Should a 13-year-old be excluded from a Walt Disney World Resort vacation? Disney Parks fans recently debated the issue on social media after a conflicted parent sought advice about bringing their teenager to The Most Magical Place on Earth.
Walt Disney World Resort has magical offerings for guests of all ages–even teenagers! At EPCOT, Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind and the Mitsukoshi Department Store in the Japan World Showcase Pavilion are popular among teen guests. Thrill-seekers will enjoy Expedition Everest and DINOSAUR at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park, Rock’ n’ Roller Coaster and Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and TRON Lightcycle / Run and Space Mountain at Magic Kingdom Park.
Despite the available options, Redditor u/FirefighterNo1610 says their 13-year-old “doesn’t want to go to WDW” on an upcoming vacation. “Thoughts on not taking older child?” the social media user asked, writing:
“We have 2 kids, a 13 year old (my first marriage – he went to WDW when he was 5) and my 6 year old. My older son says he doesn’t want to go to WDW. Part of me wants to “make” him go, but honestly when we do things as a family that he doesn’t want to do….he makes it miserable for everyone. It would be a cost savings and guarantee a good time for everyone else without dealing with a complaining sulky teen….on the other hand, will he and I regret him not coming?? Thoughts? Advice?”
Disney Parks fans’ opinions were divided. Many said they’d consider leaving an older child at home, but only if they confirmed the child truly didn’t want to come.
“I’d be ok with leaving him home but call his bluff first,” u/kevinfantasy commented. “Talk to him and tell him that you’re actually going to book the trip without him and confirm that he’s ok with that. My son is a similar age and I’ve found that he will often talk a big game but change his tune when push comes to shove.”
“We did the same with our 12 year old, turns out she does actually want to go,” u/beardedbarista6 replied. “Or, at least, doesn’t want to be left behind lol.”
“Has he seen ride videos of Cosmic Rewind, Tron, etc?” u/AlcinaMystic asked. “There might be activities he doesn’t know about. If he still isn’t interested, then, yes, leave him with a relative if that’s what he wants.”
Some suggested giving the 13-year-old more independence at the Disney parks or making a special experience for him.
“At his age, could he still go but be given free rein to go enjoy the parks how he wants instead of being forced to be with the family and doing ‘little kid things,'” u/wintercast suggested. “My sisters kids have gone to the parks for years and once they were 13, they were allowed to go on their own. They had iphones and everyone could track everyone and communicate…It is a safe kind of independence for kids that are mature enough to handle it.”
“Could one of you take a day or two away from Disney to go with him to Universal?” u/Interesting_Heart_13 asked. “That’d give him something ‘special’ just for him, and he can feel he’s not just going to the kiddie park. I do get a 13yo boy not wanting to be seen enjoying Disney. That might also give you a little leverage to manage attitude on other days – ‘hey can you lighten up please, we did give you your universal day’ etc…”
Still, other Disney Parks fans recommended against leaving any child out of a Walt Disney World Resort vacation.
“I also have a slightly older son from a first marriage, and I think that’s a bad idea to leave him home,” u/april_eleven argued. “Simply being included is really important in blended families. There’s something for everyone at Disney.”
“I think if you don’t take him, you will hear about it for the rest of your life,” u/twomorecarrots agreed. “‘And my dad took his new family to Disney World and didn’t take me!!’ It might be true that he doesn’t want to go—but I think it’s more true that he wants you to fight for him to come. Make him go, and set up a special night just you and him. Let him sleep in and enjoy the mornings with the littles, then take him out for late night fun. I think you’ll regret calling his bluff long term.”
Is it ever okay to leave a child out of a Walt Disney World Resort vacation? Share your opinion with Disney Dining in the comments.
