11 fun activities for teens at Disney World

Disney World is a magical realm where a child's dreams come to life ... featuring character meals, thrilling rides that immerse you in cartoons, enchanting princesses, and more. Some of my happiest childhood memories include watching fireworks illuminate Cinderella Castle in the Magic Kingdom, my face still sticky from Mickey-shaped ice cream, or experiencing the monorail for the first time from Disney's Contemporary Resort to collect autographs from my favorite Disney characters.

I still cherish the pins and glowing souvenirs from the delightful childhood evenings I spent in Florida.

However, with many attractions at Disney World tailored for younger visitors, it might be a bit tricky to discover activities suited for teens. Yet, I also visited Disney World as a teen during a school trip for a journalism conference. (That fourth-grade excursion to Jefferson City pales in comparison to the excitement I experienced in Orlando as a high school senior.)

I realized that Disney can still be enchanting, even for teens. Here are some tips to enjoy Disney World while maintaining your teenage coolness and having a blast.

Essential tips for teens visiting Disney World

To start with, the rules indicate that anyone aged 14 and older can explore Disney World independently. This means teens aren’t confined to staying right next to their parents or younger siblings—they can venture out on their own. (Also, keep in mind that once you turn 10, you’ll be charged adult prices at Disney World, so that’s something to consider.)

With a four-digit PIN established, your MagicBand becomes your ticket, payment method, and even your key to re-enter your Disney hotel room at the end of the day. (Don’t forget to bring your mask, as they are now required in most areas of a reopened Disney World.)

If you believe that Disney World is merely about spinning teacups and princess makeovers, think again. Disney World offers rides that accelerate from 0 to 60 in mere seconds, entire nights dedicated to villains, parks that stay open past midnight during certain seasons, horseback riding, luxurious resort pools, and exclusive behind-the-scenes tours that reveal how the magic happens.

Here are 11 activities at Disney World that are perfect for teens.

Animation Experience at Conservation Station

The Animation Experience was originally located in Hollywood Studios before relocating to Conservation Station in Animal Kingdom. This activity is ideal for creative teens, guiding them through the process of drawing their favorite Disney characters. I've participated a few times when it was still in Hollywood Studios, and it was an absolute blast.

The best part is you get to keep your drawing, and you don’t need to be a great artist to have fun with it. I still cherish some drawings I made with my dad when I was younger. For teens, this is a fantastic way to tap into their artistic side.

Enjoy late nights with Extra Magic Hours

When you stay at a Disney resort, you gain access to Extra Magic Hours during regular periods (currently, the parks are closing early without these perks). Typically, Extra Magic Hours allow only Disney hotel guests to enjoy the parks either in the morning or at night. Since teens tend to stay up late, this is a perfect opportunity to enjoy quieter park times and get on more rides at night.

Just remember to verify which attractions are available, as not all rides may be open during these hours.

Also, during regular times, there’s an option called 'Disney After Hours' that anyone can join for an extra fee. This special event offers unlimited snacks and nighttime access exclusively for those who purchase this package, leading to shorter lines.

NBA Experience at Disney Springs

This is an excellent choice for sports enthusiasts.

Located in Disney Springs, the NBA Experience offers an indoor setting to fulfill your basketball dreams. Although it's currently closed due to COVID-19, typically, there are 13 exciting activities available, from NBA trivia challenges to the Hall of Champions. Who knows? You might even find yourself drafted someday.

Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge

Attention Star Wars enthusiasts! Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge is one of the most exciting new attractions at Disney's Hollywood Studios. Immerse yourself in an adventure that's light-years away and infinitely more thrilling than a ride on Dumbo.

Hone your Jedi abilities on the Millennium Falcon: Smuggler's Run or enjoy a (non-alcoholic) beverage at Oga's Cantina. The options are limitless in this intricately themed land. (Check out some of our top picks for eats and drinks at Galaxy's Edge.) If you're unsure what to get at Oga's, go for the Cliff Dweller -- a delightful mix of ginger ale, various juices, hibiscus-grenadine, and coconut.

