13yo DS First Trip to Disney

[DarlingDis]

DM lurking....

I am taking my DS (13) (4) on their first Disney trip. Okay so of course I have DS-4 covered. But I want to make certain that my 13yo enjoys himself and doesn't think the trip is lame.

Also, I want to get him some "Disney Gifts" for him to enjoy and prepare for the Disney experience. Any suggestions?

 

[big_thunder_girl]

DM lurking....

I am taking my DS (13) (4) on their first Disney trip. Okay so of course I have DS-4 covered. But I want to make certain that my 13yo enjoys himself and doesn't think the trip is lame.

Also, I want to get him some "Disney Gifts" for him to enjoy and prepare for the Disney experience. Any suggestions?

Hey. I'm a 13 year old girl! I think Disney is like, the world most awesome place ever! Just saying. Make sure you tell him that there are some rollercoasters there, too. Also...Tell him that I know a 14 year old boy who goes to school with me and he goes every year and loves it...hes not ashamed of it...

I dont know about souveniers, but a T-shirt maybe, if he doesnt think thats lame.. By the way, the guy I was talking about is not made fun of because he loves disney and he's a popular kid, if that makes him feel any better. I know some boys my age worried too much about being cool, so I'm sure that will make him feel a little better about going to disney world...And it might make him feel better if he ends up loving WDW!

Good luck! Hope you guyzez have funnn!

 

[grandfloluver]

I just turned 15, and I honestly never want to go vacation anywhere but Disney! Nothing compares! I think he will be just fine with it once he gets there. A lot of people my age think that it would be awesome to go to WDW if they haven't been, and the ones who have loved it. Like big_thunder_girl said, there are big rides. Also, there are things to do for boys. If you go to Downtown Disney, go to the Design-A-Tee store to make your own t-shirt. That is always fun. Hope this helps!!

 

[ilovehim25]

I don't know about things to get him but when I went my first time I didn't think I would like it and I loved it. There are things there for guys to like too. He will have a good time. It might take a day or two for it to kick in. I hope yall have a fun trip.

 

[LittleMissMusical]

honestly...disney is a place for all ages!! if he's into video games and stuff maybe stop by disney quest. regarding souvenirs there is a LOT to choose from. a new store opened in DTD a few weeks ago and sells edgy disney clothing, totally not the disney typical! it's called D-Street. if he's big on thrill rides plan to spend some time in hollywood studios, it has two of the biggest. just overall give him options and try to find rides and events both boys will enjoy. i know most teenage boys don't want to spend hours waiting in line for there sibling to meet a character, so maybe let him go off on his own during that time. have him bring a cellphone, give him a park map, and have a meeting place. disney is a safe, easily maneuverable place that it shouldn't b a problem.

 

[WestCOT]

Make sure to have him ride Splash Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain, Space Mountain, Pirates of the Caribbean, and the Haunted Mansion in the Magic Kingdom, Soarin', Mission Space, and Test Track at EPCOT, Dinosaur and Expedition Everest at Animal Kingdom, and Star Tours, Tower of Terror, and Rock n' Roller Coaster at Disney's Hollywood Studios.

I can't imagine anyone thinking that Disney is "lame" after riding those rides, even if they started out completely hating Disney.

 

[froggy5657]

Take him to HS and let him ride on the roller coasters. Another thing that might be cool for him (if he and you both feel comfortable) is to let him wander around a park alone for a day, you guys could have breakfast in the park, split up, meet up for lunch, and decide whether or not to split up again, then meet up for dinner and see a show together. Just make sure he brings money and a cell phone

 

[softball chick]

Make sure you hit HS and let him go crazy on the thrill rides. Also just be sure that he has some say in what you guys do everyday and all the rides don't end up being focused more on your other DS. Souvenirs wise: t-shirts are always good, same w/ hats, etc. Once you actually get there he will be sure to find a ton of things he wants...they have stuff for everyone. And lastly I was 14 when I went on my first trip and it is was just as magical as if I had been 4. Try to get him to let go of being old/cool and just enjoy the magic...he will love it even more then! Have an awesome trip!

