Harriet Vane Posted January 4, 2016 Share Posted January 4, 2016 Do teenagers like Disney? Trying to figure out if a frivolous Disney trip will be fun and silly, or if my 19yo and 14yo will think it's weird and not really a good fit for them. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Suzanne in ABQ Posted January 4, 2016 Share Posted January 4, 2016 There is *plenty* at Disney for a 19yo and a 14yo to enjoy! 5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zoobie Posted January 4, 2016 Share Posted January 4, 2016 Depends on the teens. (I suppose just like adults!) My kids seem to be Disney nuts. I can't imagine them suddenly disliking it in a couple of years. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
katilac Posted January 4, 2016 Share Posted January 4, 2016 We just came back from Disney World, and it was my oldest dd's senior trip - not with friends, but family. Mine are 17 and 15, so, yeah, teens CAN love Disney. Like Zoobie, I think it depends more on the person rather than their age. dh and I love it as adults, and my mom loves it as a senior, but I also know people in each of those age groups who don't care for it. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PinkyandtheBrains. Posted January 4, 2016 Share Posted January 4, 2016 Depends on the teen. I was a teen who loved Disney, so much I even worked there for a bit. Some teens won't like it. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OneStepAtATime Posted January 4, 2016 Share Posted January 4, 2016 Definitely depends on the teen (or adult). My DD15 has an opportunity to go with her student council to Disney this year. Lots of friends. She has no interest and will not be going. On the flip side of that coin DH and I chose to go to Disney for our honeymoon and LOVED it. All depends on the person. There is definitely a ton to do, no matter the age. Can you do some research and show them things they can do then ask if they are interested? 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tanaqui Posted January 4, 2016 Share Posted January 4, 2016 Depends on the teen. I went to Disney at that age and more or less enjoyed it (though it was a bit overwhelming at times). You should ask your kids, though that might be tough if you're trying to surprise them. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MarinesWife Posted January 4, 2016 Share Posted January 4, 2016 Mine bought her own year pass and frequently goes with her friends. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lanny Posted January 4, 2016 Share Posted January 4, 2016 My DD is 15 now. In Latin America, 15 is THE BIG birthday for girls. She wanted a trip to Disney, and not a party. Hopefully in mid April 2016 that dream will be fulfilled. OP I suggest you ask your teens whether or not they would like to go to WDW. Have them read about what each park has, to make the best use of the time they have each day in the parks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
marbel Posted January 4, 2016 Share Posted January 4, 2016 I loved Disney as a teen and as a young adult. My husband liked it. But we never took our kids there. A few years ago, when they were younger teens, we asked them if they wanted to go. I felt like a trip to Disney one of those things US American kids "had" to do. They were not really interested. As I think about it, they never loved most Disney movies and were never interested in Disney products (character toys, clothing, and such). So, we didn't go. They may go as adults someday, and who knows, they may love it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lynn Posted January 4, 2016 Share Posted January 4, 2016 My teens like Disney and have a great time. We let them go off by themselves and meet up later in the day. Depends on the kid. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
teachermom2834 Posted January 4, 2016 Share Posted January 4, 2016 Yes. Disney is fun for teens. My teens would probably prefer Universal Studios or Busch Gardens but they would not turn down a Disney trip. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
creekland Posted January 4, 2016 Share Posted January 4, 2016 Add me to those with kids who like Disney and enjoy themselves there, BUT... when I gave them a choice between Disney and the beach on a trip to FL, they both chose beach with less than 5 seconds of thought (independently). Given a choice of traveling anywhere at all, Disney doesn't make their Top 10 list. They've been to Disney, but not often. We took them there right before we dropped youngest off at college in 2014 (and yes, they loved it), but before that the last time they'd been was 2007. After our trip in 2007 they all told us they preferred Busch Gardens (more roller coasters). When asked what their favorite trips we've taken in our family life have been, HI tops the list. Western National Parks are also up there and so are FL State/National parks & beaches. Will your teens like Disney? I'm not sure any of us can answer that for you... have you asked them where they want to travel to? We went on many of our trips by request. Our guys loved being asked what they wanted to see. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bettyandbob Posted January 4, 2016 Share Posted January 4, 2016 The thing about WDW is it does have something for everyone. And if your group has divergent interests, a day can be planned with some group time and some do your own thing time. This is especially good with park to park tickets (my then 13 year old returned to EPCOT daily for four days) That said, if your kids were Harry Potter fans, you should go to Universal. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pawz4me Posted January 4, 2016 Share Posted January 4, 2016 Yes. Disney is fun for teens. My teens would probably prefer Universal Studios or Busch Gardens but they would not turn down a Disney trip. Agreed. My 20 yo and 17 yo would take Cedar Point, Universal Studies or Busch Gardens (any of them) over Disney because those parks have more (and bigger) roller coasters. But they wouldn't turn down a trip to Disney, even though they've never been into any of the character stuff (not even when they were little). IMO Disney has something for everyone. DH and I went there pre-kids when we were around 30 and we had a great time. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
