Teens Don’t “Outgrow” Disney! 10 Reasons Why You’ll Be Glad You Took Your Teen to Disney

It’s a common misconception that a Disney vacation is something families ought to do with their kids while they’re still “young enough to enjoy it.” As the parent of a teen myself, I want to share some of the reasons why taking your older kids to Disneyland or Disney World can still be a magical thing.

I’m a Disney adult from way back, and I write for a Disney blog, so I obviously don’t buy into the idea that someone can outgrow the Disney theme parks and resorts. Over the years, I’ve created a treasure trove of family memories with my kids at the Disney parks and resorts, and now that my oldest has entered a new phase of life, I plan to create many more! Here are some of the best reasons to take a Disney trip with your teenager.

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They Can Enjoy the Big Attractions with You

If you dream of sharing a ride on the Incredicoaster, Indiana Jones, TRON Lightcycle/Run, or Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster with your young progeny, now is your chance! Granted, every teen is different, and some enjoy thrills more than others. However, most teens are at least tall enough to ride everything at Disney World and Disneyland, and Disney thrills do tend to be more tame than those at other theme parks. So, it’s likely your teen will be on board with hitting those big attractions with you.

Personally, my son has been averse to riding the bigger coasters at Disney in the past, but now that he’s officially a teenager, there’s not much he won’t ride. I have only to convince him that those drops on Tower of Terror aren’t as scary as they’re hyped to be…

They Can Stay Out Late

Dare I say it? Late nights are the new rope drop at Disney parks! Once a tried and true Disney hack, early arrival isn’t always the reliable strategy it once was. Late-night park hours to the rescue! Teens are notorious night owls, and this can definitely work to your advantage on a Disney trip.

For example, my family took a short and sweet trip to Disney World on a budget just after the New Year, and we weren’t able to splurge on Lightning Lanes during our two park days at Epcot and Magic Kingdom. The early morning crowds were so large at our resort bus stop that we missed rope drop, and by the afternoon, we were feeling fairly discouraged that we had been able to do so few of our favorites. Fortunately, Magic Kingdom was open until 11:00 that night, and we had a blast riding everything on our list after the fireworks, when the crowds had significantly thinned.

If late nights are your thing, you might want to consider booking a Deluxe resort or villa to gain access to Extended Evening Hours at Disney World, or purchasing tickets to Disneyland After Dark or one of Disney World’s After Hours events for even more hours in the parks after closing time.

Disney Keeps Them in Touch with Their Inner Child

Being on Disney property seems to somehow bring out the kid in all of us, and teens are no exception. As much as our teens may long for independence and adult privileges, we all know deep down they still just want to be kids. Spending time at Disney gives them a chance to escape their ever-increasing responsibilities at school and at home and have fun. The nostalgia of the Disney atmosphere can help them revisit memories of some of their favorite childhood stories and keep that pure and simpler time in their lives close to heart.

They Appreciate Disney Dining

Okay, so teens can still be picky eaters, but as a full-grown picky eater myself, I know firsthand that our tastes can evolve, too. Your teen may not be ordering the smoked salmon at Space 220, but they probably have a greater appreciation for good food than they did when they were five. Since Disney has a lot to offer in the way of culinary delights, it’s beneficial to travel with companions who recognize and value a quality meal. And, because the food at Disney doesn’t come cheap, it’s nice to know your growing adolescent will likely eat every bite. See the best Disney World restaurants and best Disneyland restaurants that we recommend!

They Can Do Their Own Thing

We all know kids desire more autonomy during their teen years, but if you’re like me, worries over safety can sometimes get in the way of granting it to them. The Disney theme parks can provide a safe environment in which to let your teens exercise some much-needed independence. Maybe you’re dying to go on Carousel of Progress, but they have no interest in singing a rousing chorus of “There’s a Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow” with you. You can let them explore on their own for a while before meeting back up for the next meal or favorite attraction together.

They’ll enjoy the excitement of making their own decisions, and the time apart may even make your shared Disney experiences that much sweeter.

They Have More Stamina Than Younger Kids

While strollers can certainly expedite the trek from point A to point B with small children at Disney, it can be a hassle to take the time to park them before entering a queue and locate them after exiting an attraction. Once kids are able to traverse the parks on foot, it can be both a blessing and a curse. No more stroller parking, and no more folding before boarding Disney transportation, but now you have a traveling companion who may or may not be able to keep up a steady pace throughout the park day.

Touring with teenagers is a breeze! They have longer legs than they did when they were younger, so they can cover ground more quickly, and they don’t get tired as often as they once did, which means fewer breaks. This all adds up to more time to experience everything the Disney parks and resorts have to offer.

They Can Enjoy a Variety of Non-ride Activities

Of course, there are plenty of activities for guests of all ages to enjoy on Disney property, from bike rides to amphibious cars. Some, however, like spa services, canoeing, and horseback riding, have specific age requirements. And let’s be honest, while other activities—like surfing lessons and fishing excursions, for example—are open to everyone, they’re likely to go a bit more smoothly with older kids and teens. Also, since teen brains tend to crave novelty, they might appreciate a break from the traditional Disney theme park experience. See the coolest secret things to do at Disney World for ideas of activities you can enjoy with your teen!

Bonding Opportunities Abound

Like most vacation destinations, Disney offers an escape from the daily grind. However, the unique, insular nature of the Disney “bubble” allows parents and teens to mentally disconnect from the world outside in a significant way and focus instead on connecting with each other.

During the teen years, the transitions seem constant, and the regular routine can often feel like a whirlwind of disorienting moods and emotions. A Disney trip can provide a fun way to bond with your teen by remembering past Disney experiences and sharing exciting new ones together.

They Still Love the Classics

Teens may be eager to try on a newfound sense of adventure, but that doesn’t mean they can’t still enjoy the classic Disney attractions. Interests obviously vary from teen to teen, but chances are if yours doesn’t fancy a spin on the teacups or a car ride to “nowhere in particular” with Mr. Toad (mine actually does), they may be up for the Haunted Mansion’s creepy creeps or a voyage through Dead Man’s Cove on Pirates of the Caribbean. The Jungle Cruise can also be a crowd pleaser, and teens will laugh at the Dad jokes in spite of themselves.

To read about more Disney attractions teens love, check out our guide to the Best Rides for Teens Walt Disney World and the Top 25+ Things in Disneyland for Teens.

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