Visiting Magic Kingdom with those tweens and teens, and not sure how to make a lasting impression? Trust me, I know, but there are so many thrills, laughs, and of course, photo ops for them to discover in the Disney Parks. We are your parent guide to all the tips, tricks, and must-dos for those magical teen moments. From Rope Drop to Fireworks: Explore Magic Kingdom with Your Teen!
Let’s be honest, those teenage years are hard. However, that’s the magic of Disney—there is something for everyone. While your days of slow rides and strollers might be over, now a new and exciting Disney adventure awaits you and your teen.
It’s an exciting time to experience those big coasters, park snacks, and shopping together. With the right mindset (and a bit of planning), you can make the most out of your park visit. Magic Kingdom is where it all begins, no matter your age!
The Magic Kingdom Hub-Main Street U.S.A
Main Street U.S.A is where your teen will get there first Magic Kingdom experience. Instantly, they will know that something magical is about to happen.
This street is filled with details of vintage store fronts for shopping, snacking, and Instagram-worthy photo ops. There is such a great mix of trendy merch that teens love to collect and delicious tasty snacks that they love to eat!
Noteworthy Pics-Character Interactions
Teens will love to get those noteworthy pics with their favorite Disney characters to post on social media.
Main Street U.S.A is the place to be. Disney has promised more character interaction for those Early Park Entry days this summer. This is your teen’s chance to “show-off” their favorite vacation outfit and matching ears! Visit Mickey and Tinker Bell at Mickey’s Town Square Theater right at the entrance of Main Street U.S.A.
Pixie Dust Tips: Early Park Entry & Rope Drop
Disney Early Park Entry is a perk available to guests staying at Disney Resort hotels and selected partner hotels. Early Park Entry allows you to enter a Disney Park 30 minutes before the official park opening.
For example, if Magic Kingdom opens at 9 am, and Early Park Entry begins at 8:30 am, arrive at the park by 7:45-8am to get front-of-the-pack positioning. This will allow you to experience rope drop. Everyone can enjoy Main Street and grab breakfast, photos, or merchandise. Head down the Main Street Hub and a cast member will scan you into a land (only for qualifying resort guests), and you can be one of the first to jump in line for your favorite ride.
Main Street Emporium
Have a teen, like me, who loves to shop? Let them shop away in the Emporium shops along Main Street U.S.A. This area includes a variety of Disney shops. These shops have a massive selection of all those favorite teen items.
In fact, these shops are filled with Disney T-shirts, spirit jerseys, Loungefly backpacks, and, most importantly, a wide selection of classic Disney ears and collectible pins.
Magic Kingdom Snacking–Main Street U.S.A
- The Confectionery is a candy wonderland that any teen would love, it overflows with freshly made fudge, caramel apples, lollipops, Mickey-shaped treats and mixtures of popcorn that smell as sweet as it looks.
- The Main Street Bakery features those teen favorite Starbuck brews and tasty pastries too. A Frappuccino, Starbucks Refresher, Cold Brews, and Specialty Coffees along with Mickey cinnamon rolls and breakfast sandwiches are all under $8!
- Plaza Ice Cream Parlor is where teens can enjoy and share a sweet delight. The Plaza serves floats, waffle cones, regular sundaes, or the challenging—Mickey’s Kitchen Sink Sundae.
Pixie Dust Tips: For example, there are so many delicious snacks under $10 for teens to enjoy around the Magic Kingdom Park. Explore Budget the Magic for our detailed blog: Snack Your Way Through Magic Kingdom for Under $10!
Happily Ever After
If your budget can handle it, I recommend booking Magic Kingdom’s Dessert Party with your teen.
So, what is Disney’s Dessert Party? It’s a spectacular and fun event that takes place during the Happily Ever After fireworks show. Naturally, it does require a reservation and comes at an additional cost. Specifically, prices for adults (ages 10 and up) range from $99 to $109, tax included. Meanwhile, prices for children (ages 3 to 9) are $59, also including tax.
Therefore, if you want to experience this event with your teen, be sure to make a reservation at Tomorrowland’s Terrace Restaurant, where you can enjoy delicious desserts and reserved seating for the Happily Ever After fireworks show.
However, this event is not considered a ‘Disney Special’ event, so you are still required to have theme park tickets to enter the park—unfortunately, these tickets are not included in the price of the event.
Explore Magic Kingdom Fireworks Dessert Parties: Seats & Sweets for more information.
Adventureland Attractions & Experiences for Teens
Adventureland is a perfect spot for teens who want a mixture of thrills, snacks, and laughs. With a tropical vibe, they can capture those fun photos of jungle cruises, pirates, and spitting camels.
Swiss Family Treehouse
Teens can take a climb up into a treehouse adventure by exploring the Swiss family’s shipwreck home. There are plenty of photo ops with views of the park at the top of the 6 story treehouse (climbing stairs are required, outdoor).
