The Tween Zone, not to be confused with The Twilight Zone, but often very similar, is a place where many families find themselves. Their children are too old for elementary play, but not old enough for actual teen activities. So how in the world can one plan an acceptable tween trip to Walt Disney World Resort? We went to the specialists to get their opinions and suggestions on how to map out an outstanding Disney vacation in the “Tween Zone.”
To start things off on the right foot, Disney Parks Moms Panelist, Donyell R., encourages parents to allow their tween to assist in the planning of each day. “My tween girls love to plan and lead our vacation, so we let them use the My Disney Experience Mobile App to keep up with our daily schedule and find directions for us, if needed. Testing their GPS skills has proven quite entertaining for my husband and me. We also like to review the Planning for Tweens and Teens guide,” she said.
“Since our girls are thrill-seekers, we hit the fastest rides first. Space Mountain, Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, and Big Thunder Mountain Railroad are all definite must-do’s for my family. Of course, our girls love the interactive experience of designing and testing a car at Test Track, and they would certainly claim that life is not complete without facing the Spirits on the The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror.”
Perhaps your tween is looking for an exciting activity outside of the theme parks? If this sounds like your child, panelist Trish has a great suggestion. “One of my top activities to do with my tweens when visiting Walt Disney World Resort is to take them out for a spin on the water in a Sea Raycer on the Seven Seas Lagoon. With convenient Marina locations at Disney’s Polynesian Resort, Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa and Disney’s Contemporary Resort, not to mention discounts for Disney Vacation Club members and Annual Passholder.” she said. “There is nothing like the experience of seeing Magic Kingdom Park from the water in the privacy of your own Sea Raycer. This activity has always been a big hit with my tweens.”
Trish also says her kids’ favorite Disney Resort hotel is, hands down, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge. “They enjoy many of the experiences unique to this resort, including the daily cultural immersion and wildlife discovery activities where they get to speak with cast members from various parts of Africa, learn what it is like to live there, how to play traditional African drums, and touch animal artifacts while blindfolded, trying to guess the identity of each object. Not to mention, my kids can never seem to get enough time viewing exotic animals roaming the vast savannas outside our balcony or keeping nighttime watch using night vision goggles.”
So as you can see, the Tween Zone might not be as foreboding as once thought. If you have more tween questions, or need more information about booking your next Disney vacation, please visit all the panelists at DisneyParksMomsPanel.com.
