“What are the best things to do at Walt Disney World?” The answer to one of the most-asked Disney vacation questions is different for everyone. And it’s definitely different for kids of different ages! We’ve recently explored the top attractions for our littlest friends and the best attractions for older kids. Today we are going to look at that wonderful age group from 11ish to 14 or so – otherwise known as pre-teens (or “younger” teens). Not “kids” and not yet full-fledged independent teenagers, pre-teens often enjoy a bit more excitement than younger kids do. And while the likes and dislikes for this age group will, of course, vary depending on each kid’s personality, we are going to make the assumption for today at least, that for the most part, this age group is pretty adventurous – and that they love wild rides! So let’s see what’s fun for pre-teens at Walt Disney World!
Magic Kingdom: Space Mountain was the first “big” ride in Magic Kingdom and is one that younger kids have to “grow into” because there is a height requirement of 44”. Be prepared that you will ride in a single row and you do have to get down into the car. The futuristic music will play as you ride through comets and stars. This ride is totally in the dark and with the darting lights throughout the ride, you will feel like you’re flying through space – and may be shocked to find out that you’re only going about 28 mph!
Hollywood Studios: Before Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, there was Star Tours – The Adventure Continues. This ride that explores the galaxy is not a roller coaster, but rather a flight simulator that provides a 3-D adventure for anyone over 40” tall. There are several different trips that you can take, so each time you ride it will be different! This ride is a must do for the Star Wars fan and actually a lot of fun even if you haven’t seen the movies.
Animal Kingdom: While I am not a roller coaster fan, Exhibition Everest – Legend of the Forbidden Mountain is a favorite with pre-teens and older. You will board a train to head up Mt. Everest in search of the elusive Yeti! Can you find him? Will there be a clear track up and back………..? You will have to ride to find out. This ride is for guests 44” and taller.
EPCOT: For guests over 40” tall, Test Track can be the ride of the day! But before you take off and test your car, you can build it with a multitude of options; color, motor, body style, breaks. Everything about the design of your car is then fed into the computer and you can then watch at the end of the ride to see how your car fares against other designers that have ridden with you. You car will go through, breaking, maneuverability, hill climbs and then speed around on an open air track. What is your top speed as you reenter the building!?
Walt Disney World is full of fun for all ages and these are just a few of the attractions the pre-teens in my family love! What about your family?
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Debbie and her husband live in Chattanooga, TN. They both are huge Disney fans and try to visit the most Magical Place on Earth at least once a year, if possible. They are enjoying taking each of their now 10 grandchildren and hope to also take their great granddaughter in the near future. One of their favorite trips has been visiting Disney with adults only, including one trip when their son proposed to his girlfriend. Each trip begins with the planning, which can take up to a year, beginning with how to get the grandkids excited about their upcoming trip. They have surprised some of them the day before they left, while the latest one had “presents” every 10 days starting at 90 days all leading up to an exciting trip with her parents along also. Their philosophy on Disney Trips? “Each trip is completely different, like visiting Walt Disney World for the first time.” They both enjoy all that Disney has to offer, but enjoy Animal Kingdom and EPCOT the most. It is their goal that everyone who visits Walt Disney World has a magical trip with lots of memories to last a life time.
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