Best Resorts for Teenagers

[aussietravellers]

I'm looking for advise on which resorts would be favoured by older teenagers, 17/18 age.

My son is thinking about going with a friend or two for a HS graduation trip in December. As we would be coming from overseas, there will be parents going, but we plan to stay at YC or BW most likely. The kids would be staying at their own resort if necessary (could be the same as the parents), but definitely in their own rooms, having their own trip for a week (no planned meeting up with them for meals or at parks). After that the parents and kids will come back together and have our own family vacations.

I would really love to know, are there certain resorts that 17 to 19 year olds tend to gravitate towards? I know the pool at BC/YC is fantastic, we have stayed there several times before and whilst I love it, whenever we have been, it seems to be families, young families. I know there will be families everywhere. But just thought that there may be a few resorts which tend to attract older teenagers and school leavers, where they mingle and might meet new friends. If that makes any sense. I'm not thinking wild parties, more where they may meet other young adults in the food court, by the pool etc.

Being December and coming from a warm climate, it will seem cool to us I think, so a pool will be nice but not the main thing. We have only stayed at a few resorts before (AKL, YC, BC, SSR) so don't have a lot of experience at a massive number of resorts. Values, Mods, Deluxe are all fine, I'm looking for them, for the resorts which attract the younger adult crowd.

Thanks

 

[100acreHiker]

I would say that BC & YC are still the best option for teens, with maybe Poly or Boardwalk behind them. Being able to walk in and out of Epcot and hop a boat to Hollywood Studios gives the kids freedom to wander. If they like the thrill rides of MK, then Poly. I'm not sure what the Disney rules are for teens staying solo on their own reservation. It seems that if one of them is of age, then it should be fine, but I'm not certain.

 

[rosiebean]

I think BC/YC is the best option for teens due to SAB, access to the boardwalk and DHS (which anecdotally is the most popular park among my nieces/nephews). However, as stated above, if they love MK, then Poly is probably the best option.

Have you asked your son which resort appeals to him most?

 

[Amelia :)]

You'll get a lot of young kids at all the resorts, personally I would put 3 teenage boys somewhere cheap and cheerful!
But if your happy to splurge, what about the contemporary? Good food, good arcade, monorail, theme that might appeal to young guys.

 

[Deb & Bill]

You will need at least one 18 yr old or older in the room with the teens. I saw you had a range of 17-19, but wanted to make sure you were aware of Disney age requirements. When we brought our son and eight of his friends after High School graduation, we booked a Grand Villa at Old Key West, one of the two DVC resorts that we own. The kids were pretty much on their own most of the time, but I did make one breakfast ADR for all 11 of us at Chef Mickey's. We got the picture (and posted it in our local newspaper) and I made them all wear their Graduation Ears that we had given them on graduation night. One of the girls said she wasn't sure she would like the breakfast, but afterwards told me she loved it. The kids all had their own tickets and spending money. We provided the food in the villa kitchen and the one meal at Chef Mickey's. And the laundry detergent so they could do laundry now and then.

We only saw them in the morning and they were out and about most of the time. We stocked the refrigerator in our villa (we had a full kitchen, too), so they were able to make breakfast, lunch or dinner before heading or returning. They had a great time because Disney transportation made it easy to get almost anywhere. They took the boat from OKW to Downtown Disney (wasn't Disney Springs yet) and buses to all the theme parks. We did take all nine of them to the outlet mall one afternoon so they could get in some shopping. Dropped them off and picked them up when they called me. They also spent time at the pools, both the leisure pools and themed pool.

 

[allsaintsatx]

I would also say the Poly. Nice new quiet pool if they're feeling all adult like and wanna lounge, and a semi-raucous main pool with a pretty fast water slide if they're feeling all kid like. The rooms are fairly large as well, so they won't feel cramped. Good food options too - the Kona has some Asian style noodle entrees, as well as sushi, if they want to feel adult and worldly, and then there's Ohana where they can eat mickey waffles and hug Stitch if they're feeling like kids. They can also walk to the GF, take the monorail to MK, Epcot or another deluxe resort, and the boat to MK is a real treat. The Hawaiian/Polynesian theme isn't too stuffy but it isn't too cartoony either it's right in the middle. And, as a fellow parent, you could maybe perhaps stay at the GF or even a different longhouse at the Poly so you're close but not all-up-in-their-biz close!

