Hey everyone, it’s Kimberly with Get Away Today. I am so excited to once again be here on Crafting Chicks to talk about my favorite destination, Disneyland! Today’s post is actually inspired by a comment on one of my previous articles on the Crafting Chicks. A reader had mentioned that she never got a chance to take her kids to Disneyland when they were little, and thought that they would not enjoy it now that they are teenagers. If you haven’t been to Disneyland in a while, you might not realize how much there is to do for older kids, teens and adults.
Today I am excited to share everything that there is to do for teenagers at Disneyland. There is so much! Disneyland is not just standing in line to meet Mickey Mouse, or riding “it’s a small world” over and over again. When Walt Disney created Disneyland, one of his major goals was to create a place that people of all ages would be able to enjoy together. That vision has continued to this day, making Disneyland truly a perfect destination for all types of families.Â
In addition to being an awesome family destination, Disneyland has some incredible programs that are just for teens to experience with their friends. Disney Performing Arts, the Disney Youth Education Series, and Disney Grad Nights are all customized just for groups of teens. If your child ever has an opportunity to go with their cheer, dance, band, choir, or any other club or group, I highly recommend it!
But what are some of the best things to do with your own teenagers at Disneyland? Of course a lot of this will depend on what your teen enjoys, but I think there are some attractions and shows that universally appeal to teens. Here are some of my top recommendations for teenagers at Disneyland:
Space Mountain – This high-speed roller coaster is cool enough for the coolest teenager. Not only are you speeding on a roller coaster, it’s in the dark, making it feel even faster. Another thing that is fun about Space Mountain is it occasionally has an overlay. It currently has a Star Wars overlay, making it Hyperspace Mountain. Classic Space Mountain will be back on June 1, 2017. Halloween Time normally brings a spooky Space Mountain: Ghost Galaxy overlay.
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad – This is another classic Disney roller coaster that is just so much fun. As a bonus, right now you can get a glimpse into the new Star Wars Land that is being built while you are riding Thunder Mountain.
California Screamin’ – This roller coaster blasts off like no other. It’s a classic boardwalk style roller coaster, and the only one at Disneyland that loops you upside down. It’s one that your teenagers at Disneyland will want to ride again and again.
Soarin’ Around the World – This is probably one of my top two attractions in all of Disneyland. I love the feel of the ride, and I love the updates since it has changed from Soarin’ Over California. I think anyone of any age would love this ride.
Grizzly River Run – Who doesn’t love a good old fashion river rafting ride? This one is extra fun, and you’ll get extra soaked if you ride it during the summer.
World of Color – There is no other show like the award-winning World of Color. The fountains and lights are amazing, and the music and clips are from all of the shows your kids have grown up with. Everyone from babies, to teens to grandparents will love World of Color.
Pirates of the Caribbean – This attraction is such a classic Disney staple. Teenagers at Disneyland will enjoy the additions of Captain Barbosa and Captain Jack sparrow from the recent Pirates of the Caribbean films.
Toy Story Midway Mania and Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters – While both of these rides are based off of the Toy Story Disney Pixar franchise, there is an interactive game element in each attraction. It will definitely bring out your teen’s competitive side. Your teenagers will likely want to ride multiple times to beat their sibling or highest score.
The Matterhorn Bobsleds – This is another classic Disneyland attraction. It is a fast roller coaster with some recent updates. Also, new this year, there is a Fastpass option for this roller coaster.
Radiator Springs Racers – Since its opening a few years ago, Radiator Springs Racers has remained one of the most popular attractions in the entire Disneyland Resort. Cars Land feels as if you have stepped into Radiator Springs. Add a fun racing element, and this ride is sure to be a hit with teenagers at Disneyland.
Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: Breakout! is set to open on May 27,2017 in Disney California Adventure Park. It is Disneyland’s first attraction that is based off of a Marvel movie. The ride itself features a super fan soundtrack, and a different drop pattern. Teenagers at Disneyland will love the thrill and theme of this ride.
Indiana Jones Adventure – It’s hard to believe that this ride is over 20 years old, but it is still one of the most immersive and adventurous rides at Disneyland. Teenagers at Disneyland will love going through the dark tunnels to climb on a jeep for a really wild ride. I admit, I still get creeped out by the giant snake!
Of course Disneyland has so much more to offer. Depending on how old your teens are and what they love, they’ll likely enjoy so much more than these attractions. For example, little girls who dreamed of being a mermaid, I will love The Little Mermaid – Ariel’s Undersea Adventure. Anyone who enjoys musical theater or loves the movie Frozen, will love Frozen – Live at the Hyperion.Â
If you’re traveling with teenagers to Disneyland, I also recommend booking a suite so you have a little more room. There are a few nearby hotels that offer rooms with two bathrooms, which just makes traveling easier! Some of my top recommendations are the Staybridge Suites, either of the two Residence Inn properties, and the new Courtyard Anaheim Theme Park Entrance. These hotels are awesome choices for families and give you a little bit of extra room.
If you were thinking about taking your teenagers to Disneyland, our team at Get Away Today would love to help. Our agents visit all of the hotels on an annual basis to give you firsthand recommendations. You can book any of our Disneyland packages online, or call our agents at 855-GET-AWAY. Either way, be sure to use promo code: CraftingChicks to save an extra $10 off your 2-night or longer vacation package.
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