Every year, I help families plan hundreds of vacations to destinations around the world. Most often, parents come to me when their children are still young. Occasionally, though, a family asks whether planning a trip to Walt Disney World with teenagers still makes sense.

Maybe you always hoped to take your children to Walt Disney World but didn’t get there when they were little. Or perhaps you worry the experience won’t feel as special now that they’re older. 

Visiting Walt Disney World with teenagers isn’t about recreating the trip you might have taken when they were five years old. Instead, it’s about discovering a different version of the vacation together.

 

Is Walt Disney World a Good Fit for Teenagers?

Yes. Walt Disney World can be a fantastic vacation for families with teenagers. Teens often enjoy the thrill rides, unique restaurants, later park hours and the freedom to explore parts of the parks independently.

In my own family, I’ve seen this for myself.

One of my favourite recent experiences was watching our son play in the wave pool at Disney’s Blizzard Beach water park. Seeing him without the weight of the world on his shoulders, having fun and just being a kid was so important and special to my husband and me.

As a Vacation Specialist who has planned hundreds of Disney vacations, and as the mom of a teenage son, I’ve seen firsthand that Walt Disney World can be just as fun for teens as it is for younger kids.

 

Even teenagers still enjoy some of the classic Disney attractions.

Key Tips for Visiting Walt Disney World with Teenagers

• Involve your teens when choosing your Walt Disney World Resort hotel.

• Plan for later evenings in the parks instead of very early mornings.

• Build in time for popular snacks and unique dining experiences.

• Consider allowing older teens some independent time in the parks.

• Think about inviting a friend or cousin along for the trip.

Involve Your Teen in Choosing Your Resort

Choosing where to stay at Walt Disney World is one of the most important decisions you’ll make when planning your vacation. This is a great chance to let your older kids have a say.

Teens may not care as much about Disney character theming. Instead, they may appreciate resorts that offer amenities and activities they can enjoy during downtime. 

Some Walt Disney World Resort hotels feature excellent arcades, while others offer outdoor activities such as table tennis or billiards. Disney’s Yacht Club Resort or Disney’s Beach Club Resort are especially appealing to teens because of Stormalong Bay and the beach volleyball court. Giving older kids a voice in the choice of resort can help them feel more invested in the trip. 

 

 Many Walt Disney World Resort hotels offer recreation areas where teens can relax and play games during downtime.

 

Teenagers Have Greater Stamina than Little Kids

When travelling to Walt Disney World with younger children, most families plan around naps, strollers and frequent breaks. With older kids, things often look a little different.

Breaks for meals and snacks are still important, but naps and strollers are no longer part of the plan. Early mornings may be challenging if your teen isn’t a “morning person”. However, later evenings in the parks are often much easier to manage. 

Most teenagers also have greater patience for waiting in lines. While they wait, they may chat with friends on their phones or help manage plans using the My Disney Experience app.

 

Teenagers often enjoy helping with plans using the My Disney Experience app while exploring the parks.

Teenagers Love Disney Food

Food is often a highlight for older children visiting Walt Disney World. My own son looks forward to two snacks every time we visit: churros and sushi. (Not necessarily in that order.) 

He loves stopping at the Japan pavilion at EPCOT for sushi and has even claimed a favourite quiet spot to sit and enjoy it. 

At Disney’s Hollywood Studios, he’s perfectly happy to grab a churro while my husband and I ride the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror. He’s not a thrill ride fan, but he still enjoys the park in his own way. 

While helping families plan their trip, I often suggest restaurants that offer both a memorable experience and good value for growing appetites. 

 

Food is often a highlight for teenagers visiting Walt Disney World.
 

Over the years, I’ve noticed that certain restaurants at Walt Disney World tend to be especially popular with teenagers.

• Space 220 Lounge at EPCOT: Your family can share appetizers such as Starry Calamari and enjoy creative zero-proof cocktails like Moon Rocks while watching astronauts and spaceships drift past the space station windows.

• Roundup Rodeo Barbecue at Disney’s Hollywood Studios: While the Toy Story theme appeals to younger guests, the generous barbecue platters can satisfy even the hungriest teenagers.

• Whispering Canyon Café at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge: This lively restaurant serves All-You-Care-to-Enjoy Signature Skillets. Teenagers often enjoy the playful atmosphere, especially when someone inevitably asks for the ketchup.

 

Give Teens Some Time to Themselves

Little kids need constant supervision at Walt Disney World.

Older kids, however, often appreciate a bit of independence. 

Once inside the Disney theme parks, guests age 14 and older are permitted to explore on their own. Many families use the My Disney Experience app to share locations or set a meeting place or time later in the day. 

Disney parks are designed with guest safety in mind, and parents can feel comfortable allowing their kids some freedom. Usually, they return with fun stories about the discoveries they made on their own.

Consider Bringing a Friend or Extended Family

Our son is an only child. When we aren’t spending time together as a family, he doesn’t always have someone his age to hang out with. 

For that reason, we’ve considered bringing along a friend or cousin on a future trip. 

If your extended family includes cousins around the same age, or if you have friends with teenagers, a multi-family vacation can be a wonderful option. Teens often enjoy having companions their own age to share the experience.

 

Is Walt Disney World Still Fun for Teenagers?

Walt Disney World Resort is a place where people of all ages can reconnect with their sense of fun, and that includes teenagers. At this stage of family life, shared time can look a little different than it did when our kids were younger. You might be surprised by the laughter, joy and fun your family can experience together on vacation.

 

Enjoying a family day at Pandora – The World of Avatar at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
 

Family memories don’t stop when our kids turn 13, 16 or even 18. Some of the most meaningful moments can happen during the teenage years. There’s still plenty of magic to experience together.

If you’re wondering whether Walt Disney World is still the right fit for your family now that your kids are older, my colleagues and I at Pure Magic Vacations would be happy to help you plan a trip that suits this stage of family life.
 

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About the Author:

Amy Urquhart is a Certified Travel Counsellor (CTC) and Master Cruise Counsellor (MCC) with Pure Magic Vacations. She specializes in Disney destinations and cruise vacations, helping clients plan thoughtfully designed trips based on real travel experience. She also shares helpful  vacation planning advice and inspiration on Instagram: @puremagicamy

 

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Planning magical vacations for families since 2011, Pure Magic Vacations is EarMarked by Disney Travel Agency - Platinum Level