Can teens really have fun at a place like Walt Disney World? Absolutely! Actually, be prepared to have
time of your life. It’s a safe place to assert some independence from your parents, a place you’ll never forget. Here are some of best experiences for teens at "The Most Magical Place on Earth":Have a Splashing Good Time at Disney's Water Parks
For a blast of a time, head to one of Disney’s two water parks. Blizzard Beach has a melting alpine resort theme where chairlifts carry swimmers instead of skiers. It’s a place for daredevils to challenge wild, rushing water and death-defying slides including Summit Plummet, a 120-foot slide reaching speeds of 60 miles per hour. Those a bit less adventuresome will love Typhoon Lagoon, a tropical fantasyland offering a wave pool with tallest simulated waves in world as well as a chance to snorkel among tropical fish, leopard and nurse sharks, and picturesque coral at Shark Reef.
Live it Up at Downtown Disney
After parks close hop a bus from your Disney resort for a night on town at Downtown Disney. Highlights include Disney Quest with five floors of interactive games, a 24-screen AMC Theater, a Cirque du Soleil show, and over 60 shops and restaurants. Favorite dining choices for younger crowd are Planet Hollywood and Rainforest Café. And definitely consider House of Blues where teens are allowed to attend some of almost daily concerts in their live music venue next-door.
Cool Off at One of Disney’s Resort Pools
When your parents are wondering which resort to book for your Disney vacation, be sure and put your two cents in and steer them toward one with a great pool. Disney’s very best uniquely themed pools include Yacht and Beach Club’s Stormalong Bay, a 3-acre mini-water park, Swan and Dolphin’s lush, grotto-style lagoon pool, boulder-strewn wonderland at Wilderness Lodge with its very own erupting geyser, and Volcano Pool at Polynesian Resort with its luxuriant waterfall, smoking peak, and perfect views of Cinderella’s Castle.
Plan Some Watersport Fun
Disney’s Contemporary Resort is place for water-ski, parasail, wakeboard, kneeboard, and jet-ski action under guidance of a professional instructor. There’s nothing better than a bird’s-eye-view of Magic Kingdom as you parasail high above Seven Seas Lagoon. And action down below on Bay Lake is a blast! For reservations call 407-WDW-PLAY up to 90 days in advance, and be sure to bring a parent along to sign a waiver to participate if you’re under age 18.
Pilot Your Own Boat
What could be more fun than renting a Sea Raycer, a 2-seater mini-power boat perfect for zipping around Disney’s waterways and lakes. It’s a great pastime for teens with a valid driver's license (those under 18 must bring along a parent to sign a waiver). You’ll get most bang for your buck at one of resorts near Magic Kingdom (the Contemporary, Polynesian, Grand Floridian, or Wilderness Lodge) where you’ll find miles of recreation on Seven Seas Lagoon and Bay Lake.
Scuba and Snorkel at Epcot’s Living Seas
Scuba dive or snorkel in The Living Seas 5.7-million-gallon saltwater aquarium amid a variety of sharks, rays, fish, and turtles. Epcot's DiveQuest Program along with Seas Aqua Tour using a Scuba Assisted Snorkel unit (snorkelers swim on surface with a built-in flotation device while breathing compressed air from a regulator attached to a small tank) are two of most exciting behind-the-scenes tours offered in all of Walt Disney World. Dives include all equipment, but be sure to bring a bathing suit. DiveQuest is open to certified divers, but those ages 14 and under need to dive along with a parent or guardian. The Seas Aqua Tour is open to participants under age 18 as long as they are accompanied by a participating adult. Call 407-WDW-TOUR for reservations.
