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Our first household journey to Orlando was when our daughter was solely three, however now we have truly spent extra time in Orlando with youngsters. On that first journey, every part was magical and thrilling and all she wanted was a princess wand to make her comfortable. Teens are a bit more durable to impress and you might must assume past the theme parks, however fortunately there are many enjoyable issues to do in Orlando with teenagers.
On our latest journeys, now we have introduced one other teen pal alongside and allow them to select what Orlando actions they wish to do every time. On each journey, we sort out one other theme park expertise, however we additionally attempt to get a little bit extra off the crushed path and away from the theme park bubble.
While your teenagers are having enjoyable, additionally try these issues to do in Orlando for adults too!
Fun Things to do in Orlando with Teens
Note: This publish might include affiliate hyperlinks. If you click on a hyperlink and make a purchase order, I’ll obtain a small fee. All opinions are my very own.
These are a few of our high picks for issues to do in Orlando for teenagers.
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 right now. 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 Universal Orlando. As you might know, Universal 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 Adventure, and Universal Studios Florida. Each theme park has its personal Harry Potter “land” so to talk.
In Islands of Adventure, you’ll discover The Wizarding World of Harry Potter that includes Hogwarts and Hogsmeade. Then in Universal Studios Florida, you’ll be able to discover The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley. Both parks function Harry Potter-themed rides and immersive experiences that make you are feeling like you might be on the set of a Harry Potter film. You may even trip forwards and backwards between the 2 on the Hogwarts Express — that’s assuming you may have a Park-to-Park ticket which supplies entrance to each parks in in the future.
Be certain to learn our full ideas for visiting Universal Orlando and my insider’s information to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. But fast ideas for teenagers — get to the parks early and head straight to Hogwarts in Islands of Adventure to trip Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey (however provided that you aren’t susceptible to movement illness!) Then line up to decide on your wand at Ollivander’s wand store. Take your time exploring Hogsmeade and check out casting some spells earlier than you’re taking the prepare over to Diagon Alley.
Don’t fear about shifting forwards and backwards between parks as a result of it would be best to trip the Hogwarts Express in each instructions and make sure you discover Diagon Alley and Knockturn Alley in Universal Studios after darkish. Of course, 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.
Save on Universal Orlando tickets utilizing Undercovertourist.com!
Disney’s After Hours Events
If you may have teenagers that love to remain up late and wish to trip all the massive rides at a selected park with out the customary lengthy waits or restricted entry to Lightning Lane passes, investing in a Disney After Hours Event 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 evening for usually ticketed guests.
These particular ticketed occasions normally open at 5 pm and usually run till midnight. Once the common friends go away the park, solely particular occasion ticket holders stay and you’ve got just about the run of the park. If you eat earlier than you go and time your go to to hit the most important sights proper when the opposite friends go away, you’ll be able to 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 using thrill rides. Plus when you’ve got multiple, it’s straightforward to allow them to go 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 evening!
We attended Animal Kingdom After Hours, which isn’t at the moment obtainable. After Hours occasions are provided at totally different parks so examine availability (at the moment provided for Hollywood Studios and Magic Kingdom.) See my teen’s picks for the finest Disney rides for teenagers.
Galaxy’s Edge at Hollywood Studios
Since our Star Wars fandom is the same as our Harry Potter love, after all, 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 received to hug Chewie!!) My pal Rob from 2TravelDads has an ideal information to the finest issues to do in Galaxy’s Edge.
Teens 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’ll be able to construct a lightsaber in Savi’s Workshop and drink some funky drinks (or blue milk) in Oga’s Cantina.
Save on tickets to Walt Disney World utilizing Undercovertourist.com or Getaway Today!
Volcano Bay
Moving past the theme parks to Orlando water parks, there actually isn’t one other that may rival Universal Orlando‘s Volcano Bay. From the eye to element given to the theming to the combination of thrills and chills — Volcano Bay is a spot to flee the chaos that surrounds it. The thought behind Volcano Bay is the story of the Waturi folks — a fictional Polynesian-type tradition that “Water is Life and Life is Joy.”
The teenagers beloved the Krakatau Aqua Coaster and utilizing the Tapu Tapu wristbands to “check-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 beloved hanging out on Waturi Beach in entrance of the large wave pool and namesake Krakatau Volcano and pretending I used to be in Hawaii as an alternative of Orlando. Before you go, simply be sure to learn my Volcano Bay ideas on your go to.
