There may be no bigger gift than the gift of travel. A chance to re-connect with family, make memories and see the world all rolled into one blissful vacation. When this blissful vacay includes Teens, you have to prepare a little differently. These smart, tech-savvy, easily bored mini-adults march to their own drums and quite clearly have their own set of expectations about all it takes to create a great vacation. So how do you make sure your trip to Walt Disney World is magical for everyone in the family including the teens? Follow these tried and true tips and prepare for a little magic….Disney style of course.
Make your teenager part of the planning. Your idyllic trip to the Magic Kingdom may include stops to grab pictures at Dumbo and the famous Mad Tea Party. However is this what your teen wants to do? There’s only one way to find out. Sit that teenager down in front of their laptop, head over to Walt Disney World site and let her get her planning on. A teenager who is involved in the planning of a trip will absolutely have more fun.
Map out your Fast Passes.
While you have the park maps open book those Fast Passes and do it strategically! Chances are you have a big wish list of “must do” rides and attractions. When you book the Fast Passes, try and group the first 3 together. For Example. When booking Fast Passes at the Magic Kingdom pick your most wanted ride first, perhaps The Seven Dwarfs Mine Train and take note that it’s located in Fantasyland. Then when you pick Fastpass 2 and 3, try and choose two more attractions from the same area or one close by. This will help to save both your time and your feet. It will also save you from a display of attitude from that teenager if you’re dragging her crisscross across the park and all over the place. (not that this has ever happened to me. *cough)
Eliminate Smartphone Drama. Yes, this may sound like the opposite of your normal parenting routine, allowing smartphone time while on vacation, but there are some pretty incredible things happening at Walt Disney World and your Pre-Teen or Teen is going to want to share them with the world. Feel free to set a limit, but everyone wins when you have a ridiculously happy child that’s been allowed to send out the occasional snapchat or Instagram a picture as they find the perfect set of Mickey Mouse ears. Teens need to stay connected and love to share their joy, so why not let them share a little of their own Pixie Dust. Besides, wifi in the parks is free!
EmbraceThe Mobile App.
The Mobile App is genius and you have a smartphone expert with you, your teen. This free app helps you put all the magic at your fingertips, or even better, in the hands of your teen. Once downloaded you are all able to explore Walt Disney World Resort on the interactive, GPS-enabled map. You can also use the Mobile App to help find your way around with simple step-by-step directions to locations across Walt Disney World Resort. (we may have used this feature half a dozen times) You can also find out wait times for attractions, as well as showtimes for fireworks and parades. Our favourite feature; the ability to browse restaurant menus, make dining reservations and even order food before you arrive at your restaurant of choice. Don’t feel like waiting in line for that Dole Whip? You don’t have to! Simply place your order as you walk over and it will be waiting for you when you arrive. So easy!
Tackle the mountains first.
Be the cool parent that knows all things including the best rides. Show them the way to Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Space Mountain, and Splash Mountain. Ride them all. Insider Tip; Sometimes it’s worth the little extra wait time for the first or last car on the track. Try it, your teen will thank you.
Feed the beast.
No one likes a hangry teen (or parent) Don’t forget to build in downtime for snacks and meals. And keep in mind that eating at off hours, lunch at 2 pm instead of 12 pm, will help with wait times in the restaurants.
Take advantage of the late night hours.
Caffeinate as needed because night time is a truly magical time! When traveling with teens, they don’t get tired. Like ever! (but those smaller people do) Use those crazy late night hours, which are quieter, to take advantage of the late night magic and squeeze in “just one more ride” and “snap one more picture”. Insider Tip; try the Kilimanjaro Safari ride after dark at the Animal Kingdom. I was worried all the animals would be sleeping or difficult to see but just the opposite was true. We saw an incredible array of wildlife on display, up close and personal! It was one of the best experiences of the day!
Don’t miss the Fireworks.
Picture courtesy of WaltDisneyWorld.com
For something, extra special indulge in a Fireworks Dessert Party. Choose from two different viewing areas; the Plaza Garden Viewing (it has a better see the castle projections) or Tomorrowland Terrace (with reserved seating) for a spectacular and super sweet way to end your day. Spoil yourself with sweet treats while taking in one of the best fireworks shows you will ever see. Note: Reservations are required and there is an extra ticket required for this experience.
Find Your Inner Teen. Walt Disney World is the kind of place where you can let your walls down, leave your inhibitions at the door and just enjoy. So go ahead, make some memories with your kids, be brave, be bold and scream like only a teenager can on the scary thrill rides and water rides. I promise your teenager will be impressed.
Be Flexible: If it’s cold. Grab a sweater. If it rains, put on a poncho. If your teen wants to jump from park to park only stopping to grab that perfect Instagram picture let them go for it. Above all else do your best to let your Teen show you the way, live in the moment and enjoy every single moment.
Happy Travels!
Genevieve says
Take some time off to enjoy a pool and relax!
Stephanie says
That’s always a good idea!
Caryn Coates says
We are wanting to plan a trip to Disney in the very near future with our 6 children. The pictures just make me want to go now
Stephanie says
So much fun! Please do let me know if you have any questions at all.
Brenda Lacourciere says
I want to bring the grandkids but still working on a plan.
Stephanie says
Oh I love your plan! I’d love to do a multi-generational trip with my parents, my sister, my family and all the kids!
Melinda says
The fast passes are a great way to plan your rides efficiently.
Stephanie says
I think it helps to prolong the magic too. I love to start the planning as soon as I can!
Tammi L. says
My 14 year old and I love, love, LOVE Disney. Fastpasses are the only way to do it! BTW we love Dole Whip too! 🙂
Stephanie says
Fastpasses are the best….and now I really want a Dole Whip 🙂
Heidi Pawluk says
I am not a kid but boy would I LOVE to visit Disney – so MAGICAL
Stephanie says
I took a trip not so long ago, with just my sister! It was so much fun.
Meredith says
great tips!
Stephanie says
Thanks, Meredith!
LILLIAN BROWN says
I loved taking my girls to Disney when they were teens, really great at any age
Stephanie says
It really is great at any age!
Athena says
Looks like a great place to go with teens.
Stephanie says
It’s a great place at any age, but I love it with my girls at this age!
megan rattie says
Would love to go here again!
Stephanie says
Disney has a way of getting in your blood 🙂
Darren Scrubb says
Disney is on my wishlist and seeing these pictures makes it the first place to visit on my wishlist from now on.
Stephanie says
….and my job is done 🙂
Honestly, Disney is worth dreaming about, planning for and making happen!
Chandra O’Connor says
Prob more fun since you don’t have to go on rides with them. Were the plates of tasty treats good they looked delicious
Stephanie says
The desserts were amazing, and you do so much walking, the calories don’t count! 🙂
Alison Braidwood says
Allowing for screentime and feedings is important. I like the idea of taking advantage of later hours as well. Takes some of the stress off, and I’m not big on crowds to start with so I think I’d do that whether I had kids with me or not.
Stephanie says
I am NOT a morning person, so taking advantage of those late night hours is a great fit for our family.
Amanda says
My daughter is 11 and I know that we will be heading to Disney in the future and I’m sure that she will love it as much as she has in the past, it brings out the kid in all of us.
Stephanie says
I LOVE that Disney allows you to act like a kid again!
Suzie Gaul says
We love taking our teen to destinations that she enjoys
Stephanie says
It makes such a difference when your teen is invested in your trip 🙂