Walt Disney World: Fun Things to Do with Teens & Tweens

Ahoy mateys! Catch Captain Jack Sparrow and friends up to no good aboard Pirates of the Caribbean.

1. Pirates of the Caribbean - Magic Kingdom

Journey back to the age of swashbuckling aboard Pirates of the Caribbean, one of Disney's best attractions ever! This dark boat ride features colorful characters, skeletons, a pirate ship, explosions, a burning city, and a splashdown in total darkness.  

2. Haunted Mansion - Magic Kingdom

Your tour of the Haunted Mansion begins in the “stretching room,” after which you embark on a dark ride through multiple rooms filled with ghosts and ghouls, culminating in a musical graveyard jamboree. More spooky than actually scary.

3. Jungle Cruise - Magic Kingdom

Treat your teens and tweens to a boat ride filled with awesome animatronics and cringeworthy dad jokes. As this is an outdoor attraction, it’s best to ride Jungle Cruise in the early morning or early evening to avoid the blazing Florida sun.

4. Soarin’ Around the World - Epcot

Virtually hang glide over iconic landmarks like the Great Wall of China, Taj Mahal, and Eiffel Tower on this delightful attraction. The journey is enhanced by pleasant scents and a majestic soundtrack. If you want the best view, ask to sit in the top center row.

5. Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure - Epcot

Shrink down to the size of Chef Remy, the world’s most famous rat, and join him on a 4D adventure through Gusteau’s restaurant in Paris. This 4D adventure features larger-than-life props that make you feel like you’re the size of a rodent.

6. Frozen Ever After - Epcot

Frozen is one of Disney’s most popular films, so chances are your teen will want to board this boat ride. In addition to all the familiar characters and songs (yes, you will hear “Let It Go” once again), Frozen Ever After features minor thrills and one pretty decent splashdown.

RELATED: Orlando with Teens: Top 20 Things to Do at the Theme Parks & Beyond

7. Toy Story Mania - Hollywood Studios

Got a teen or tween who’s a gamer?! Toy Story Mania is right up their alley! Play carnival-inspired, arcade games as Woody’s Rootin’ Tootin’ Shootin’ Gallery, Buzz Lightyear’s Flying Tossers, Rex and Trixie’s Dino Darts, and more...all in eye-popping 3D.

8. Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge - Hollywood Studios

Fly the Millennium Falcon, battle the First Order, build a custom lightsaber, assemble a customized droid, or just fill up on that Batuu blue milk. This is a great place to find things to do with teens and tweens as the possibilities are as limitless as the galaxy itself.  

9. Indiana Jones Stunt Spectacular - Hollywood Studios

Explosions, street fights, rooftop chases and, of course, the iconic rolling boulder are all on display in this exciting live show, the last vestige of the park’s original behind-the-scenes themeing. Even if your teens are not familiar with the Indiana Jones franchise, they will enjoy this entertaining spectacle.

No matter what age you are, it's always a thrill seeing majestic animals, like giraffes, on the Kilimanjaro Safaris ride.

10. Kilimanjaro Safaris - Animal Kingdom

For anyone who loves animals, this is the ultimate attraction. Embark on an adventure through the African Savannah, where you cross paths with several free-roaming animals. (Our vehicle has been stopped several times, most notably by slow-moving giraffes and a particularly feisty ostrich.)

11. Festival of the Lion King - Animal Kingdom

This lively, 30-minute musical revue features acrobatics, fire dancing, animatronics and audience participation.  If your child wants a chance to be part of the end-of-show parade, try grabbing a seat on the floor; otherwise sit in the upper level, as it affords a better view of the entire spectacle.  Either way arrive at least 20 minutes before showtime, as the theater quickly fills to capacity.

12. Pandora – The World of Avatar - Animal Kingdom

Travel to another world when visiting Pandora – The World of Avatar inside Animal Kingdom. Avatar Flight of Passage ride is perfect for most teens, with a stunning, intense look into Pandora; and Na'vi River Journey ride is a gorgeous ride to spend a few serene minutes. 

Teen Activities Outside Disney World Parks

13. Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach

Who doesn’t love a good water park on a hot day? Spend an entire day at either of these highly themed parks, which feature wet attractions for all age groups. Check Disney’s website before picking either of these water parks, as the two water parks are not usually open at the same time.

14. Fantasia and Fairways Mini Golf - Swan Hotel

Play mini golf at these two 18-hole courses, located at the Swan Hotel in the Epcot Resort Area. Sand traps, bunkers, water hazards, and other features make these miniature golf courses a challenging and exciting experience for the whole family.

15. Breakfast à la Art with Mickey & Friends - Riviera Resort

Enjoy meeting Disney characters stylishly attired from head to toe in their artiste outfits, which are completely unique to this character dining experience: painter, sculptor, dancer, and writer!

16. Disney World Transportation (!)

Okay, I know this is not an attraction, but if your teens and tweens are anything like mine, they love all things transportation. Ride the monorail around Seven Seas Lagoon or over to Epcot; circumnavigate the Magic Kingdom on the Walt Disney Railroad; take to the skies on the Disney Skyliner, an aerial gondola; or enjoy a relaxing trip aboard a Friendship boat between Epcot and Hollywood Studios.

Unless noted, photos by the author