Tips for Visiting Disneyland with Teens and Tweens

Is it a good idea to visit Disneyland with teens and tweens? YES! Kids of all ages love the magic of a Disney vacation. Of course, Disneyland with big kids differs from visiting with young children. In many ways, it’s better. There’s no need to squeeze in naps, plus your family can enjoy later nights at the parks and more adventurous ride options. A trip with older kids requires different planning, too. Below are the top tips for doing Disneyland with tweens and teenagers.

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1. Start late and stay late at the theme parks.

Adolescent kids need tons of sleep for their growing bodies. Teen body clocks make them want to go to bed later and wake up later, too. So, although 3-Day and longer Disneyland Tickets include one Magic Morning, this early entrance into the theme parks may not work at this phase of life. So, plan to sleep in and get a later start. Instead, take advantage of the incredible nighttime entertainment offered at Disneyland and Disney California Adventure, like World of Color Nighttime Spectacular.

2. Get teens and tweens involved in planning.

When you book your Disneyland vacation, encourage big kids to get involved in the process. Let them suggest restaurants that sound good and ask teens which rides and attractions are must-dos. It will make a world of difference for everyone!

3. Upgrade to Genie+.

Replacing MaxPass and FastPass, Genie+ is an optional upgrade at Disneyland that offers electronic access via smartphones to make shortened queue wait-time requests. For popular attractions, use Genie+ to skip the standby line and give your tweens or teens better access to their favorite rides via the Lightning Lane. Reserve your spot in line upon entry to Disneyland or Disney California Adventure. Note: you can reserve each Genie+ ride or attraction just once per day.

Additionally, since Genie+ includes unlimited PhotoPass downloads, your tech-savvy kid will love having access to professional photos during their time in the Parks. Selfies are great, but PhotoPass photos are even better!

Even if you don’t purchase Genie+, you can still scope out theme park options like wait times, dining options, and Disney Park hotel reservations via your smartphone with Disneyland’s Genie app.

4. Book extra room.

If possible, book a suite or adjoining rooms when traveling with teens and tweens. Giving everyone their own space while on vacation can make a big difference in attitudes, making Disneyland with big kids more enjoyable overall. Keep in mind that teen siblings may balk at sharing a pull-out sofa bed, so try to get each kid a separate bed, if possible.

Our partner, Get Away Today, offers Disney vacation packages and overnights at hotels near Disneyland that offer spacious accommodations. Here are some hotels near Disneyland with extra space for families:

• Castle Inn & Suites
• Staybridge Suites by Holiday Inn
• Anaheim Springhill Suites Maingate
• Courtyard Anaheim Theme Park Entrance & Water Park
• Homewood Suites by Hilton Anaheim Main Gate

5. Scope out Disneyland rides for teens.

Are there rides at Disneyland Park for teenagers? You bet! Your kids may no longer be interested in taking a spin on Dumbo the Flying Elephant, but there are plenty of fun attractions at Disneyland for teens and tweens.

For example, Millennium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run in Star Wars: Galaxy Edge is sure to please sci-fi fans when they board the Millennium Falcon and pilot it through outer space. Then challenge your teen or tween to a competition for the highest score in defeating Emperor Zurg on Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters in Tomorrowland.

Attractions for teens abound at Disney California Adventure Park as well. My teenagers’ all-time favorite ride is Incredicoaster at Pixar Pier with an upside-down loop, high speeds, and the scent of Jack-Jacks Num Num cookies. Similar to Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters, Toy Story Midway Mania is a combination theme park ride and game. Next door, kids who enjoy carnival games will love playing the Games of Pixar Pier Pixar Promenade for a chance to win prizes. Plus, all ages enjoy Soarin’ Around the World at Grizzly Peak, where riders explore the world on this simulation ride. Meanwhile, creative families can learn how to draw a beloved Disney character at Animation Academy in Hollywood Land.

6. Keep smartphones charged up.

Smartphones are essential for exploring Disneyland with teens and tweens. They enable kids and parents to explore separately and meet up easily without worry. Smart devices also allow kids to document their Disney vacation by snapping lots of pics. Plus, phones provide entertainment while waiting in long rides. (I suggest downloading the Heads Up app for a hilarious way to engage with your big kids while queued up!)

Rentable fuel rods and remote chargers are just two ways to stay powered up during your amusement park visit. Read our tips for charging your smartphone battery at Disneyland.

7. Take advantage of Disneyland tours.

Although many of Disneyland’s guided tours are designed for guests of all ages, older kids will typically have more patience and interest in exploring the theme parks this way. Walk in Walt’s Disneyland Footsteps is a popular option, with stories about what inspired Disney’s founder, the challenges he faced, and the excitement he encountered while designing his first amusement park. Other tours that might appeal to tweens and teens include Disneyland After Dark, Disney’s Happiest Haunts, and Holiday Time at Disneyland Resort Guided Tour.

8. Bring along friends.

Consider allowing your child to bring along a friend on your Disneyland vacation. Friends mean everything to this age group. It’s not that they don’t love you. (They do!) But teens will probably have a lot more fun if they have someone their own age to share in Disney’s magic. This is especially true for singletons who may have very different ride preferences than their parents, or older siblings who don’t want to do the baby rides at Disneyland.

You might also choose to travel with another family with children of similar ages. Then, parents and kids can explore the parks separately and meet up for meals or special rides together.

9. Let kids be kids.

It’s tough being cool all the time as a teen or tween. Ask big kids if they’d like to ride the carousel, Peter Pan’s Flight, or other beloved rides for youngsters. Don’t assume teens are too old to pose with Mickey Mouse and other characters, either. Teens even enjoy Disneyland character dining so go ahead and book that special meal. Disneyland is one place where kids can let their guards down and embrace their playful side.

10. Save money on your Disneyland vacation with teens.

Find all Disneyland vacations at www.getawaytoday.com, or call 855-GET-AWAY for personalized assistance. Be sure to let them know Travel Mamas sent you and use code TravelMamas to save an additional $10 on your theme park tickets and hotel package.

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Halloween is scary fun with teens and tweens at Disneyland! Read our complete guide to Halloween at Disneyland.

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Have you ever been to Disneyland with teens and tweens? Or did you visit this theme park when you were a teen or tween? In the comments below, let us know your tips and questions for visiting Disneyland with older kids!

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