Fairy tales, castles and princesses. Pixie dust, magic wands and snuggles with Winnie the Pooh. These are often the images that come to mind when one thinks about visiting the Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando. But what many people do not realize is that beyond the world of tulle and tiaras lies Disney World’s alter-ego—the world of lightning fast race cars, roller coasters that send you flying down an 80-foot drop or hurl you forward from 0-60 mph in 2.8 seconds, roguish pirates, haunted mansions, spiraling missions to space, death-defying stunt shows, and fabulously themed, interactive gaming attractions. Enter into the sphere of Disney World for ‘tween boys. Toto, we’re not in Fantasyland anymore!
I’ve compiled a list of the most exciting, boy-friendly attractions, shows, activities, and dining experiences at the Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando in order to dispel the myth that Disney has little to offer to ‘tween and teen boys. With an itinerary filled with such adventures, families with boys who roll their eyes and say, “Disney World is just for girls!” will be clamoring for more!
The Magic Kingdom
- Splash Mountain
- Big Thunder Mountain
- Space Mountain
- Pirates of the Caribbean
- Astro Orbiter
- Monster’s Inc. Laugh Floor
- Mickey’s Philharmagic (incredible 4-D film experience)
- Haunted Mansion
- Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin (interactive, computer animated, gaming experience)
Epcot
Future World Section
- Mission Space
- Soarin’
- Test Track
- Sum of All Thrills
- The Universe of Energy
- Club Cool
- The Jammitors
World Showcase Section
- The Dragon Legend Acrobats in China
- Sergio the Juggler in Italy
- Mo’ Rockin’ & their belly dancer in Morocco
- Serveur Amusant in France
- Off Kilter in Canada
Disney’s Hollywood Studios
- The Rock n’ Roller Coaster
- Twilight Zone Tower of Terror
- Toy Story Midway Mania
- Star Tours-The Adventure Continues
- The Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular
- Lights, Motor, Action Extreme Stunt Show
- Disney’s American Idol Experience
- Studio Backlot Tour
- Fantasmic! Nighttime Spectacular
Animal Kingdom Park
- Expedition Everest
- Dinosaur
- Kilamanjaro Safaris
- Kali River Rapids
- Primeval Whirl
- Flights of Wonder
- It’s Tough to be a Bug
Resort Hotels
There are over 20 different resort hotels on the Walt Disney World property designed to meet the budget of every Disney guest. Resort accommodations range from quirky and fun to luxurious and magnificently themed. Each and every one is host to truly world-class Disney service, amenities, recreation opportunities, dining, family activities and more. And practically all of them have something fabulous in store for families with ‘tween and teen boys!
Dining
The Walt Disney World Resort is home to an incredible array of restaurants from family-friendly counter service locations to memorable, signature dining experiences. Below is a list of some definitely ‘tween & teen boy-friendly eateries throughout the World.
Magic Kingdom & MK Resort Area
- The Liberty Tree Tavern (Magic Kingdom)
- Pecos Bill’s Tall Tale Café (Magic Kingdom—Counter Service)
- ‘Ohana (Polynesian Resort)
- Whispering Canyon Café (Wilderness Lodge)
- Trail’s End Restaurant (Fort Wilderness)
- California Grill (incredible views from the Contemporary Resort)
Epcot’s World Showcase
- San Angel Inn (Mexico)
- Via Napoli (Italy)
- Restaurant Marrakesh (Morocco)
- Teppan Edo (Japan)
Epcot Resort Area
- Beaches and Cream (Beach Club Resort)
- ESPN Club (Boardwalk Area)
- Big River Grille & Brewing Works (Boardwalk Area)
Hollywood Studios & Animal Kingdom
- Mama Melrose’s Ristorante Italiano (HS)
- 50s Prime Time Café (HS)
- Sci-Fi Drive-In (HS)
- Pizzafari (AK-counter service)
Downtown Disney Area
- T-Rex Café
- Splitsville Luxury Lanes
- Ghiradelli Soda Fountain and Chocolate Shop
- Goofy’s Candy Company
Other Activities at Walt Disney World
- A day spent at one of Disney’s water parks—Typhoon Lagoon or Blizzard Beach (this may be a must-do with the boys!)
- A day at the Fort Wilderness Resort—fishing, bike rentals, boat rentals (canoes and kayaks at the bike barn and motor boats at the marina)
- The evening campfire and movie at most resorts, but especially at Fort Wilderness Resort (it’s fantastic!)
- YeHaa Bob—hysterical, vaudeville-style, slapstick piano player in the River Roost Lounge at Port Orleans Riverside Resort
- A round of miniature golf
- The Hoop-Dee-Doo Revue at Fort Wilderness Resort (Disney’s longest running dinner show—it is totally corny but an absolute hoot—the boys would love it!)
- An afternoon spent at DisneyQuest in Downtown Disney
Request a Quote Today!
The Walt Disney World activities that appeal to ‘tween and teen boys are unlimited and this type of Disney adventure is sure to be one your kids will always remember. I would be thrilled to help you plan your magical Disney vacation! Contact me when you are ready to get started or with any further questions you might have. And as ever, have a magical day!
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- Beat Your Top Score on Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin
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- Fly Around the Test Track!
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- Get Ready to Rock Out at 60mph on the Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster!
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- The Dreaded Broken Tracks on Expedition Everest
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- The Majestic Wilderness Lodge is One of Many Great Choices
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- Dining Beneath the Volcanoes at Epcot’s San Angel Inn
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- The Crush ‘n’ Gusher Slide at Typhoon Lagoon
Another great spot my 4 boys like is EPCOT’s Japan Pavilion Mitsukoshi Store. We had to go there every day we were in Epcot, and literally spent hours in there! Most of their trip souvenirs came from there and they are already asking to go back just for a trip to the store.
Nicole, my middle daughter LOVES that store. My dad treated all three of my girls to the pick-a-pearl experience there and the whole thing is so much fun–the girls who do it are so sweet and enthusiastic. When I was down last week I did pretty much all of my kids’ birthday gift shopping there as well. Got each of them these cute kitty cat plates, practice chopsticks and adorable Totoro clippies for their backpacks!