Surf’s Up at Typhoon Lagoon

"Hang 10" before park opening hours in 2.75-million-gallon wave pool (some waves as high as 6 feet tall!) under guidance of professional instructors with surfboards provided. Guests must furnish their own transportation to park since Disney buses are not up and running that early in morning, and those under age 18 must have a signed waiver from their parents to participate. Call 407-WDW-PLAY for reservations up to 90 days in advance.

White-Knuckle Riding at Richard Petty Driving Experience

Lying next to Magic Kingdom is this speedway where white-knuckle rides in a NASCAR Winston Cup–style race car are offered. If you are at least 16 you can participate in Ride-Along Program where you’ll ride shotgun at speeds of up to 145 mph for three laps around track with an experienced instructor (riders 16 or 17 years of age must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian). Even more exciting, those ages 18 and older can drive car themselves after an introductory class. If you just want to observe you can do so for no charge. Call 800-BE-PETTY for advance reservations.

Head for a Theme Parks

Last but certainly not least are theme parks. If you’re staying on Disney property it’s a cinch to board a monorail or a Disney bus and head out to parks on your own.

At Magic Kingdom you’ll find all old nostalgic favorites like Space Mountain and Pirates of Caribbean. And don’t forget to head straight to Splash Mountain, an unforgettable ride that ends in a plunge over a 5-story waterfall! Epcot’s main attractions for fun-loving teens are Mission Space, a hair-raising rocket into space, and Test Track where you’ll speed through hairpin turns and then barrel outside onto a high-speed banking loop at over 60 mph. At Disney-MGM Studios you’ll be floored by Rock ‘N’ Roller Coaster and The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, both a thrill a minute. Then there’s Animal Kingdom where a trip around African savanna at Kilimanjaro Safaris and back in time 65 million years at Dinosaur are quite adventure.

Super thrill seekers should plan a day at Universal Orlando’s Islands of Adventure where attractions like Incredible Hulk Coaster, Dueling Dragons, and The Amazing Adventures of Spiderman will leave your heart pounding.

So do you still think Disney is just for kids? I bet you can’t wait to pack your bags. And don’t forget to thank your parents on your return home for taking you to one of most exciting places on planet.

Best Steaks Shula's at Walt Disney World Dolphin, a standout for sensational Angus beef steaks cooked to perfection, or Vito’s Chop House on International Drive for filet mignon stuffed with gorgonzola.

Best Restaurant For Romance Victoria and Albert's at Disney's Grand Floridian, only AAA 5-Diamond restaurant in Central Florida. Here you’ll savor a sumptuous six-course meal served on elegant fine china to accompaniment of enchanting harp music. Or try Delfino Riviera at Universal’s Portofino Bay Hotel whose breeze-swept terrace overlooks resort’s picturesque bay and piazza. And I can’t forget Norman’s at Ritz Carlton for fine dining in plush surroundings all enveloped in grandeur of an amazing resort.

Best Restaurant For Kids Children love Rainforest Café at Animal Kingdom or Downtown Disney where they’re bombarded with thunderstorms and noisy audio-animatronic wildlife. A close runner up is Whispering Canyon Café at Disney's Wilderness Lodge; come prepared for plenty of hoopin’ and hollerin’ and please, whatever you do, don’t ask for ketchup unless, that is, you like a lot of attention.

Best Character Meal Cinderella's Royal Table at Magic Kingdom, a chance to feast in a fairytale castle with Cinderella, Jasmine, Aladdin, Belle, and Snow White. Or try Crystal Palace at Magic Kingdom for a tasty, bountiful buffet hosted by Winnie Pooh and his friends.

Best Hip Atmosphere Todd English’s bluezoo at Dolphin, coolest spot this side of South Beach, or Tchoup Chop at Universal’s Royal Pacific Resort, a knock-em-dead, Asian-inspired beauty.

Best Disney View Arthur’s 27 at Wyndham Palace whose drop-dead setting is only topped by its creative cuisine, or California Grill at Disney's Contemporary Resort with its picture-perfect views of Magic Kingdom, Seven Seas Lagoon, and Wishes fireworks presentation.

Best Disney Resort Restaurant Tough call. My favorites are California Grill at Contemporary Resort (just about anything on their exceptional menu is fantastic), Victoria and Albert’s at Grand Floridian (particularly Chef’s Table where Chef Scott Hunnel oversees an 11-course meal designed especially for you), and Todd English’s bluezoo at Dolphin (try miso glazed Chilean sea bass with warm sesame spinach).

Best Universal Resort Restaurant Tchoup Chop at Royal Pacific Resort. Wonderful Asian and Polynesian-influenced cuisine in a stunning setting of bamboo, waterfalls, and a lotus-filled reflecting pool. Share Crunchy Shrimp with butter lettuce leaves and hot & sour chili glaze, move on to Firecracker Fresh Fish served with papaya-serrano salsa, Asian pesto drizzle, and coconut-lemongrass sauce, and finish with a slice of Banana Cream Pie topped with caramel sauce and chocolate shavings.

Best Downtown Disney Restaurant Wolfgang Puck’s Upstairs Dining Room for dishes like Szechuan marinated "Chinois" lamb rack served with a spicy cilantro-mint sauce or restaurant's exceptionally great Wienerschnitzel.

Best Epcot Illuminations View Rose and Crown in World Showcase’s United Kingdom. Set your priority seating for about one hour prior to show time and pray for a table with a good view.

Best Milkshake Beaches and Cream at Disney's Beach Club Resort serves oh-so-delicious thick shakes and malts in a frosty fountain glass with extras on side in stainless steel shaker.

Best Pizza You can't beat pizzas at Downtown Disney's Wolfgang Puck Cafe (choose BLTA with applewood-smoked bacon, mozzarella, roma and sun-dried tomatoes, avocado, and chopped romaine), Downtown Disney's Portobello Yacht Club (thin-crusted and smokey flavored), or Mama Melrose’s at Disney-MGM Studios (don't miss grilled chicken pizza with sun-dried tomato pesto, pancetta, and asiago cheese).

Best Breakfast Spoodles at Disney's Boardwalk. I love Egg Rotollo, scrambled eggs with chorizo, onions, peppers, and cheddar cheese rolled in Lavosh (flatbread) and served with breakfast potatoes and marinated tomatoes.

I could go on and on but I’ll restrain myself and stop here. There’s a world of resorts and restaurants just waiting to be explored. And you’ll never even have to leave Orlando to find it!