Experiences for boys??

[EllenMurphy]

We are heading to Disney for the first time next year. What experience are great for boysboys? I know princesses dining but what activities or dining, etc are geared for boys? Anything cars or pirate related?

Thanks!

 

[Coconut8473]

How old is your kid(s)? It sounds cliche, but there's absolutely something for everyone, and Disney activities really aren't gendered. Even things you might not consider, like the Frozen singalong in DHS and Enchanted Tales with Belle in MK do a great job of making the experiences fun for all, including non-princess fans and adults. The majority of character dining options aren't princess-focused, so if your kids like characters in general, any of those will be a hit. I have a daughter who doesn't like princesses and a son who doesn't like pirates and we've never had to think twice about entertainment options for either. When my son was young he was obsessed with trains... riding the WDW Railroad in MK was a big deal, and he could literally stand around for an hour watching the model train setup in Germany in Epcot. All of the Star Wars stuff in DHS, and the Lego store in DS are also a big hit.

 

[ShannyMcB]

My boys (9 and 6) loved the character breakfast at topilinos. We also did a fireworks cruise which all of my kids loved. If you can fill the boat (10 people) the price per person isn't too bad.
All things toy story and star wars were hits. Since it was their sister's birthday while we were there I wanted to do something special for them so they built droids and had an awesome time doing it. Also took the 9 year old for a late night swim at our hotel, just he and I and he thought that was great...super simple but it was effective in differentiating him from his younger siblings.

 

[JK World]

Some of the best things were free, but don't exist anymore (pirate experience in MK and Jedi training at HS). Character meals are fun (or were, we haven't been since Covid). If budget allows, you can build a droid or lightsaber in HS.

People like to jump all over questions like this, but I totally get you. Fun, non-princess activities are hard to come by at Disney these days. Even harder if you don't want to spend big...

 

[MamaMermaid]

Age?

We have an almost 4 year old... I don't think there are many special boy oriented experiences, TBH. My son really enjoys his favorite rides (Test Track, Space Mountain, Mission Space, etc), watching the trains in Germany, and running the trails of AK. He likes riding all the transportation options (Skyliners are his fave!). Big fan of TREX and Rainforest Cafe as well as the LEGO store. We haven't built a droid or lightsaber yet (he doesn't have much experience with Star Wars) but I'm sure it's coming. There are a few tours (maybe the train one would be up your alley) but they aren't running (and neither is the train!). You'll have a blast regardless!

EDIT to add: Art of Animation has wonderfully themed suites including Lion King and Cars if that would be an option. There are Pirate rooms at Caribbean Beach, too.

 

[EllenMurphy]

How old is your kid(s)? It sounds cliche, but there's absolutely something for everyone, and Disney activities really aren't gendered. Even things you might not consider, like the Frozen singalong in DHS and Enchanted Tales with Belle in MK do a great job of making the experiences fun for all, including non-princess fans and adults. The majority of character dining options aren't princess-focused, so if your kids like characters in general, any of those will be a hit. I have a daughter who doesn't like princesses and a son who doesn't like pirates and we've never had to think twice about entertainment options for either. When my son was young he was obsessed with trains... riding the WDW Railroad in MK was a big deal, and he could literally stand around for an hour watching the model train setup in Germany in Epcot. All of the Star Wars stuff in DHS, and the Lego store in DS are also a big hit.

They will be (we are going next year) 4 and 7.

 

[EllenMurphy]

Thanks everyone! Sorry, I have only been to Disney once when I was a child back in the 90s! Are there any Cars activities? I would say art of animation but we are opting offsite at Club Bonnet Creek for my budget and so my parents can also stay with us. I know Disneyland has the Cars land...anything around those movies at Disney World?

 

[nwandless32]

My son age 7 built a droid last trip and he loved it. We also took him shopping at Super Hero Headquarters in Disney Springs. He got a Thor hammer and carried it around playing superhero's. As others have mentions Test Track is a favorite among boys.

 

[Skywalker3]

My son really enjoyed working on the Wilderness Explorer badges in AK, Not sure if time will allow, as it can take awhile to complete them all (took us 3 trips to finish the book.) But it's a lot of fun even if doing a few . He also enjoyed the kidcot stops in Epcot.

 

[MamaMermaid]

Thanks everyone! Sorry, I have only been to Disney once when I was a child back in the 90s! Are there any Cars activities? I would say art of animation but we are opting offsite at Club Bonnet Creek for my budget and so my parents can also stay with us. I know Disneyland has the Cars land...anything around those movies at Disney World?

There is a little Cars show at Hollywood Studios - not sure if it's running yet. Lots of Cars merch, too!

 

[ZeeWP]

Thanks everyone! Sorry, I have only been to Disney once when I was a child back in the 90s! Are there any Cars activities? I would say art of animation but we are opting offsite at Club Bonnet Creek for my budget and so my parents can also stay with us. I know Disneyland has the Cars land...anything around those movies at Disney World?

Not cars specifically, but there is Toy Story Land in Hollywood Studios. I think half + rides can appeal to boys if you think of things like Pirates, peter Pan, etc. In Epcot, I think the new Remy's ride appeals to all, and things like Seas and figment. Animal Kingdom is a universal appeal to all kids, cause animals! Also some things with Dinosaurs.

 

[Disney Fool]

Pirate Adventure has just reopened at Magic Kingdom

 

[LSUmiss]

Are your kids familiar with Disney characters & movies? DS (3) loves dumbo, tea cups, Peter Pan, & little mermaid. He is familiar with those movies & characters too, however.