My kids have been brought up going to Walt Disney World Orlando frequently. And so, when I think of a Disney vacation, I tend to view it through those eyes.
In fact, my teenager still loves Disney theme parks. She’s still thrilled at a wave from her favorite Disney characters and still considers a chance to meet Mickey Mouse a trip highlight. But she may not have the same perspective as other teens.
For example, on our last trip, we partnered with another family who had never been to the Disney parks. There was a total of three teens in our group, all of whom were crazy about Disney but only one who had ever been to the Disney resorts. And still, they all loved it.
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Does Disney have attractions for teens?
Yes, Disney has plenty to do for teens. In our experience, the teens loved the rides, the food and the characters.
But the entertainment? Except for the big fireworks show at the end, the teens were not overly impressed with the shows.
I think a couple of the World Showcase shows grabbed a little attention. However, by and large, our group preferred rides to shows all day every day.
Read Also: 18 Magic Kingdom Tips From a Disney Parent
Which park is the best Disney park for teens?
My initial instinct is that Disney’s Hollywood Studios will be best for teens. Today’s teens are attached to Pixar, so Toy Story Land is huge as is (to some degree) Star Wars. Most have seen the sequel series releases and aren’t as against the newer characters as some older fans might be.
Add the Tower of Terror and the Rock ‘n’ Roller coaster and you’ve got a lot for teens to do.
Secondly, I thought about EPCOT. For example, with the addition of Guardians, there are four really solid rides befitting a teenager. My group also enjoyed the aquarium at the Seas with Nemo and Friends as well as the Ratatouille ride – another Pixar staple that they grew up watching.
Ultimately, I think Hollywood Studios is still the top destination for teens in Disney, but another ride in the World Showcase might put EPCOT over the top.
Third, I think it’s Magic Kingdom. With the addition of TRON, there are enough teen-friendly rides to keep them entertained and the nightly fireworks show keeps them in awe. Also, I think the design of the Magic Kingdom is conducive to giving teens more freedom to venture out on their own to experience the park on their own terms.
That leaves Disney’s Animal Kingdom last. In my experience, it is very teen-friendly but just needs more to do. Expedition Everest and Flight of Passage were massive hits, but another big ride was needed here.
Read Also: This Is the Best Age for Disney World, Tips From a Dad of Three
What are the best attractions for teens in Disney World?
Let’s take a look at our teen-approved list of the best attractions in Disney World:
1. Avatar Flight of Passage
Pandora, Animal Kingdom
Even though I ranked Animal Kingdom last on the park list, you could certainly make a strong argument that Flight of Passage is the best ride in Disney World for everyone. It takes all the best ideas from motion simulator rides like Soarin’ and inserts them into Pandora and the World of Avatar.
I often see hardcore Disney fans complaining that the Disney parks are too reliant on IP and not introducing new concepts. But I don’t really get that.
Flight of Passage is a great ride, whether or not you’ve seen the Avatar movies. The explanation at the beginning is more than enough, and then you’re off and flying.
2. Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind
World Discovery, EPCOT
Personally, I would have ranked Guardians third, but I think today’s teens connect a little more with the Guardians than they do with Star Wars.
Plus, this indoor roller coaster isn’t as reliant on the awe of being transported to another world. It’s fun and thrilling. Plus, there’s music. The Guardians’ irreverent humor plays well with the teen crowd.
3. Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, Hollywood Studios
Located in Galaxy’s Edge, this may be the greatest achievement in theme park ride history. Even non-Star Wars fans are impressed. It’s immersive, exciting and much longer than some of the more thrilling rides on the list.
I would pay admission to Disney just to ride this ride.
Why is it ranked third? Star Wars’ cultural cache with the young is kind of hit-and-miss. Some kids are really into it while others just aren’t. Rise – unlike the first two rides on this list – is better if you have some passion for the IP.
4. Twilight Zone Tower of Terror
Sunset Blvd., Hollywood Studios
I know my teenager has seen some of the old “Twilight Zone” episodes – or at least been in the room when they’re on – but I don’t know how much the Twilight Zone concept really hits home on the ride.
The attraction is the thrills, man. Creepy theming and a huge drop? That’s enough for them.
5. Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith
Sunset Blvd., Hollywood Studios
Older kids might have some knowledge about Aerosmith and have probably learned some of the songs just through general osmosis. Do kids today know who Steven Tyler and Joe Perry are? Maybe, but maybe not. Still, this coaster is loud and fast, and that’s what the teens love.
