Our first household journey to Orlando was when our daughter was solely three, however now we have truly spent extra time in Orlando with youngsters. On that first journey, all the pieces was magical and thrilling and all she wanted was a princess wand to make her pleased. Teenagers are a bit tougher to impress and it’s possible you’ll must suppose past the theme parks, however fortunately there are many enjoyable issues to do in Orlando with teenagers.
On our latest journeys, now we have introduced one other teen buddy alongside and allow them to select what Orlando actions they need to do every time. On each journey, we sort out one other theme park expertise, however we additionally attempt to get slightly extra off the overwhelmed path and away from the theme park bubble.
Whereas your teenagers are having enjoyable, additionally try these issues to do in Orlando for adults too!
Enjoyable Issues to do in Orlando with Teenagers
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These are a few of our high picks for issues to do in Orlando for teenagers.
Wizarding World of Harry Potter
As a lot as we like to do issues past the theme parks, let’s face it, the theme parks are the explanation why Orlando is what it’s as we speak. And it was a love of all issues Harry Potter that drew us again to Orlando after declaring that Disney Princesses have been for little youngsters. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is a part of Common Orlando. As it’s possible you’ll know, Common Orlando is break up between two theme parks (three in the event you rely the water park and one other on the best way), Islands of Journey, and Common Studios Florida. Every theme park has its personal Harry Potter “land” so to talk.
In Islands of Journey, you can find The Wizarding World of Harry Potter that includes Hogwarts and Hogsmeade. Then in Common Studios Florida, you’ll be able to discover The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley. Each parks function Harry Potter-themed rides and immersive experiences that make you are feeling like you’re on the set of a Harry Potter film. You possibly can even trip forwards and backwards between the 2 on the Hogwarts Specific — that’s assuming you may have a Park-to-Park ticket which gives entrance to each parks in someday.
Remember to learn our full ideas for visiting Common Orlando and my insider’s information to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. However fast ideas for teenagers — get to the parks early and head straight to Hogwarts in Islands of Journey to trip Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey (however provided that you aren’t vulnerable to movement illness!) Then line up to decide on your wand at Ollivander’s wand store. Take your time exploring Hogsmeade and take a look at casting some spells earlier than you are taking the practice over to Diagon Alley.
Don’t fear about shifting forwards and backwards between parks as a result of it would be best to trip the Hogwarts Specific in each instructions and make sure you discover Diagon Alley and Knockturn Alley in Common Studios after darkish. After all, the Wizarding World of Harry Potter is only one a part of the parks and there’s a lot extra enjoyable available, particularly for teenagers that love thrill rides.
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Disney’s After Hours Occasions
In case you have teenagers that love to remain up late and need to trip all the massive rides at a selected park with out the customary lengthy waits or restricted entry to Lightning Lane passes, investing in a Disney After Hours Occasion at Walt Disney World could be a nice particular deal with. After Hours are particular ticketed occasions that give ticket holders entry to a particular park after it has closed for the evening for repeatedly ticketed guests.
These particular ticketed occasions often open at 5 pm and usually run till midnight. As soon as the common visitors depart the park, solely particular occasion ticket holders stay and you’ve got just about the run of the park. In the event you eat earlier than you go and time your go to to hit the most important sights proper when the opposite visitors depart, you’ll be able to slot in fairly a couple of rides on each earlier than the park closes.
These occasions are particularly nice to do with teenagers who get pleasure from staying up late and driving thrill rides. Plus you probably have a couple of, it’s simple to allow them to go discover on their very own with out worrying about discovering them once more in enormous crowds. And the park is so enjoyable to discover at evening!
We attended Animal Kingdom After Hours, which isn’t at present accessible. After Hours occasions are supplied at totally different parks so test availability (at present supplied for Hollywood Studios and Magic Kingdom.) See my teen’s picks for the greatest Disney rides for teenagers.
Galaxy’s Edge at Hollywood Studios
Since our Star Wars fandom is the same as our Harry Potter love, after all, we have been thrilled when Disney introduced the opening of Galaxy’s Edge in Hollywood Studios. Even earlier than this new “land” opened, we have been giddy with pleasure on the present Star Wars sights (I acquired to hug Chewie!!) My buddy Rob from 2TravelDads has an important information to the greatest issues to do in Galaxy’s Edge.
Teenagers will love an opportunity to trip Millennium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run and expertise Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance. And possibly for a particular memento, you’ll be able to construct a lightsaber in Savi’s Workshop and drink some funky drinks (or blue milk) in Oga’s Cantina.
Save on tickets to Walt Disney World utilizing Undercovertourist.com or Getaway Immediately!
