Magical Disney Vacations with Tweens and Teens
- Katie Peters
- Sep 25
- 5 min read
Updated: Nov 6
I'll be honest—traveling to Walt Disney World with my kids now that they’re getting older has been a whole new learning experience. Just when I thought I had Disney figured out with toddlers and little kids, everything changes once they hit the tween and teen years. They eat more, sleep later, want more independence, and aren’t interested in the same rides (or nap schedules) I carefully planned years ago.
But here’s the good news: with a little planning, the right resort, and smart strategies, traveling with tweens and teens can be just as magical—and maybe even less stressful—than when they were little. Over the years, I’ve learned some tricks that make the trip smoother for everyone, and I’m sharing them here so you can enjoy Disney with your older kids without feeling like you’re starting from scratch.
Give Teens the Space They Need
When your kids are younger, squeezing everyone into one room works fine. But once you’re traveling with teens, space becomes essential. A resort with larger rooms, more storage, or layouts that include daybeds and sleeper sofas can make all the difference after a long day in the parks. If you want the most comfort, Disney’s deluxe resorts offer more room to spread out—but even being intentional with your resort choice at any level will help keep the peace.
My Top Hotel Picks for Tweens and Teens
Contemporary Resort
Polynesian Village Resort
BoardWalk Inn
Beach Club Resort
Caribbean Beach Resort
Port Orleans French Quarter
Pool Time Is a Must
When my kids were little, I could “accidentally forget” their swimsuits in the luggage and distract them so we wouldn’t spend hours at the pool instead of the parks. But teens? That trick doesn’t work. They know the pool is waiting, and they’re not about to skip it. Choosing a resort with a great feature pool—like the sand-bottom pool at Disney’s Yacht & Beach Club or the Lava Pool at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort—can be a lifesaver. A good pool gives them space to recharge, socialize, and enjoy downtime that doesn’t feel like “wasted park time.”
Travel Specialist Pro Tip: Add a full rest day/pool day into your itinerary. This gives everyone the downtime they need.
Location, Location, Location
Tweens and teens don’t always want to be on your schedule. Resorts within walking distance or just a quick ride away from the parks give families more flexibility to split up without complicated logistics. Whether it’s walking from the Contemporary to Magic Kingdom or taking a boat ride to Epcot from the BoardWalk, easy transportation makes independence possible while keeping everyone close by.
Dining Plan = Big Appetites, More Independence
If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that teens eat—a lot. Last year at Universal Orlando, I was spending $30 per quick service meal for my son alone. He discovered that ribs were his favorite food and blew my budget out of the water.
The Disney Dining Plan is a smart choice for families with older kids because it gives them the freedom to grab meals or snacks without parents always being there. Your teen can use their own dining credits to pick up a Mickey pretzel, Dole Whip, or even a full quick-service meal, all without having to ask for cash or a card. It takes the pressure off you, satisfies those bottomless appetites, and gives them a little taste of independence.
Another great tool is Disney gift cards. Giving your teen a set amount for souvenirs or extra snacks gives them independence while also helping control spending. It’s an easy way to teach money management while letting them make some of their own choices.
Lightning Lane Makes the Magic Happen
Teens are all about the thrill rides—think Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, TRON Lightcycle / Run, or Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance. The problem? These rides also have some of the longest waits. That’s why the Lightning Lane Multi Pass & Single Pass is essential when traveling with older kids. With it, you can lock in access to the rides they care about most before you even leave your resort. No one wants to stand in a two-hour line with a cranky teen, and Multi Pass helps you avoid exactly that.
Tips for Traveling with Tweens & Teens
Don’t fight the mornings: Teens love to sleep in. Plan later park days, start with brunch instead of breakfast, or let them meet you after rope drop.
Plan for downtime: Build in breaks so they can relax at the pool, nap, or scroll on their phones without feeling rushed.
Give them independence: Whether it’s letting them explore the resort, grab snacks on the dining plan, or head to a nearby park with you close by, giving teens some freedom makes the trip smoother.
Set a budget with gift cards: Give your teen a set amount on a Disney gift card for souvenirs or snacks. It gives them independence, teaches money management, and keeps spending under control.
Involve them in planning: Let them pick a dining reservation, a ride they must do, or a snack to hunt down. Buy-in goes a long way.
Balance thrill rides and chill time: They want the big rides, but they’ll also appreciate resort evenings, Disney Springs shopping, or just hanging by the pool.
Creating Magical Memories Together
Traveling to Walt Disney World with tweens and teens doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. With the right resort, smart dining choices, tools like Multi Pass, and a little independence, you can create a vacation that gives everyone what they need—fun, flexibility, and plenty of space to relax.
At Allonsy Travel, we specialize in matching families with the perfect Disney resort and building itineraries that actually work for older kids. From choosing the right resort and mapping out Multi Pass selections to making sure your dining plan and gift cards cover teen appetites, we handle the details so you can focus on making magical memories together.
Ready to start planning your Disney vacation with teens? Let’s find the resort and strategy that makes your trip stress-free and unforgettable.
Hi! I am Katie Peters, a family travel expert, professional travel agent since 2023, and a mom of two who loves making vacations stress-free and magical. With personal experience traveling to destinations like Walt Disney World with kids of all ages, I specialize in helping busy families plan unforgettable trips. Whether it’s a theme park adventure, a relaxing cruise, or a bucket-list destination, I take care of the details so you can focus on making memories. Let’s plan your next adventure together!
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