How to impress a teenager

[DanenRox]

So our children "agreed" to come to WDW in January...at 20, 19 and 14 they're not overly impressed by our vacation destination..."aren't we all a little old for this"? I'm sure they'd rather do some horrible MTV inspired vacation, rather than go back to Disney. I know we'll all have a ball, but I'm wondering if anyone has any suggestions/ideas of something special to do with the little rats to show them why WDW is such a magical place. Something that would blow their little minds.......

 

[Stacerita]

Would an Illuminations or Wishes cruise impress them?

 

[loadsapixiedust]

I am hoping to impress mine with tickets to a concert at House of Blues for a favourite band.
I am hoping they will also enjoy the Comedy Club and Adventurers Club at Pleasure Island.

 

[DanenRox]

I'm a little hesitant about a wishes cruise because I hear the weather can get a tad cool in January. How can I find out who is playing at the Downtown Disney venues in January?

 

[CherCrazy]

How about some dinners in upscale restaurants. They're old enough to enjoy them.

 

[tmt martins]

Do a tour maybe behind the sceens type one .

The older 2 I would do the Segway around the world tour.

 

[kellyg403]

Its funny, my teenagers were the hardest sell when it came to a WDW vacation. But...once they were there they were hooked. Tired but hooked. My dd 17 at the time loved the characters , and the other 3 dd's 13, 14, 15 all really loved the rides and the shows. Disneyquest was another big hit with them as was all of DTD. We didn't do anything special "just" for them since we didn't really know much and didn't want to spend half our time looking for places. The one thing I wish we had done was the Cirque De Soliel. I think my crew would have loved it.

Trust me, you won't have to worry too much when you get there! It was so surprising to hear "when can we come back?"!!

Enjoy your vacation!
Kelly

 

[Hoosier Mom]

I second the segway tour. I bet they'll change their tune when they get there. Have fun!

 

[dzneelvr]

DD "finally" turned 16 for this trip in July, so we (DH, DS 18, me) all did the Segway Tour around EPCOT (outstanding ) and the "Keys to the Kingdom" tour in MK--very interesting and DD and DS loved the earphones, special badges, and that everyone was looking at our group wondering who we were You can also dive with the fishes in The Sea. For Segway you have to be under 250 pounds to operate one of the machines. When our teens were under 16, they loved being able to "branch off" from us once and awhile and do some attractions on their own. We also began sleeping in at the resort and getting to the parks by noon. Then we'd close them down at midnight (just the right time schedule for teenagers). There are several attractions such as Mission Space, Expedition Everest, RRrC, ToT to name a few that they will love. We found that this trip, DS and DD actually wanted to do the Character pictures again and of course DS wanted a pix with all the "beauties" at each country around EPCOT--they are happy to oblige. So far so good with our 2

 

[irishbosoxfan]

All would probably love Disney Quest and the older 2 would probably like to go to the clubs at Pleasure Island

My DS 15 loved MGM and of course the princesses!

 

[TammyAlphabet]

Well, if any of them are boys, take them to the marrakesh for the belly dancer. My DS(14) was very impressed. I even got a picture of him dancing with the belly dancer. I thought it might come in handy one day.

 

[marathonmommy]

I agree with:
Disney Quest
Segway Tour
Pleasure Island clubs at night

I would also add:
Blizzard Beach
Concentrate on "thrill rides" - TOT, RNR, SM, TT, etc.

 

[Jennick]

I second the segway tour. I bet they'll change their tune when they get there. Have fun!

Where can I find info on these? Sounds like fun!
Another idea..how about parasailing? I beleive, if I am correct, they offer this at the CR.
Not sure if they would be into this or not, but what about Richard Petty's driving experience?

 

[MEG&MINNIE]

How old do you have to be to get into the clubs in Pleasure Island...18 or 21 ???

 

[schmitty]

18 for some clubs and 21 for others on the weekend.

 

[Missy Mouse]

So our children "agreed" to come to WDW in January...at 20, 19 and 14 they're not overly impressed by our vacation destination..."aren't we all a little old for this"? I'm sure they'd rather do some horrible MTV inspired vacation, rather than go back to Disney. I know we'll all have a ball, but I'm wondering if anyone has any suggestions/ideas of something special to do with the little rats to show them why WDW is such a magical place. Something that would blow their little minds.......

Truly, you shouldn't have to do anything special to impress them. The magic of Disney should be enough. I went for the first time last year at age 20 with my boyfriend who was 28. I'm now 21 and he's 30 and we are going back for the fourth time in a little over a year. If they can't appreciate Dis for what it is then I feel sad for them, but I'm sure they'll be able to get into it once they're there. Eating at 'Ohana during the fireworks is a truly special treat, the Polynesian at sunset is gorgeous. You can take them to Downtown Disney and they can do the clubs/comedy shows. Not to worry, Supermom!

 

[Hoosier Mom]

Where can I find info on these? Sounds like fun!
Another idea..how about parasailing? I beleive, if I am correct, they offer this at the CR.
Not sure if they would be into this or not, but what about Richard Petty's driving experience?

Get the Birnbalm's Official Guidebook. It has info on special tours, the Richard Petty Driving Experience, trail rides, fishing, specialty cruises, etc. In my book it says the Around the World At Epcot Tour (on segways) is $80, minimum age 16. I've never booked a tour. You could probably book it thru reservations. Maybe someone else can tell you how they booked it. There are several behind-the scenes tours listed in the book.

 

[hidmickey:myantidrug]

Hmmm...I'm thinking excessive amounts of IASW until they admit that they love it there! No, but really I have no idea. All of these things suggested I would enjoy but not as much as the classic rides (no offense to those who added them). I guess I'm just a dull anti-MTV teen.

 

[MEG&MINNIE]

18 for some clubs and 21 for others on the weekend.[/QUOTE Thanks for the info ...I have 2 sons ,one is 18 and the other is 21 ...so they could both go ! (if they ever agreed... to go again to WDW) Is the state drinking age 21 , I assume ? Thanks


Another quick thought ,do many college students go to WDW for "Spring Break" as an alternative to the other places they usually go like "Daytona Beach" back in my day (the 70's .... )???

 

[NotUrsula]

Funny on this topic: a few years ago, DH's assistant was going to WDW for the first time and bringing her 18 yo son, in July. They were also taking 2 young grandchildren along. She asked DH for advice on what he thought the son might enjoy.

DH told her to cut the kid loose to do pretty much whatever he wanted to do on-property (he was 18, after all), but to be sure to get him water-park options on his hopper. Doting mom said, "Oh, I don't think he'd like that, he's never been that into swimming." DH just looked at her and replied, "It isn't about swimming. He's an 18 yo -- if he has a *pulse*, he'll enjoy himself at the water parks." (DH didn't even bother to try to explain the Brazilian tour groups.)

Clueless.