What I WOULDN'T Miss...

[Buckeye Fan]

As many of you know, we're taking a 13 year old (boy) with our son to Disney this summer. He's never been to Disney. My head is spinning with all of the things I want to do with him. We'll be staying at OKW.

With that said, what are your top few "I Wouldn't Miss This for the World" activities/rides/suggestions? We'll be there from Saturday, July 25 - Saturday, Aug 1. So, we'll have Sat afternoon (evening we have Cirque tickets) through end of day Friday. We leave early Sat morning. I want this to be very special for him, and you guys may do things that we haven't even considered, know about, or done yet (e.g., Cirque is a first time for us!). Thanks for sharing your favorites!!!

 

[Rose&Mike]

I would take him to a character dinner or breakfast. There is nothing better than pictures of a 13 year old being silly with characters. Our teenager likes the Lilo and Stitch breakfast at O'Hana. We have some great pictures with him and Stitch.

I would also make sure that he gets to see the park opening at MK. It's easy to take it for granted after you've been to the park a million times, but I think if you've never been there before it would really add to the magic. (I still like to be there in time to see the opening!)

Hope you have a wonderful time!

 

[KPH500]

Absolutely park opening at MK, gives me the chills just thinking about it.

Also for me, Wishes is a must do and Illuminations and Fantasmic too!

 

[rpk1951]

For a 13 tear old boy: Disney Studios Tower of Terror; Animal Kingdom Himilayian Adventure; Epcot Tetst Track and Soarin

 

[cj9200]

Make them drink Beverly?

I faced the same thing last year with DD and DDBF. They sat down with some web sites and DD’s experience of many trips to WDW to answer a question I asked DDBF. “What is the one thing you want to do?” They decided on Tea at the Grand Floridian. Maybe that is what you should do. Oh wait, 13 YO boys and tea? Never mind.

How about make them drink Beverly?

 

[hakepb]

.. and TSM (at DHS)

I'll 2nd the Character breakfast idea. 13 might still be young enough to think the monorail going through the resort adds a big cool factor to the Chef Mickeys experience

For the 2nd wishes experience, you might try to time the Dumbo line correctly (fireworks have a wonderful 3-D effect while you are circling around and have fireworks going off on both sides of you) or watch them from the Big thunder mountain area (the large fireworks are louder there..)

and of course, ask the kid He might of always wanted to do something "lesser" like the teacups or get a picture taken with goofy...

 

[Laurabearz]

Riding in the front of the monorail

Being the last people to ride Haunted Mansion at park closing (or any other ride)

It's going to be wicked hot... but as DVC members you could spend a day pool hopping to other resorts, then perhaps hit the parks at night late when it's cooler. Like hop to the Poly then hit MK that night Or head over to Epcot for IllmiNations

 

[starbox]

My DS (12 almost 13) would say Kim Possible and Fantasia Gardens or Witnterland/Summerland mini golf.

I second character dining - the Ohana Breakfast. Sci Fi Diner is also super-fun for boys. Whispering Canyon too.

 

[BEASLYBOO]

Since you are at OKW and near DTD, Disney Quest is a favorite of my 12 year old son and his friends. On a cloudy day or a day that you are worn out, cut him loose on 5 floors of interactive video games. Design your own virtual rollercoaster and then get in it and ride your creation. It's a blast.

I would also fit in a water park, it's very hot in the summer and nothing beats Typhoon Lagoon and/or Blizzard beach.

OKW has paddleboats and don't forget to take the boat from OKW to DTD, DS12 loves to go at night for ice cream and to visit Lego Land.

At the parks, my sons favorites are Tower of Terror, Rocking Roller Coaster, Space Mountain, Buzz Lightyears, Toy Mania, Test Track, Mission Space, It's Tough to Be a Bug, Kilamanjaro Safari, Khali Rapids, and Mickey's Philarmagic. He still likes to go to AK and climb around in the Boneyard.

How exciting, 1st time at DIsney, I'm sure he'll have a blast.

 

[Ctsplaysinrain]

Well, I think it depends on the boy.. My 12 yr old son LOVES the thrill rides but my 13 yr old son will not go near them.. BUT, they both love DQ.. They could spend an entire week there and never do anything else disney and be happy as clams...My 12 yr old really liked the Jedi Training academy last year as well... And I think he wants to do the dress like a pirate this year..

