Disney Parks & News: Disney Changes Admissions Policy; Universal Speeds Ahead on Construction
It’s time for the Frog Family’s weekly roundup of Disney and Orlando theme park tidbits from the interwebs.
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This week’s highlights:
- Disney made news this week when it announced it was instituting a policy that children under 14 must be accompanied by an adult to enter all of its U.S. theme parks. While Dad’s Guide to Walt Disney World asked the question of whether this was a “big deal or not,” The Los Angeles Times did a very good story that explored reasons for the change. It got us thinking about the “right age” to let a child visit the parks alone. I know splitting up inside the parks is common, but at what age would you (or did you) let you child go solo? Share your thoughts below.
Construction at Universal Studios appears to be moving at a brisk pace, with MiceChat predicting a soft opening ahead for Transformers.- Speaking of Universal, a new trailer was released for “Despicable Me 2,” which hits theaters July 3 and reminds me of all the fun I had on Despicable Me Minion Mayhem at Universal Studios.
Mommy Frog and Tad paid a visit to the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival this past weekend to check out the blooms (or play areas in Tad’s case) and put together a few tips for touring with kids!- With Easter right around the corner, Disney Floral & Gifts has put together a few Disney-themed baskets that Mickey Mouse can help the Easter bunny deliver if you’re staying at the Walt Disney World Resort over the holidays.
- For those of you keeping an eye on the West Coast, SeaWorld has announced a July 1 opening date for Aquatica San Diego.
- It seems like there is always debate about the value of the Disney Dining Plan, and for those of you who like math, one Disney fan has put together a spreadsheet to help you run the numbers.
The Disney Parks Blog explored some of the “gems” at Downtown Disney — soon to be Disney Springs — starting with Characters in Flight, the gigantic balloon that offers incredible views of the entire Walt Disney World Resort.- LEGOLAND Florida is planning to bring the “Legends of Chima” to life this summer – with a new “world” in the park that will include an interactive water ride and battle arena.
That’s all for this week. Until next week, happy planning!
— Leap
to Orlando, Florida-area attractions, including Disney World, Universal Studios Orlando, SeaWorld, Richard Petty Driving Experience, Medieval Times and more.
I remember years ago growing up around Opryland in Nashville, TN. It was common for us to be dropped off at the park with friends to run around and hang out all day in the summer. We started doing that in middle school so we couldn’t have been more than 12 or 13. Of course, then we didn’t have the rash of child abductions or problems we do these days. I’d never let my kids do that now.
no child should left alone in any park.
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.
I don’t consider 12 or 13 a child. This is a way Disney can capture additional revenue.
I remember being alone with friends in the park at the age of 14 (high school freshman). The problem is that parents were using the parks as childcare while they are at work. They buy the kids a season pass and drop them off in the morning when the park opens then pick them up at the end of the day. The kids (pre-teens/teens) run around unsupervised, cutting in lines and annoying tourists on vacation. That is why Disney implemented this new rule.
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.
I don’t like that new rule. I remember when I was between the ages of 15-17, I used to go to great adventures during the summer and my lil brother who was 6 years younger than I was. I didn’t have parents with me. It was convenient for us because most times my mom couldn’t make it because she had to work or just didn’t want to go. The same thing applied with Disney as well. So they need to rethink that. Also, what age do they consider an adult to be? 17 or 18
My knee jerk reaction was that a child would need to be a minimum of 18 before I let them go there on their own, but honestly, it would depend on the child…. If it was my clueless daughter, no way. If it was my strapping son who has a solid head on his shoulders and is aware of the world around him, then ok…But, probably age 21…
Let’s stop pretending, you are not safe ANYWHERE in America… so we mind as well start realizing that and take precautions.
Are you really saying that your son/ daughter can go to war, but not Disneyworld? Interesting.
As a current Cast Member at the Disneyland Resort in California, I must say that I stick behind the decision of Disney. As JACOBI stated, “Disney Cast membrs need to be able to serve joyfully, not babysit kids…” Our jobs focus 100% around safety! This is one thing that kids, wether it is intentional or not, have no concern over when having a good time with friends. I love my job, as do many of my cast members, but we must always focus on the safety of every person in the park. Not to mention, that should an injury occur, Disney health services can only go so far. Without proper supervision/authorization Disney cannot legally transport any child under a certain age to a medical facility. (i.e. a hospital). Besides, loophole 101, no one said the adult must accompany the minor INTO the park, they must be accompanied upto the TURNSTILE.
A 10 year old is required to buy an adult ticket. I think Disney policy and ticket prices should correspond. If the policy “children under 14 must be accompanied by an adult to enter all of its U.S. theme parks,” their tickets (age 10-13) should not be adult tickets.
Good point!
It’s not a question of age you should drop your children off. The real question is who can afford to take their kids to this park.
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 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