Volcano Bay
Transferring past the theme parks to Orlando water parks, there actually isn’t one other that may rival Common Orlando‘s Volcano Bay. From the eye to element given to the theming to the combination of thrills and chills — Volcano Bay is a spot to flee the chaos that surrounds it. The thought behind Volcano Bay is the story of the Waturi individuals — a fictional Polynesian-type tradition that “Water is Life and Life is Pleasure.”
The teenagers beloved the Krakatau Aqua Coaster and utilizing the Tapu Tapu wristbands to “check-in” at a trip after which get alerted when it was their time to get in line — versus simply standing in limitless queues all day. I beloved hanging out on Waturi Seashore in entrance of the large wave pool and namesake Krakatau Volcano and pretending I used to be in Hawaii as an alternative of Orlando. Earlier than you go, simply be sure you learn my Volcano Bay ideas on your go to.
Island H2O Waterpark
Teenagers love waterparks and the extra thrilling and adventurous, the higher. There are many waterparks in Orlando to select from, and Volcano Bay is unquestionably the most effective in relation to theming, however the Island H2O Waterpark at Margaritaville Orlando is available in second (open March via November.) Learn my Island H20 full evaluation for all the main points, however H20 Stay! affords huge thrills and enjoyable expertise.
Visitors are given a Sensible Band after they arrive that hyperlinks to the H20 app, which tracks your location all through the park (nice for fogeys to have the ability to discover teenagers which might be capable of wander on their very own.) Utilizing the app, you may as well personalize the expertise by letting you select your music on some rides, and then you definately use the Sensible Band to “check-in” to the trip for personalization.
The Sensible Band can be used to seize photographs and movies each on rides and at many photograph spots across the park you can then buy and obtain via the app. We went considering we have been going to solely spend a couple of hours and ended up staying all day!
Andretti Indoor Karting and Video games
In the event you want a break from the warmth or need to keep away from Orlando’s frequent afternoon thunderstorms, head inside for a full day of enjoyable at Andretti Indoor Karting and Video games. It is a gaming utopia for teenagers. You’ll discover go-karting (after all), bowling, digital actuality video games, arcade video games, a 4D trip, and even an indoor ropes course.
Plan to spend some time, however to not fear, there’s additionally a full restaurant and two bars on-site in the event you want a break. For the go-karting, it would be best to reserve a time slot early. The course is break up into a number of tracks and the grownup monitor is restricted to these 15 and over with not less than a driver’s allow. There are additionally junior and intermediate choices, and for all tracks, the sector is restricted to not more than 12 drivers at a time.
Prime Golf Orlando
Only a three-minute stroll away from Andretti Karting is Prime Golf Orlando. In the event you haven’t tried Prime Golf but, you’re in for a deal with. It takes the aggressive enjoyable of mini-golf and combines it with a driving vary to make a novel leisure vacation spot.
Every group will get its personal stall, the place you’ll be able to order meals and drinks, after which let the video games start. The target is to not hit the ball so far as you’ll be able to, however moderately to hit totally different targets throughout the vary. Win or lose it’s numerous enjoyable for aggressive teenagers!
Studio Film Grill for Dinner in a Film
The Promenade at Sundown Stroll is the eating and leisure district adjoining to the Margaritaville Orlando resort. It is a nice space to let your teenagers discover, with loads of buying and snack choices together with It’sugar and Chilly Stone Creamery. Nevertheless, for one thing totally different (particularly in the event you can’t get this at dwelling), attempt Studio Film Grill.
You possibly can watch a film on the massive display in cozy armchair seating and have your meals and drinks delivered to your seat tray desk. The American grill menu surpasses what you can find at normal movie show snack bars.
The Wheel at Icon Park
Icon Park, previously referred to as I-Drive 360, is the leisure and eating district positioned proper on Worldwide Drive. You possibly can see The Wheel at Icon Park (previously the Orlando Eye — just like the London Eye), which anchors this space, from throughout. There are different sights there, such because the Sea Life Aquarium and Madame Tussaud’s wax museum, however teenagers will benefit from the birds-eye view from the highest of The Wheel.
After a full rotation, they’ll doubtless spy the Shake Shack down beneath so plan on a cease there for lunch for the SmokeShack burger — it’s the greatest! You need to use Undercovertourist.com to get a reduction on a combo ticket for The Wheel and the Orlando StarFlyer!
Orlando StarFlyer
In case your teenagers need slightly extra of a thrill, the Orlando StarFlyer ought to do the trick. For anybody that loves the swings trip at amusement parks, the Orlando StarFlyer is comparable, simply taller. 450 ft excessive to be actual. Every swing is a double seat so you’ll be able to go along with a buddy and maintain their hand whenever you get scared. The swings transfer at speeds as much as 45 mph, but it surely actually isn’t as scary because it seems (not less than based on my teen!)
