Cool/Fun things to do with DS11?

[WindowsJB]

We've been to WDW many times, and each time we try to come up with cool/fun things to do with our DS11. No matter what, though, it always seems we're on the receiving end of an eye-roll . Apparently, our idea of cool is not the same as today's youth (big surprise there, huh?). I guess our problem is he thinks the things we'd think of as cool are childish (from an 11-year-olds' point of view). He just doesn't understand that we all go to WDW to be childish again.

Does anyone have any ideas for our upcoming trip to really "WOW" him?

Thanks,
Jared

 

[my2boysmom]

Windows JB, you might not like this reply, but if your boy is eye-rolling over Disney, maybe he's been there too often and needs a week serving in a homeless shelter! OFfer him a choice of what he'd like to do, and if you get an eye roll, cancel the trip! Preteen boys do roll eyes, but his attitude is out-of-bounds.

 

[Laurajean1014]

My DS10 has not hit this plateau yet. HOwever, each year I try to introduce something new to his now 28th trip to WDW.

We are going to try Surfing instructions at TL, Parasailing at Contemporary, Illuminations cruise (he loves those), and a few WDW tours that we never saw before (that will allow under 16 children).

Your DS may not want what you want or he may be complacent.

How about Horseback riding at Wilderness Lodge? A backstage tour that allows under 16 participants? Does he like Blizzard Beach or Typhoon Lagoon? Does he like water sports?

Would you allow him to bring a friend? Someone to "hang" with?

We're going with a group of people and we are planning to give my son some cash to "hang" at the Boardwalk for an hour or so. (We will be nearby - but he won't know that).

I just keep thinking that there are more things to do at WDW than say Cancun, Bahamas, etc. Most of those places have a few points of interest and a lot of beach. With Disney, you can get all of that (well, not lots of beach).

How about a cruise? or Vero Beach if he likes the sun, surf, and then head to WDW.....

I know I will be there soon, so, I hope the best for all of you.....

 

[Sandi]

Sometimes it's not the headliners that turn out to be cool. We also try to experience new things on our trips with DD11. In February, we did the Animation Academy at MGM (there is also one at Disney Quest). It is a part of the tour that a lot of people skip. My daughter LOVED this. She says it was right up there with riding Expedition Everest and Mission: Space. If your DS likes art, he might enjoy it.

 

[bleeps]

Have you done DisneyQuest yet? If he's into electronic games, he'll be in heaven.

Do you go to any of the deluxe restaurants? Walking out on the "catwalk" platform at California Grill to see the fireworks is quite the experience.

Have you rented a -- oh, what do they call them -- a water mouse boat? The kind of speedy little two-seaters? Or waterskiied?

 

[WindowsJB]

...his attitude is out-of-bounds.

The only thing out of bounds is your comment. I did not suggest that my DS does not appreciate how fortunate he is; at most that he has the oh-so-common "I am way cooler than you" attitude. I don't fault him for that either, because I remember being that age and how uncool I thought my parents were. In my opinion, you have not gotten off on the right foot with your first post.

I am merely looking for suggestions that others have tried with their children that maybe we haven't thought of and have worked for them.

Laurajean -- Thank you for the advice, very constructive and useful.

Many thanks to Sandi and bleeps too!!!

Thanks,
Jared

 

[jwann]

My soon-to-be 11 year old goes ga-ga over Disney Quest and Innoventions at Epcot!!!

 

[PKS44]

The only thing out of bounds is your comment.... In my opinion, you have not gotten off on the right foot with your first post.

Yeah-- for the record I thought that answer was worse than out of bounds---I pity anybody with that kind of attitude.........your affection for your kids will be rewarded...I have seen a lot of situations where kids don't have much affection for their parents and obviously some people just reap what they sow...

 

[Joann]

I agree what my2boysmom said is not right I have two kids dd12 and ds 10 and we get alot of eye rolling heck I still do that at times mabey I need to go spend time in a shelter Kidding Kids will be kids they get to that age and some things are babiesh to them Like my daughter she isn't into the characters now and she can roll her eyes all she wants but mommy is making her get her picture with them * evil laugh*

 

[rangebob]

Let the Flood Gates Open.

If you really want to wow him and you are in the Orlando area. Take a little trip North of Disney to Universal Studios and do their parks. If he is a coaster junkie he would love Islands of Adventure.

 

[MAGGIED]

My DS is now 13 and a few things that he has really enjoyed doing..and continues to enjoy are
1. Pressed pennies
2. Disney quest
3. Fishing excursion w/ his Dad
4. Golf w/ Dad
5. Mini-golf
6. Give him the chance to plan part of one day.. pick the place to have dinner..decide what attraction to go on...

Hope that helps a little

By the way...both my children occasionaly roll eyes at me...they also hug me and tell me how much they love me...

 

[dvc guy]

This is low tech, how about a haicut at MK. DS 10 loves to get his hair spiked in different colors. We have had astroturff green and this past December my daughter suggested pink, thinking he would never agree. I have the pictures to prove it, I agree with Water mice, the ones at the conteporary are fast then OKW.

 

[pta-mom]

What a great idea!! My too cool 9 year old will love that!!!!!!!!

 

[ImagineEar]

Hey My2boysmom:
Looks like you are new around here - and those were some bold statements for your very first post. Keep in mind these are the DISboards - for Disney Boards - you know, family friendly.
To quote another DIS veteran "We play nice around here!"