Trips for Young Kids & Teens

I've heard a lot of people mention how they're not sure if they want to visit Disneyland again now that they have teenagers because they "just won't appreciate it like little kids do".  Well, I've been going to Disneyland all my life and have visited many times with both young children and teens and I can tell you that there is plenty around the parks that both age groups will appreciate - as long as you approach it correctly!

​Setting Expectations

Kids are generally eager to go on almost every ride around Disneyland, so you don't need to worry how you approach the prospect of another ride with them.  Teens, on the other hand, may express disinterest at first to what are generally considered "kiddy rides".  Don't pressure them into anything!  If they really don't want to go on Snow White with you, let them sit that one out.  Often times they'll eventually choose to join you and usually end up having fun!

Never make it sound like you're asking your teenagers to do something that's beneath them.  Calling them "kiddy rides" will automatically make most of the attractions sound "beneath" their maturity level.  I've seen high schoolers have a blast on the Astro Orbiter so don't tell me they won't like Alice in Wonderland!  They just need it to sound like it's going to be fun no matter what.

​Time Alone

If there's enough of them and/or if they're old enough, consider giving your teens some time to wander the parks alone.  They're much more adventurous and willing to go on "kiddy rides" when not with their parents.  A couple of hours can be plenty of time and they'll always have their phones on them so you know you'll be able to find them if you really have to.  Try suggesting they take younger siblings around, too.  That will give the adults some time to be child-free and encourage teenagers to take their little brothers and sisters on rides they wouldn't ride on their own and realise they're fun!

​Character Meet-and-Greets

Kids love meeting princesses and the like, but teens actually love meet-and-greets, too!  Along with Captain America and Spider-Man teens also like meeting Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, Pluto, Winnie the Pooh, Tigger . . .

​Things Everyone Can Enjoy!

Even if some of these tricks don't work, there are a lot of attractions everyone can enjoy and I don't think it takes a lot of convincing to get everyone on board for these!

DISNEYLAND

• Mad Tea Party
• Alice in Wonderland
• Roger Rabbit's CarToon Spin
• Star Tours*
• Astro Orbiter
• Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters
• Autopia
• Big Thunder Mountain Railroad*
• Jungle Cruise
• Pirates of the Caribbean
• Haunted Mansion
• Splash Mountain*​

DISNEY CALIFORNIA ADVENTURE

• Soarin' Around the World*
• Grizzly River Run*
• Frozen - Live at the Hyperion
  
• Animation Academy
  
• The Little Mermaid - Ariel's Undersea Adventure
• Silly Symphony Swings
• Games of the Boardwalk
• Toy Story Midway Mania
• Mater's Junkyard Jamboree
• Luigi's Rollickin' Roadsters
• Radiator Springs Racers*

​* - Provided everyone meets the height requirements

These are just a few ideas to help your whole family enjoy the Happiest Place on Earth!  What seems to work best with your families?