Escape Sport Orlando
I do know there are escape rooms in every single place nowadays, however not all are created equal. And generally you simply want a enjoyable household or buddy problem to steadiness lengthy, tiring days in theme parks. The Escape Sport Orlando was among the finest escape rooms now we have tried. The theming was nice, it was difficult however we nonetheless managed to flee, they usually have loads of issue ranges to select from. Plus, it’s only a quick stroll from ICON Park.
Gamers ought to reserve their most well-liked time slot and sport possibility upfront, as every sport varies relying on how many individuals are concerned and the way tough it’s to flee. Three of us took on the Gold Rush and escaped with virtually two minutes to spare. We are able to’t give away any secrets and techniques however our host did give us props for ending because the room is usually designed for as much as eight individuals and the three of us conquered the puzzles to earn our launch. The sport was a lot enjoyable that we have been tempted to ebook one other sport on the spot (they usually supply reductions in the event you do!)
SeaWorld
In case your teenagers actually, actually love huge thrills, then SeaWorld is the theme park for you. Past the animal displays, SeaWorld constantly has a number of the tallest and quickest coasters on the town like Mako, Kraken, and Manta, and The Icebreaker. The IceBreaker options 4 airtime-filled launches, each backward and forwards, culminating in a reverse launch into the steepest past vertical drop in Florida – a 93 ft tall spike with a 100-degree angle. Yikes!
After all, if coasters aren’t your factor, there are many tamer sights or you’ll be able to ebook a novel one-of-a-kind alternative to swim with dolphins, snorkel with rays and tropical fish, and hand-feed unique birds at Discovery Cove. Get reductions on SeaWorld or Discovery Cove tickets on Undercovertourist.com.
Disney Springs
Don’t underestimate the enjoyable that may be had at Disney Springs (previously Downtown Disney.) Along with the good buying and eating places (could I like to recommend tapas at Jaleo?), there are such a lot of leisure choices. I’m unhappy to see that The Void closed as a result of that was the most effective digital actuality sport now we have ever skilled. However you may as well take a drive (float?) in an amphicar / amphibious car, fly excessive in a tethered Aerophile balloon, or have an upscale bowling expertise at Splitsville.
After all, Disney Springs can be an excellent place to provide your teenagers slightly freedom to discover collectively. Give them some spending cash and allow them to wander via all of the enjoyable outlets or seize snacks at Everglazed Donuts, Ghirardelli Chocolate Store, Sunshine Churros, or one of many many meals vans and carts.
Kayaking at Shingle Creek
Simply outdoors of Orlando in close by Kissimmee, you’ll be able to benefit from the outdoor on the Shingle Creek Recreation Middle, on the headwaters of the Florida Everglades. It’s a great place for bird-watching, biking, fishing, and picnicking. However your teenagers will most get pleasure from an eco-kayaking tour with The Paddling Middle at Shingle Creek.
Spend a few hours paddling via the dense cypress forest on the lookout for wildlife together with alligators, herons, and turtles. You may as well hire kayaks, canoes, or paddleboards and discover by yourself (however I might extremely advocate a guided tour.)
Theme Eating
There are a ton of nice eating choices in Common’s CityWalk, however our favourite with teenagers is the Toothsome Chocolate Emporium. Decked out in steampunk trend, the restaurant options inventive consolation meals and really decadent milkshakes and chocolate delights. Now we have additionally had a little bit of a wild time on the energetic Taverna Opa, which is the place to go if you wish to find yourself dancing on the tables.
Scorching Air Balloon Journey
Everyone knows that Orlando is a spot the place needs come true. However do you know you would test off a bucket listing merchandise like scorching air ballooning? You possibly can ebook a non-public balloon trip over scenic Central Florida. The one draw back with teenagers is perhaps the early morning wake-up name, however possibly you’ll be able to persuade them that this once-in-a-lifetime expertise is value it.
Tree Trek Journey Park
My teen and her associates completely love zip-lining and tree-top journey programs. On our final journey to Orlando, we tried to suit this into our schedule however the climate didn’t cooperate. Nevertheless, my buddy Concord took her youngsters to Tree Trek Journey Park in Orlando and had a good time.
The Tree Trek Journey Park affords 4 ranges of challenges from newbie to superior, with 97 aerial challenges and a 425-foot zip line. There are additionally two youngsters programs in case you are taking youthful youngsters as properly.
Wild Florida Airboat Journey
You often take into consideration taking an airboat trip in South Florida, so it’s possible you’ll discover it stunning to search out various airboat excursions accessible simply outdoors of Orlando. There’s Spirit of the Swamp airboat excursions, Marsh Touchdown adventures, Wild Willy’s airboat excursions, and Kissimmee Swamp Excursions.
