Grandparents 1st time taking tween grandkid alone, advice welcomed!

[johnsgrl]

So last Christmas, our then 9 year old grandson topped his Christmas wish list with "a Disney trip with Grammy and Papa", the kid obviously knows how to play the game!
The trip is coming up quickly and we are coming from different states and he is flying solo (1st time) to MCO where we will meet up with him on check in day (we drive down the day before), he has not been since he was 3 and we brought him with his parents, he is a very serious and cerebral young man who loves learning, reading and world cultures currently. He also loves roller coasters, animals and Star War. We are staying at BWV and are 2x year Disney adults but our experiences aren't usually geared to his level, so I am thinking World Showcase and all of the Kidcot stations, and the Food and Wine booths he is interested in, Galaxy's Edge of course and Animal Kingdom, any experiences out there with a similarly aged and intellectually stimulated kid have suggestions to make this an awesome trip for a special kid? This is a getaway from his much younger siblings that he adores but that also strain his patience at times.

 

[NYCgrrl]

Since he likes rollercoasters you’ll want to set up an MK visit.
Pre-Genie and LL we would just book a first available FP and then plot a strategy from there since there are more thrill rides in that park than the others. No idea how to do it now but I’m sure others can help.

AK is another coaster/thrill ride locale and the only time we ever rope dropped which allowed us an early Sanaa lunch with animal sightings (giraffes, ostrich or emu, zebra).
A patio lunch at HBD will allow you to see the outdoor Star Wars parade (can’t recall the actual name) ;try to sit as far into the patio as possible and near the fence for the best views.

Have fun! Just back from BWI and it’s looking good.

 

[unrequited23]

I would ask him for input. See if he's done any research on his own. Let him decide on your lunch restaurant one day, or more. Listen to his preferences and explain your logic if you decide with another choice. (For example, Woody's Lunchbox does have a great menu, but the seating is limited and not air conditioned. I think it's a better place for a late dinner than a midday lunch in the summertime.) Be prepared to spend a lot of time in the Norse mythology building while he reads every single word...and Mitsukoshi if he's gotten into anime.

I know it's a trip for him, but share your favorite parts of Disney with him too. Explain why it's special to you.

 

[Anna131517]

He might really like the Animal Kingdom Wilderness Explorers activities.

 

[sponica]

Honestly, I think whatever he does, he'll have a blast. I still remember the trip I took with my grandparents when I was in college (I was older so there was obviously a lot of do your own thing and meet back with us at this time).

 

[jo-jo]

How is your stamina? Perhaps before trip, let it be know if you will need to cut back from 14 hours days.

I love the idea of getting him in on the planning. Sounds like a kid that could be your tour guide.

Take lots of pictures of all of you, not just him.

I don't know how to do this, but many speak of disney related games online to play with waiting in line.

 

[PadawanGirl]

He might really like the Animal Kingdom Wilderness Explorers activities.

I second this! Especially for an intellectual kid, it's a great balance of learning and playing, in my opinion. It also encourages you to explore every area of Animal Kingdom. If he's interested in world cultures, of course the World Showcase in Epcot would be a great idea too!

 

[cruising spud]

We are going on a trip that includes the grandkids. I suggested they watch YouTube videos to get a feel of what they want to ride. They have been doing this and sending me their "must dos."

If your grandson is not sure about a ride (is it too fast, does it go upside down, etc) there is a website (I think the name is How rides Work) that really explains the rides.