“What are the best things to do at Walt Disney World?” is a question that anyone planning a Disney vacation wants to know, and the answer, of course, is different for everyone. We’ve recently looked at the top attractions for our littlest friends, the best attractions for older kids, and favorites for pre-teens/younger teens. Today, we are going to see some attractions that older teens and adults especially enjoy. And the results might surprise you!
For older teens and adults, there is a wide variety of things to enjoy and many favorites will certainly be some of the attractions that are also favorites for younger guests. Still, there are often aspects to these rides or shows that may be “most” appreciated but us “older” folks. Having done a number of “adults only” trips, while I like some of the wilder attractions, I really enjoy the not so wild as well – and I often most enjoy those things that aren’t as popular with younger kids. With all of this in mind, here are 2 of my favorite attractions for teens and adults at each park.
Magic Kingdom:
Seven Dwarfs Mine Train is one of the newest attractions in Magic Kingdom and is very popular with guests 38” and taller, so definitely a hit with younger guests. While this is a bit wilder than Big Thunder Mountain, what makes it fun for teens and adults is how this ride incorporates some unique engineering! With cars that sway side to side throughout the ride, it is a pretty cool experience! Younger kids think it’s just fun, but we can appreciate the technology. This one is well worth the wait in line if you don’t have a FastPass!
Monsters Inc Laugh Floor is for all ages but to truly appreciate ALL of the humor, you definitely need to be an adult or teen. Some of the jokes are randomly picked from audience texts prior to entering the theater, which is a lot of fun so be sure and have some ready! The slap stick comedy is G-rated like other Disney attractions and will keep everyone in the family laughing, even if younger kids will not always understand why older guests are cracking up. Be warned grown ups though: be careful where you sit because you definitely don’t want to be “That Guy!”
Hollywood Studios:
Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster is understandably for guests 48” and taller as it catapults you onto the LA Freeway on the way to an Aerosmith Concert! Hold on tight as you go immediately into a corkscrew passing neon lights all while listening to Aerosmith’s hit songs. This is definitely a “wild” ride and the music is definitely appreciated by those of us of a certain, ahem, age.
Slinky Dog Dash is a roller coaster for those 38” and taller, and is one that anyone tall enough to ride will enjoy, as Slinky takes you on a wild ride on the track that Andy built in his backyard. So while younger guests will love it, there is something special about all of Toy Story Land in general -and this ride in particular – that appeals to those of us who remember all of these favorite characters and games from our childhood. Be sure and say hello to Wheezy as the ride concludes!!
Animal Kingdom:
I will admit my first time riding Flight of Passage I was a bit hesitant. I have never seen the movie and motion rides don’t always agree with me. Be prepared, you will actually mount a banshee and you will feel him breathe and move beneath you. But don’t worry, I got very comfortable quickly and then was so taken back by the scenery, I felt like I was a part of it! This one is definitely on my to-do again list (try to get a FastPass if you can, the line gets long quickly)!
Maharajah Jungle Trek is not a crazy and wild ride which is probably why I love it – to me it is one of the most beautiful and relaxing things to do in Animal Kingdom. This self-guided tour closes at dusk so plan for plenty of time to enjoy the coolness of the jungle while seeing tigers, different birds and other animals from Asia. There are plenty of places along the way to sit and just enjoy the quiet and calm atmosphere. Little ones may enjoy seeing the animals but probably only grown ups will truly appreciate how peaceful this area is!
EPCOT:
Soarin’ Around the World was recently renovated to include sights from all over the world in a breath-taking 5-minute ride high above the landscape. As with the original, the ride and the accompanying movie make you feel as if you are truly “soaring” in a glider and it’s a pretty exhilarating feeling! This ride is 3-tiers high, so if you are unsure of heights ask for the lower level.
Turtle Talk with Crush is a 15-minute chat with one of our favorite characters from Finding Nemo, who will talk to and answer questions from all of the little dudes and dudettes sitting in the front. The big kids on the benches will be amazed how Crush can see into the Human Tank and talk with you, turtle to human! Yes, little kids LOVE this show but as with Laugh Floor Comedy Club, there is a LOT of humor that is aimed directly at all of the grownups. You can guarantee that you’ll walk out of this show laughing – and probably speaking “turtle” for the rest of the day!
(NOTE: I know, if we are talking EPCOT and adults, World Showcase should be in there right? No worries, we will explore this fascinating area next month!)
There is no question that Walt Disney World is full of fun for everyone, no matter your age, even if you are a grown up or have teenagers!
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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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