 

[aussietravellers]

I think BC/YC is the best option for teens due to SAB, access to the boardwalk and DHS (which anecdotally is the most popular park among my nieces/nephews). However, as stated above, if they love MK, then Poly is probably the best option.

Have you asked your son which resort appeals to him most?

Teenage boy, response when asked where they may like to stay "dunno" (Australian teenage boy word for "don't know") .
My son has only stayed at Deluxe resorts and I just wouldn't want to book something, when say POP maybe be fun for them and be a place where they would find HS leavers or Young college age kids.

 

[Jaimie1911]

My first thought was BWI, but if you want to save money I think Pop would be a blast!

 

[aussietravellers]

I would say that BC & YC are still the best option for teens, with maybe Poly or Boardwalk behind them. Being able to walk in and out of Epcot and hop a boat to Hollywood Studios gives the kids freedom to wander. If they like the thrill rides of MK, then Poly. I'm not sure what the Disney rules are for teens staying solo on their own reservation. It seems that if one of them is of age, then it should be fine, but I'm not certain.

Yes, one (my son) will definitely have turned 18 by the time they go (although I still see him as being 10 years old, haha). As we will be coming from Australia and it's about 24+ hours travel to get there, parents will go to (even if it's just me). Coming to the USA is good for HS graduation trip as your drinking age is much higher than ours. You can legally drink in Australia at 18, so having a 21 age limit, will keep them nice and sober and out of mischief (not that they are like that, they are good kids fortunately).

You'll get a lot of young kids at all the resorts, personally I would put 3 teenage boys somewhere cheap and cheerful!
But if your happy to splurge, what about the contemporary? Good food, good arcade, monorail, theme that might appeal to young guys.

Yes, I did think there will be young kids everywhere. Which is of course not a problem (who doesn't love seeing the joy on kids faces when at Disney). I just wanted to make sure I wasn't looking at resorts where I like and ones that would be more likely to have teenagers/young adults around so they may meet some by the pool or in the food court.

You will need at least one 18 yr old or older in the room with the teens. I saw you had a range of 17-19, but wanted to make sure you were aware of Disney age requirements. When we brought our son and eight of his friends after High School graduation, we booked a Grand Villa at Old Key West, one of the two DVC resorts that we own. The kids were pretty much on their own most of the time, but I did make one breakfast ADR for all 11 of us at Chef Mickey's. We got the picture (and posted it in our local newspaper) and I made them all wear their Graduation Ears that we had given them on graduation night. One of the girls said she wasn't sure she would like the breakfast, but afterwards told me she loved it. The kids all had their own tickets and spending money. We provided the food in the villa kitchen and the one meal at Chef Mickey's. And the laundry detergent so they could do laundry now and then.

We only saw them in the morning and they were out and about most of the time. We stocked the refrigerator in our villa (we had a full kitchen, too), so they were able to make breakfast, lunch or dinner before heading or returning. They had a great time because Disney transportation made it easy to get almost anywhere. They took the boat from OKW to Downtown Disney (wasn't Disney Springs yet) and buses to all the theme parks. We did take all nine of them to the outlet mall one afternoon so they could get in some shopping. Dropped them off and picked them up when they called me. They also spent time at the pools, both the leisure pools and themed pool.

Yes my son will have turned 18 before they go (although I really do still see him as a 10 year old! haha), so there would definitely be an 18 year old amongst them. There may only be two or three of them in total, not a large group. I would be happy to have them at the same resort, to meet up for a meal or two and will be available for that. I just don't want to cramp their style, so want to have options for them and will do as they wish for their part of the trip. Once their week is over.... they will have to hang with Mum, haha.
But I have not ruled out DVC. I don't know much about OKW, so will have a look at it. Thank you.

