What type of rides, IPs, etc did he enjoy in DL? I agree in possibly getting lightning lanes for multiple rides.
I've spent a lot of time with my teen DS, now 17, in the world and Universal, and he's ALL into the thrill rides. Loved GotG, Tron, Space mtn, Mission space. I also let him go off and ride things I don't want to, like Mission Space, or repeats on Space Mtn. if there's not much of a line.
He very much enjoys the Safari ride at AK, Satuli Canteen cheeseburger pods, Dinosaur, FoP, Everest, and he'll do Everest in the single rider over and over, and if we have extra time, he enjoyed the gorilla trail, various animal exhibits around the park. FoP has the longest lines, so if possible, I'd get the LLSP for that one, and/or rope drop and/or close the night with it. If he ends up loving GotG, I'd get the VQ and the LLSP if possible, for multiple rides.
We've never done the LLMP, so can't advise on that, but might help with limited time, and repeats.
DS's go to meal wherever we go is a cheeseburger. He has gotten more adventurous, but if at a sit down restaurant, he's going for the cheeseburger. maybe pasta if that's an option. He also likes Katsura Grill in Japan, and sometimes noodles if there is a food booth with them. Speaking of the Japan pavilion, he used to love the store there, now not as much, but still goes in. He's not much of a shopper or souvenir kid tho.
We are all a big Star Wars family. DS probably the least so, but he still loves GE. I guess it's the same in DL? DS likes riding Smuggler's Run several times as single rider, usually we try to at least get one ride in the regular line. He's never expressed interest in building a saber or droid, but if you do have a big SW fan, those are options. DS loves ToT, and would happily do that over and over.
We are comfortable enough at WDW to let him go on rides solo, and just waiting, or meeting up after a certain time.
My son is not a big social person, WDW can get a bit too peoply and chaotic at times, so he very much enjoyed some afternoon rest time in the room, playing switch, watching a movie, whatever, just to get away from all the go-go-go of the parks. He used to be a pool kid, but not much anymore. But he is good to go back at night, as he knows the crowds/wait times do slack off at night (and rope drop---it's the only way to get him out of bed, the lower wait times, ) he certainly hates long lines/waits.
Even though we haven't tried it, I keep wanting to go to Gatorland. I hope one day to fit it into the schedule. Would be so, so fun. We also did the coasters at SeaWorld last year, and we go to Universal often, and love it there too, if that's an option at all.
Hope y'all have a fabulous trip!!
If he's into fireworks make sure to see those - if you can swing a dessert party those are great for the fireworks.
