Our first household journey to Orlando was when our daughter was solely three, however we now have Orlando with youngsters to be much more enjoyable, which is why we preserve going again. On that first journey, all the pieces was magical and thrilling and all she wanted was a princess wand to make her completely happy. Teenagers are a bit tougher to impress and you could must suppose past the theme parks, however fortunately there are many enjoyable issues to do in Orlando with teenagers.
On each journey, we sort out one other theme park expertise, however we additionally attempt to get off the overwhelmed path and away from the Disney bubble.
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.
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 journey, 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 if you happen to 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 proscribed to these 15 and over with at the least a driver’s allow. There are additionally junior and intermediate choices, and for all tracks, the sphere is proscribed 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 singular leisure vacation spot.
Every group will get its personal stall, the place you may order meals and drinks, after which let the video games start. The target is to not hit the ball so far as you may, however moderately to hit completely different targets inside the vary. Win or lose it’s a number of 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 procuring and snack choices together with It’sugar and Chilly Stone Creamery. Nonetheless, for one thing completely different (particularly if you happen to can’t get this at house), attempt Studio Film Grill.
You’ll be able to watch a film on the massive display screen in comfortable armchair seating and have your meals and drinks delivered to your seat tray desk. The American grill menu surpasses what you can find at commonplace movie show snack bars.
The Wheel at Icon Park
Icon Park, previously known as I-Drive 360, is the leisure and eating district positioned proper on Worldwide Drive. You’ll be able to see The Wheel at Icon Park (previously the Orlando Eye — just like the London Eye), which anchors this space, from throughout. There are different points of interest 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 are going to possible spy the Shake Shack down beneath so plan on a cease there for lunch for the SmokeShack burger — it’s the finest! 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 who loves the swing journey at amusement parks, the Orlando StarFlyer is analogous, simply taller. 450 ft excessive to be precise. Every swing is a double seat so you may go together with a good friend and maintain their hand if you get scared. The swings transfer at speeds as much as 45 mph, but it surely isn’t as scary because it appears (at the least in response to my teen!)
Escape Sport Orlando
I do know there are escape rooms in all places lately, however not all are created equal. And generally you simply want a enjoyable household or good friend problem to stability lengthy, tiring days in theme parks. The Escape Sport Orlando was among the finest escape rooms we now have tried. The theming was nice, it was difficult however we nonetheless managed to flee, they usually have loads of problem ranges to select from. Plus, it’s only a brief stroll from ICON Park.
Gamers ought to reserve their most popular time slot and recreation choice prematurely, as every recreation varies relying on how many individuals are concerned and the way troublesome 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 often 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 e book one other recreation on the spot (they usually provide reductions if you happen to do!)
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 in the present day. 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 you could know, Common Orlando is break up between two theme parks (three if you happen to 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 may discover The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley. Each parks characteristic Harry Potter-themed rides and immersive experiences that make you are feeling like you’re on the set of a Harry Potter film. You’ll be able to even journey forwards and backwards between the 2 on the Hogwarts Specific — that’s assuming you’ve a Park-to-Park ticket which supplies entrance to each parks in sooner or later.
Be sure you learn our full suggestions for visiting Common Orlando. 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.
Disney’s After Hours Occasions
In case you have teenagers who love to remain up late and need to journey all the massive rides at a specific 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 generally is 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 frequently ticketed guests.
These particular ticketed occasions normally 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 points of interest proper when the opposite visitors depart, you may slot in fairly a number 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, if in case you have multiple, it’s simple to allow them to discover on their very own with out worrying about discovering them once more in large crowds. And the park is so enjoyable to discover at evening!
We attended Animal Kingdom After Hours, which isn’t presently accessible. After Hours occasions are provided at completely different parks so verify availability.
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 points of interest (I acquired to hug Chewie!!) My good friend Rob from 2TravelDads has a terrific information to the finest issues to do in Galaxy’s Edge.
Teenagers will love an opportunity to journey Millennium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run and expertise Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance. And perhaps for a particular memento, you may construct a lightsaber in Savi’s Workshop and drink some funky drinks (or blue milk) in Oga’s Cantina.
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Volcano Bay
Transferring past the theme parks to Orlando water parks, there isn’t one other that may rival Common Orlando‘s Volcano Bay. From the eye to element given to the theming to the combo of thrills and chills — Volcano Bay is a spot to flee the chaos that surrounds it. The concept 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 cherished the Krakatau Aqua Coaster and utilizing the Tapu Tapu wristbands to “verify in” at a journey after which get alerted when it was their time to get in line — versus simply standing in countless queues all day. I cherished hanging out on Waturi Seaside in entrance of the large wave pool and namesake Krakatau Volcano and pretending I used to be in Hawaii as a substitute of Orlando. Earlier than you go, simply ensure you learn my Volcano Bay suggestions in 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 one of the best in the case of theming, however the Island H2O Waterpark at Margaritaville Orlando is available in second (open March by November.) Learn my Island H20 full assessment for all the main points, however H20 affords huge thrills and enjoyable know-how.
Visitors are given a Good Band once they arrive that hyperlinks to the H20 app, which tracks your location all through the park (nice for folks to have the ability to discover teenagers that may wander on their very own.) Utilizing the app, it’s also possible to personalize the expertise by letting you select your music on some rides, and then you definitely use the Good Band to “check-in” to the journey for personalization.
The Good 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 by the app. We went considering we have been going to solely spend a number of hours and ended up staying all day!
SeaWorld
In case your teenagers love huge thrills, then SeaWorld is the theme park for you. Past the animal reveals, SeaWorld persistently has a few of the tallest and quickest coasters on the town like Mako, Kraken, Manta, and The Icebreaker. The IceBreaker options 4 airtime-filled launches, each backward and forwards, culminating in a reverse launch into the steepest beyond-vertical drop in Florida – a 93-foot-tall spike with a 100-degree angle. Yikes!