I would also say the Poly. Nice new quiet pool if they're feeling all adult like and wanna lounge, and a semi-raucous main pool with a pretty fast water slide if they're feeling all kid like. The rooms are fairly large as well, so they won't feel cramped. Good food options too - the Kona has some Asian style noodle entrees, as well as sushi, if they want to feel adult and worldly, and then there's Ohana where they can eat mickey waffles and hug Stitch if they're feeling like kids. They can also walk to the GF, take the monorail to MK, Epcot or another deluxe resort, and the boat to MK is a real treat. The Hawaiian/Polynesian theme isn't too stuffy but it isn't too cartoony either it's right in the middle. And, as a fellow parent, you could maybe perhaps stay at the GF or even a different longhouse at the Poly so you're close but not all-up-in-their-biz close!

I will look at Poly, thanks everyone. I do know YC and BC well, so will have a look at Poly and DVC

 

[aussietravellers]

My first thought was BWI, but if you want to save money I think Pop would be a blast!

Thank you.

I was thinking Pop (although I have never stayed or been there), not for the price, but thought that's where school groups may go or being more affordable may be a place that young adults may gravitate towards. My first consideration is demographic (age), then price. I'm happy to have them in a Deluxe.

 

[Westcoastwild]

Teenage boy, response when asked where they may like to stay "dunno" (Australian teenage boy word for "don't know") .
My son has only stayed at Deluxe resorts and I just wouldn't want to book something, when say POP maybe be fun for them and be a place where they would find HS leavers or Young college age kids.[/QUOTE.


I'd do pop or another value. High chance of cute Brazilian girls their age

Seriously though. I love BC and Poly but I wouldn't have really enjoyed staying there as a teen. Lots of older folks or really young kids. Pop (or any value) is where they're more likely to find masses of teens and twenty somethings hanging out.

 

[Nancyg56]

My first instinct was to suggest either the Poly or the YC/BC. The Poly because who does not like monorail access to parks, but the YC/BC for access to the Boardwalk and Epcot and DHS.

 

[patty57]

I think teens would really like staying in the Epcot area so they can walk to DHS and Epcot. While you are pricing things out, check on the Swan & Dolphin too. They used to be much less expensive than BW or YC/BC, however since Starwood and Marriott merged, there has definitely been an uptick in pricing.

 

[kreckl]

The only place we've stayed at that I thought was mobbed with little kids, especially the pool, was Carribean Beach. Not one other teen in the pool- tons of kids under the age of ten.

 

[Shanti]

The values will likely have the most teens, given their use for school groups. I remember seeing a big group of cheerleaders the time we stayed at Pop. That being said, there might not happen to be any school groups at the time you stay, and all Disney resorts, every single one including the values, will be mainly composed of families with kids. That's Disney's primary demographic & it isn't changing. Personally, if money weren't an issue I'd put them in the Yacht or Beach Club. Even in December, they'll get to hang out in the hot tubs. Plus they can walk to Epcot & Hollywood Studios, hang around the Boardwalk at night, walk to Fantasia mini-golf, etc.

 

[suse66]

my three teenage boys (15, 15 and almost 17) love the BC/YC and the Poly!

 

[disneyvoice]

Honestly, my son really couldn't have cared less about the resort when he brought two friends with him because they were up at the crack of dawn to get to the parks at rope drop and stayed until they closed. One thing to think about is where everyone is going to sleep if there are 3 boys. The value resorts only have two double beds unless you get a suite so I don't think I would recommend that for 3 adult sized guys. My DH and I don't stay at a Value Resort because we are so uncomfortable in the tiny bed together and I am pretty small.

 

[Eastern]

My young adult sons still prefer BWI for its proximity to WS. They weren't interested in SAB after age 13 or so. They do like Poly, but the boardwalk atmosphere is appealing to older teens.

 

[aussietravellers]

Thank you all so much for your comments.

 

[bettybooplove]

My teen son loves the Epcot area. He likes Magic Kingdom but he's definitely turned into the thrill seeker in the family. So outside of Space or Big Thunder Mountain, he sees MK as a relaxing park but no longer one he wants to do over and over.

I personally don't like the travel time between MK resorts and Epcot using the monorail. Since we like to go to Epcot every night it seems like a hassle. I think Boardwalk would be great for teens and young adults because that's pretty much all I see out there.