Island H2O Waterpark
Teens love waterparks and the extra thrilling and adventurous, the higher. There are loads of waterparks in Orlando to select from, and Volcano Bay is certainly the very best with regards to theming, however the Island H2O Waterpark at Margaritaville Orlando is available in second (open March by November.) Read my Island H20 full evaluate for all the small print, however H20 Live! provides huge thrills and enjoyable know-how.
Guests are given a Smart 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 which can be in a position to wander on their very own.) Using the app, you can too personalize the expertise by letting you select your music on some rides, and you then use the Smart Band to “check-in” to the trip for personalization.
The Smart Band can be used to seize photographs and movies each on rides and at many photograph spots across the park that you could then buy and obtain by the app. We went pondering we had been going to solely spend a number of hours and ended up staying all day!
Andretti Indoor Karting and Games
If 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 Games. This is a gaming utopia for teenagers. You will discover go-karting (after all), 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 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 observe is proscribed to these 15 and over with not less than 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.
Top Golf Orlando
Just a three-minute stroll away from Andretti Karting is Top Golf Orlando. If you haven’t tried Top 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 singular leisure vacation spot.
Each group will get its personal stall, the place you’ll be able to order meals and drinks, after which let the video games start. The goal is to not hit the ball so far as you’ll be able to, however fairly to hit totally different targets inside the vary. Win or lose it’s plenty of enjoyable for aggressive teenagers!
Studio Movie Grill for Dinner in a Movie
The Promenade at Sunset Walk is the eating and leisure district adjoining to the Margaritaville Orlando resort. This is a superb space to let your teenagers discover, with loads of procuring and snack choices together with It’sugar and Cold Stone Creamery. However, for one thing totally different (particularly if you happen to can’t get this at dwelling), strive Studio Movie Grill.
You can watch a film on the massive display screen in cozy armchair seating and have your meals and drinks delivered to your seat tray desk. The American grill menu surpasses what you’ll discover at customary movie show snack bars.
The Wheel at Icon Park
Icon Park, previously referred to as I-Drive 360, is the leisure and eating district situated proper on International Drive. You 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’ll possible spy the Shake Shack down under so plan on a cease there for lunch for the SmokeShack burger — it’s the finest! You can use Undercovertourist.com to get a reduction on a combo ticket for The Wheel and the Orlando StarFlyer!
Orlando StarFlyer
If your teenagers need a little bit extra of a thrill, the Orlando StarFlyer ought to do the trick. For anybody that loves the swings trip at amusement parks, the Orlando StarFlyer is comparable, simply taller. 450 ft excessive to be actual. Each swing is a double seat so you’ll be able to go together with a pal and maintain their hand once you get scared. The swings transfer at speeds as much as 45 mph, however it actually isn’t as scary because it appears (not less than in keeping with my teen!)
Escape Game Orlando
I do know there are escape rooms in all places nowadays, however not all are created equal. And generally you simply want a enjoyable household or pal problem to stability lengthy, tiring days in theme parks. The Escape Game Orlando was probably the greatest escape rooms now we have tried. The theming was nice, it was difficult however we nonetheless managed to flee, and so they have loads of problem ranges to select from. Plus, it’s only a quick stroll from ICON Park.
Players 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 nearly two minutes to spare. We can’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 recreation was a lot enjoyable that we had been tempted to guide one other recreation on the spot (and so they provide reductions if you happen to do!)
SeaWorld
If your teenagers actually, actually love huge thrills, then SeaWorld is the theme park for you. Beyond the animal reveals, SeaWorld constantly has a few of the tallest and quickest coasters on the town like Mako, Kraken, and Manta, and The Icebreaker. The IceBreaker options 4 airtime-filled launches, each backward and forwards, culminating in a reverse launch into the steepest past vertical drop in Florida – a 93 ft tall spike with a 100-degree angle. Yikes!
Of course, if coasters aren’t your factor, there are many tamer sights or you’ll be able to guide 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. Get reductions on SeaWorld or Discovery Cove tickets on Undercovertourist.com.
Disney Springs
Don’t underestimate the enjoyable that may be had at Disney Springs (previously Downtown Disney.) In addition to the good procuring and eating places (might I like to recommend tapas at Jaleo?), there are such a lot of leisure choices. I’m unhappy to see that The Void closed as a result of that was the very best digital actuality recreation now we have ever skilled. But you can too take a drive (float?) in an amphicar / amphibious automobile, fly excessive in a tethered Aerophile balloon, or have an upscale bowling expertise at Splitsville.
Of course, Disney Springs can be an excellent place to provide your teenagers a little bit 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 Shop, Sunshine Churros, or one of many many meals vans and carts.
