Any suggestions for 'Something Special' for a 12yo DD?

[DISaholic's]

Happy Disney Day to all!

I'm looking for any suggestions for something 'special' to do for with 12yo DD while on our trip in June. We are a group of nine, me, DH, DS19, DS16, DD12.
And my sister's family DSis, DBIL, DN17, DN16. There are four adults and four teenage boys ages 19 to 16 and my DD12. This is not our first trip, we usually go about every 3 years to WDW (or as soon as we can save for it!).

The boys will surely want to go off on their own alot and not get saddled with their sister. Yet, for a change, we adults would like to plan a couple of things that are 'adults' only. Which we've never done before as the boys were always too small. So this leaves poor DD12 out. I'd like to plan something special just for her as she always is stuck with the Mom's and Dad's or the boys make her feel like she's a tag-a-long.

Any suggestions? I had thought maybe a horseback ride at FW? But it seems pretty tame as she's ridden many times before. Most of the tours you have to be 16 for. Even the Wild by Design Safari you have to be 14 for.
Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated! She's a pretty mature (taller than her Mom) 12 year old with a fun personality. She hasn't hit the teen attitude of 'I'm so embarrassed by my parents thing yet', , so she'd be up for pretty much anything.

Thanks !!!!

 

[Skylarr29]

What about parasailing at the Contemporary or renting some of the Sea Raycers and drive around Bay Lake??

 

[ldubberly]

Any chance of you being able to let her bring a friend along for the trip? Being 12 years old, I'm sure you'll notice that there is a lot of stress off of you trying to make sure your daughter is entertained.
The girls could spend the day shopping in Downtown Disney, or visiting the parks, etc. without you having to worry about their transportation.

 

[mousebit]

I, too, would be interested in getting ideas. I will be going this summer with DGD11 and I really wish Disney had more available for "tweens." Although, she is very happy just being there, loves the attractions (big & small), she's too old for the extra special things (pirate cruise, bibbidy bobbidy boutique, baking cookies, etc.) She does still enjoy the characters and still plays along.
One thing we did last trip and will do again you might condsider is tea at the Grand Floridian-just the two of you could go & it will be a great experience she'll remember. Sooo lovely and "grown up" (and yummy). This year, we also will do the Behind the Seeds tour at Epcot (because DGD is interested in hydroponics--older boys probably would be bored) and the Family Magic Tour in MK (I've heard that it's cute for the little ones, but fun for the whole family). Of course, there's the water parks as well and Disney Quest if she's into computer games.
Anybody have more ideas?

 

[Squidrific]

The Magical Milestones tour is fun and it is for guests over 10 years old. My dd11 wants to do the surfing lessons at Typhoon Lagoon. You might also consider renting bikes and riding the paths at the Wilderness Lodge and Ft. Wilderness. The Seas Aqua Tours is also really cool if she loves water. You can snorkel with the fishes - a bit costly though. Also, my daughter just really enjoys an afternoon at DTD shopping with me and getting an ice cream.

 

[TR Denise]

How about high tea at the grand floridian we went last year and it was very nice. Make it just the girls. We also are a large group and we have 6 teenage boys and 1 3year old girl and lots of adults from ages 21 to 75. ( staying at OKW june 25-30) We are going just the girls to the princess story book breakfast in Norway but your DD is probably to old for that.

 

[DISaholic's]

TR Denise,
We are also at OKW June 25 to July 1st. I guess there will be many teenage boys around OKW that week. !

Thanks to everyone for the ideas!

I wish we could take a friend with us for her but it's just too expensive for a family of five to add one more and most of her friends' families couldn't afford it.

I never even thought about the Tea at the GF, I'll definately check it out.

I did look at the Family Magic Tour but figured the boys would think it's lame.

 

[mom2of2]

What about a scavenger hunt? not sure what your budget is but www.giftsofalifetime.com does things like that and your whole party can get involved.
HTH

 

[carone0318]

How about a spa treatment at one of the hotels.

 

[TR Denise]

DISaholic's
Cool maybe we'll see you there. I also thought that you might want to check out SSR spa I think they have mother daughter treatments.
Denise