Favorite thing to do/see for 16 year old

[newbie72]

Hi All,
We snagged our waitlist for a last minute trip in a couple weeks. Woo Hoo, yea we get to go for DD sweet 16… boo to not being able to snag a special reservation to BOG or Cinderella castle.
what is your favorite thing to do or see or special treat that we could surprise her for her bday? Anything unique you’ve done or seen? She really doesn’t have a favorite character, if I had to choose maybe Merida or Belle. Is a sporty girl and recently recovering from knee surgery.
many and all suggestions welcome! We looked into the MK photo shoot, but it’s booked.

 

[westie55]

Being at Disney is special in itself! Maybe let her plan her day. She can look at the available ADRs and decide where she'd like to eat, what park and attractions she'd like to do, etc. Last minute dining for popular locations is really hard right now but you can use the Touring Plans reservation finder to see if something opens up.

 

[nyy]

Not sure if they are currently running, but there are some tours that require guests to be age 16 and up. Would that be of interest to her?

 

[Marthasor]

I don't know if this would be of interest or if she could even do it due to her surgery, but my DS13 recently did the archery experience at Ft. W and absolutely loved it. We made a whole day of it at the Fort - lunch, a visit to the stables, gem mining, kayaking and the archery experience. It was a great day - something different than being in the parks and very special.

 

[Adventureland]

I agree letting her plan her own day. A taste of total freedom is well welcome at that age, let her feel in control!

 

[newbie72]

We love these ideas. And didn’t know about the archery, etc. at Ft. Wilderness. She would love that.. and I think it would be fine on her knee as long as she is not having to run or jump.
I know about some of the backstage tours at animal kingdom for the safari, or the keys to the kingdom tour… but not really about any others.
not sure if they are up and running. Figured would ask possibly front desk when we get there. Seems like every day there is a new change- finding it hard to keep up with it all and re-learn the Disney learning curve post Covid. Thank you so much for all your advice!

 

[katyjeka]

Our girls love the private firework viewings. They also love when we rent boats and go out for a couple hours. I'm not sure boat rentals are running yet as I haven't started planning that part of our trip yet. Have a great time.

 

[finedice]

Hi All,
We snagged our waitlist for a last minute trip in a couple weeks. Woo Hoo, yea we get to go for DD sweet 16… boo to not being able to snag a special reservation to BOG or Cinderella castle.
what is your favorite thing to do or see or special treat that we could surprise her for her bday? Anything unique you’ve done or seen? She really doesn’t have a favorite character, if I had to choose maybe Merida or Belle. Is a sporty girl and recently recovering from knee surgery.
many and all suggestions welcome! We looked into the MK photo shoot, but it’s booked.

Are they cracking oysters for pearls still? Those are always a nice gift if you pick a nice setting.

 

[newbie72]

Our girls love the private firework viewings. They also love when we rent boats and go out for a couple hours. I'm not sure boat rentals are running yet as I haven't started planning that part of our trip yet. Have a great time.

My husband has always wanted to do that. I will have to let you know if they are when we are there. I didn’t think so.

 

[newbie72]

Are they cracking oysters for pearls still? Those are always a nice gift if you pick a nice setting.

Great idea! I don’t know if they still do that. I will take a look… thanks for the reminder.

 

[tinkerjo]

Make sure you get her an “I’m celebrating” button and put sweet 16 on it. The teens love all these people telling them happy birthday and sometimes they will get a little pixie dust because of it. My sons girlfriend got a free desert and a free trading pin. It was her first trip so she was thrilled

 

[J'aime Paris]

When we took our DD for her sweet 16 trip, we let her bring a friend. I booked 2 rooms so they could have their own space. (the room was connected to ours, but that's not guaranteed)

Let them to go off by themselves a bit during the trip, and meet up with DH and I at designated time/place.
DD also wanted more pool time to hang out and relax with her friend.

 

[FtW Mike]

I have been fortunate enough to have celebrated my Birthday at Disney 3 times now. ( My teenage years are long in the past ) We start with a Late breakfast in Whispering Canyon Cafe. I ask for Honey Bee as our server and let them know we are there for My birthday when I make my reservations Twice we were Lucky and got our request for her filled. Her rendition of Happy Birthday is truely remarkable. I promise it will bring a Tear to your ears. We follow that with a return to Fort Wilderness where the girls get to be in the Pet Parade followed by what Disney advertises as The Holiday Golf Cart Parade but is actually The Ride Shame for rule breakers caught running around in decorated Golf Carts