Nia, our 14-year-old has been going to Walt Disney World since she was 4. She’s a very cool teenager, whose loves include music, make-up and mild mayhem, usually in that order! As she has grown up her tastes have changed. She still wants to do all of her old favourites at the parks (something which has surprised me) but now add to that, all of the thrill rides, lots of pool and water park time and anything that involves film and music seem to be the cool teen things to be involved in.
So I thought I would give you (as recommended and written by Nia) her perfect itinerary. These are her must do things for any teenager or tween at Walt Disney World.
WATER PARKS
- Blizzard Beach/Typhoon Lagoon
I can’t decide which one I like best. Blizzard Beach has Summit Plummet with its 12 story terrifying drop or Typhoon Lagoon, with North America’s largest wave pool. Seriously it has 6 feet high waves, and you can also take a surfing lesson, which is really cool to do. Ok, I’ve decided Typhoon Lagoon one day and Blizzard Beach on the other one. *wink*
MAGIC KINGDOM
Magic Kingdom -Tomorrowland Speedway
- Splash Mountain
This is the one my Mum refuses to go on, as she is scared of big drops. She once went on it, and tried to get off whilst the ride was going, just before the big splash drop. So now we all torture her, insisting she has to go on it at least once every time we visit. Great one to cool off on when it’s hot, you will get wet!
- Space Mountain
I may not look like I’m enjoying it, but it’s amazing! Plus you get to hear how terrified the other members of your family are, there’s lots of screaming on this one.
- Haunted Mansion
It’s a spooky haunted house ride, I love the detail on this one, how in character the Disney cast members are, oh and the surprise at the end.
- Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin
I think you can tell by our faces, and the look of concentration, the competition in our family is strong. We even have to take a picture of our results, just in case of cheating.
- If you get to visit in Autumn, the Boo to You Halloween Parade at Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is a must!
I didn’t get to go this year, but I did go a few years ago, and it was so cool. You can’t miss the Headless Horsemen, spine chilling!
- Any of the Character Meet and Greets
Stitch is my all-time favourite, so I love it if I spot him, but so are all of the princesses. I definitely recommend Ariel in her grotto and Tinker Bell for her mischief!
DISNEY’S HOLLYWOOD STUDIOS
- Star Wars
For film and music buffs there is so much to see at Hollywood studios. I don’t want to spoil this one too much, but any of the Star Wars attractions are a must do. You can do anything from meeting Chewie, Jedi training or blast off on a thrilling tour of the Star Wars galaxy aboard a Starspeeder 1000. The force is strong!
- Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith
A thrill-seekers dream! It’s the fastest in Disney’s Hollywood Studios and the entire resort I think. It starts off with a 0–57 mph (0–92 kph) acceleration in 2.8 seconds, during which you’ll experience 4.5 Gs, whilst being blasted with Aerosmith hits. My advice is to put your head firmly back into the seat and scream!
- The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror
Plummeting down the abandoned elevator shaft in a series of drops, it’s terrifyingly good!
- Toy Story Mania!
This is another perfect one for all of the family, that’s also good if you want to get competitive with one another. You need to wear 3D glasses and go through a series of carnival style games including Woody’s Rootin’ Tootin’ Shootin’ Gallery.
EPCOT
Canadian Pavilion
- Soarin’
This is a family favourite. Imagine you are up in the clouds above, feet dangling in the air, whilst you fly above places like the Matterhorn falling toward the Great Wall of China and gliding toward the Taj Mahal. The finale of the fireworks is almost better than the real thing.
- IllumiNations Sparking Dessert Party (Epcot)
Even though I’m not allowed to drink, I thought this was a really cool way to watch the fireworks. We got dressed up, and ate some great food, and then got to sit in the VIP area…so cool!
- Test Track
You first design your car taking into account things like how it handles, the power/speed and its manoeuvrability and then you get to ride it. This is such a cool idea and fast, a real thrill ride!
- Mission SPACE
NASA style training on this amazing shuttle simulator. There are two levels of intensity, green and orange. Orange is the one that spins and tilts to simulate the speed and G-forces of a spacecraft launch and re-entry and that is the one I prefer.
- Mitsukoshi Department Store & House of Good Fortune
Both of these shops sell the coolest Japanese and Chinese things, great as gifts for friends to bring back home.
ANIMAL KINGDOM
- Expedition Everest – Legend of the Forbidden Mountain
High up on Mount Everest on a rickety train, you realise that the train tracks have broken. You start to roll back, it gets faster and then…the Abominable Snowman comes out of nowhere! Add to that a double-looping turn before plunging down the main 80-foot drop and swirling in and out of dark caves. Crazy!
- Kali River Rapids
Perfect to cool off in the sun, it’s not scary just really great fun.
- Festival of the Lion King
My favourite of all of the shows, great music and acrobatics.
Thanks Nia, I think there are some seriously scary and stomach churning choices on there! Oh, and Nia suggests printing it, and checking it off like a to-do list, as these are the things a teen REALLY must do at the parks!
Next week, Nia and I will be looking at some of the alternative things you can do at Walt Disney World – keep an eye out!
This post is in partnership with Walt Disney World. All opinions here are my/ or indeed Nia’s own.
Here are the other posts in the series so far :
Grown ups guide to packing for Disney
Making Memories that last forever at Walt Disney World : Memory Maker
Our favourite places to eat in each of the park.
7 things you need to know before your next trip to Walt Disney World Florida
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