Best of Disney World for Tweens and Teens

With its futuristic outlook and international flair, Epcot is arguably the most grown-up of Disney's theme parks. Some of the must-do attractions for tweens and teens include Mission:Space, Soarin', and Test Track. Another huge appeal of Epcot is the World Showcase, an around-the-world tour of excellent restaurants and shops.

It's not every day your kid gets to travel to both Africa and Asia but that's the magic of a visit to Disney's  Animal Kingdom. Along with Expedition Everest and Kali River Rapids, teens and tweens will want to explore the Avatar-themed land of Pandora, which features Disney's all-time most amazing ride, Avatar Flight of Passage. (Tip: Reserve a FastPass+ for this don't-miss attraction.)

Don't let its size fool you. Hollywood Studios may be Disney World's smallest theme park but it packs some of the biggest thrills and coolest dining venues. Love thrills? At the top of your to-do list, put Twilight Zone: Tower of Terror and  the Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith. For a super-cool dining experience that teens will love, reserve a time at the deliciously retro Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant.

While the Magic Kingdom is deservedly famous for attractions that appeal to young children, Disney World's original theme park also delivers plenty of fun for older kids, including the iconic Space Mountain. Got teens? Make these experiences a top priority.

Of Disney's two fabulous water parks, Blizzard Beach delivers more of the thrills and chills that teens love. You've got to be brave to do the Summit Plummet, one of the tallest, fastest freefall bodyslides in the world. After that, grabbing a bit of airtime on the 90-foot highspeed Slush Gusher is a piece of cake.

Teens will definitely want to spend some time hanging out in Disney Springs, a shopping-and-entertainment district that's chockablock with some of Disney World's best shopping and dining venues, from food trucks and fast food to restaurants helmed by celebrity chefs. There's even a bowling alley. 

Families with teens age 16 and up can take a two-hour Segway tour of backwoods trails at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground. The Segway X2 personal transporter features deeply treaded tires and higher ground clearance than other Segway models to provide a smooth, stable ride through the trail-like terrain. Reservations can be made up to 90 days in advance by calling 407-WDW-TOUR.