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Tips for Navigating Walt Disney World with Tweens and Teens

Taking your kids to Walt Disney World is always a magical experience, but traveling with tweens and teens presents unique challenges and opportunities. As kids grow, their interests, opinions, and energy levels change, and planning your Disney vacation should reflect these adjustments.

Here are some tried-and-true tips for navigating Walt Disney World with tweens and teens to ensure a magical family trip.


Value Their Opinions

Teenagers and tweens have opinions about everything, and this doesn’t stop when it comes to Disney vacations. To make your trip more enjoyable, involve them in the planning process.

Start by having conversations about what they want to do, see, and eat while at Walt Disney World. These discussions can help you prioritize must-do attractions, restaurants, and experiences. You might be surprised by their preferences—perhaps they’re eager to ride Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway or revisit nostalgic childhood favorites. This input allows you to create a general plan of action for each park day.

mickey and minnies runaway railway queue aerial view
Credit: @bioreconstruct via X (Formerly Twitter)

Offer Choices at the Parks

Even with a well-constructed plan, it’s important to allow flexibility and give your tweens and teens choices throughout the day. While you might assume they’ll gravitate toward thrilling rides like Big Thunder Mountain Railroad or Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, they may also enjoy smaller, hidden gems.

For instance, many teens appreciate unique experiences like the Voices of Liberty in EPCOT’s American Pavilion or the Vacation Fun Mickey cartoon short at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Allowing them to pick activities during the day can foster a sense of independence and keep them engaged.


Build in Downtime

Tweens and teens, much like younger children, benefit from breaks during busy park days. While naps may no longer be part of the equation, scheduling downtime is still essential.

Encourage them to recharge by relaxing at the pool, hanging out in the hotel room, or finding a quiet spot like the hub grass at Magic Kingdom. This time allows everyone to reset and avoid potential meltdowns caused by overstimulation or fatigue.


Embrace Technology

While many parents dream of disconnecting during family vacations, it’s realistic to embrace technology at Walt Disney World. The My Disney Experience app is indispensable for navigating the parks, booking dining reservations, checking wait times, and making Lightning Lane selections.

Rather than fighting phone usage, integrate it into the trip. Assign responsibilities to your tweens and teens, like taking photos or managing parts of your itinerary through their own My Disney Experience accounts. During downtime, allow them to connect with friends or unwind on their devices. Making technology a useful tool rather than a distraction can help keep everyone happy.


Plan Meals with Care

Dining at Walt Disney World is a highlight of any trip, but teenagers can bring their own food preferences to the table. If you’re traveling with adventurous eaters and picky eaters alike, take time to plan meals that satisfy everyone.

For adventurous options, try themed dining experiences like Satu’li Canteen in Pandora or Wish Makers Enchanted Dining for character meals. For simpler tastes, quick-service locations like Connections Eatery and Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Café provide plenty of family-friendly choices.

To save time and ensure everyone gets what they need, use mobile ordering through the My Disney Experience app. If your teen has a big appetite, pack snacks to avoid breaking the bank on Disney treats.

Cosmic Rays Starlight Lounge Disney World Food
Credit: Disney Dining

Relish the Magic

No matter how much they may try to play it cool, teens and tweens still find magic at Walt Disney World. From singing along at the Frozen Sing-Along Celebration to snapping selfies with Mickey Mouse, these moments remind them—and you—that the magic is real.

Take time to slow down and enjoy these experiences as a family. Whether you’re riding Tiana’s Bayou Adventure or marveling at Happily Ever After, capturing these memories will be a highlight of your trip.


Final Thoughts

Navigating Walt Disney World with tweens and teens might require a bit more planning and flexibility, but the effort is well worth it. By valuing their opinions, allowing downtime, and embracing the tools and experiences Disney offers, you can create a magical vacation for the whole family.

Remember, the joy of Disney is timeless, and sharing it with your teens and tweens can bring a whole new level of magic to your trip. So grab your Mickey ears, pack your bags, and get ready for an unforgettable adventure filled with memories that will last a lifetime.

Jennifer Retzlaff

Jennifer became a lifelong Disney fan during her first trip to Walt Disney World in 6th grade. From that moment, Disney became a big part of her life. She quickly started to introduce her love of Disney to her family with a Disney honeymoon and then family trips when her youngest was 18 months old. She loves the magic that Disney brings to people through theme parks, cruises, and adventures. As a teacher, she tries to bring Disney magic into her classroom to help kids believe that “If You Can Dream It, You Can Do It.” She is also part of the Magic Vacation Planner team as a personal travel advisor. With this team, she can now help others plan magical vacations. She loves bringing her love to Disney to readers with How to Disney.

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