Kayaking at Shingle Creek
Just outdoors of Orlando in close by Kissimmee, you’ll be able to benefit from the outdoor on the Shingle Creek Recreation Center, on the headwaters of the Florida Everglades. It is a superb spot for bird-watching, biking, fishing, and picnicking. But your teenagers will most take pleasure in an eco-kayaking tour with The Paddling Center at Shingle Creek.
Spend a few hours paddling by the dense cypress forest in search of wildlife together with alligators, herons, and turtles. You may lease kayaks, canoes, or paddleboards and discover by yourself (however I’d extremely suggest a guided tour.)
Theme Dining
There are a ton of nice eating choices in Universal’s MetropolisWalk, however our favourite with teenagers is the Toothsome Chocolate Emporium. Decked out in steampunk vogue, the restaurant options artistic consolation meals and actually decadent milkshakes and chocolate delights. We 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.
Hot Air Balloon Ride
We all know that Orlando is a spot the place needs come true. But do you know you possibly can examine off a bucket record merchandise like sizzling air ballooning? You can guide a personal balloon trip over scenic Central Florida. The solely draw back with teenagers could be the early morning wake-up name, however possibly you’ll be able to persuade them that this once-in-a-lifetime expertise is value it.
Tree Trek Adventure Park
My teen and her pals completely 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. However, my pal Harmony took her youngsters to Tree Trek Adventure Park in Orlando and had a good time.
The Tree Trek Adventure 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 nicely.
Wild Florida Airboat Ride
You normally take into consideration taking an airboat trip in South Florida, so you might discover it shocking to seek out numerous airboat excursions obtainable simply outdoors of Orlando. There is Spirit of the Swamp airboat excursions, Marsh Landing adventures, Wild Willy’s airboat excursions, and Kissimmee Swamp Tours.
If you need a little bit little bit of every part, 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 guide a sloth encounter with one among their two-toed sloths.
Safari Wilderness Ranch
Speaking 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, Red Lechwe, zebras, fainting goats, ostriches, llamas, camels and extra.
To see the animals, you’ll be able to take a lined open-air safari, or view them from horseback or camelback. I feel your teen would possibly go a little bit loopy for a few of the particular animal encounters, like feeding grapes to lemurs. This is certainly one of many higher safari experiences I’ve seen, with a lot open house imaginable 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’ll be able to guide a glamping keep, go horseback using, and even attend a Saturday evening rodeo? Sure, Orlando stands out as the theme park capital of the world and residential to each chain restaurant and household attraction you’ll be able to dream up. But 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 using, barrel racing, and bull using. You may even strive using a mechanical bull and see how lengthy you’ll be able to keep on!
Amateur and Professional Sports
For sports activities followers, Orlando attracts so many tournaments and sporting occasions on the ESPN Wide World of Sports. You may 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.
Where to Stay in Orlando with Teens
There are loads of lodging selections in Orlando, from luxurious villas to rental condos to household resorts and luxurious lodges. These have been a few of our favorites:
Encore by Reunion Resort
Last summer season we spent a multi-generational household trip at a luxurious 12-bedroom dwelling in Encore by Reunion Resort. This trip rental neighborhood 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, and a sizzling tub, a health room, and a beautiful pool and outside kitchen. The teenagers beloved all of the room to unfold out and everybody might discover one thing to do to make them comfortable.
Find a trip rental in Orlando on vrbo
Margaritaville Resort Orlando
One of our favourite stays has been on the Margaritaville Resort in Orlando. Despite its handy location close to Disney in Kissimmee, the Margaritaville Resort has such robust island vibes you are feeling like there have to be a seaside someplace, and never simply one other lagoon crawling with alligators. The resort is contemporary, with island seaside decor and all these refined (and never so refined) tributes to Jimmy Buffett.
My teen beloved 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 look like you might be within the Caribbean, or not less than the Florida Keys.
Waldorf-Astoria Orlando
If you might be in search of a extra luxurious choice, however don’t wish to splurge on the Four Seasons Orlando, the Waldorf-Astoria Orlando within the Bonnet Creek neighborhood is an efficient 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 beloved 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 that you could 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 Beach Resort
For a funds choice on Universal Orlando property, which supplies you early entry to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, we discovered the Cabana Bay Beach Resort handy and cozy. They provide a free shuttle to MetropolisWalk, and you’ll stroll over to Volcano Bay. This retro-style resort additionally has an ideal pool advanced, with a sand seaside and a lazy river. And the family-size suites give your teen a little bit privateness in comparison with your typical two-queen visitor room. Read my full evaluate of the Cabana Bay Beach Resort.
VIsiting Florida?
If you may have extra time, you might wish to proceed extending your journey to incorporate:
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