Suggestions for teenagers first visit.

[JennyN]

In November we will be taking 12 teenagers to DL, aged between 15 and 18 years, all girls, only 3 of them have been to DL before. I have all my favorite things to do but I'm concerned that I am overlooking things I take for granted but that the girls would like. I'd appreciate any and all suggestions for the girls. I really want to make this a truly memorable trip for them.

 

[Minuet888]

wow thats expensive but nice of you to do

 

[KiwiMouseGirl]

Im going to bump this because i'm taking my friend (who's not obsessed with Disney, but is still keen to spend as much time in the parks as possible) over in October for her first visit. It would be good to get some good idea's to get a teenager excited about Disney (we will both be 19 when we go)

But maybe I'd suggest making them all a little Disney themed book. You could all get together one day and look at all the rides that are at Disneyland and they could each write down the ones that they don't want to miss! This would get them excited about planning for their trip And also, just take time to "stop and smell the roses" I was all about rushing on my first trip and April. but really started to enjoy myself when I slowed down the pace and let myself take in all of the little details around Disneyland. Also, get to the parks before opening! Those 3 or so hours were invaluable to us when we were over there! We walked onto EVERYTHING! This will also be an advantage with such a large party! And you can hit a lot of the big attractions and get fastpasses before the park gets busy in the mid to late afternoon

 

[sechelt]

One year I challenged my teens to see who could get the most pics with different characters. I can still remember my daughter jumping up from her lunch and racing across Tomorrowland to get a picture with Buzz Lightyear.

Maybe a tour, if they can afford it. There's so much to see and learn behind the scenes.

I also recommend you break up into groups of two to make it easier for touring. Then you don't need to worry about pleasing everyone. Can always agree to meet for lunch, snack, or whatever at a specific time.

 

[Rainasunshine]

I agree with a pp, it would make things easier to split into groups and explore the parks that way. Hopefully, it will prevent eventual meltdowns and hard feelings. Try finding out what brings out the kid in them, or their favorite ever Disney thing. I know for me and my friends no matter how old we are seeing out favorite Disney character or riding our favorite ride will always bring out the best in us
Hidden mickey challenge? Or scavenger hunts would be fun

 

[tanyaewa]

Matching t- shirts are so fun!

 

[NiceOneSimba]

I've taken groups of teens twice. Both times, there were kids who had never been.

My plan was to make a list of a few "non-negotiable" things we would all do as a group each day. It could be specific rides you'll all go on together, shows, parades, fireworks....whatever you think they NEED to do, or will be a memorable or fun experience to all have together.

The last time I took kids, we did fireworks at DL one night and World of Color at DCA the next night. We rode the Matterhorn, Indy and Pirates as a big group, and then they forced me to ride Tower of Terror with them. You could also all plan a meal to eat together as a group each day.

The rest of the time, I let them split up into groups and have some "free time." We met up every three hours. That seemed like the right amount of time: enough time to get several rides in, even if the lines are long; but so much time I felt like they were running wild. I let them parkhop if they wanted, but they needed to text me who they were with and when they were leaving one park and going to the other.

I found out that there were kids who had been many, many times. They all made sure the "newbies" got to see and do the fun stuff. Honestly, it was fun to watch how excited they were to show the other kids things they knew and loved.

Also, you may want to ask each kid what the top item on their "to-do" list is, and make sure to do them all!

Hope it helps! It's so fun to watch teenagers get carried away with the joy and magic. They still talk about it, even almost 3 years later.

You will have a blast!

 

[JennyN]

They are all great suggestions, thank you so much everyone.