Best Theme Park Attractions for Teens and Tweens

Anyone with a teenager in their life knows how particular they can be. And with social media influencing what’s cool (and, more importantly, what’s not-so-cool), they can be even more … discerning. But everyone loves theme parks, right?

Not necessarily. For teens and tweens who are very busy being cool, theme parks can quickly veer into “babyish” or even “boring.” So, what’s a family to do?

Disney and Universal theme parks aim to appeal to all ages, but certain attractions and experiences definitely hit the sweet spot for teens and tweens. Taking into account that thrill rides aren’t everyone’s cup of boba, here are some coaster-free favorites everyone can enjoy.

Disney Parks

Disneyland’s Jungle Cruise, Haunted Mansion, Pirates of the Caribbean, Mr. Toad's Wild Ride and Roger Rabbit's Car Toon Spin all offer Disney's signature storytelling with a more sophisticated edge, while Fantasyland's Alice in Wonderland and Peter Pan’s Flight rides are perfect for teens feeling nostalgic for their not-so-distant childhood. However, the combination of a Cars-themed dark ride and high-speed road race on Radiator Springs Racers ranks at the top for my teen nephews.

For gamers, Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters and Toy Story Midway Mania! add a gameplay and scoring element — something my sons and nephews take extremely seriously — and the same is true for Web Slingers: A Spider-Man Adventure at Avengers Campus. The Marvel-themed land also features Guardians of the Galaxy - Mission: Breakout!, and two more superhero-filled attractions — Avengers: Infinity Defense and Stark Flight Lab — are on the way.

The Star Wars-themed Galaxy’s Edge, meanwhile, features Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run and Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, a 20-minute adventure featuring multiple ride systems and a face-to-face encounter with Jedi-turned-villain Kylo Ren. In April, original Star Wars trilogy characters Luke Skywalker, Leia Organa, Han Solo and Darth Vader joined The Mandalorian, Ahsoka Tano and Rey in Black Spire Outpost.

“Tweens and teens interested in helping the Resistance can work as pilots, gunners and engineers to safely maneuver the Millennium Falcon during Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run,” said Donna DeGiacomo of Upon A Star Travel & Concierge. “My favorite tip is to ask the cast member at the attraction to activate ‘Chewie Mode’ for a fun Easter-egg experience.”

Teens and tweens are often drawn to attractions that feel immersive, notes Jodi Bainter, vice president of domestic leisure sales for Disney Destinations.

“Experiences such as Tiana’s Bayou Adventure and Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance are especially popular because they blend innovative technology with strong storytelling,” she said.

While Walt Disney World Resort has its own Jungle Cruise, Haunted Mansion and Pirates of the Caribbean, the updated Country Bear Musical Jamboree in Magic Kingdom features modern country songs, as well as toe-tapping Disney tunes — and the cheeky Frozen sing-along show in Hollywood Studios will elicit a smile from even the most jaded tween (even my Frozen-adverse son admitted it was funny). Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular also provides the teen-friendly combo of action and humor.

Magic Kingdom's newly updated Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin includes new handheld blasters, additional interactive targets and higher scoring opportunities. But, according to sixth-grader Aria Ferguson, one Tomorrowland attraction always tops her list of must-dos: the Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover.

“It takes you around Tomorrowland, and you even get to go behind the scenes at some of the rides, including Space Mountain,” she said.

Bainter notes that there are several Walt Disney World experiences that families with older kids sometimes overlook.

“Finding Nemo: The Big Blue … and Beyond! and Luminous The Symphony of Us often surprise tween guests,” she said. “These shows create a shared, high-energy moment that resonates with older kids just as much as younger ones. They are a great way to wind down the day while still feeling part of something special.”

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Universal Parks

Universal theme parks generally skew a bit older, making them great choices for clients with teens.

Universal Studios Hollywood will soon debut its first high-speed outdoor roller coaster, Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift. However, Jurassic World - The Ride already offers dinosaur-filled thrills punctuated by a water-soaked final plunge.

In California and Florida, movie fans can ride along with Optimus Prime and Bumblebee on Transformers: The Ride-3D; join the ranks of the hilarious Minions on Despicable Me Minion Mayhem; and visit a sketchy cartoon theme park with The Simpsons. Super Nintendo World at Universal Studios Hollywood and Epic Universe transports teens into the colorful world of their favorite video games, including the cutting-edge Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge, an immersive 4D race for the Golden Cup.

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“Super Nintendo World is a place many tweens and teens absolutely love,” said DeGiacomo of Upon A Star Travel. “You don’t even need to step foot on a ride to be totally immersed in all things Super Mario, from character meet-and-greets and dining at Toadstool Cafe to the interactive games you can play with a Power-Up Band.”

Meanwhile, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter on both coasts invites Muggles to step into the Harry Potter stories with a magical interactive experience inside Ollivanders Wand Shop; the Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey ride inside Hogwarts Castle; and the Flight of the Hippogriff family coaster. However, Orlando also offers Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts at Universal Studios Florida and Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry at Epic Universe — both motion-simulator rides — as well as the Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure “story coaster” at Islands of Adventure.

“Teens love trying their hands — or wands — at spell-casting inside all three Harry Potter-themed lands at Universal Orlando,” DeGiacomo said. “And watching a witch or wizard be chosen by their wand at Ollivanders is always a fan favorite.”

Bainter of Disney Destinations notes that it’s important for advisors to build flexibility into a theme park itinerary, as well as permit teens and tweens to feel involved in the planning process.

“A thoughtful mix of thrill rides, immersive environments and downtime tends to work well,” she said. “And allowing them to choose a few must-do experiences or dining locations can make a meaningful difference.”