 

[Buckeye Fan]

Oh! I love all the ideas! BTW, we've never been to DQ, so that might be a great thing to do. They both love video games. How does admission work? Do you pay to get in, and then you have access to everything? Or, do you get in for free, and pay for everything you do? Lastly, are there things DD (will be 7 at the end of this month) will enjoy?

Thanks for sharing your favorites! Keep them coming!

 

[DisneyWalker44]

With that said, what are your top few "I Wouldn't Miss This for the World" activities/rides/suggestions?

Having a relaxing time at Disney without someone trying to hard for me to have fun

I want this to be very special for him,

I know your heart is in the right place. But it's a trip to Disney. It's going to be great. Don't worry about it. And don't put together a list of must-do's. What happens if he doesn't want to get up early to see the park open? Or do a character breakfast? Or ride a scary ride?

 

[christa112]

If you do the Water Parks and More tickets that includes both Water Parks and Disney Quest. DQ has an admission cost but then all the games are free. My boys loved it when we went in Sept.

I would have to agree a water park your kids would love it, we had a blast at both, but my fav was Typhoon Lagoon, the kids can swim with fish which was pretty cool.

My boys also loved RnRR, ToT, TSM, Everest, Thunder Mt, Space Tours, Splash Mt.

Geez, I could go on and on.

Oh! I love all the ideas! BTW, we've never been to DQ, so that might be a great thing to do. They both love video games. How does admission work? Do you pay to get in, and then you have access to everything? Or, do you get in for free, and pay for everything you do? Lastly, are there things DD (will be 7 at the end of this month) will enjoy?

Thanks for sharing your favorites! Keep them coming!

 

[mdinme]

hs: Toy story mania, tower of terror, Smith coaster, Fanta.
mk: Space mtn, Buzz's ride, splash mtn, Haunted Mansion
ep: Soarin, test track, M. space, illuminations
ak: Safari, rapids, dinosaur

Going to be hot but you've got great pool choices

 

[Buckeye Fan]

Having a relaxing time at Disney without someone trying to hard for me to have fun

I know your heart is in the right place. But it's a trip to Disney. It's going to be great. Don't worry about it. And don't put together a list of must-do's. What happens if he doesn't want to get up early to see the park open? Or do a character breakfast? Or ride a scary ride?

I know...I know. I'm a planner by nature (project director)! I do think he'll have a great time no matter what. I just know we can't do it all, so I thought I'd ask people for their favorites.

Also, thanks to the PP for telling me more about DQ!!! We may have to try that.

 

[Deb & Bill]

TL, of course.

Hall of Presidents should be open. Everyone has to see that at least once.

Tollhouse ice cream cookie (if they still have them)

 

[photobob]

Don't sweat it! This 13 yo boy is going to have a great time regardless of what attractions you do!

 

[Crystal_27]

I would say that if you can swing it, try one of the water parks!! What child can resist *that* (especially given that you'll be vacationing in the middle of the summer)??

As an aside, I think that it's very gracious of you to be taking your son's friend with you to Disney and are trying so hard to make this a special trip for him. We are actually in a similar situation in September. We are crusing with some friends (who have never been on a cruise or to Disney) and are using our points to book a 2 bedroom at BLT the night before our cruise, and that night we are also doing MNSSHP. Even though we'll only have a day at Disney, I'm trying my best to think about ways to "treat them" and show them how magical Disney is. Good luck to both of us in spreading the magic!!

 

[IggyLans]

I know...I know. I'm a planner by nature (project director)! I do think he'll have a great time no matter what. I just know we can't do it all, so I thought I'd ask people for their favorites.

I'm in a simular boat on our next trip. I'm a planner as well. We're taking my DSis (33) on her FIRST WDW trip in November. I am thinking of everything I want her to see and do, but I also want her to have a good time, and not to be exhausted at the end of our trip. We'll do what we can, and make time to relax as well.

Have fun making your plans. I'm sure your trip will be wonderful!

 

[logan115]

Not to be a downer, but ............

I remember a few years back DW, DB, DSIL, and I went to Vegas on a parents only long weekend, leaving DS with my folks. Not sure who brought it up (could've been my Mom or even our pediatrician) but I remember writing up a simple document giving my parents the authority to make emergency medical decisions regarding our son should we be unreachable (DS had multiple heart defects when he was born - one of which required surgery at just 3 weeks - but has made a complete recovery and is a happy healthy 5 yo now ).

Clearly I hope that nothing happens and quite honestly it's not something that anyone wants to think of, but you may want to check into this to make sure you have everything covered.

That being said, have a great trip - you deserve some extra for doing this for both your son and his friend.

Chris