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May 19, 2015 by: Shell

A Guide to Walt Disney World from a Tween Boy

a guide to Disney World for tweens
When I told my boys we were going to Disney World thanks to an invite to the Disney Social Media Moms Celebration, my 6 year old woo-hoo’ed around the family room with me while my 8 year old grabbed his tablet to show me a video of the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train and asked if we would be able to go on that.

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

a guide to the Magic Kingdom with Tween Boys
Seven Dwarfs Mine Train: It was an awesome ride through the Seven Dwarfs Mine but it was also a roller coaster, so it was still cool.

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

a guide to Hollywood Studios with tween boys
Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster: It was a really good in-the-dark ride that went super fast, even though the music is really old. (Ugh, yes, he went there with Aerosmith!)

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

a guide to epcot with tween boys
Test Track: It was an awesome really fast car ride where you get to design your car and then test it out.

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

animal kingdom with tween boys
Expedition Everest: It was really awesome and you even go backwards when the Abominable Snowman rips the track on this roller coaster.

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.

disney with tweens
I was invited to the Disney Social Media Moms Celebration. As an attendee, I received a discounted rate for my park tickets and accommodations, along with some magical freebies and experiences. All opinions are my own.

Our Experience on The Tower of Terror, Video
A Safe Place: Pour Your Heart Out

Comments

  1. Julia says

    May 19, 2015 at 9:32 am

    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.

  2. BEkah Walsh says

    May 19, 2015 at 11:26 am

    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!

    • Shell says

      May 20, 2015 at 11:13 am

      We were cracking up at his comments about the music! He was making us feel so old.

  3. Rabia @TheLiebers says

    May 19, 2015 at 11:28 am

    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!

  4. Kristi says

    May 19, 2015 at 11:47 am

    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.

  5. Stacie @ Divine Lifestyle says

    May 19, 2015 at 12:04 pm

    Thanks for this post. I love seeing things form a different perspective.

  6. Tracy @ Ascending Butterfly says

    May 19, 2015 at 12:26 pm

    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! 🙂

    • Shell says

      May 20, 2015 at 11:13 am

      I knew it, too. 😉 But he had to experience it for himself to see!

  7. Mitch says

    May 19, 2015 at 2:25 pm

    Love that photo pass! This is great info!
    Mitch

  8. Catherine S says

    May 19, 2015 at 4:31 pm

    What a great post. I love seeing things from the perspective of a tween.

  9. Lindsey @ Redhead Baby Mama says

    May 19, 2015 at 5:22 pm

    Great insight from a “big kid.” I’d love to hear how his perspective changes the next time he visits!

  10. Jeanine says

    May 19, 2015 at 5:48 pm

    This is great! I’ve never heard it from a preteen perspective so this is great!

  11. Candy o says

    May 19, 2015 at 6:46 pm

    What an absolutely great post!! I cannot wait to take my tween to WDW this summer so we can ride all of his recommendations!

  12. Liz Mays says

    May 19, 2015 at 7:07 pm

    These all bring back some fun memories. I still try to go on all of these rides as an adult!

  13. Marcie W. says

    May 19, 2015 at 8:00 pm

    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!

  14. Ora Lee gurr says

    May 19, 2015 at 8:31 pm

    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.

  15. Kecia says

    May 19, 2015 at 10:04 pm

    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!!

  16. Penelope says

    May 19, 2015 at 10:22 pm

    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.

  17. Ann Bacciaglia says

    May 19, 2015 at 10:31 pm

    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.

  18. Yolanda @ Seeing It Their Way says

    May 20, 2015 at 12:09 pm

    I love that Disney World has something for every member of the family. Will be bookmarking for future reference.

  19. Carly Brydon says

    May 20, 2015 at 1:16 pm

    It looks like everyone had a wonderful time! I love the descriptions he gave with the rides!

  20. Sabrina @ Dinner, then Dessert says

    May 20, 2015 at 2:01 pm

    We love Disneyland, if my kids are anything like me they will never outgrow it!

  21. Ronni says

    May 20, 2015 at 4:03 pm

    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!

  22. Amber C. says

    May 20, 2015 at 5:26 pm

    Looks like you really had a blast! I can’t wait to take my kids to Disney World when they’re a little older!

  23. Travis says

    May 20, 2015 at 9:07 pm

    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.

  24. Christie says

    May 20, 2015 at 9:42 pm

    Mission Space is totally intense! There is a safer more gentle ride for next time! Cute post

  25. Amanda O. says

    May 20, 2015 at 9:48 pm

    Disney is fun for everyone! These are great suggestions for tween boys though.

  26. Debbie Denny says

    May 21, 2015 at 10:20 am

    What a fun post. Love the view and thoughts from him.

  27. Amber says

    May 21, 2015 at 3:13 pm

    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.

  28. Amanda says

    May 21, 2015 at 4:06 pm

    Awesome tips from a big kid 🙂 We’ve only planned for preschoolers. So we will have to keep this in mind!

  29. Natalie says

    May 26, 2015 at 9:36 pm

    So glad he had a great time!

Welcome to Things I Can't Say: Tips and Tales from an Introverted Mom. I'm Shell. Boy mom, beach girl, bookworm, ball games, baker, brand ambassador, Thinking yoga, food, and travel should start with "b," too. Finding the easiest way to do some things while overthinking so many others. Read More…

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