It really all depends on the people since each person likes different things.
When I was 12 I really loved Splash Mountain and Big Thunder Mountain in the Magic Kingdom. I also loved Space Mountain. It was the thrill that interested me (and still does, heh). Pirates of the Caribben and the Haunted Mansion, though not thrill, were still up there as my favorites and now the POTC ride is redone to include favorite scenes from the movie so he might enjoy that (especially since it's a common game for all ages to try and find all the Captain Jack Sparrows! Tell him there are 3 of them and see if he can point them all out). The Haunted Mansion will be rennovated by then so it should be even better! Other rides such as Stitch's Great Escape and the Mad Hatter's Tea Cups might be good too. There is also a new attraction called the Laugh Floor Comedy Club. I haven't seen it yet, but it has gotten really good ratings! Other awesome attractions include: Mickey's Philharmagic, Buzz Lightyear, and the TTA. The TTA is a great "cool off" attraction. You sit in these easy paced cars and travel around Tomorrowland.
In MGM, Rock 'n' Roller Coaster and Tower of Terror are the biggest thrill and I think he would enjoy those (as long as he doesn't have any health risks - same follow with the thrill I named for the MK). These two rides are WDW's biggest thrill and two of the most popular in WDW and
the most popular in MGM. (FPs are a must). He might also like Star Tours. It is based off of Star Wars and is a virtual ride. The "car" moves around but doesn't leave it's spot and as the video is shown on the screen you see, it appears as if you are blasting into space with R2D2! It's a lot of fun especially because it's so realistic! It's also cute in the queue when the robot is talking to the tourists walking by. Fantasmic is a GREAT show to see at the end of the day at MGM. The only thing is, you will want to arrive at the theater about an hour before showtime. It's an action/water/light/fireworks show about Imagination and Mickey's battle against the villains. It's really awesome - especially for those who haven't seen it before.
In Epcot, Test Track and Soarin' are great options. Epcot is sort of a love/hate type of thing. You either really like it or you don't. It is mostly educational so kids tend to dislike, but it can be really cool. It isn't my favorite, but I definitely love Soarin' and Test Track. A lot of people like Maelstrom (the ride in Norway) also. Probably stay away from the Mexico ride, not many people like it because it's, well, "boring" lol. There is a new attraction at Epcot, or rather, a redone attraction. The Living Seas has now become the Living Seas with Nemo and Friends. It's a ride now and you sit in clams as you go through. I haven't been on this since it was redone, but apparently it is really something!! He might like that. Honey I Shrunk the Audience is a good attraction also. It's a 3D show and the audience is accidently "resized" by Wayne Zalinski. Some parts are a little scary. If he doesn't like mice or snakes, maybe this should be passed. (the mice and snakes are not real, but Disney does a great job with the realistic factor lol). Journey into Imagination is a classic, but he probably wouldn't enjoy it as much since it is a favorite of many of the younger ages. I would still go on it but that's just because it's always cute. The lines are usually non-existant for the ride, so maybe a once through would be good for him to see lol. Mission Space is great also. Some people feel the most intense version is too intense and so they ride the lesser of the two. Depends on what your son likes
In Animal Kingdom, Expedition Everest, It's Tough To Be A Bug, Kali River Rapids, Dinosaur, Primeval Whirl, and the Kilimanjaro Safaris are favorites. It's Tough To Be A Bug is located in the Tree of Life and a lot of fun (though some people say it's a tad scary for the younger ones - 12 shouldn't be that bad). Kali River Rapids is a lot of fun but probably not for the Christmas season lol. Dinosaur is scary. This ride totally depends on who he is. If he loves Dinosaurs, go for it. If not, maybe pass on this. The Dinosaurs are VERY realistic and it is a "dark" ride so it takes place in the dark. Primeval Whirl is always fun. It is located in Chester and Hester's Dino-Rama (which I don't really care for) but it is fun! It is a mild thrill. The Safaris are very interesting! The animals roam freely and sometimes, the driver may have to stop to let giraffes pass!! It's really cool.
As far as places to eat, Casey's Corner at the Magic Kingdom is a tradition for us. I have always loved the all-beef foot long hot dogs with fries and a soda! It was also nice because you can sit outside at a table and watch the people walk down Main Street while having a great view of the castle and listening the ragtime piano playing right there. The pianist is AMAZING at his talent. The restaurant is themed after the poem Casey At The Bat. 1900 Park Fare at the Grand Floridian is awesome too. It's a buffet with a character breakfast. Chrystal Palace is heard to be great. I've never been, but you might want to look at the menu.
http://allearsnet.com/din/dining.htm has all the menus at WDW. You can look at them and decide which place has the food you would enjoy more
I have never been to WDW during Christmas and I am not sure which attractions are seasonal. You can always go to the official Disney site to find that out along with EMH (Extra Magic Hours) and times for the park openings and closings. You may not see the EMH until a few months before, but park hours should be there. If not yet, check back around August-October. Once the hours are there, they stay there throughout December so I don't mean they go away after October, just that it might be that long until they put them up there.
Have fun!!! Christmas is supposed to be a beautiful time there. I always wanted to see the Grand Floridian all decorated (I am a HUGE GF fan lol).
The line was short and we had never been so I didn't know what the ride would be like. He liked peter pan though.
We both love hot dogs and I have heard from others that theirs are really good.
