-in, they would have to check in in person. Not one group missed their text check-in, because they did not want to have to interrupt their fun to appear in person. It sounded like a good compromise to me - allowing the kids to be on their own but still an adult knew that they were ok since they were able to check in.

(ETA: Just to clarify - they are leaving the park at 11PM, or they get back at 11PM (meaning they are probably meeting to leave the park and head for the buses by 9, by the time they get to the bus, account for everyone, and actually pull out it's 10, and then the drive back)? Big difference, IMO.

I was a chaperone for the Six Flaggs Williamsburg. The kids were in the 7th and 8th grade.

They were GREAT! The park was ONLY open to the kids that did the orchestra event. Otherwise closed to the public. There were other chaperones there and other adults. They had to check in every two hours - I had to see their faces. If they didn't show up? We had the park security number and they 'rushed' the park when one kid failed to show up. she was fine, but she had left her group to go to the bathroom and lost track of time. She wasn't one in MY group (whew).

IF you feel your son can handle it? Let him go. If you don't feel he can. Say no and tell him you have a family trip planned one month before the trip.

I would ask if the park is going to be closed to the public. And what exactly the chaperones will be doing (I know I was riding the rides!)

Good luck!

I would not be thrilled, however... My daughter went in 7th grade with the Jr. Beta Club. It's been 3 years, but if I recall accurately, they were not allowed to be in a group of less than 3 kids at any time, unless they were with an adult chaperone. If they were found to be in a group smaller than 3, then the remainder of the trip they WERE with an adult at all times. They had several required check-ins, but they were not in person. It was by cell phone. If they did not have a cell phone, they were required to be accompanied by an adult chaperone.

My daughter didn't have a cell phone of her own at that time, even though most of her friends did. She took my husband's with her so she could stay in communication with the chaperones (they had required check-ins in addition to the group size mandate). They mostly stayed with an adult, though, as one of her best friend's moms was a chaperone and well liked by her daughter and friends. But, this was a group of 7th and 8th graders (12, 13 and 14 year olds). My daughter was probably one of the youngest (summer birthday), but also quite mature. And she'd been before (we went with her 2nd grade class for an overnight field trip, and had also been as a family prior to the Jr. Beta's trip).

I would question what other rules are in place (other than the check in in the middle of the day). And I would be concerned about the length of the day and how distracted and mistake prone the kids might become by the end of the day after such an early start. It's not clear what time they arrive at the park or leave the park from your post.... maybe the 5 am and 11 pm are the departure/return times from/to the school. In which case the kids might nap on the bus on the way there, and be plenty rested to last through 9 pm or whatever before departure time.
But, it's a long day to only check in the one time, in my opinion. Unless they have a 4 or more hour ride there and back, meaning that they are only actually in the park from say 9:30 until 6 pm. In which case a lunch check in makes more sense. Surely they are not leaving before the fireworks though... are they?

Can you go as a chaperone? That's what I would do if I were able. If not, are any of the parents of your daughter's friends going as chaperones? If so, set your own rules (after discussing with the friend/parent if they are on board) about running around without an adult or how frequent for checkins, etc.

Today, with everyone having cell phones, it makes things like this more manageable in many ways. That's one way of checking in, even. Everyone was required to text the club Sponsor between 12:00-12:15 for instance. Not necessary to make a physical appearance, which might have been on the complete other side of the park, and when they may have just gotten near the front of a very long line. But it was more than just one time during the trip.

My dd and her friends went to our amusement park alone around that age (more like 13), but I would be concerned because kids that age like to go do different things and they can easily be split up.
I'm surprised a school wouldn't provide adult supervision. I would be a little hesitant.

I think it depends on your son's maturity level. Some 12 year olds are more mature than others. You know your son best.

My first trip to Disneyland (not Disney World, which I think might be bigger?) without supervision was as an 8th grader for our graduation trip. I was 13, almost 14. I, too, was familiar with the park because I grew up in So Cal and have been to Disneyland many times and it was really no big deal.

6th grade, 7th grade and 8th grade i went to a camp, a week long overnight camp 2 states away from home. on the thursday of the week we went on a day trip to kings island (ohio theme park and water park in one) we had 2 checkins, and the rest of the time we were there.. with our counselors roaming about but not directly with us. i am 34 now so that was some time ago.. now would i let my own kid do that? i would be questioning it just like you and want to go along with just so i knew my kid was supervised and safe

Can you chaperone? My niece went 2 years ago and my brother was able to chaperone (they live in Palm Beach Co). I know the 5th graders in Palm Beach County go to D.C. every year for safety patrols and parent's can't chaperone. I think it's okay for kids this age to go, but every kid that age might not be "ready". Definitely a personal decision.

Actually today kids are being held back compared to the past generations. I feel this would've been normal in the 1980's or 1990's, but not with todays helicopter parents.

