Walt Disney World Tips & 14-Day Itinerary for Tweens and Teens

Must-Do Experiences for Tweens & Teens at Walt Disney World

On the planDisney Podcast, panelists Heather S. and Jonathan G. share top Walt Disney World experiences that keep tweens and teens excited, engaged and feeling grown‑up. From thrill rides and immersive dining expriences to an exclusive interview with Education Guide Rachel Novak, the episode highlights adventures that offer independence alongside family fun.

Arrive at Walt Disney World

Afternoon: Arrive in Orlando and transfer to your Disney Resort hotel. Take in the music, the Mickey touches - your holiday has begun! Unpack and enjoy a quick swim or explore the hotel.

Evening: Dine at one of your Disney Hotel’s restaurants. If energy allows, join Campfire activities or watch Movies Under the Stars for a cozy Disney welcome.

Magic Kingdom Park

Morning: Enjoy breakfast at your Disney Resort Hotel, then wander down Main Street, U.S.A. for that first “wow” moment in front of Cinderella Castle. Head straight for the big hits, TRON Lightcycle / Run for futuristic speed, next Space Mountain for classic dark‑coaster thrills.

Afternoon: Refuel at Jungle Navigation Co. LTD Skipper Canteen, then keep the momentum going with story-packed favourites like Haunted Mansion and Pirates of the Caribbean.

Evening: Grab a create-your-own popcorn mix from Kernel Kitchen inside Main Street Confectionery. Then settle in for Happily Ever After, a nighttime fireworks spectacular with castle projections.

Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Morning: Step into Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge and keep an eye out for Characters patrolling Black Spire Outpost, then fly the famous starship on Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run.

Afternoon: Refuel with a Ronto Wrap at Ronto Roasters, then join the Resistance on Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, one of Disney’s most cinematic adventures. For extra fun, build your own lightsaber at Savi’s Workshop.

Evening: Enjoy Fantasmic!, a dazzling mix of lights and music, then dine at Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater for retro vibes.

EPCOT

Morning: Start with Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, a high‑energy coaster with a rotating retro soundtrack that’s a huge hit. Then switch gears and soar over famous landmarks on Soarin’ Around the World.

Afternoon: Design your dream car and race against the clock on Test Track. After the thrills, wander World Showcase, snapping photos in France, Japan, and Mexico while browsing unique shops.

Evening: Dine your way around the world, sharing wood‑fired pizza at Via Napoli, grabbing tacos in Mexico, or enjoying steak at Le Cellier in Canada.

Disney's Animal Kingdom

Morning: Rope drop Expedition Everest for a high-speed thrill, then spot giraffes and elephants on Kilimanjaro Safaris.

Afternoon: Head to Pandora – The World of Avatar for lunch at Satu’li Canteen, then soar on Avatar Flight of Passage, an epic 3D banshee‑riding experience. Slow things down with a ride on Na’vi River Journey, surrounded by bioluminescent sights and sounds.

Evening: After dining with Donald Duck and friends at Tusker House Restaurant, return to Pandora after dark, where glowing pathways create the perfect backdrop for stunning photos.

Disney's Typhoon Lagoon or Disney's Blizzard Beach

Morning: Dive straight into some Disney Water Park fun. Turn up the adrenaline on Crush ’n’ Gusher, a water coaster with serious speed, or race friends on Downhill Double Dipper. For the ultimate bragging rights, conquer Summit Plummet, Blizzard Beach’s 120-foot drop slide.

Afternoon: Teens will love the Surf Pool at Typhoon Lagoon, the largest wave pool in North America, or float along the lazy river for a chilled afternoon.

Evening: After freshening up, enjoy a relaxed evening at Disney’s BoardWalk. Sit down for dinner at Trattoria al Forno, then soak up the lively atmosphere with games, street performers and sweet treats.

Disney's Hollywood Studios

Morning: Head to Toy Story Land for big thrills and playful energy. Start with the high‑speed twists of Slinky Dog Dash, then take aim and battle for top score on Toy Story Mania!.

Afternoon: Cool off at the Frozen Sing-Along Celebration before jumping back into the action with Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway, a zany ride through a cartoon world.

Evening: Dine on American comfort food at 50's Prime Time Café then conquer The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror and Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster. It’s the ultimate way to end the day with extra magic and adrenaline!

Your Disney Resort Hotel and Disney Springs

Morning: Take a slower morning at your Disney Resort hotel with pool time, arcade games and relaxed activities, perfect for recharging before the day ahead.

