Disney World. Your excitement is palpable as you finalize your plans. Now, the only thing left is to tell the kids. You expect two reactions. The children of course will be thrilled; however, it is the rolled eyes and huffing of the teenager you anticipate the most. Why? Because you have done your homework and you know how to win them over. It will not be done with food or the promises of staying up late (although that never hurts with teenagers!). No, you will win your teenager over with your knowledge of the rides. Your teen will scoff at first; they will say the rides are for babies, they are too big to ride them. You will be able to counter with knowledge of the best rides in each of the Disney World's four parks.
Start With The Magic Kingdom
This is the park your teen will likely be the most leery of as it is often thought of as the little kids' park. However, the Magic Kingdom has rides that delight even the most seasoned thrill seekers. First, and surprisingly enough, there are mountains everywhere in Florida, specifically when it comes to Disney. Space Mountain, Splash Mountain, and Big Thunder Mountain are three rides you and your teen will not want to miss. But, you can't forget the two other thrill seeking rides of the Magic Kingdom: Pirates of the Caribbean and The Haunted Mansion. These rides will drop you, spin you, twist you, and most importantly, thrill you!
Experience the Animal Kingdom
You have convinced your teen that Disney can be more than just rides for small kids but now you have to help them see beyond the Magic to other parks. Look no further than the Animal Kingdom. Here you and your teen can discover everything from dinosaurs to a Yeti to the safari. Rides like Expedition Everest, Dinosaur, and Kilimanjaro Safaris allow you to feel like explorers on dangerous treks but when things get too hot go for one final cool discovery on Kali River Rapids.
Next Move to Epcot
Now you sense a few smiles from your teen so you move to a favorite teen park: Epcot. You explain that Epcot is about experience. Your teen can feel the wind whipping across their face as they drive 60 MPH on the amazing Test Track ride. Or, they can feel the sensation of gliding on the ride Soarin'. Finally, they can investigate the realities of space, the 2.4 G-force allowing you to feel as if you are actually being launched in a shuttle.
End With the Excitement of Hollywood Studios
You are winning your teen over and now you move in with the final rides. Hollywood Studios leaves one more world to discover. Not only will your teen find the thrills they are seeking with rides like the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror and Rock 'n' Roll Coaster Starring Aerosmith, but they will be able to experience life inside Hollywood itself through Star Tours -The Adventures Continue and Lights, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt Show.
Pack your bags! Your teen has been won over and can't wait to experience the rides. Now, you just need them to ask you to be their riding buddy!
Herb likes to write about Disney World. Please check out his website that contains Disney World Vacation information as well as Animal Kingdom Camp Minnie Mickey information.