Our first household journey to Orlando was when our daughter was solely three, however we’ve 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 joyful. Teenagers are a bit more durable to impress and chances are you’ll have to assume 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 crushed 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 wish 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 (in fact), 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 when 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 observe 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 sector 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 might be 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 possibly can order meals and drinks, after which let the video games start. The target is to not hit the ball so far as you possibly can, however moderately to hit completely different targets inside the vary. Win or lose it’s lots 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 purchasing and snack choices together with It’sugar and Chilly Stone Creamery. Nevertheless, for one thing completely different (particularly when you can’t get this at residence), strive Studio Film Grill.
You possibly can watch a film on the large display in comfortable armchair seating and have your meals and drinks delivered to your seat tray desk. The American grill menu surpasses what you will see that at commonplace 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 may doubtless 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 a bit of extra of a thrill, the Orlando StarFlyer ought to do the trick. For anybody who loves the swing trip at amusement parks, the Orlando StarFlyer is comparable, simply taller. 450 toes excessive to be actual. Every swing is a double seat so you possibly can go along with a buddy and maintain their hand if you get scared. The swings transfer at speeds as much as 45 mph, however it isn’t as scary because it seems to be (at the least in response to my teen!)
Escape Recreation 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 buddy problem to stability lengthy, tiring days in theme parks. The Escape Recreation Orlando was the most effective escape rooms we’ve tried. The theming was nice, it was difficult however we nonetheless managed to flee, and so they 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 recreation possibility upfront, 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 will’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 folks and the three of us conquered the puzzles to earn our launch. The sport was a lot enjoyable that we had been tempted to e book one other recreation on the spot (and so they supply reductions when you 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 rationale why Orlando is what it’s at the moment. And it was a love of all issues Harry Potter that drew us again to Orlando after declaring that Disney Princesses had been for little youngsters. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is a part of Common Orlando. As chances are you’ll know, Common Orlando is break up between two theme parks (three when you depend the water park and one other on the way in which), Islands of Journey, and Common Studios Florida. Every theme park has its personal Harry Potter “land” so to talk.
In Islands of Journey, you will see that The Wizarding World of Harry Potter that includes Hogwarts and Hogsmeade. Then in Common Studios Florida, you possibly can discover The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley. Each parks function Harry Potter-themed rides and immersive experiences that make you’re feeling like you might be on the set of a Harry Potter film. You possibly can even trip forwards and backwards between the 2 on the Hogwarts Categorical — that’s assuming you’ve got a Park-to-Park ticket which supplies entrance to each parks in someday.
Remember to learn our full ideas for visiting Common Orlando. In fact, 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
When you have teenagers who love to remain up late and wish to trip all the large 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 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 night time for recurrently ticketed guests.
These particular ticketed occasions often open at 5 pm and sometimes run till midnight. As soon as the common friends 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 largest sights proper when the opposite friends depart, you possibly can slot in fairly a number of rides on each earlier than the park closes.
These occasions are particularly nice to do with teenagers who take pleasure in staying up late and driving thrill rides. Plus, 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 big crowds. And the park is so enjoyable to discover at night time!
We attended Animal Kingdom After Hours, which isn’t presently obtainable. After Hours occasions are supplied at completely different parks so test availability.
Galaxy’s Edge at Hollywood Studios
Since our Star Wars fandom is the same as our Harry Potter love, in fact, we had been thrilled when Disney introduced the opening of Galaxy’s Edge in Hollywood Studios. Even earlier than this new “land” opened, we had been giddy with pleasure on the present Star Wars sights (I bought to hug Chewie!!) My buddy Rob from 2TravelDads has an important information to the finest 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 possibly can 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 folks — a fictional Polynesian-type tradition that “Water is Life and Life is Pleasure.”
The kids cherished the Krakatau Aqua Coaster and utilizing the Tapu Tapu wristbands to “test in” at a trip after which get alerted when it was their time to get in line — versus simply standing in infinite queues all day. I cherished hanging out on Waturi Seaside in entrance of the huge wave pool and namesake Krakatau Volcano and pretending I used to be in Hawaii as a substitute of Orlando. Earlier than you go, simply be sure you learn my Volcano Bay ideas 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 the very best relating to theming, however the Island H2O Waterpark at Margaritaville Orlando is available in second (open March by way of November.) Learn my Island H20 full evaluation for all the main points, however H20 provides large thrills and enjoyable expertise.
Company are given a Sensible Band after 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, you can too 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 also be used to seize photographs and movies each on rides and at many photograph spots across the park that you may then buy and obtain by way of the app. We went pondering we had been going to solely spend a number of hours and ended up staying all day!
SeaWorld
In case your teenagers love large thrills, then SeaWorld is the theme park for you. Past the animal displays, SeaWorld persistently has among 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!
In fact, if coasters aren’t your factor, there are many tamer sights or you possibly can e book 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.