The Jungle Cruise
By all means, the Jungle Cruise is not a thrill ride; however, it is one of those classic Disney must-do experiences, especially for first-time visitors. In fact, this boat adventure takes you on a cruise through the Nile River, featuring hippos, lions, zebras, and crocodiles—animatronics, of course. Additionally, teens can enjoy the boat captain’s corny jokes, which adds to the ride experience.
- height requirement: none–any height.
- low-range intensity: it is a slow cruise along the nile river.
- type of attraction: boat ride and can fit multiple people.
Pirates of the Caribbean
Teens can set sail on a voyage in this dark ride on an adventure through the rough seaport of a pirate’s cove with sights, sounds, and music of pirates, ships, and splashing canons.
- height requirement: none-any height.
- low-range intensity: there is one small drop at the beginning of the ride; however, this attraction also features cannons that create water splashes throughout the ride, along with a wet water drop at the start.
- type of attraction: indoor dark ride on a boat log that fits multiple people, 4 to 5 people per row.
Play Disney Parks Achievement Available for Pirates of the Caribbean
So, what do teens love the most? Playing on their phones, of course. Well, parents, you’re in luck! Teens can easily download the Play Disney Parks App to their phones. This app allows them to play interactive games, trivia, music, and other features, which add a new layer of interactivity to their park visit. In fact, it’s designed to turn wait times into play time.
Pirate’s Adventure–Treasure of the Seven Seas
A fun adventure to keep those teens occupied is A Pirate’s Adventure. This is a fun interactive hunt through Adventureland where teens can search for hidden treasure.
So, what is good to know before you go? First, Pirate’s Adventure is FREE. Yes, that’s right—there are no fees to participate in this adventure. Secondly, it’s an easy and simple process to choose a talisman, thanks to your MagicBand. I promise you, your teens will have a great time exploring Adventureland while completing the five missions offered in this game.
This activity will surely keep them busy for at least 20 minutes. Now, how can you sign up for this adventure? Simply head straight to the Crow’s Nest near the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction. Pixie Dust Tip: In fact, teens can start the adventure 30 minutes before park closure, giving them one last magical experience to cap off their day.
Snacking in Adventureland
We all know teens love to snack. Adventureland offers some of the best snacks in the Magic Kingdom Park.
- The Adventureland Spring Roll Cart: The Spring Roll Cart is located just outside the entrance of Adventureland, near the Main Street Hub. When I say these are delicious, I truly mean it—and your teens will definitely think so too! In fact, I know the Spring Roll Cart is a must-stop for my teens. Spring rolls are priced at two for $9.50 and come in tasty selections like cheeseburger, ham & cheese, or pepperoni & cheese.
- Teens cannot visit Adventureland without stopping by Aloha Isle, as this is the home to Disney’s famous Dole Whip. After all, teens love sweet treats, and they can enjoy a whip of pineapple, vanilla, or swirl at Aloha Isle, all at a great price. At just $5.99 for a cup or $6.99 for a float, it’s a fantastic deal.
Pixie Dust Tips: Get a selfie with Aladdin and Princess Jasmine in Adventureland. Additionally, here’s a little Captain Hook Trick: there are two large camels outside the Magic Carpet Ride, and they occasionally spit water. This makes it a perfect spot to capture an embarrassing snapshot of your teen!
Frontierland Attractions & Experiences for Teens
So, what’s new for teens to explore in Frontierland? Tiana’s Bayou Adventure! This reimagining of Splash Mountain offers a brand-new adventure that promises a fun journey down the bayou. Teens will love the chance to journey through the bayou on a musical log flume for a Mardi Gras party with Tiana and friends. However, guests are advised to be prepared to get wet on this ride, especially in the 1st and 2nd seats. I guarantee your teen will ask for those very seats!
- height requirement: 40 inches or taller.
- low-range intensity: while this is a slow ride, it does feature a pretty intense 50-foot drop.
- type of attraction: log water ride–indoor/outdoor; each log has 8 rows, 2 people per row.
Your Teen can Dig in to Tiana’s Tasty Treats
Tiana’s Famous Beignets have come to the Magic Kingdom. They are available at the Golden Oak Outpost next to the ride for $6.99 for three to four powdered Beignets!
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
This is a themed-wild west roller coaster that takes some pretty fun and exciting twist and fast turns that teens will want to ride again and again.
- height requirement: 40 inches or taller.
- mid-range intensity: It has tight turns; however, there are no big drops, and it doesn’t include any loops or go upside down.
- type of attraction: outdoor roller coaster; 2 to 3 per cart seat. 36 mph–back seat is the best!
Captain Hook Tricks: Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is currently closed for refurbishment. However, the good news is that Disney has construction plans in this area on two brand-new lands. Specifically, a Villains-themed land and a Cars-themed land will be coming to Magic Kingdom. As a result, it looks like you’ll need to bring your teens back to Disney to experience these exciting new lands! That said, no official opening dates have been announced just yet.
