It can be hard to impress a teenager…but if there’s one thing that might, it’s a trip to Walt Disney World! Whether your family has been lifelong Disney-goers or it’s your first trip to “the most magical place on earth,” rest assured, there’s still a lot for your teen to do in the theme parks – it just might look a little different than your trips did with young kids! But, what are the best Disney Parks for teens? Well…all of them!

From thrill rides to good food (since we know teens can eat a lot) to shows that will make them put their phones down for once, there’s so much for teenagers to do and see at Disney World. Here are the best teen-approved activities in each Disney World park so that you can come in with an itinerary that’s sure to impress!

Magic Kingdom With Teens

Magic Kingdom is the most classic Disney park of all and you might assume that there’s nothing for your teen to do at a park dedicated to kid rides. However, that’s not further from the truth!

Magic Kingdom has some of the most talked about thrill rides in all of Disney World including the brand new ride, TRON Lightcycle / Run! This high-intensity ride puts you on the back of a lightcycle (which is similar to a motorcycle) in the middle of the TRON video game launching you from 0 to 60 miles per hour into tons of twists and turns. And, if that sounds like it’ll be a crowd-pleaser with your teen, you’ll also want to check out Space Mountain and Big Thunder Mountain Railroad.

Between all the thrill rides, there are a few other attractions that are more geared towards older children. For example, Jungle Cruise is sure to get at least a little giggle out of your teen, and Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin puts you into the ultimate family face-off to see who can score the most points.

With so many attractions in the park, there’s a good chance that you’ll spend a large portion of your day riding rides in Magic Kingdom with your teenager, but you should still make some time for the classic Disney shows like the Festival of Fantasy Parade and the Happily Ever After nighttime fireworks. Your teen may not admit to loving these, but they’re a must-see!

EPCOT With Teens

While EPCOT can sometimes fall short of impressing little ones, it’s one of the best Disney parks for teenagers thanks to the rides, food, and entertainment.

One of the most popular rides for teens in EPCOT is Test Track, where you can design and test your own car. Another great ride is Soarin’, where you get to experience a simulated hang-gliding flight over different landscapes, and Mission: SPACE is also a thrilling ride that simulates a space launch. But, there’s one ride that is sure to wow your teenager more than the others – Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind. This new roller coaster takes you on a high-speed ride across the galaxy combining multi-media effects and a ride vehicle that spins a full 360 degrees! Just be sure that you know how to secure a spot in the virtual queue to ride.

Another great thing about taking your teen to EPCOT is that there is a wide variety of places to eat with different flavors to please almost any palette. You can find classic theme park food at places like Connections Eatery, get your Mexican flavor fix in the Mexico Pavilion, or try something new like sushi from the Japan Pavilion. The food is so good that you might even see your kiddo snapping a picture of their delicious meal to brag to their friends on social media.

And, if you’re traveling with teens, you’re likely staying in the park much later which gives you the perfect opportunity to see the new nighttime spectacular, Luminous The Symphony of Us, or catch a concert in the American Adventure pavilion if you’re visiting during an EPCOT festival season. So, whether your kiddo is interested in roller coasters, culture, or just having fun, EPCOT is sure to be one of their favorite parks.

Disney’s Hollywood Studios With Teens

If you’re looking for a park that offers a mix of thrilling rides, great food, and entertaining shows, then Disney’s Hollywood Studios is a great option to consider for your teen’s next visit to Walt Disney World.

Best Rides for Teens

Disney’s Hollywood Studios is home to some of the most exciting rides in all of Disney World. For thrill-seekers, head straight to the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, where you’ll ride a haunted elevator that drops you multiple times. There’s also the Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith, which features a high-speed launch, a full loop, and lots of twists and turns. Or, for a more immersive experience, check out Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, where you’ll join the Resistance in a battle against the First Order. And, this is just a small sampling of all the rides there are in Hollywood Studios, so there’s lots more to keep your teen busy!

Best Restaurants for Teens

When it comes to dining at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, there are plenty of options that will satisfy even your pickiest teens. For a quick bite, try Woody’s Lunch Box, which serves up classic American fare like grilled cheese and tater tots. Or, for a more substantial meal, head to the Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant, where you’ll dine in a replica of a 1950s drive-in theater while enjoying burgers and milkshakes. Not everyone loves this restaurant because the tables are designed to make you feel like you’re eating in an actual car so you face the movie screen instead of your family, but that just might be what makes it a favorite for teens.

Best Shows for Teens

Disney’s Hollywood Studios is known for its live shows, which are perfect for taking a break from the rides and enjoying some entertainment. The Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular is a must-see for action movie fans, while Beauty and the Beast – Live on Stage is a great choice for those who love musicals. For a more unique family-friendly experience, check out the Frozen Sing-Along Celebration, where you’ll sing along to your favorite Frozen songs with the help of some hilarious hosts. This might sound like your teen’s worst nightmare at first, but you just might create some of the best memories here if they feel comfortable letting loose a little.