Disney Springs
Don’t underestimate the enjoyable that may be had at Disney Springs. Along with the nice purchasing and eating places (could I like to recommend tapas at Jaleo?), there are such a lot of leisure choices. You can even take a drive (float?) in an amphicar / amphibious car, fly excessive in a tethered Aerophile balloon, or have an upscale bowling expertise at Splitsville.
In fact, Disney Springs can also be an excellent place to present your teenagers a bit of freedom to discover collectively. Give them some spending cash and allow them to wander by way of 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 outdoors of Orlando in close by Kissimmee, you possibly can benefit from the open air on the Shingle Creek Recreation Heart, on the headwaters of the Florida Everglades. It’s a great place for bird-watching, biking, fishing, and picnicking. However your teenagers will most take pleasure in an eco-kayaking tour with The Paddling Heart at Shingle Creek.
Spend a few hours paddling by way of the dense cypress forest on the lookout for wildlife together with alligators, herons, and turtles. You can even lease kayaks, canoes, or paddleboards and discover by yourself (however I’d 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 inventive consolation meals and actually decadent milkshakes and chocolate delights. We now 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.
Sizzling Air Balloon Journey
Everyone knows that Orlando is a spot the place needs come true. However do you know you can test off a bucket listing merchandise like scorching air ballooning? You possibly can e book a personal balloon trip over scenic Central Florida. The one draw back with teenagers could be the early morning wake-up name, however possibly you possibly can persuade them that this once-in-a-lifetime expertise is value it.
Tree Trek Journey Park
My teen and her buddies 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 provides 4 ranges of challenges from newbie to superior, with 97 aerial challenges and a 425-foot zip line. There are additionally two youngsters programs if you’re taking youthful youngsters as properly.
Wild Florida Airboat Journey
You often take into consideration taking an airboat trip in South Florida, so chances are you’ll discover it shocking to seek out a number of airboat excursions obtainable simply outdoors of Orlando. There are Spirit of the Swamp airboat excursions, Marsh Touchdown adventures, Wild Willy’s airboat excursions, and Kissimmee Swamp Excursions.
If you need a bit of little bit of all the pieces, Wild Florida provides 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 one in every 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, Crimson Lechwe, zebras, fainting goats, ostriches, llamas, camels and extra.
To see the animals, you possibly can take a coated open-air safari, or view them from horseback or camelback. I believe your teen may go a bit of loopy for among the particular animal encounters, like feeding grapes to lemurs. This is among the finest safari experiences I’ve seen, with a lot open area possible you might be on the plains of Africa.
Westgate River Ranch Rodeo
I guess you didn’t know that there was a dude ranch not removed from Orlando the place you possibly can e book a glamping keep, go horseback driving, and even attend a Saturday night time rodeo. Positive, Orlando often is the theme park capital of the world and residential to each chain restaurant and household attraction you possibly can dream up. However Central Florida additionally has its share of cattle ranches.
The Saturday night time rodeo is all about good occasions and cowboy enjoyable. You’ll see athletes compete in trick driving, barrel racing, and bull driving. You possibly can even strive driving a mechanical bull and see how lengthy you possibly can keep on!
Novice and Skilled Sports activities
For sports activities followers, Orlando attracts so many tournaments and sporting occasions on the ESPN Broad World of Sports activities. You can even take the children 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 selections in Orlando, from luxurious villas to rental condos to household resorts and luxurious inns. These have been a few of our favorites and you can too try the finest Orlando resorts for households:
Encore by Reunion Resort
Final summer time we spent a multi-generational household trip at a luxurious 12-bedroom residence in Encore by Reunion Resort. This trip rental group provides luxurious houses 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 scorching tub, a health room, and a stunning pool and out of doors kitchen. The kids cherished all of the room to unfold out and everybody might discover one thing to do to make them joyful.
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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’re feeling like there should be a seaside someplace, and never simply one other lagoon crawling with alligators. The resort is contemporary, with island seaside decor and all these delicate (and never so delicate) tributes to Jimmy Buffett.
My teen cherished hanging out within the pool (particularly night time swimming when nobody else was round). The zero-entry sand entrance to the pool and poolside bar actually make it appear to be you might be within the Caribbean, or at the least the Florida Keys.
Waldorf-Astoria Orlando
If you’re on the lookout for a extra luxurious possibility, however don’t wish 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’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 excellent for ducking into to keep away from these typical afternoon showers. The great factor concerning the Waldorf Astoria Orlando is that you may 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 finances possibility 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 an important pool complicated, with a sand seaside and a lazy river. And the family-size suites give your teen a bit of privateness in comparison with your typical two-queen visitor room. Learn my full evaluation of the Cabana Bay Seaside Resort.
Visiting Florida?
When you have extra time, chances are you’ll wish to proceed extending your journey to incorporate:
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Tamara Gruber is the Founder and Writer of We3Travel. A former advertising govt and journey advisor, Tamara is an award-winning journey author and acknowledged knowledgeable 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 also be the writer of YourTimetoFly.com and the co-host of the Trip Experts journey podcast.
