Can WDW wow my teens?

[tink2005]

hello. have been to WDW many times with our kids when they were younger. They are now 12 & 16 and am looking for fun things that might "WOW!" them at Disney or Universal or???? any suggestions greatly appreciated....thanks

 

[all4fun]

If they like big coasters then Universal's IOA is the way to go. Universal Studios also has some neat rides/attractions but IOA is the "big ride" park.

As far as WDW, I think all the nighttime shows are great, MGM has Tower of Terror and Rock 'n Roller Coaster, as well as the Indy stunt show and the news car stunt show which looks really cool (I haven't seen it yet myself though). I think a lot of it depends on expectations. If they realize WDW is about more than just rides then hopefully they will appreciate it for what it is. You might try lurking over on the teens board and see what they have to say. That might give you some ideas. Hopefully your kids will think it's great and have a wonderful time.

 

[sPaRkLeSpAz]

I'm 17 and I still love Disney! Even now I'm almost an adult and I still feel the magic. Your kids will have a great time no matter where you go... Trips are always fun!!!

 

[dixipixi]

My teens LOVE WDW!!!

I also have a 16 y/o and 12y/o. The 16 y/o really likes coasters and such. Usually when we make a trip to Orlando, we do both Universal and Disney. Last time we went to Busch Gardens, which everyone thought was awesome.

This year we are only doing Disney. We are taking one day to go to Kennedy Space Center (DH has always wanted to do this). The 16y/o was a little disappoined that we're not doing Universal or BG, but he really likes Disney too. Promised him that next year we would spend a few nights onsite at Universal.

The 12y/o is not much into coasters...he doesn't like anything with a drop. He prefers WDW to any other parks. He is very imaginative and creative, so WDW is just full of stimulus for him!

I think it all depends on the person. But I have learned with my kids that they are very happy to be going anywhere. One thing my teens are really looking forward to is Disney Quest. We've never been there before and they are very excited about it. That may be something to consider with your kids.

20 days to go!!!!!!

 

[Mom to Jordan]

My DS will be 13 next Month and still loves WDW. I think there is something about being away from peers at home that takes away that need to be cool and they just relax and have a blast!! I would let them explore the parks some on their own together and that should be fun. They might really love a water park, DD, and Disney Quest. They may prefer a different schedual with time to sleep a little later.

DS is now asking to go to universal too. I have not decided if we will add that next trip or plan a separate trip and do universal and sea world. We always stay on site at WDW and would want to stay on site for universal so not sure how we would do this.

Bet your worries are all in vain and they have a blast!!

Jordan's mom

 

[pumba]

We just returned with our two grandkids.......one is almost 16 and one almost 14...they have been quite a few times but not for the last three years ....so they had a blast and loved Typhoon Lagoon too....they loved the new ride at Epcot and did that four or five times. SOARING. They also did Test Track and one of them did Mission Space. We took them to Le Cellier which was also a big hit. I think that wherever you go they will have a great time..Just give them a little space too. Oh they also loved seeing the animals at AK .......I was excited that they were excited...

 

[newholidayx2]

DS (who becomes a teenager in THREE days!) LOVES the Wilderness Lodge!

 

[geffric]

My Teen boys ( 14 and 12) have been going to WDW since they were 2years and 4 months respectively. They still love it. We spend more time in Epcot, AK and water parks then we did when they were little and less time at MK. But they still love WDW and everything there is to do. They love the minigolf , DQ too. No problem that I can see...

 

[Disney01]

Do your teen boys spend much time in the pool? My son loved the pool last time, but he's only 11. I'm thinking this might wear off next time?

 

[patrenoe]

When we brought our nephew(13) he wanted to go back to the resort to swim.He loved being by the pool all afternoon and it didn't bother us any. It was a very leisurely trip.

 

[bubba73]

Can it wow them? Yes! Can IoA wow them? Yes! Can B.G. wow them? Yes! I am 32 years old and I turn into such a kid that I get wowed at DTD. I don't even have to get into the park. The other part of the question is will it wow them? That is dependant on them. It depends on if they think they are "too cool" to go to a little mouse park that is just for kids. It is all attitude. If you go with the right frame of mind, there is nothing that can spoil it for you.

 

[funhouse8]

My kids enjoy going to disney. On our last trip we did alot of things we never did before. Rented mousebosts on the lake, watched some shows in PI (The comedy show was the best go to the first show of the night. It's just like whose line is it anyway. Very funny.) The water parks are great for any age. DQ is a must every trip(This is what keeps my oldest coming back). The countries in Epcot. We always eat around the world. (Buy food in each country.) Teens love to eat. We gave my DH a Richard Petty Ex for a gift and it was alot of fun to watch him drive a race car. Rented an boat for a private illumiantions cruise.

They also loved IOA. Didn't do it last trip but said they want to go back there next time. People always ask me. How can your kids still want to go to Disney with you, aren't they too old? Well they just don't get it and never will. Go and enjoy your teens and I'm sure they will enjoy all the world has to offer.

 

[Tink3rb3ll]

I'm 17 and I still love Disney! Even now I'm almost an adult and I still feel the magic. Your kids will have a great time no matter where you go... Trips are always fun!!!

I'm 15 and I love Disney... it's not just about how big the rides may be, but spending time with your family.

 

[cheerdancer11]

They will certainly have a blast. I just got back, I'm 17, and had one of the best vacations of my life. Here's a list of rides for them to definietly not miss:

MGM

Rock N Roller Coaster
Tower of Terror

MK
Space Mountain
Splash Mountain
Big Thunder Mountain
Mickey's Philharmagic
Pirates of the Caribbean

Epcot
Mission Space
Test Track
Soarin

Universal Parks
Spiderman
Hulk
Dueling Dragons
Shrek 4D
Back to the Future
Basically every thing here is for teens, to many to list

Have fun!

 

[SylviaL]

You can wow your 16 year old by letting him do the Segway tour at Epcot!

 

[sPaRkLeSpAz]

I'm 15 and I love Disney... it's not just about how big the rides may be, but spending time with your family.

Yeah! It's fun finding out what rides your parents like the best and watching other families and stuff.

 

[DCHSswimmer10]

That's true sparkle spaz. I'm 14 and I've been going to WDW since I was 8 and I still love everything about Disney especially when you can have fun with your family altogether. I especially love the pools and coasters but I really like the shows at Epcot and MGM,too. There's something for everyone there.

 

[Rustyflwr3]

Disney can definately WOW your children. In my opinion it all has to do with attitude. Some teenagers believe themselves to be too old or too cool for Disney; "its just for kids." So I believe that Disney will WOW your children if they have the right mind set! I am 21 and I went to Disney once as a child and didn't go back until I was 20. I had the best time of my life last year and have been back about three times since! I love the "magic" of the parks and being with my friends and family. I see it as sort of an escape from reality; work, school, and horrible neighbors I would suggest planning some not-so-kiddy activities at first and see how it goes! Maybe after a little while, all of the rides and activities will appeal to them; kiddy or not! I've got to say, my favorite ride is Buzz Lightyear's ride in MK! Good Luck and Have a great time!