If you did not know, there is a competing park (really a few but one big one) in the Orlando area that is in direct competition with Walt Disney World. This particular park does a great job installing attractions that are current to recent movie blockbusters and targeting a certain demographic – Teens. More than ever, family vacations to Disney are including at least one day to visit the other park!! And while we at Believe Vacations can indeed sell vacation packages to said park, we are focusing this article on why Disney still has a tremendous amount to offer teens.
Welcome to Believe Vacations weekly post where today, we’ll continue our Best of series and focus on what is Best for Teens. As a reminder, our agents shared answers and took into consideration the teenage years to determine which were the best choices for each category. So if you have a teen that doesn’t think Disney is cool and only for “little kids,” we hope this article helps you win them back to the “Happiest Place on Earth.” Let’s start with:
Attraction -Rock N Roller Coaster & Tower of Terror
Yes, the big two at Hollywood Studios are still the big two when it comes to best attractions for teens. Outside of Expedition Everest, these two require the bravest souls and those who live for exciting thrills. Twists and turns or leaps and drops, pick your poison when it comes to these. Adding to the popularity is the fact that they are next door neighbors at the end of Sunset Boulevard so it’s common for teens to ride them back to back…and then possibly back to back again.
Show – Fantasmic!
I don’t care what age you are, there will always be something cool seeing that many Disney characters in one setting, surrounded by water projections, fire, lasers and explosions. And while the show is a fun 20-minute highlight of Disney’s Greatest Hits, there is enough going on in every scene for teens to enjoy. There’s also something to be said for the pre-show entertainment which is basically one big karaoke contest. Smiles-a-plenty from all including the teens for a good hour anytime this show runs.
Resort – Wilderness Lodge
But teens are supposed to be all about their phones and electronics and constant communication right? Well, yes but they also like to do that in the middle of nature in a Pacific Northwest setting. Okay admittedly, I do not know if teens care about Wilderness Lodge or any resort but let’s look at the highlights of why it may be preferred by this age group – plenty of places with amazing views to be off by yourself, relax and be on the phone (boat docks, by the fireplace in the lobby, etc.). It’s a fun boat ride to Magic Kingdom so that’s got to be cool right? The pools and campfires are pretty cool. And, most important of all, it doesn’t have a “cheesy” feel like the value resorts or other over-the-top themed resorts.
Transportation – Monorail
While a boat ride to the Magic Kingdom is cool for teens, the ultimate is still riding the “highway in the sky” and just chillaxing. Plenty of room to just be alone and catch the views. The buses may be too crowded for this age and Uber or Mom and Dad’s car to the parks is super boring. Here, they can get a loop around Epcot or the resorts and not have to do anything. Just enjoy the ride and the sights and the downtime.
Dining – Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant
Teens want a little theming, something not to fancy, a menu with their favorites and it does not have to have characters approaching them, wanting pictures and messing with their hair and all that nonsense. So Sci-Fi Dine-In makes perfect sense. The theming of a drive-in movie complex is cool and definitely something from the past they never got enjoy. It’s not upscale or cheap feeling and there is a perfect selection of traditional bar and grill foods they enjoy. The only characters are the ones on the screen in front of them and there’s enough room in a car to be next to their BFF. Pretty cool if you ask me!
Character – Star Wars
Star Wars truly has come full circle and now a new generation is ready to pump another several billion dollars into the franchise. The latest trilogy is exciting to teenagers who now have to go back and check the originals and the prequels from the 2000s to catch up. So it makes sense that these characters are in high demand for photo-ops and selfies. Sure, there are some that’ll still check out the classics and more than not, they’ll gravitate towards villains. But it’s the ones from a galaxy far, far away that always gets the love from teens and that will only continue when an entire land opens this time next year.
Gift – Ears
The great MeatLoaf once sang, “I would do anything for love…” Well, teens who have that lovey-dovey feel might have that mantra in mind when their BFF of romantic interest decides to they need a set of matching ears. Then again, some of our younger females may enjoy the ears as an accessory to their park outfit. And yet, they may become a purchase that goes with a building collection back home. Regardless, all ages love ears at Disney and you won’t go wrong if you buy your teen the gift that keeps on giving the whole year.
Event – Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party
You’ll never be too old to dress up and MNSSHP gives you the perfect opportunity to dress up, receive candy, meet characters AND go to the Magic Kingdom! That’s almost the perfect day for most, especially teens. It’s fun, it’s not to corny, there are enough options to entertain everyone and it is top-notch decorated. While too young (we hope) for the Food and Wine Festival, you get what you’re of age to enjoy and until a better event comes along, Trick-or-Treat it is!
See, Disney is perfect for teens! But what did we miss? Do you have a teen that enjoys something else at Disney? Thanks for reading and remember, there’s a great, big, beautiful tomorrow!
