Meanwhile, my 10 year old looked very thoughtful. Were there big rides, he wanted to know. He knew he’d been there when he was 4 and that his girl cousins have gone since he’s seen all the pictures of them with the various Disney princesses.
His concern was: was Disney World a place for just little kids and girls who love princesses?
I knew Disney magic extends to all ages, but he needed to experience it to believe it. I’ll share his top 3 favorite attractions at each park. So here’s the can’t miss Disney World Attractions, according to a tween boy. Attraction descriptions courtesy of my 10 year old.
Magic Kingdom
Space Mountain: This roller coaster made it feel like you were in space and you didn’t know what was going to happen because it was in the dark.
Splash Mountain: This is a fun water ride that goes fast on the last drop. You’ll probably get soaked!
Honorable mentions going to all of these: Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Mad Tea Party, Pirates of the Caribbean, and Tomorrowland Speedway(though only if you don’t get stuck behind someone who is going super slow). His biggest Magic Kingdom regret is not going on Haunted Mansion, but we knew that after the Tower of Terror earlier that day, his younger brother needed a break from anything even remotely spooky.
Hollywood Studios
Star Tours: It was an awesome ride that took you through parts of Star Wars and not every ride is the same.
The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror: It was so awesome that I screamed like a little girl.
He also really liked Toy Story Midway Mania because he enjoyed trying to get the highest score or at least beat his brothers’ scores. He did participate in Jedi Training, which was amazing, but he said he would probably be too old for it pretty soon. *Sigh* At least his brothers still have a few years left before they think like that!
Epcot
Soarin’: This ride takes you through different parts of California and makes you feel like you’re flying.
World Showcase: I like learning about different countries, so it was awesome to see them all in one place.
He’d like you to know that when they warn you on Mission: Space that you shouldn’t ride if you get motion sickness, they mean it. Only 1 of of the 5 of us made it through this ride without feeling like we were going to be sick. It really is intense.
Animal Kingdom
Kilimanjaro Safaris: I liked it because there were all different kinds of wild animals and every trip is not the same because the animals can run wild.
Kali River Rapids: I didn’t go on this because I was with Dad and Grandma and they didn’t want to get wet. My mom would have gone on with me. Next time I want to go on this because it looks really cool and I like water rides.*
*He’s right, I would have gone on with him. My boys went to Animal Kingdom with Dad and Grandma on the conference day. The next time we go to Disney, this is the first park I want to go to.
So, after seeing his lists and hearing him talk all about his favorite attractions, yes, there most definitely is plenty for tween boys (and girls) to do at Disney World. What I loved the most was seeing that, in true tween-ness, he liked the biggest, fastest rides out there, but still wanted his picture taken with Mickey and Minnie Mouse.
That picture of him with Mickey just makes me smile. I loved how excited he was to talk about the Jedi experience and to get his picture with Mickey.
bahahaha! “The music is really old.”
I actually haven’t been on that ride since I don’t like coasters, but wow.
And kid has taste…World Showcase is the best!
We were cracking up at his comments about the music! He was making us feel so old.
My oldest daughter can’t wait to go to another amusement park because she’s finally tall enough to ride most of the rides. That was the issue when we went to WDW, my boys were all too short for everything they wanted to do!
Great photos and thanks for the reviews from a “tween”. We have two in that age group so am always curious how things rate with them.
Thanks for this post. I love seeing things form a different perspective.
I have never been to any of the Disney Park’s but I do know it’s not just for girls who love princesses, LOL! Fun hearing the tween boy perspective though! 🙂
I knew it, too. 😉 But he had to experience it for himself to see!
Love that photo pass! This is great info!
Mitch
What a great post. I love seeing things from the perspective of a tween.
Great insight from a “big kid.” I’d love to hear how his perspective changes the next time he visits!
This is great! I’ve never heard it from a preteen perspective so this is great!
What an absolutely great post!! I cannot wait to take my tween to WDW this summer so we can ride all of his recommendations!
These all bring back some fun memories. I still try to go on all of these rides as an adult!
Apparently I have very similar tastes to a tween boy, because he shared some of my favorite rides and attractions. I can almost feel the fun through your photos!
Your son likes the same rides I do! Soarin’ was a blast. My sis and I really enjoyed how realistic it was. What a delightful treat for the family. I’m glad you gave a boy’s opinion since the princess thing does tend to get written about more.
I haven’t been to Disney World since I was 15. Reading your descriptions makes me want to go! Luckily, we have begun planning for a trip during Christmas break 2016!!
Thank you for these suggestions. It’s nice to know that Walt Disney World has plenty to offer a teen as well as young kids.
I enjoyed reading this post. I am hoping to get to Disney in the next year or two. There are so many things i want to do there.
I love that Disney World has something for every member of the family. Will be bookmarking for future reference.
It looks like everyone had a wonderful time! I love the descriptions he gave with the rides!
We love Disneyland, if my kids are anything like me they will never outgrow it!
He did a really great job! My little/big kid is having the same thoughts… isn’t it for girls and little kids. I’m totally letting him read this!
Looks like you really had a blast! I can’t wait to take my kids to Disney World when they’re a little older!
This is a great guide for getting boys in those not-quite-teen years excited about Disney. So much of the focus is put on the princesses and younger children that it is always good to be reminded that there is stuff for the big kids.
Mission Space is totally intense! There is a safer more gentle ride for next time! Cute post
Disney is fun for everyone! These are great suggestions for tween boys though.
What a fun post. Love the view and thoughts from him.
My son is 13 and had a blast when we went to Disney World in March. I am so glad there is stuff for everyone there. He especially loved the food.
Awesome tips from a big kid 🙂 We’ve only planned for preschoolers. So we will have to keep this in mind!
So glad he had a great time!