If you would like slightly little bit of all the pieces, Wild Florida affords airboat excursions, a drive-thru safari with greater than 100 native and unique animals unfold over 85 acres, and an alligator park. I do know my teen would like to ebook a sloth encounter with certainly one of their two-toed sloths.
Safari Wilderness Ranch
Talking of drive-through safaris and animal encounters, the Safari Wilderness Ranch has a whole lot of animals, primarily hoof inventory, together with scimitar-horned oryx, Defassa waterbuck, eland, Pink Lechwe, zebras, fainting goats, ostriches, llamas, camels and extra.
To see the animals, you’ll be able to take a coated open-air safari, or view them from horseback or camelback. I believe your teen may go slightly loopy for a number of the particular animal encounters, like feeding grapes to lemurs. That is undoubtedly one of many higher safari experiences I’ve seen, with a lot open area that you can think of you’re on the plains of Africa.
Westgate River Ranch Rodeo
I wager you didn’t know that there was a dude ranch not removed from Orlando the place you’ll be able to ebook a glamping keep, go horseback driving, and even attend a Saturday evening rodeo? Positive, Orlando could be the theme park capital of the world and residential to each chain restaurant and household attraction you’ll be able to dream up. However Central Florida additionally has its share of cattle ranches.
The Saturday evening rodeo is all about good instances and cowboy enjoyable. You’ll see athletes compete in trick driving, barrel racing, and bull driving. You possibly can even attempt driving a mechanical bull and see how lengthy you’ll be able to keep on!
Beginner and Skilled Sports activities
For sports activities followers, Orlando attracts so many tournaments and sporting occasions on the ESPN Vast World of Sports activities. You may as well take the youngsters to see an Orlando Magic basketball sport. For a extra hands-on expertise, there are many fishing and {golfing} alternatives within the Orlando space.
The place to Keep in Orlando with Teenagers
There are many lodging selections in Orlando, from luxurious villas to rental condos to household resorts and luxurious resorts. These have been a few of our favorites:
Encore by Reunion Resort
Final summer time we spent a multi-generational household trip at a luxurious 12-bedroom dwelling in Encore by Reunion Resort. This trip rental group affords luxurious properties starting from 4 to 13 bedrooms. Our rental included a movie show, a sport room with full-size arcade video games and a bowling lane, a media room with a pool desk, an indoor sauna, a steam room, and a scorching tub, a health room, and a beautiful pool and outside kitchen. The teenagers beloved all of the room to unfold out and everybody might discover one thing to do to make them pleased.
Discover a trip rental in Orlando on vrbo
Margaritaville Resort Orlando
Certainly one of our favourite stays has been on the Margaritaville Resort in Orlando. Regardless of its handy location close to Disney in Kissimmee, the Margaritaville Resort has such robust island vibes you are feeling like there have to be a seaside someplace, and never simply one other lagoon crawling with alligators. The resort is recent, with island seaside decor and all these delicate (and never so delicate) tributes to Jimmy Buffett.
My teen beloved hanging out within the pool (particularly evening swimming when nobody else was round). The zero-entry sand entrance to the pool and poolside bar actually make it appear to be you’re within the Caribbean, or not less than the Florida Keys.
Waldorf-Astoria Orlando
In case you are on the lookout for a extra luxurious possibility, however don’t need to splurge on the 4 Seasons Orlando, the Waldorf-Astoria Orlando within the Bonnet Creek neighborhood is an effective possibility. They provide free shuttles to Disney, making it handy to get to the parks. The rooms are giant and what you’d anticipate from a luxurious resort, with some even providing views of the Disney fireworks from a distance.
My teen beloved hanging out on the pool, particularly as a result of we got a cabana to make use of for the day, which was excellent for ducking into to keep away from these typical afternoon showers. The good factor concerning the Waldorf Astoria Orlando is you can additionally make the most of the pool on the Hilton Bonnet Creek subsequent door, which has a lazy river and a few small waterslides.
Cabana Bay Seashore Resort
For a finances possibility on Common Orlando property, which supplies you early entry to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, we discovered the Cabana Bay Seashore Resort handy and comfy. They provide a free shuttle to CityWalk, and you’ll stroll over to Volcano Bay. This retro-style resort additionally has an important pool complicated, with a sand seaside and a lazy river. And the family-size suites give your teen slightly privateness in comparison with your typical two-queen visitor room. Learn my full evaluation of the Cabana Bay Seashore Resort.
VIsiting Florida?
In case you have extra time, it’s possible you’ll need to proceed extending your journey to incorporate:
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