I'm surprised your son's school is even considering being part of this with providing transportation considering our litigious society.

Kids today have smart phones (something I did not have in the 1990's when I would go off with a group of friend to a huge amusement park).

You know your child best. He may not be prepared to do this. I notice you live in FL and that park is a lot larger than Disneyland in CA.

Hi B., nice to see another South Floridian on here, in addition to me and Doris Day ..! In regards to your question, I don't think there is a "right" or "wrong" answer here. It's more of a "at your discretion" thing. Follow your gut. Some parents may feel more comfortable about letting their kids attend, while others will say absolutely not. Only you know your child and can follow your own gut. Personally, if it were my child, who is 11, I would say absolutely not. She can get lost, become injured and if she is all alone in the park, she'd probably have a panic attack if she could not find someone in the immediate area.

I have allowed her go to Disney with her cousin and her cousin's friends (high school juniors and seniors, driven there by the aunt), but they all stay together in a group. They all go on the rides together and if one of them doesn't want to go on a ride that the rest do, she stays behind and waits till they come out. I have also done this for my child, as I hate roller coasters and she loves them. I have let her go with another kid and his parents while I waited outside by the exit. She did not want to go alone and I found this was a happy medium -- it gave her a degree of independence, a break from being with mom at all times, while being safe and befriending new kids.

I went to Disney for grad night at night, like your son and his classmates -- day trip, coming back late at night -- but I was also a senior in high school, almost 18 years of age. We also had the park to ourselves after they closed, for a few hours, so it was all just high school kids from our school. Very different! I don't think children at age 12 are equipped to handle themselves and any situation that may come up if they are alone in a large park. I am not talking about rapes or abductions but yes, there could be some creepy person following them around, trying to touch them, or they could sprain their ankle and find themselves unable to walk, and with no one to turn to for assistance, and no way of reporting to a chaperone (most kids at that age, I assume, still do not have cellphones, mine doesn't).

Also, kids that age still get tired quickly, many of them are still on a sleep schedule so by 8 p.m., they are pooped out, especially if they're running around and on their feet all day, and in the heat. I would not see a problem with having a sixth grader attend if there is a chaperone handling a group of say, 8 kids. The chaperone would not have to get on the rides but could wait around the exit and entrance area, and that way, everyone is safe and accounted for at all times. I know my child would feel uncomfortable if she were all alone in the park, with no family or friends in her group. It's not just me being protective, but knowing how my child would react, and I would not want to put her in a situation that scares her. Considering your son will be going to Disney with your family a few weeks prior to this trip, he may be "over it" and may not want to return so soon, so he may just decide to pass on the trip all on his own.

Sorry, I am not comfortable with that.

I wouldn't like the 5am departure and 11pm return. These things just seem excessive to me. So if your son isn't dying to go, I'd say forget it. If it's the only way he'll get to Disney though and he really wants to go, if they have assigned groups and he brought a cell phone, I guess I'd say ok. But I'm with you that such a big trip doesn't seem necessary. Only upside I see is if it gives some kids the only chance they'll ever have to go bc of money constraints. Then for those kids it's nice. And some kids love big long trips. Then ok. But even as a kid it'd have been too much for me. Leave at 5am?? Ugh. But in terms of safety, I agree with others Disney is good. It's different than a huge amusement park that attracts groups of teens/20 year olds. So if he has a cell phone, he won't get lost so seems pretty safe.

Is a Disney trip for 6th graders appropriate without supervision?
Yes

Am I just being ridiculous and over protective as a parent or is this appropriate for a 12 year old?
No one here can assess how mature or immature your 12 year old is and if he can handle this level of independence. Only you can do that as his parent. Also since your have a son, (I have sons), I always thought it was important to raise and encourage them to be independent and fearless in a healthy way. In NJ children can come home and go to school without parents by the age of 12. I choose to raise my children confidently and not out of fear. I find it vital for them to move through this world with confidence and wisdom.

At what point in your child's development are you going to allow him to transition from a child into a man? What does that look like? What does it require of you as his mother? In six short years he will legally be an adult, your role is to prepare him for that inevitable adulthood.

It seems perfectly appropriate to me. Disney is supposed to be a safe, child oriented place. My kids have been on many school trips to other cities where they do not have direct supervision.

Here they start trips like that in 8th grade.

Kids loved it and had a blast. Exhausted by time they get off the bus.

As a family going with friends to parks, we have let 6th and 7th grade kids go off on rides together - we know where they are and stay in general vicinity. We've done it gradually over the years so we are comfortable.

The only trips our kids have made in 6th grade were to see things and they stayed in groups of 4 with a chaperone.

My daughter's 7th grade chorus trip was to Hershey Park. They only had to check in once and other than that the kids went around the park in preassigned groups. I didn't like it but it was fine.

I honestly can't think of a safer park than Disney.