Afternoon: Head to Disney Springs for shopping and teen-friendly fun. Browse World of Disney for souvenirs, pop into UNIQLO then catch golden-hour Instagram snaps at the Coca‑Cola Rooftop Bar.

Evening: Dine at Morimoto Asia for pan-Asian flavours or Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar for adventurous bites. Then wrap up the night with live music along the waterfront.

Magic Kingdom Park

Morning: Kick things off with Jungle Cruise for classic skipper humour and meme-worthy one-liners, then head to Tiana’s Bayou Adventure for a music-filled journey through the bayou with a thrilling 50‑foot drop!

Afternoon: Keep the excitement going with a wild ride on Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. Between thrills, pause for character meet and greets with fan-favourites like Ariel or Mirabel, perfect for fun group selfies.

Evening: Make it a “Disney moment” dinner inside Beast's Castle at Be Our Guest Restaurant. Then claim your spot under the stars for the dazzling nighttime parade, Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away.

EPCOT

Morning: Enjoy a slower start with a lie-in and a refreshing dip in the pool at your Disney Resort hotel. For keen voyagers, begin the day at Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana, a lush, interactive trail where you can choose to make a splash or take the dry path.

Afternoon: Head to World Showcase for Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure in the France Pavilion and shrink to Chef Remy’s size as you zip through Gusteau’s kitchen. After working up an appetite, grab lunch at Connections Eatery.

Evening: End the day with EPCOT’s stunning nighttime spectacular, Luminous The Symphony of Us, lighting up World Showcase Lagoon with fireworks, fountains, music, and lights.

Disney Water Park Fun

Morning: Head to Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park or Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park (whichever is open) and kick things off with competitive favourites like Miss Adventure Falls or Toboggan Racers for a head-to-head sprint to the finish.

Afternoon: Refuel with a quick and easy lunch at Typhoon Tilly’s or the Warming Hut, then jump straight back into the action. Choose your next group challenge on Gangplank Falls for twists, turns, and repeat-ride energy.

Evening: Get ready back at your Disney Resort hotel, then make it a Disney Springs night at Splitsville Luxury Lanes for bowling, bites, and big laughs.

Disney's Animal Kingdom

Morning: Start the day exploring the Maharajah Jungle Trek, a self‑guided trail where you can spot tigers, bats, and other wildlife while temperatures are cooler. Next, catch Zootopia: Better Zoogether!, a lively 4D show at the Tree of Life Theater starring Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde.

Afternoon: Cool off with a thrilling, whitewater adventure on Kali River Rapids in Asia. Then, grab lunch at Harambe Market before a high-energy celebration at Festival of the Lion King, packed with music, acrobatics and colourful puppetry.

Evening: Watch Tree of Life Awakenings as the park transforms after dark with stunning projections. End the day with dinner at Tiffins Restaurant, a signature dining spot inspired by global exploration and bold flavours.

Magic Kingdom and Disney's Hollywood Studios

Morning: Return to Magic Kingdom for fairytale thrills, starting with Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, then ramp up the fun with some friendly competition on Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin.

Afternoon: Grab a quick bite at Casey’s Corner, then enjoy the colourful Festival of Fantasy Parade. Next, hop to Disney’s Hollywood Studios and blast through new scenes on Star Tours – The Adventures Continue.

Evening: Fuel up on galactic bites at Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo, then end your day with Wonderful World of Animation, a vibrant projection spectacular and a perfect Hollywood finale.

Departure Day

Morning: Enjoy breakfast at your Disney Hotel, then pop into your favourite park for one last stroll and photos with beloved Characters. Wave goodbye to Cinderella Castle or EPCOT’s Spaceship Earth.

Afternoon: Savour a light lunch before heading to Orlando International Airport.

Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort

Get in the game at this Resort hotel that salutes the world of competitive sports, including baseball, basketball, football, surfing and tennis. Go the distance and don’t be afraid to celebrate your inner fan amid sporty décor starring some of your favourite Disney Characters.

Disney's Port Orleans Resort - French Quarter

A historic home away from home, this elegant hotel pays tribute to the golden age of New Orleans’ French Quarter. Set amongst leafy magnolia trees along the banks of the Sassagoula River, soak up the sounds of swingin' jazz and celebrate the vibrancy of Mardi Gras.

Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge

Step into the heart of Africa at this stunning hotel. Complete with dazzling pool areas, the largest collection of African art in the United States and its own lush savannahs home to over 200 animals and birds, experience your own safari adventure with a touch of Disney magic.