creekland Posted January 4, 2016 Share Posted January 4, 2016 It could be important to note that my guys wouldn't turn down a trip to anywhere. Like their parents, they love traveling. The only truly disappointing major place we've found has been Las Vegas, but even then, if a trip were free, we'd go and head off to Red Rock Canyon or see shows or something. It's not that difficult to find something we like pretty much anywhere. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kroe1 Posted January 4, 2016 Share Posted January 4, 2016 Everyone in our pack loves DisneyWorld, from age 3 months (all the colors to see) to 80. My father still loves rollercoasters. DD15 is a competition dancer and has 3 or 4 trips there every year with the team for competitions. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DawnM Posted January 4, 2016 Share Posted January 4, 2016 We love Disney. My Aspie (almost 18) says he is done with it, but I am not sure. We typically go once per year. But my friend, who hates Disney herself, says her kids hate it. But her 16 year old went last year with her aunt and loved it.....I had to laugh. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TracyP Posted January 4, 2016 Share Posted January 4, 2016 My parents took me when I was 13 and I feel very 'meh' about it. I mean it was fun, but I didn't think it was any more fun than Valley Fair (the amusement park that is 1 hr away and sells season tickets for less than the price of a day at DW). I loved some of the other things we did - the space center and the beach were my favorites, but when I think back on it, DW seems way overrated. I have been trying to decide if Disney is a trip we should make with our kids at some point. It seems like one of those "must do" trips, but I can't muster up much enthusiasm for it... I'll be curious to hear other responses. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gingersmom Posted January 4, 2016 Share Posted January 4, 2016 My kids are not Disney fans. When I mentioned it to my daughter recently she said "people still go there?" Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rachel Posted January 4, 2016 Share Posted January 4, 2016 My only trip to Disney was a senior band trip. I enjoyed it, but didn't love it. I did really enjoy Universal Studios though. I think it depends on the kids, I do hope to take my kids in the next few years while they are still young. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
katilac Posted January 4, 2016 Share Posted January 4, 2016 When I mentioned it to my daughter recently she said "people still go there?" An average of 53,000 people per day! 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tap Posted January 4, 2016 Share Posted January 4, 2016 Ds really didn't like Disney as a child. Crowded, noisy, overstimulating...and he doesn't like rides. There is no way he would have wanted to go as a teen. DD17 loves DIsney for all those same reasons. I would ask them, and let them help make the decision. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Home'scool Posted January 4, 2016 Share Posted January 4, 2016 I took my two kids and 2 nephews last year to Universal Studios. They range from age 18 - 23. They loved Universal because they have the big rollercoaster rides. I think they would have enjoyed Disney but they absolutely loved Universal. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vonfirmath Posted January 4, 2016 Share Posted January 4, 2016 (edited) Do teenagers like Disney? Trying to figure out if a frivolous Disney trip will be fun and silly, or if my 19yo and 14yo will think it's weird and not really a good fit for them. Yes! When I was in HS (my senior year -- 1991), Disney is where our band went for their once-in-four years out of state trip! Edited January 4, 2016 by vonfirmath Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lady Florida. Posted January 4, 2016 Share Posted January 4, 2016 It really depends on the teen. Some go through a stage where WDW is uncool (especially those who live near the theme parks, but it can hit any teen), then come out of that phase as older teens. Mine went through it and is over it and loves it again. His girlfriend always loved it. A lot of teens prefer Universal because of the rides, but that doesn't mean they won't like WDW. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
umsami Posted January 4, 2016 Share Posted January 4, 2016 My best friend and I went when we were 14 or 15. Back in the early 80s, my parents just dropped us off in front of the park and picked us up at closing. We had a blast. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
