Ideas for keeping DS14 occupied on trip

[MarthaJr.]

Other than the parks, resort pools & arcades and DQ.... do you have any ideas for keeping a very energetic 14 yr. old boy occupied without DH & I "entertaining" him constantly? Are there any programs for teens? Seems like there is a lot of "extra" activities for the 12 & under set such as the pirate & tea parties. Maybe we should stay offsite at a hotel with planned activities. What do you think?


DH, DS14 & myself will be going to Florida over Easter break. (I know parks will be busy.) DD20 is in college so she won't be able to join us as her spring break is different. Not sure how much time we will spend in Orlando yet---that 4/3 deal if awfully tempting.

 

[Yensid_MD]

There is a book on Hidden Mickeys which gives an older child something else to look for on a ride and while at the parks. Also if they are into skateboarding there is a GREAT Vans Skateboard park not far from Disney. You can rent boards and gear there if you cant bring your own. Hope those ideas help.

 

[disneybridetobe]

LOL sit him near the pool with a dark pair of sunglasses so he can check out the girls! It's probably what he wants to do! I remember being at WDW when I was 13 and all I wanted to do was check out (but chicken out on talking to) the boys!!

 

[MarthaJr.]

Vans Skatepark is a great idea............and so are the sunglasses LOL
Keep the ideas coming!!!!!

 

[DVCLiz]

I'm a litle puzzled by your request. Does your son have some sort of special needs?

Because I can't imagine any 14 year old running out of things to do at WDW. When you say "other than the parks" you have to realize that there are FOUR theme parks full of rides, shows, parades, and restaurants, plus Downtown Disney, Disney Quest, a movie theater, water parks, swimming pools, etc. etc. If you can't keep him busy at WDW without planning "extra" activities then I think you have a problem!!!

No, definitely DO NOT stay off site - whatever "teen" programs they have planned will pale in comparison to what Disney can offer.

 

[AwaitingMagic]

Is he in to video games and stuff? Disney Quest would likely keep him busy for hours..............

 

[christa112]

I would think there are plenty of things to do in WDW too. Are you going to be leaving him alone? Why would he need to entertain himself? I do believe each resort has an arcade, there is Disney Quest, what about the water parks?

 

[MarthaJr.]

Thanks for the ideas. No special needs, but likes to be busy. He doesn't particularily like lounging at the pool.....but DH & I like some down time from the parks etc too. That is why in my original post I inquired about teen programs. DS did the pirate cruise when he was younger and loved it---he had a great time and we had some time to ourselves. Just looking for similar activities that are inexpensive or even better, free.

 

[DVCLiz]

Thanks for the ideas. No special needs, but likes to be busy. He doesn't particularily like lounging at the pool.....but DH & I like some down time from the parks etc too. That is why in my original post I inquired about teen programs. DS did the pirate cruise when he was younger and loved it---he had a great time and we had some time to ourselves. Just looking for similar activities that are inexpensive or even better, free.

Oh, I see. I don't really have any suggestions for you in that case!!

 

[momtoBrandon&Jacob]

LOL sit him near the pool with a dark pair of sunglasses so he can check out the girls! It's probably what he wants to do! I remember being at WDW when I was 13 and all I wanted to do was check out (but chicken out on talking to) the boys!!

Ditto! My dad took me to Disney when I was 15 with my little sister and a cousin. It was horrible! The highlight of the entire trip was that I met a really cute guy...well, that and Space Mountain!

 

[GaSleepingBeautyFan]

While we lounged at the pool, DS13 plays in the arcade and then comes to the pool.
He loves playing in the pool with diving rings and a couple of times has met other boys his age and they play Marco Polo or toss one of the pool balls back and forth.