Planning Walt Disney World with Teens!
Most people who haven’t been to Disney or aren’t big Disney people tend to believe Disney is just for young kids. I’m here to give you 10 tips to making Disney be just as enjoyable with teens. Let’s start off by introducing myself. My name is Danielle and I am a mom of two older boys. Most of my friends ask me “Why do you always go to Walt Disney World?? How do the boys enjoy themselves they are so much older now? I simply reply Disney appeals to all ages. Where else can you take your toddlers, your teenagers and your parents and ensure that everyone is going to have an incredible time??
My boys were 5 and 2 years old the first time they visited Walt Disney World and I must be honest I wish I didn’t wait until my oldest was that old. The pure joy you seen in my little guys eyes made the Disney Magic even more beautiful. At these young ages our Disney vacation was filled with character meet and greets, character dining, and a few rides that caught their interest. Now as teenagers those same meals and meet and greets will depend on the mood of the day. So, you ask what is going to be appealing to a teenager on any given day in Disney?? Here is a list of 8 tips that helps make our family vacation one that keeps providing us with memories to last a lifetime.
Plan your Trip Together
Teens need to feel included. As a Disney Specialized Travel Planner, I am accustomed to listening and getting a feel for what my clients may like and want from their trip. As a parent it isn’t always that easy!! Parents tend to feel that we know what our children always want, WELL let me tell you as those teenage years roll in it’s a whole other experience. They need to feel like this is for them also. So, sit down open the email from your travel agent, open your My Disney Experience app and discuss your dates, dining, extra activities, and resort stays with your children. Let them YouTube the resort or restaurant to see if its going to be something they will enjoy. But, always make sure you are being open to their opinions.
Get Enough Sleep and Rest the Day before arrival!
Just like a toddler, a disgruntle, tired teen is not enjoyable! If you are flying and have an early flight be sure to help them coordinate their routine for the morning of so that it’s smooth sailing. If you are driving like my family does every year from NJ, be sure to plan for stretch time, meals, and low-key quiet time with phones and iPad! I am not one to say throw the iPad and phones at the kids, but it definitely is a sanity saver on long trips.
Give them some Space
Every mother’s nightmare for the first time! Obviously, you need to know your children are capable of this first! However, if they are let them go off for a little bit with out you, give them your instructions, but let them make some memories that only siblings can have. Giving them a little bit of freedom shows them that you “trust” that they will make responsible decisions.
Give them a Spending Allowance
Since they aren’t with you, you can’t really control what they are spending. Give them a limit and make sure they stick to the rules. I know we discuss what they can spend each day before we even walk into the parks. Set boundaries in all aspects so there is no miscommunication or arguments to follow.
Plan to Eat a Nice Meal together
I don’t know about you, but one of my boy’s favorite thing to do is eat!! I mean come on they are growing boys lol. No really though plan to eat a nice meal together. Look through the app or any information you have on the restaurants and plan it out. Its always nice to have a family meal together, especially if your kids went off a little themselves. This gives them the time to share what they experienced during the day.
Designate a Meet Up Spot and Time
This is important that you guys set the boundaries. Yes, they are in the most magical place on earth but let’s not forget we are still parents! We will continue to worry even when our children are old with their own families. This also gives them the accountability that they will respect you as you are respecting them.
Take Lots of Pictures
Make sure to take lots of pictures throughout your vacation to capture those ever-lasting memories! I remind my children that just because they aren’t with me, I still want pictures of them having fun. Get the memory maker and all they must do is stop at the photographer and let them do the work!
Limit the Time Away
It is great to give your teens freedom, but overall, it’s a family vacation. Give them the time to escape the “rents” but limited it to about 2 hours or so. This gives them enough time to be teens and then come back with stories to tell.
Disney is a magical place where everyone has the options to dream ad get swept up in the magic. I hope this helps all those moms with teens, on how to better their next Disney Vacation! Please feel free to contact me for any help planning. [email protected]
