Tips for trip with older kids???

[luvthatdisney]

Hi guys,

We are planning a trip for Aug 2004 and it has been about 4 years since our last trip. My ds will 15 at the time of our Aug trip and our dd will be 11. They are not really interested in the characters - except my daughter loves Lizzie McGuire/Hilary Duff. My son is only into skateboarding at this point - I would assume that will change next year when he gets his drivers license!!!

We have been to WDW many times, but the kids were younger. Has anyone been recently with older kids (teens)? What did they enjoy? I would like to make sure we do things everyone will like, but it is hard to know what a teenager would like. I would also like to try some new restaurants but not sure what would be appropriate for this age group. I have my fav's and will do some of them, but would like to go somewhere they would feel comfortable as well.

Any suggestions???

Kristin

 

[luvmarypoppins]

I can only comment on your ds since we have 3 teen ds. Their favorite place to eat is ESPN on the boardwalk, rainforest cafe and any buffet, they are into the food and not the characters. Their favorite park is mgm, oldest ds is really into wwtbam, and they love the water parks and disney quest. They have done fishing, parasailing and horseback riding. Let your ds pick out a restraunt or a few rides one day etc. I also let one be the designated photographer etc. Last trip they went to disney quest 3 times etc.

 

[HopperFan]

What I noticed the last two trips (although this last one was for them to run in the half-marathon & 5k so it was busy).

- Wanted pool time to just relax with the music and refillable mug
- DS used his pool time to "read" while watching the girls through his sunglasses. Both found "friends" to talk to.
- In parks, they liked the big rides and even some of the simpler rides like Buzz Lightyear (you are shooting lasers for points) and were not interested in parades or shows.
- They will love Disney Quest !
- They will love the water parks, find a good quiet place to "camp" and let them go.
- I would let them look at restaurants on line and have input to your PS, mine were always up for something new & international.

 

[Bellefan66]

Your post was like reading our last trip report! My DS was 15, and into skateboarding,DD was 12 and the baby was 5. The older two LOVED MGM, and MK. Didn't like Epcot at all but the baby and DH and I loved it? Go figure! They were not as into the shows as I was. DS LOVED Tarzan rocks, skaters in it! We ALL loved Indianna Jones too. Definetly ride oriented at that age! Have fun!