Many teenagers view Walt Disney World as a kid’s place. They may think they are too old to believe in magic, or too mature to take their picture with Mickey Mouse. Some teens would rather spend their time at the pool than watch the afternoon parade. However, families with teens can rest assured that there are rides for the older children at all the theme parks. The Animal Kingdom and Disney’s Hollywood Studios are great parks for teenagers to explore.
The Animal Kingdom Rides
The Animal Kingdom is much more than a zoo. There are amazing jungle treks and the Kilimanjaro Safari ride is great for the whole family. However, teens that are more into action than antelope don’t have to look far.
Expedition Everest is the newest roller coaster at Disney World. Modeled after its Tibetan namesake, this ride is for the daring. Expedition trekkers board cars modeled to look like industrial railcars. The cars’ initial purpose was to transport tea through the mountain passes. Now they take passengers on a trip to remember. While cutting through bamboo forests, and dipping past snow-capped mountain peaks, hints of a monster appear. The powerful yeti is on the hunt and is hungry for the riders!
Saying that Florida can get hot is an understatement. To beat the heat and add some thrills to the afternoon, teens can raft down Chakranadi River and experience the Kali River Rapids white water adventure. While splashing through ancient ruins and waterfalls, guests are sure to get wet, if not soaked.
For an experience that’s a blast from the past, teenagers can visit the Dino Institute, home of Dinosaur, the ride. There are more than bones and fossils to check out here. Guests are loaded into time rovers and sent back to the end of the Cretaceous period to seek out an Iguanodon. Unfortunately the time rover lands smack in the middle of a meteor shower, and in the lap of a hungry Carnosaur.
Disney’s Hollywood Studios Rides
Disney’s Hollywood Studios highlights the heart of TV, film and music, adding action into the mix. Because of its shows and thrill rides, this park is often a favorite among the 13-19 age group.
Aerosmith fans, or guests who love rock ‘n’ roll should make a beeline for Aerosmith’s Rock’n’ Roller Coaster. Teens that have a need for speed board a super-stretch limo to take them through Hollywood to an Aerosmith concert at the Roxy Theater. There is a small problem however. The show is starting soon! Flip and dive through traffic on this indoor roller coaster all while listening to the tunes of Steven Tyler and the band.
Though the Twilight Zone is a show that many teens have never seen, they still appreciate the thrills and mystery of the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror. The old Hollywood Tower Hotel sits decaying in the back of the park. Hotel visitors stopped checking in after a terrible elevator accident took place. Only the brave take the rickety freight elevator through the hotel and up to the 13th floor. As the cables snap, guests plunge13 stories, only to be catapulted back up, and then down again in an unpredictable amount of drops.
Patterned after a show that is running in Disneyland Paris, Lights, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt Show is a must for car lovers. Automobiles and motorcycles fly through the air, as the highly trained drivers deliver action-packed stunts. Two-wheeled driving, jumps and pyrotechnics are just a few of the elements that bring excitement to the show.
Millions of teens watch American Idol regularly. At Disney’s Hollywood Studios they can be part of the audience, or if they’re brave, they can even compete. Every day, the performers with the highest votes are asked to participate in the end-of-the day Grand Finale show to find out who’s the next Disney superstar. This is a great experience for any teen who’s wanted to give it their all under the bright lights.
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