When we put out now 8 year old and our now 14 year old in toddler beds they did virtually the same thing. The younger one (girl) would sit one the bed holding her toes and you could see that the was getting drowsy. She would eventually lay down, grab her blanket, and go to sleep. Sometimes she would jabber and be vocal, but she always stayed on her bed. My older one (boy)would sit there, sucking his thumb, holding his blanket, until he would lay down and fall asleep. It usually took both of them about 30 minutes. Once they got a little older they eventually just layed down when they got into bed. I think it was their way of wanting some sleep, but not wanting to give it up.
In the morning they would both wake up and make noise to let me know they were awake and I would go get them. It was not until they were a little older would they get out of bed themselves and some and get them. Now that the are older, they have very different personalities so I don't think this behavior is fitting for one kid or another. My daughter has a calm personality, (artist)and my son is active an plays sports.
Both were put in a toddler bed at 18 months to see if they were ready, and fortunately they both were.
Congratulations on the big boy bed.