Walt Disney World has the generic reputation of being only suitable for young children and families, and not specifically teenagers. Adults, parents in particular, often ask what there is to do at the parks for those who are not-so young any more, and are only children-at-heart! Walt Disney World has so much to offer guests, no matter their age - the resort has 4 theme parks, 2 water parks, shopping and entertainment areas, and a lot more besides! Below is my top things to do for teens at Walt Disney World...
Ride the Thrillers!
WDW does well to cater to everyones ride needs. There are calm and gentle rides, more suited to the young or elderly (although they are amazing, so take a ride youself too!), but also numerous thrill rides throughout the theme parks.
At Hollywood Studios;
- Rock 'n' Roller Coaster - this attraction launches you from 0-57mph in 2.8 seconds, straight into a loop! This indoor attraction takes you on a ride upon a super stretch limo to an Aerosmith concert! Throughout the ride, onboard audio provides Aerosmith music as you experience the attraction! This is certainly not a ride for the faint hearted, but is indeed a great thrill ride for teens!!
- Twilight Zone Tower of Terror - this attraction takes you to one of the highest points in the park, and then drops you down the elevator shaft of the Hollywood Tower Hotel. This drop ride is designed to be different every time you ride it, so you never know when the drops are coming! This is also a great thrill ride for teens at the park.
At Animal Kingdom;
- Expedition Everest - one of the fastest coasters at the resort, Expedition Everest provides guests with the thrill factor! Travelling backwards and forewards on the ride, and coming face-to-face with the Yeti! This is one of Disney's 'mountain' attractions and is one of the most thrilling attractions in the park. Definitely a must-do for teens!
At Epcot;
- Mission:Space - this attraction replicates the feeling of a real space rocket launch through the use of centrifugal forces! The ride offers two experiences, one full-on experience, and one slightly tamer version - for those who don't feel as adventurous! Mission: Space is definitely not a ride for the older people in the family, but is one that is enjoyed by many teenagers every year...
- Test Track - this is the fastest attraction at Walt Disney World. Test Track takes you through various vehicle tests, and ends with a high speed journey around the outside of the building! Although a thrill attraction, it is one that would be enjoyed by the whole family!
At Magic Kingdom;
- Splash Mountain - this log flume attraction is one of the most emersive rides in the whole resort. With numerous drops, and the huge plunge at the end, this attraction is very thrilling - just prepare to get soaked! (Oh, and have the music stuck in your head for the rest of the day!!)
- Big Thunder Mountain Railroad - this coaster is one of two at the Magic Kingdom. This again, as with most Disney attractions, is one of the most emersive rides at the park. You will be travelling through the deserted town of Tumbleweed aboard a runaway mine train!
- Space Mountain - this coaster is probably the most thirlling in the park, mainly due to the fact that the whole attraction is in the dark, and you don't know what is coming next! There are twists, turns and drops around every corner!
- Seven Dwarfs Mine Train - although not the most thrilling attraction at the park, the 2014 Seven Dwarfs Mine Train coaster is so emersive, guests of all ages love it! Ride aboard a mine cart and travel through the 7 dwarfs' mine (where a million diamonds shine.........)
Go Shopping and Dining!
Teens not only enjoy the rides, but also the dining, entertainment and shopping opportunities around the resort. It is good to note that every theme park, and Disney Springs, have Starbucks too! There are lots of shops around the parks and Disney Springs too - the best at DS is the Marketplace Co-Op; six stores in one!
Visit the Water Parks!!
The water parks are great too! Summit Plummet at Blizzard Beach is 120ft tall, and drops you back to earth at speeds of around 60mph! It is the most thrilling water slide I have ever been on!
Disney is certainly not only for children and families; there are plenty of things for teens and adults to do too. I have only listed the thrill rides above, but many of the other attractions are definitely worth checking out too - teens don't always need thrills to be happy!