Walt Disney World. Just the name of this magical place evokes images of little girls in princess dresses, young pirates with their swords, and little faces lighting up with joy from a hug from the main man himself-Mickey Mouse. Sometimes people might think that there isn’t as much for teenagers to enjoy at Disney. After all, a ride on Small World may not be quite as exciting to a teenager as it is to a younger child. (Unless your teenager is like me at that age-I loved it then and I still love it!) But don’t worry, I have consulted my very own teenage Disney Addict to help me show that there are rides that are fun for teens too.
Here are our recommendations for rides that are sure to make any teen smile:
Magic Kingdom:
Space Mountain: A true Disney classic, this is a must-do on any teen’s list. While it might be considered tamer than other roller coasters, hurtling through the dark, dodging asteroids and planets add a whole different level of fun to this ever- popular ride.
- Fastpass is available and can save you a very long wait in the stand-by line
- Ride in the front of the car for the best ride
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad: Noisy, fast,fun-what’s not to love? This classic runaway mine train adventure is always a good time. Teens are sure to love this roller coaster’s clickety clacking ride through a tunnel, around sharp turns and under a roaring waterfall.
- Fastpass is available
- For the fastest ride, try the back cars
- Ride it at night for a great view
Splash Mountain: This ride is a huge favorite of my teen. While the majority of the ride is fairly tame, the ending is worth it! A 5-story plunge down a steep mountain ending in a huge splash is sure to get your teen excited!
- Fastpass is available
- Ride in the front if you don’t mind getting wet; want to stay(somewhat)dry? Stick to the seats in the back of the logs.
Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin:I must admit, this one surprised me when my son put it on his list. He said it’s the combination of spinning your car around, making your partner dizzy, trying to hit the targets with your laser gun, and the chance to outscore each other that makes it great. I love the fact that it’s one of the rides he still loves to do together!
- Fastpass is available
- Looking to get a high score against your teen? You can shoot targets more than once and still earn points. Look for the high point targets and shoot them several times if you can.
- In the first room, look for the big orange robot on the left side. Shoot for the target inside of his left hand. Next, shoot the claw to earn 100,000 points. If you get them both several times, you could earn 500,000-600,000 points before leaving the first room!
Epcot:
Mission Space:This is without a doubt, my teen’s favorite ride ever. This one-of-a-kind space mission simulator is the most unique and intense rides at Disney. There are two versions available; Orange: the more intense, spinning side and Green: the non-spinning side. If your teen gets motion sick at all, they may want to opt for the Green side. My son said,”I love it! It simulates going to space and it’s so much fun.” He’s planning on beating his personal record of doing the Orange side four times in one day when we visit Disney this summer.
- Fastpass is available and highly recommended
- This is the only Disney attraction with air sickness bags for a reason. Only your family knows what’s best for you.
Test Track: After designing their own simulation car, the main excitement at this attraction is the opportunity for teens to reach speeds up to 65 mph and curves that bank on 50 degrees on the nearly mile-long track. Newly remodeled, it now features a unique interactive part as you are exiting the ride.
- Fastpass is available
- Test Track will sometimes close due to rain so keep an eye on the weather if your teen really wants to ride
Soarin’: This attraction is a unique experience for everyone. It simulates hangliding over beautiful California and is not to be missed. It’s a really fun, unique experience that teens and their families can both enjoy.
- Fastpass is available and highly recommended. Stand-by wait times can easily reach over 90 minutes as the day goes on.
- On busy days, Fastpasses can run out so head to Soarin’ first to get one early
Animal Kingdom:
Expedition Everest:The tallest attraction in Disney at 200 feet, an 80-foot drop, speeds up to 50 mph, and riding backwards through the dark- it isn’t hard to figure out why teens love this ride! “It’s one of the best rides ever!” was what I was told.
Does anyone else detect a mountain theme in his favorites?
- Fastpass is available
Hollywood Studios:
Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster starring Aerosmith: With a take-off of 0-60 mph in less than 3 seconds, full loops, and a corkscrew- this is a great roller coaster for teens. When you add in Aerosmith music it gets even better! It is definitely a teen must-do. Usually over, and over, and over again. The pre-show is a unique experience they will also enjoy.
- Fastpass is available
Twilight Zone Tower of Terror: Another unique Disney attraction. Teens (and anyone else who rides it) are sure to love the adrenaline rush from the intense free-fall on this ride. After the initial drop, you will be raised back up a random number of floors and dropped again…and again…and possibly again. Each ride is set to a different pattern so you never get quite the same ride twice.
- Fastpasses are available and can save you a long wait in the stand-by line
- Ride it at night for a different look at the park
A teenager having fun on a family vacation?? Can it be possible?? I hope this list gives you and your teen some ideas about what rides they might enjoy during a visit to Disney World. Who knows, maybe you could even talk them into riding Small World with you! I know there are many other rides that teen’s enjoy; what are your family’s favorites? Let me know in the comments below!
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