What teenager wouldn’t want to bring their best friend to Disney World? Whether you think it’s a great idea and simply want to know how best to handle the situation, or you’re not sure it’s a wise choice at all and need some convincing, this debate will interest you.
Taking a friend to Disney World is fun
A lot depends on where you stay
If you’re a single parent that’s planning to stay in a single room at an Orlando hotel then you may find bringing an extra teenager along cramps your style and causes conflict. On the other hand, if you’re renting a vacation home and will have your own separate bedroom, it may be less of a sacrifice. In fact, these vacation homes can allow everyone to have their own room.
Consider the money angle
Of course money will be an issue. Will you pay for the trip? Or will you expect your teen’s parents to pay for all or some of the trip? You should have a clear idea of where the money is coming from before you suggest the trip. Some parents are willing to pay for everything once the teens get to Orlando, but expect the other parent to pay for the plane ticket to Orlando. Others cover the room and park tickets but expect the teen to pay for their own food and extras.
Find out if the parents are comfortable with the idea
No matter what decision you end up making, it is imperative that you talk to the parents of your teen’s friend before you mention it to either your child or their friend. The last thing you want is to mention it to your teen’s friend, have their parents say no, and then have to deal with angry parents. You should of course feel very, very confident that your teen would want their friend to come along because you also need to avoid a scenario in which the friend’s parents okay it only to have your teen veto the idea.
Make sure expectations are clear
Once everyone’s on board and you’re ready to embark on your adventure, make sure everyone has their expectations in check. For example, you can bet that the teens will want to take off on their own. Is this a no-go for you, or will it be a good opportunity to give your teen a little more freedom in a place with tons of security? It’s up to you, but it’s essential that your expectations are clear and that the teens know what to expect.
