My DD13 loves Disney and she is a thrill rider but much prefers disney atmosphere over the Universal atmosphere eventhough universal rides can be better for her age bracket.
Definately Tower of Terror, Space Mountain, Everest, RnR, etc. There really is something in every park for teens.
What I love about Epcot is the various shows they do, snacking around the world DD calls it and seeing people from other countries who work in the shops, etc. This is quite interesting to her and Epcot is our favorite park.
MK has the least appeal to her but the most appeal to me. So I tend to let her pick where we make our dining reservations there and make sure I get her on Space Mountain Multiple times. MK can be open super late on EMH and she loves that - stayng at up a 2 AM riding ANYTHING Is cool to her. Something she is NOT a fan of is say WISHES or the parade, finds the parade sort of lame but likes to watch WISHES from the Poly Beach...
Not sure where you are staying but a lot of the pools have afternoon pool games. We stay at Beach Club and she loves joining in on volleyball games, name that tune, etc. I also give her a little independence here to go to the marketplace alone for a drink, etc.
We have gone every year since she was 3 and it never gets old. EVERY YEAR there is new stuff for her to see/do and appreciate more than she did the prior year.
I know Disneyquest is popular with teens, we hate it b/c of crowds, etc. but teens do love it there as well as Blizzard Beach, etc. He may REALLY enjoy that if he enjoys swimming.
