Disney bans solo kids under 14 at U.S. parks

[The Straight Story]

Starting this weekend, Disney's U.S. theme parks will ban children under age 14 unless they're accompanied by someone the same age or older.

The new policy, which takes effect March 23, will apply at Disney World in Orlando and Disneyland and Disney California Adventure in Anaheim. Since most youngsters under 14 don't carry government-issued IDs, "the policy will be enforced as guests are entering the park, (with) a visual screening for someone who appears to be younger than 14," said Disney spokeswoman Suzi Brown. If the staffer determines that the guest is under 14, a parent or guardian will be notified and required to escort the child in the park, she said.

The policy was not triggered by "any kind of issue or incident," but was intended to "provide a consistent age of admission and address a question we occasionally get from parents," Brown added.

http://www.usatoday.com/story/dispatches/2013/03/18/disney-world-disneyland-minimum-age-admission/1996111/

Poor Han and Leia, who will watch their kids now?

[Politicalboi]

1. I can see 12 years and under

But 14 is ALONE time with friends at Disneyland. With almost ALL kids having cell phones by the age of 10, this is ridiculous. With ALL the camera's between Disney themselves, and their guests, and they still do this. So unless you can prove your 15 year old is 14 and over, I guess you're stuck with each other ALL day. What they should do, is ask the parents what phone number they can be reached if their child gets into any trouble. Perhaps kids could wear a GPS bracelet, and have the phone number of the parent or parents.

[snooper2]

2. I don't think so at all...

Was just there in November...


Doesn't mean they can't walk around on their own, they need a guardian to get in. 16 or up on their own should be the rules...

[Politicalboi]

3. It's Disneyland

I remember going when I was a young teenager, and parents slowed you down. You met with your parents to eat dinner most of the time, or ask for more money or in my case, more tickets for the rides. I see nothing wrong with young teenagers having fun among themselves without parents horning in. As long as they aren't causing trouble, why not let them be. We went to Magic Mountain in Jr. High school. They couldn't chaperon all of us, it was a free for all without cell phones to call you and tell you the bus is waiting.

So a mother with 2 13 year old kids and a 7 year old have to share the whole day together? The older kids should be able to go on their own instead of being stuck in It's a Small World all day. For the most part, people behave at Disneyland, so I think they are worrying over nothing.

It's supposed to start on March 23rd, and I think it does mean the kids can't walk around on their own.

Edit: Starting this weekend, Disney's U.S. theme parks will ban children under age 14 unless they're accompanied by someone the same age or older.

[greyl]

4. "will be enforced as guests are entering the park" nt

[Politicalboi]

5. I guess it's just solo kids

Because they allow 2 14 year old kids to enter as long as they are together. And getting away with something at the gate doesn't mean anything these days, especially at Disneyland. 2 solo kids act like they are together at the gate till they get caught. But I still think it should be 12 and under to be accompanied by an adult.