And make sure you don't miss out on the thrilling Rise of the Resistance attraction!

The VOID: Step Beyond Reality

Now for the not-so-great news: this attraction is currently closed due to COVID. However, it’s an absolute must-visit once it reopens. Situated in the Marketplace at Disney Springs, The VOID: Step Beyond Reality is a dream come true for gamers. This cutting-edge virtual reality adventure plunges you into two exciting narratives, either Star Wars or Ralph Wrecks VR. With stunning 3-D visuals and state-of-the-art sound, it's ideal for anyone craving a different reality.

Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom

I really wish this had been available when I was a teenager. Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom is a scavenger hunt, but way more exciting.

Beginning at the Firehouse on Main Street, this scavenger hunt features Hades, who is scheming to take over the Magic Kingdom as his summer getaway. Hades' henchmen and infamous Disney villains like Cruella, Scar, Jafar, Maleficent, Ursula, Yzma, Ratcliffe, and Dr. Facilier will do their best to thwart your quest for the four hidden crystal shards throughout the park.

After visiting the Firehouse, you’ll receive a Sorcerer Key Card, Merlin's magical map, and spell cards -- all included with your theme park admission.

Indulge in a shopping spree

Disney Springs is brimming with teen-friendly activities and shopping options. It’s an ideal spot for a shopping spree, featuring stores from Anthropologie to Lacoste. Take a break from the parks and stroll along the storefronts that line Disney Springs. In my opinion, shopping is always a great remedy ... especially with a delicious specialty cupcake or gelato within easy reach.

Rock 'n' Roller Coaster

Disney World isn’t just about Peter Pan and It’s a Small World. There are also exhilarating thrill rides!

Rock 'n' Roller Coaster, featuring Aerosmith, offers an adrenaline-pumping experience at Disney's Hollywood Studios. This ride is perfect for older kids, especially tweens and teens, as it boasts loops and lightning-fast speeds. I was pretty scared the first time I tried it, so I’d definitely recommend it for daring teens and tweens looking for a thrill.

Space Mountain

Space Mountain is my absolute favorite ride.

While it may not be the fastest ride at Disney World (not even close), nothing compares to the thrill of zooming through the dark depths of space, never knowing what’s around the next bend. I’ve ridden this attraction numerous times, and as a teenager, it was such a blast to pile into the space vehicles and scream at the top of my lungs without any adults telling me to be quiet.

Vintage Amphicar

For a unique experience, head to The Boathouse in Disney Springs and take a ride in a classic Amphicar. These floating cars, made in the 1960s, were sourced from private collections worldwide. The Boathouse reports that fewer than 400 of these vehicles are still around today.

This 25-minute floating car tour of Lake Buena Vista is a refreshing change from the usual roller coaster thrills found in Disney parks. It's perfect for teens who are car enthusiasts or love capturing great photos in natural light.

Snack around Epcot

Epcot may lack in adrenaline-pumping rides at the moment, but it offers a wide array of delicious snacks to enjoy.

At the World Showcase, it’s a blast to try snacks from various countries all in a single afternoon. You might start with churros in Mexico, then grab some Bubble Milk Tea in China, and finally indulge in a selection of pastries at Les Halles Boulangerie Patisserie in France.

Bottom line

I understand that being a teen at Disney World can seem a bit awkward. Honestly, being a teen is often awkward in itself. However, Disney offers fantastic alternatives to make what could be a dull trip into something exciting for teens.

Disney World ignites your inner child, whether you're 16, 40, or even 85. Its main goal is to remind you of the carefree joys of childhood. However, as teens grow older, it's essential to align activities with their evolving interests.

Armed with this list (and perhaps a fellow teen for company), your teen is bound to have a fantastic time, no matter which park you explore or which resort you choose for the night.