That said, I would say both this ride and Tower of Terror are better for older, more adventurous teens. If you’ve got a cautious 13 or 14-year-old, you may want to steer them away from these two attractions.
6. Expedition Everest – Legend of the Forbidden Mountain
Asia, Animal Kingdom
This is just another, good solid coaster. Teens like coasters. Our teen rode Everest three times in a row while we chilled in the shade.
This is a coaster with some thrills, but it’s also a good coaster for a teen learning to appreciate the bigger rides. It does go backward, but it’s not overly scary as a ride.
7. Toy Story Mania
Toy Story Land, Hollywood Studios
Not everything is about finding a thrill ride and going fast.
Kids and young adults today grow up with Woody and Buzz. In fact, my teen daughter is outraged that they’re making “Toy Story IV” – daring to risk messing up the near-perfect ending of the movie.
Throw in the chance to compete against other riders, and this ride is a hit with the born after 2005 crowd.
8. Mission: SPACE
World Discovery, EPCOT
Here’s another attraction that warranted repeat rides, though I think my group – being reluctant to hurl – elected for the safer of the two ride options.
Notably, the orange team version is a more intense experience and takes crew members on a mission to Mars. The green version takes astronauts on a milder training mission by comparison.
Certainly, your younger teens should test out the easier route before they elect for the wilder ride. Avoid this one if you get motion sickness.
9. Soarin’ Around the World
World Nature, EPCOT
Soarin’ is dated and a bit goofy. But once you get on the ride, it’s still very well done and well executed. My group walked away very pleased.
10. Kilimanjaro Safaris
Africa, Animal Kingdom
Who doesn’t like a safari adventure? When we got on the ride first thing in the morning, the giraffes were especially active.
Teens can be a lot of things, but have you ever met one who isn’t impressed with a giraffe walking right past the car?
11. Millennium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run
Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge, Hollywood Studios
This is another fun ride, though I think teens who are adept with video games and technology can get a little frustrated by the older members of the team who have no idea how to actively participate in this ride.
But if you get a team of six Star Wars fan teens together on this bad boy, they’re gonna have the time of their lives.
12. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
Frontierland, Magic Kingdom
This is a big lumbering train roller coaster that goes fast without making you fear for your life. It’s a hit.
Overall, it’s another good coaster for a teen who is making the transition to thrill rides.
13. TRON
Look, this isn’t Harry Potter over at Universal Studios. This is a ride based on a somewhat dated piece of IP that most of your teens are not going to have any connection with. However, it’s fun and it’s fast.
The only issue is that it’s over too quickly. Therefore, I don’t know that your teens are going to feel like its value is worth the wait time. Most would say that it’s probably still worth it, though.
14. Space Mountain
Tomorrowland, Magic Kingdom
This is the OG. Space Mountain will seem a little dated to your crew, who will be used to better technology and a better ride vehicle.
The motion sickness thing is also a factor.
15. Seven Dwarfs Mine Train
Fantasyland, Magic Kingdom
This is another ride that gets dinged for wait time versus ride time. There’s usually a very long wait for this very short ride. I think your teens will like other things better, personally.
16. Test Track
World Discovery, EPCOT
I think younger teens who can’t yet legally drive will find this ride more attractive than the drivers. The wait and the buildup to getting on the ride can also be a detriment, but teens will love the ride itself.
17. Pirates of the Caribbean
Adventureland, Magic Kingdom
I think these older rides can help teens get into the Disney spirit. With this in mind, will some teens think it’s cheesy and dated? Sure.
But most teens will get that Disney rush and appreciate the excellent air conditioning.
18. Haunted Mansion
Liberty Square, Magic Kingdom
I think this is a good ride for tweens who are in the awkward stages of growing up. Maybe at 8 or 9 or 10, the Haunted Mansion was too much for them. However, with the passing of time, they’re ready to be a little scared in this classic.
By the way, my older kids didn’t think this one was cheesy at all. But you know your own teens better than I do.
19. Dumbo the Flying Elephant
Fantasyland, Magic Kingdom
You’ve got to ride something with younger siblings, right? And teens – especially teens who went to Disney when they were little – enjoy that Disney nostalgia like the rest of us do.
Do you agree with our teen-approved ride list? Does your teen have a favorite attraction? If so, let us know in the comments.