It’s also worth mentioning that Disney’s Hollywood Studios is a must for teens who are Star Wars fans thanks to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge – an immersive land that takes you onto the planet of Batuu. Here your teen can build their very own lightsaber, build a droid, try the famous blue and green milk, and even try their hand at piloting the Millennium Falcon.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom With Teens

Disney’s Animal Kingdom is a much more relaxed park, which makes it a great place to visit with your teens when you want to feel less rushed. If you have a teen who is passionate about conservation efforts and enjoys nature, then it’ll likely become their favorite park. Plus, there are still some awesome rides that are sure to impress your teen!

Much of the theme park is dedicated to sharing information about conservation and wildlife, so you’ll want to be sure to take your teen to all of the spots where they can become part of the action. This includes riding Kilimanjaro Safaris (where you get to see tons of animals in their natural habitats), walking through the three nature trails in the park, and visiting Rafiki’s Planet Watch where you may have the chance to see an animal being treated by Disney’s veterinarian team.

Now, if you have a teen who loves thrill rides, your day might look a little different at Animal Kingdom. Because there aren’t as many attractions in the park, you’ll want to prioritize them early in your day. The lines for rides like Expedition Everest, Avatar: Flight of Passage, and DINOSAUR can get pretty long, so doing them early will ensure that you don’t miss out on them.

And, of course, even your oldest teens will still love the theatrical retelling of their favorite Disney movies at The Festival of the Lion King and Finding Nemo: The Big Blue… and Beyond!

So, What Are The Best Disney Parks For Teens?

When it comes to choosing the best Disney parks for teens, it really depends on their interests. Each park has its own unique attractions and experiences that can appeal to different types of teenagers. Here are some factors to consider when deciding which park to visit:

Thrill Rides

If your teen loves adrenaline-pumping rides, then Magic Kingdom might not be the best choice. Instead, you may want to consider parks like Disney’s Hollywood Studios or EPCOT, which have more thrilling attractions like the Tower of Terror or Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind. That’s not to say that Magic Kingdom doesn’t have any thrill rides, they’re just aren’t as many teen-oriented rides compared to the other parks.

Entertainment

If your teen enjoys live shows and performances, then Disney’s Animal Kingdom or Disney’s Hollywood Studios might be the park for them. These parks both have a variety of shows featuring stunts, dancing, and music. EPCOT also has a lot of entertainment options, but they’re more dispersed in the World Showcase pavilions which can make it a bit trickier to see them all.

Food

If your teen is a foodie, then EPCOT is a must-visit park. The park’s World Showcase features cuisine from around the world, and there are plenty of unique dining experiences to try. Plus, the seasonal EPCOT festivals that rotate through the park each year make it so that there’s always something new to try, even if you’ve been to the park multiple times.

Overall Experience

If your teen is looking for a quintessential Disney experience, then Magic Kingdom is the classic choice. The park has a little bit of everything, from classic Disney characters to thrilling attractions to delicious food. Plus, there’s just something magical about walking down Main Street U.S.A. and seeing Cinderella Castle in the distance.

Expert Tips for Visiting with Teens

Visiting the best Disney parks for teens can be a lot of fun, but it can also be challenging. Here are some expert tips to help you make the most of your visit:

Involve your teens in the planning process

Ask your teens what they want to do and see at the park. Let them help you plan your itinerary and make decisions about where to eat and what attractions to visit. This will not only make them feel more invested in the trip, but it will also help ensure that everyone has a good time.

Take advantage of the park’s technology

Disney parks have a lot of technology that can help you plan your visit and make the most of your time there. Use the My Disney Experience app to check wait times, make dining reservations, and find your way around the park. You can also use the app to order food and have it delivered to you, which can save you time and hassle. And, the best part about traveling with teens? They’ll probably figure out how to use all the park technology way before you!

Take breaks throughout the day

Visiting a Disney park can be exhausting, especially for teens who may not be used to walking around all day. Make sure to take breaks throughout the day to rest, hydrate, and recharge. Consider booking a Disney World Resort near the parks so that you can travel back to your hotel for some pool time or a nap if needed.

Stay late at the parks

If you have a teen who doesn’t like to wake up early, don’t stress about getting to the parks early to beat the crowds! The parks tend to clear out as it gets later, especially after the nighttime entertainment. So, you’ll still have the chance to ride some of the most popular attractions with little to no wait if you plan to stay at the parks late into the evening.

Consider buying a Park Hopper ticket

You’ll find that you can get a lot more done in the day with teens compared to young kids so you might end up running out of things to do if you’re only visiting one park per day. A Park Hopper ticket gives you the ability to go to multiple Disney Parks in one day which can give you more flexibility and ensure that your teen is busy having fun the entire time you’re on vacation.

Comments

Have you traveled to Disney World with teens? What have found to be the best Disney parks for teens throughout the years? Is there anything you wish you’d known before? Leave us a comment below to share your best tips and tricks for traveling to Disney with teens!