 

[big_thunder_girl]

Make sure to have him ride Splash Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain, Space Mountain, Pirates of the Caribbean, and the Haunted Mansion in the Magic Kingdom, Soarin', Mission Space, and Test Track at EPCOT, Dinosaur and Expedition Everest at Animal Kingdom, and Star Tours, Tower of Terror, and Rock n' Roller Coaster at Disney's Hollywood Studios.

I can't imagine anyone thinking that Disney is "lame" after riding those rides, even if they started out completely hating Disney.

Agreed!!!

 

[Princess Row]

I think at Disney...any age you are you can act childish. So what about a pirate hat or pirate shirt? The mickey ears they have there are super cute on younger boys like with a name imprinted on it. Sorry im not much help i only have younger sisters.

 

[softball chick]

I think at Disney...any age you are you can act childish. So what about a pirate hat or pirate shirt? The mickey ears they have there are super cute on younger boys like with a name imprinted on it. Sorry im not much help i only have younger sisters.

Definitely do this! For me at least it almost felt like a right of passage when I got my mickey ears with my name on it. I loved them then and I can't wait to get to wear them again when I go back this summer!

 

[_MickeyisMyboy_]

I'm 13 and I love Disney, I hardly get to go though, but I just went to Magic Kingdom. There are roller coasters like Thunder Mountain (I rode it 6 times), Space Mountain, and Splash Mountain. Pirates of The Caribbean and the Haunted Mansion don't really count as roller coasters, but they're not baby-ish. Goofy's barn stormer is also a smaller coaster, but its still fun.

Hollywood Studios Has Rock and Roll Roller Coaster, the Tower of Terror, and some really cool shows, indiana jones, star tours or a stunt show (Basically, Cars crashing into each other)

Animal Kingdom: The ride Dinosaur is there and its soo cool, but pretty scary. Primeval Whirl is really fun and The water raft ride there is also in my opinion, the best

Epcot: Test Track and Mission Space, but thats really it.


A t-shirt or a hat is probably a fine souvenir.

 

[DarlingDis]

Thanks for helping with my anxiety about DS's first trip. I just have to let him try and enjoy himself and not worry too much.

I am all for him going on his own so if that's what he needs, then I will do it. I am sure he will enjoy Disney as much as I do.

Thanks again!

 

[big_thunder_girl]

glad we could help!!! Enjoy your trip, and no matter what he says, he probably is really excited...!!!!

 

[PrincessBelle319]

DM lurking....

I am taking my DS (13) (4) on their first Disney trip. Okay so of course I have DS-4 covered. But I want to make certain that my 13yo enjoys himself and doesn't think the trip is lame.

Also, I want to get him some "Disney Gifts" for him to enjoy and prepare for the Disney experience. Any suggestions?

I know a lot of teenagers that enjoy Disney!
check out all of the roller coasters, and Animal Kingdom has mostly thrill rides.
when I first went to Disney, I got a Disney Store gift card that can be used in any Disney park or store. I think that anyone would enjoy collecting pins to take home! there's a lot of cool ones! I hope you have a magical vacation!

 

[STWolfe]

I'm a bit older than your son but I still have lots of friends that love going to Disney. I still love going there even as I get older. A thing I love to have is hats, so see if your son would like to have a Disney hat themed for older kids. I would prefer nothing special, just a "Walt Disney World" logo. He probably wouldn't want any characters on it but that's just my guess. Also, the first few days just let him sleep in a little. There's a lot to do in Disney and he might want a little time to adjust. You also might want to give him a little freedom while you're there. If he wants to ride a rollercoaster but you and your daughter want to see a show or do something else, either give him a time to meet you at a certain spot, or get him a fastpass and tell him to stick with you until the fastpass is useable. This is what I did in my last trip and it worked great. My mom and siser went to see a show and I rode the Rock n Rollercoaster twice because i had enough time until my time limit expired. Also, if you are planning out your days and he wants to give his opinion or tell you a certain place or attraction he wants to see, by all means let him. The trip will be a lot more enjoyable to him because he will feel like he got to be a part of it.

Hope you have an awesome trip!