raptor_dad Posted January 4, 2016 Share Posted January 4, 2016 I guess I'll be the grumpy old man here... My Disney experiences are in circa '83, '87, and '90. At age 9 it was cool but sort of fake. At 13 the rides were cool but Epcot was very lame and pseudointellectual... on the same trip, Cape Canaveral was completely awesome. My last Disney experience was at age 16 on a free trip to Japan sponsored by a new local factory. On that trip we went to Expo 90 in Osaka which despite being a horticulture expo was everything Epcot wanted to be. I still remember a virtual reality demo from Mitsubishi that was a decade before its time. Disney Tokyo was the most plastic thing I've ever seen. I can't imagine going to Disney as an adult. I respect Disney's ability to be an immersive experience. The work they have done with the smart passes and wristbands and rfids is really, really cool. The only folks approaching this level of marketing expertise are the American Girl stores. It is a marvel of seamless marketing to meet consumer demand. Unfortunately it is way to fake and commercial for my taste. DS9 is going to Disney with the grandparents in 2 weeks... he can experience it without my cynical views... but I can't imagine it will be his first choice in 5 or 6 years. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BusyMom5 Posted January 4, 2016 Share Posted January 4, 2016 We enjoy going b/c as a big family with various aged kiddos, everyone can enjoy it! I'd like to try Busch Gardens and Universal, but my littlest would be left riding nothing. I"d ask if they wanted Disney or Universal/Busch/SeaWorld- the ticket prices are about the same. Another really neat one to do is Discovery Cove. I'll bet your say Universal! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
idnib Posted January 4, 2016 Share Posted January 4, 2016 I grew up close to Disneyland and we loved it as pre-adolescents/teens. It was our first chance to really be on our own, separating from parents and meeting up later. It taught us how to problem solve, get around, ask for help, estimate times, use maps, order in restaurants, etc. We did that from age 11 onwards.It's really quite a safe place for kids to learn some good life skills while having fun. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lady Florida. Posted January 4, 2016 Share Posted January 4, 2016 (edited) I grew up close to Disneyland and we loved it as pre-adolescents/teens. It was our first chance to really be on our own, separating from parents and meeting up later. It taught us how to problem solve, get around, ask for help, estimate times, use maps, order in restaurants, etc. We did that from age 11 onwards.It's really quite a safe place for kids to learn some good life skills while having fun. I think it's a rite of passage for kids growing up near either Disneyland or Disney World. The first time you go to go off on your own at Disney is a Really Big Deal. Edited January 4, 2016 by Lady Florida 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gil Posted January 4, 2016 Share Posted January 4, 2016 I would ask the teens in questions. There are kids who dislike Disney, so I would assume that there are teenagers who dislike it also. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Peaceful Isle Posted January 5, 2016 Share Posted January 5, 2016 My teen loves it :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Luckymama Posted January 5, 2016 Share Posted January 5, 2016 My teens and young 20s love Disney and Universal :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
katilac Posted January 5, 2016 Share Posted January 5, 2016 As I think about it, they never loved most Disney movies and were never interested in Disney products (character toys, clothing, and such). So, we didn't go. They may go as adults someday, and who knows, they may love it. My kids were 6 & 8 on their first trip, and weren't too much into the characters and such before that - their Disney watching was very limited, because every movie seemed to traumatize them! and they were never big cartoon watchers. Our biggest surprise of that first trip was seeing them go nuts with autograph books and meeting characters. I think it's just really hard to tell if someone is going to like Disney World in advance, or what they will like about it. As a family, we don't tend to like crowds and noise, but we still love Disney World. Of course, we were generally lucky enough to go at less crowded times! Everyone but me loves really intense roller coasters. Universal has more of those, but they still prefer Disney World. We've only done Universal once, because every time it's suggested, no one can stand the thought of being in Orlando but not being at Disney, lol. dh said he's going to plan a trip to Cedar Point so we don't have that problem. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JessReplanted Posted January 5, 2016 Share Posted January 5, 2016 Yes. We went to Disney often when I was in high school and college, and we had so much fun. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
need2read Posted January 5, 2016 Share Posted January 5, 2016 I went when I was 14 and enjoyed it. There is plenty to do for all ages. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PeterPan Posted January 5, 2016 Share Posted January 5, 2016 (edited) If it would help you decide, there are video walkthroughs of Disney on youtube. You can see the whole thing for yourself. I've yearned to go for years, so I spend little snitches of time looking at the videos and dreaming. :D Really though, I like the suggestion of Busch Gardens. If you're really not Disney freaks, it really might be more fun, especially if what you want is the coasters. I took my dh on a trip to Alaska when he turned 40, so I want him to take *me* on a trip when I turn 40 this year, hehe. Of course, if I were smart I'd ditch 'em all and go take a cruise. Oh well. Btw, if you're doing Florida, do you know about the Ringling Brothers museum down there? My dh went a few years ago on a quickie fishing trip with a friend, and he said it was PHENOMENAL. He said if I ever dragged him to Florida, he'd skip Disney and do that museum again. There you go. :) Edited January 5, 2016 by OhElizabeth 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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