Our sons are 17 also. They and their friends would probably enjoy the HGVC at Sea World the most of these. The pools are very nice at all of these, but this HGVC also has a little theater, there are shuttles to the parks, it's walkable for teens to Sea World, the local bus line (trolley or Lynx - can't recall which) runs by so they can get out to the active areas of Int'l Dr if they wanted.
For ours, Gaylord Palms would be too adult & upper crusty.
And it has more of a feel of being out in its own space, not as accessible for young people who aren't driving themselves in parents' rental car or only vehicle on vacation. Plus the food/snacks/beverages are more expensive there.
HGVC at Int'l Drive (the newer HGVC) and Sheraton Vistana Villages (the newer Vistana) are both smaller resorts than HGVC at Sea World. Their locations are good for picking up a bus to the busy areas of Int'l Drive but their smaller sizes make them a little less likely to find as much to do or as many other teens to meet poolside. The Sheraton Vistana Resort (the older Vistana) is the huge resort brimming over with teens and kids, as noted on the basketball & tennis courts by Pat (hi Spicey!). And Orange Lake, likewise, has always got tons of teens and kids. However, both Vistana Resort and Orange Lake are pretty spread out with some sections that are a bit older - if that's okay with you.
When are you traveling? If most kids are out of school, there will be more teen activity in all the resorts. If not, places like Gaylord Palms will have mostly adults and very young children since it's so hard for teens to miss high school days and keep up.