After all, if coasters aren’t your factor, there are many tamer points of interest or you may e book a singular one-of-a-kind alternative to swim with dolphins, snorkel with rays and tropical fish, and hand-feed unique birds at Discovery Cove.
Disney Springs
Don’t underestimate the enjoyable that may be had at Disney Springs. Along with the good procuring and eating places (might I like to recommend tapas at Jaleo?), there are such a lot of leisure choices. You may also 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 a very good place to provide your teenagers slightly freedom to discover collectively. Give them some spending cash and allow them to wander by all of the enjoyable retailers or seize snacks at Everglazed Donuts, Ghirardelli Chocolate Store, Sunshine Churros, or one of many many meals vehicles and carts.
Kayaking at Shingle Creek
Simply exterior of Orlando in close by Kissimmee, you may benefit from the outdoor on the Shingle Creek Recreation Middle, on the headwaters of the Florida Everglades. It’s a good spot 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 by the dense cypress forest on the lookout for wildlife together with alligators, herons, and turtles. You may also hire kayaks, canoes, or paddleboards and discover by yourself (however I might extremely suggest 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 style, the restaurant options artistic consolation meals and actually decadent milkshakes and chocolate delights. We’ve got 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.
Sizzling Air Balloon Trip
Everyone knows that Orlando is a spot the place needs come true. However do you know you could possibly verify off a bucket record merchandise like sizzling air ballooning? You’ll be able to e book a personal balloon journey over scenic Central Florida. The one draw back with teenagers may be the early morning wake-up name, however perhaps you may persuade them that this once-in-a-lifetime expertise is value it.
Tree Trek Journey Park
My teen and her associates 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. Nonetheless, my good friend 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 effectively.
Wild Florida Airboat Trip
You normally take into consideration taking an airboat journey in South Florida, so you could discover it shocking to seek out a number of airboat excursions accessible simply exterior of Orlando. There are Spirit of the Swamp airboat excursions, Marsh Touchdown adventures, Wild Willy’s airboat excursions, and Kissimmee Swamp Excursions.
If you’d 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 e book a sloth encounter with considered one of their two-toed sloths.
Safari Wilderness Ranch
Talking of drive-through safaris and animal encounters, the Safari Wilderness Ranch has a whole bunch of animals, primarily hoof inventory, together with scimitar-horned oryx, Defassa waterbuck, eland, Purple Lechwe, zebras, fainting goats, ostriches, llamas, camels and extra.
To see the animals, you may take a lined open-air safari, or view them from horseback or camelback. I feel your teen would possibly go slightly loopy for a few of the particular animal encounters, like feeding grapes to lemurs. This is likely one of the finest safari experiences I’ve seen, with a lot open house possible 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 may e book 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 may dream up. However Central Florida additionally has its share of cattle ranches.
The Saturday evening rodeo is all about good occasions and cowboy enjoyable. You’ll see athletes compete in trick driving, barrel racing, and bull driving. You’ll be able to even attempt driving a mechanical bull and see how lengthy you may keep on!
Newbie and Skilled Sports activities
For sports activities followers, Orlando attracts so many tournaments and sporting occasions on the ESPN Huge World of Sports activities. You may also take the youngsters to see an Orlando Magic basketball recreation. 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 decisions in Orlando, from luxurious villas to rental condos to household resorts and luxurious motels. These have been a few of our favorites and it’s also possible to try the finest Orlando resorts for households:
Encore by Reunion Resort
Final summer season we spent a multi-generational household trip at a luxurious 12-bedroom house in Encore by Reunion Resort. This trip rental neighborhood affords luxurious properties starting from 4 to 13 bedrooms. Our rental included a movie show, a recreation room with full-size arcade video games and a bowling lane, a media room with a pool desk, an indoor sauna, a steam room, a sizzling tub, a health room, and a stunning pool and outside kitchen. The teenagers cherished all of the room to unfold out and everybody might discover one thing to do to make them completely happy.
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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 sturdy island vibes you are feeling like there have to be a seashore someplace, and never simply one other lagoon crawling with alligators. The resort is recent, with island seashore decor and all these refined (and never so refined) tributes to Jimmy Buffett.
My teen cherished 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 at the least the Florida Keys.
Waldorf-Astoria Orlando
In case you are on the lookout for a extra luxurious choice, however don’t need to splurge on the 4 Seasons Orlando, the Waldorf-Astoria Orlando within the Bonnet Creek neighborhood is an effective choice. They provide free shuttles to Disney, making it handy to get to the parks. The rooms are massive and what you’ll anticipate from a luxurious resort, with some even providing views of the Disney fireworks from a distance.
My teen cherished hanging out on the pool, particularly as a result of we got a cabana to make use of for the day, which was good 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 Seaside Resort
For a funds choice on Common Orlando property, which provides you early entry to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, we discovered the Cabana Bay Seaside Resort handy and comfy. They provide a free shuttle to CityWalk, and you may stroll over to Volcano Bay. This retro-style resort additionally has a terrific pool complicated, with a sand seashore 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 assessment of the Cabana Bay Seaside Resort.
Visiting Florida?
In case you have extra time, you could need to proceed extending your journey to incorporate:
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Tamara Gruber is the Founder and Writer of We3Travel. A former advertising and marketing govt and journey advisor, Tamara is an award-winning journey author and acknowledged professional in household journey. Tamara is a member of SATW, NATJA, IFWTWA, and the Journey Journey Commerce Affiliation, and serves on the Board of the Household Journey Affiliation. She can be the writer of YourTimetoFly.com and the co-host of the Trip Professionals journey podcast.
