17 and 9

[fritzerbear]

My children will be 17 and 9 when we go to WDW this fall. We are staying at the WL. With this age difference, I am concerned about the 17 yr old feeling like it is too "childish." I would love suggestions for things that they both would like and/or ways to make them both feel special during this trip!

 

[Darcy03231]

Is this a first trip for the 17 y.o? If so, I wouldn't worry at all. WDW is magical for the first time at any age.

If the 17 y.o. has been multiple times, you might want to try to plan a day or two during your trip at US/IOA if you haven't been there. It's definitely geared more toward teens and has lots of thrill rides. Mine are now 16 & 14 and prefer US/IOA over WDW, but they've been to WDW multiple times since they were little. When we go to the Orlando area we spend more time at US/IOA and Busch Gardens (Tampa) and a day or two at WDW either riding their favorite rides (Tower of Terror, Rockin' Rollercoaster, Dinosaur, Space Mountain, Pirates of the Carribean, etc) or hitting any new rides that may have opened since we were there last. If you and your spouse/S.O. are going maybe you could split up and one adult and the 17 y.o. go to US/IOA for a day or two and the other stay at WDW with the 9 y.o.

 

[LadyShea]

I have always loved Disney and went on day trips to DL with friends (no parents!) as a teen on several occasions...we lived our West then so DL was closer. I jumped at the chance to go to WDW with my folks when the opportunity arose.

Ask your teen ahead of time how he/she feels about it and maybe enlist his/her help with planning. You may be surprised.

 

[Mkrop]

Buy some guide books and allow them to read up on stuff that they might like to do.

How about the water racers or parasailing at CR?

 

[mama4]

I left my little ones at the hotel with DH one evening (they were actually thankful for the break and just had a nice laid back dinner together) and ds16 and I hit Disney Studios. We went on all of the big rides that the little ones can't/won't do and only paid attention to the adult themed attractions. He really enjoyed this and I enjoyed the quality alone time with him.

Also wanted to add- Dh and DS16 will be doing a segway tour next trip. That should make his whole trip and hopefully will keep him from feeling "left out" since we are doing the P&P Party too.