Caterpillar years: Fun for teens at Walt Disney World

Is your tween or teen past the princess phase? Treat her to high tea at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort.

By Jill E. Cooper

I think it’s safe to say that every parent of a newborn has received the sage advice from a more seasoned parent — enjoy each minute with your son or daughter because the years that child will spend under your roof will pass all too quickly. “Remember,” they’ll say, “just like a butterfly, she too will spread her wings and fly some day. Enjoy her caterpillar years.” If you have a high school senior in your household, I don’t need to tell you how eerily accurate those words can be.

With college application deadlines looming large on the horizon, your teen has likely been consumed the past few months by activities that, if performed successfully, will result in them leaving the nest this fall. Yes, that impossibly adorable little person you brought home swaddled in a hospital blanket 17 or 18 years ago is getting ready to spread his or her wings and fly. Don’t despair though; you’ve still got a few months to bond with your teenage offspring before they take flight, and there’s no better place to do that than Walt Disney World.

While there are countless attractions appropriate for young children throughout the four major Walt Disney World theme parks in Central Florida, Disney has reserved some of its most exciting experiences for the teens in your family. Turning 16 is a rite of passage in a teenager’s life. Not only does it enable them to join the ranks of licensed drivers in many states, but it is also the age at which they can finally participate in some of Walt Disney World’s most fascinating adventures.

Have you and your son or daughter ever wondered how Disney creates their characteristic brand of magic for so many guests each year? If so, then you should sign up for the Backstage Magic or Keys to the Kingdom tours. On these tours, expert guides lead guests through the ingenious Utilidor system. These are the magical subterranean corridors through which Disney’s Cast Members transport food, props, costumes and merchandise. Together you’ll discover a world of secrets behind the Disney magic. Or, if you’d prefer a more physical, hands-on experience, book an adventure on a Segway Personal Transporter. Choose one of the early morning tours and you and your teen will get the exclusive opportunity to join other adult guests as you zip through World Showcase on your Segway before that section of Epcot opens to the general public.

If relaxation is more of what you had in mind, then grab your teenage daughter and head to the Spa at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort. Let the worries of the world melt away as you reconnect over simultaneous pedicures selected from the spa’s extensive menu of treatments. Then, enjoy a sumptuous mid-afternoon tea service just off the lobby of Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort. Enjoy girl talk as you soak in the Victorian splendor of Walt Disney World’s flagship resort.

For sports fanatics: a round of golf on one of Disney’s world-famous championship courses or a visit to the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex during your favorite team’s spring training schedule. And of course, there are countless attractions in the main theme parks at Walt Disney World to satisfy even the most serious adrenaline junkies among you.

How you choose to spend your time together at Walt Disney World with your teen is up to you. Just be sure to make a pact to “unplug” from the demands of your everyday life and focus on the budding young adult who inspires you every day. As your child’s caterpillar years come to a close, squeeze in some extra special bonding time with them. Then you’ll be sure that when your teen packs his or her trunk to head off to college, they’ll have a treasure trove of irreplaceable Disney memories to include among their belongings.Related resources

Jill E. Cooper has been an aficionado of the Disney theme parks since age seven. One of her fondest dreams came true when she was invited to join the Walt Disney World Moms Panel in 2011. She and her small family have recently added Disney Cruise Line and Adventures by Disney vacations to their portfolio of magical Disney travel experiences.

Tagged: Disney, Family time, Florida