Disney World is has a great reputation as being the number one vacation destination for families with small children. While it is true that Disney World has incredible accommodations for those with little ones including Baby Care Centers, stroller rentals, and extensive kids menus, Disney World is also a great space for teens and tweens. Even teenagers who have never visited Disney parks as children end up having amazing Disney vacations with their families. Disney has a special way of bringing families closer together and connecting everyone, including teenagers, to their inner-child. If you are thinking about taking your teenager to Disney then be assured you are making a great decision. Here is why your teenager is in need of a Disney vacation!
Thrill Rides
Disney World has several attractions that cater to guests of all ages and thrill-level, but it is also home to some amazing thrill rides that your teenager will love. One of the newest thrilling Disney attractions is located at Magic Kingdom in Tomorrowland: Tron Lightcycle Run. Based on the Disney film Tron: Legacy, this twisting coaster has guests seated as if they are riding their own lightcycle and begins with a high-speed launch that carries guests through the attraction. With a top speed of 60 miles per hour, this coaster is definitely fit for the thrill-seekers.
Each Disney park has one or more thrill ride for your teenager. Hollywood Studios is home to Rock ‘n Roller Coaster, a high-speed coaster starring Aerosmith that takes guests through 3 inversions, and also to The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, a heavily-themed drop tower ride that will take guests to the Twilight Zone and back again. Animal Kingdom’s standout attraction is Expedition Everest, a mountainous coaster that will have you questioning the existence of the legendary Yeti monster in the Himalayas, and EPCOT recently debuted the Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind roller coaster featuring never before seen thrilling effects like a backwards launch!
Educational Experiences
There is value in taking your teenagers on a trip to Disney, and that is in Disney’s several opportunities for educational experiences. Walt Disney had a passion for learning and this is seen in the details throughout the Disney parks and their attractions. EPCOT’s World Showcase for example is a celebration of world cultures that is made up of 11 pavilions that accurately represent their host country. These pavilions have authentic merchandise and architecture and are a great way for teenagers to learn about the cultures of the world and other countries.
Disney World attractions like The Hall of Presidents and Living With The Land present educational content in a fun and engaging way. Some enchanting extras like Caring For Giants Elephant Tour at Animal Kingdom, a will excite teens by getting them up close with animals and promoting hands-on learning.
Extended Evening Hours and After Hours Events
Something exciting that Disney offers that families with little ones can’t take full advantage of is extended evening hours and ticked after hours events. Teenagers stay up late at home and on vacation, so you might as well enjoy the extra park time with your family! Guests who stay at Disney Deluxe Resorts or Disney Deluxe Villas can enjoy extended evening hours at select parks on select nights. Check your My Disney Experience app for information on when this will be offered and where during your trip!
An exciting ticked event, Disney After Hours, extends the closing time for the park by 3 additional hours. This special ticked event is separate from normal park admission and is currently being offered for Magic Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, and EPCOT. You and your teens will love having lower wait-times at this reduced capacity event, and staying out late! Popcorn and ice cream as well as select beverages are included with the cost of admission!
DVC Villas With Extra Space
Free transportation and close proximity to the parks as well as endless activities and amenities…staying on property with your teenager is a must! However, you and your teen will definitely appreciate the extra space that staying DVC brings you. DVC resorts offer deluxe studio rooms as well as 1, 2, and 3-bedroom grand villas. DVC villas are equipped with multiple bathrooms which is extremely valuable when traveling with teens. Many DVC resorts also have Community Halls that have games and daily crafts and activities which is a great way to keep your teenagers entertained during your resort rest days.
Valuable Family Time
By far the biggest and best reason why your teenager needs a Disney vacation is because of the valuable family time it provides. Nothing quite brings families together like the Disney parks, and after a few days of having the Disney parks experience together your teenagers will be begging to return!
What is your favorite thing to do at Disney World with your family members? Let us know in the comments!
Featured Photo: Emily Murray.
Written by
Megan Woodard
Contributing Writer
Megan was born into a Disney family. Her first trip to Disney World was when she was only 18 months old. Now as an adult, Megan loves to share the magic of Disney with her two toddlers. Keeping up with Disney news and Disney World knowledge is a fun hobby for Megan. Disney World is her favorite place to be and continuously brings back her childhood joy.
