{"id":20250,"date":"2011-12-28T06:00:33","date_gmt":"2011-12-28T12:00:33","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.orbitz.com\/blog\/?p=20250"},"modified":"2018-03-08T11:35:51","modified_gmt":"2018-03-08T17:35:51","slug":"disney-hotels-caterpillar-years-fun-for-teens-at-walt-disney-world","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.orbitz.com\/blog\/2011\/12\/disney-hotels-caterpillar-years-fun-for-teens-at-walt-disney-world\/","title":{"rendered":"Caterpillar years: Fun for teens at Walt Disney World"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Is your tween or teen past the princess phase? Treat her to high tea at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort.<\/p><\/div>\n

By Jill E. Cooper<\/em><\/p>\n

I think it\u2019s safe to say that every parent of a newborn has received the sage advice from a more seasoned parent —\u00a0 enjoy each minute with your son or daughter because the years that child will spend under your roof will pass all too quickly.\u00a0 \u201cRemember,\u201d they\u2019ll say, \u201cjust like a butterfly, she too will spread her wings and fly some day. Enjoy her caterpillar years.\u201d\u00a0 If you have a high school senior in your household, I don\u2019t need to tell you how eerily accurate those words can be.<\/p>\n

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.\u00a0 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.\u00a0 Don\u2019t despair though; you\u2019ve still got a few months to bond with your teenage offspring before they take flight, and there\u2019s no better place to do that than Walt Disney World<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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.\u00a0 Turning 16 is a rite of passage in a teenager\u2019s 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\u2019s most fascinating adventures.<\/p>\n

Have you and your son or daughter ever wondered how Disney creates their characteristic brand of magic for so many guests each year?\u00a0 If so, then you should sign up for the Backstage Magic or Keys to the Kingdom tours. \u00a0On these tours, expert guides lead guests through the ingenious Utilidor system.\u00a0 These are the magical subterranean corridors through which Disney\u2019s Cast Members transport food, props, costumes and merchandise.\u00a0 Together you\u2019ll discover a world of secrets behind the Disney magic.\u00a0 Or, if you\u2019d prefer a more physical, hands-on experience, book an adventure on a Segway Personal Transporter.\u00a0 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.<\/p>\n

If relaxation is more of what you had in mind, then grab your teenage daughter and head to the Spa at Disney\u2019s Saratoga Springs Resort<\/a>.\u00a0 Let the worries of the world melt away as you reconnect over simultaneous pedicures selected from the spa\u2019s extensive menu of treatments.\u00a0 Then, enjoy a sumptuous mid-afternoon tea service just off the lobby of Disney\u2019s Grand Floridian Resort<\/a>.\u00a0 Enjoy girl talk as you soak in the Victorian splendor of Walt Disney World\u2019s flagship resort.<\/p>\n

For sports fanatics: a round of golf on one of Disney\u2019s world-famous championship courses or a visit to the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex during your favorite team\u2019s spring training schedule.\u00a0 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.<\/p>\n

How you choose to spend your time together at Walt Disney World with your teen is up to you.\u00a0 Just be sure to make a pact to \u201cunplug\u201d from the demands of your everyday life and focus on the budding young adult who inspires you every day.\u00a0 As your child\u2019s caterpillar years come to a close, squeeze in some extra special bonding time with them.\u00a0 Then you\u2019ll be sure that when your teen packs his or her trunk to head off to college, they\u2019ll have a treasure trove of irreplaceable Disney memories to include among their belongings.Related resources<\/strong><\/p>\n