Liberty Square Attractions & Experiences for Teens
Riding the Haunted Mansion with your teen is an unforgettable blend of thrills, laughter, and just the right amount of fear. From the dark voice in the welcoming room to the stretching walls, your teen’s mood will change to an unknown feeling of what comes next.
We all know, teens love an eerie vibe and they will definitely get it as the doom buggies glide through a dark mansion of singing and dancing ghosts.
- height requirement: none–any height.
- low-range intensity: although this is a slow ride, it is considered a dark ride because of its spooky and haunting atmosphere.
- type of attraction: indoor doom buggy dark ride, 2 to 3 people per buggy.
Spooky Shopping and Snacking
Next is the “haunting” shop, Momento Mori. Here, teens can discover cool Haunted Mansion apparel and accessories, as well as art, gifts, and so much more. Meanwhile, the Liberty Square Market offers a convenient quick-service option with giant turkey legs, fresh fruit, Mickey pretzels, and hotdogs. In addition, teens will love cooling off with a frozen Fanta slushy!
My teen’s all time favorite Liberty Square snacking spot is Sleepy Hollow. Sleepy Hollow serves some tasty teen favorites like Mickey waffles with nutella & fruits and funnel cakes. They can grab a Joffery Coffee to wash it all down.
Fantasyland Attractions & Experiences for Teens
One of the most iconic landmarks in all of Magic Kingdom is Cinderella’s Castle. It is the backdrop for countless teen selfies and social media stories. It is the gateway to some classic and thrilling Disney rides.
Fun Fantasyland Rides for Teens
No matter their age, all kids enjoy Peter Pan’s Fight. With a little bit of pixie dust, teens can take a flight over Neverland and view glowing volcanoes and sparkling waterfalls.
- height requirement: none–any height.
- low-range intensity: soar over neverland in a pirate galleon. holds 2 to 3 people.
- type of attraction: this is an indoor slow ride that holds 2 to 3 people per galleon. Because this ride tends to have long lines, it’s best to ride either early in the morning or during the fireworks when wait times are typically shorter.
Seven Dwarfs Mine Train is a family coaster; however, it’s also a fan favorite among teens. The ride is themed around Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. Not only does it feature twists and turns in its swinging mine carts, but it also offers interactive elements in the queue, such as games to keep you entertained while you wait to board.
- height requirement: 38 inches or taller.
- high-range intensity: although smooth and gentle, it has some fast turns and larger drops. speed is 34 mph.
- type of attraction: outdoor roller coaster trill ride. holds 2 people per cart seat.
The Mad Tea Party will have teens spinning and I mean literally, this is a fun spin around teacup that will have teens laughing.
- height requirement: none–any height.
- low to high intensity: the rider controls the level of intensity with the wheel in the center of each teacup. you can adjust your speed and the direction of the spin.
- type of attraction: each teacup can fit 3 to 4 guests. while the ride is outdoors, it does have a cover overhead to provide some shade and protection from the weather.
Fantasyland Shopping for Teens
Teens can discover apparel, candy, accessories, pins, and ears at Fantasy Faire, Bonjour: Village Gifts, and Big Top Souvenirs. And snacking? Well, Cheshire Cafe is where teens can find sweet treats like pepper jack pretzels and Cheshire Cattail pastries filled with sweet cream and chocolate chips. Yum, Yum!
Tomorrowland Attractions & Experiences for Teens
Teens can explore the future with Tomorrowland’s out-of-this world rides and gadgets.
Top Teen Attractions
Space Mountain will launch teens into space in a rocket coaster that is truly out of this world. In fact, it’s dark, fast, and super fun—making it a must-ride for thrill seekers.
- height requirement: 44 inches or taller.
- mid-range intensity: this is a dark coaster ride through the stars with fast turns and big drops.
- type of attraction: rocket shaped roller coaster that sits three people in a row one behind the other in the rocket. two different tracks. 27 mph.
Tron Lightcycle Run is a fast and fun race to the finish on your own lightcycle. Moreover, it is one of Disney’s newest and coolest rides for teens, designed with a sleek, neon-lit Lightcycle that adds to the thrill.
- height requirement: 48 inches or taller.
- high-range intensity: the initial launch on this thrill coaster is the most intense part.
- type of attraction: this coaster features a single-seat cycle, positioned side by side with another. additionally, it is an outdoor ride that reaches speeds of up to 59 mph.
Tron Identity Program: Teens can create an action figure or program that sounds just like them. In addition, allow about 20 minutes to make your selections. Once all of your choices are made, your program will be ready within 60 minutes. Please note, the purchase of your program is required at a cost of $89.99. While no reservation is needed, payment is due upon arrival. However, there’s no need to wait for your figure or program—you can enjoy the park and pick it up at the end of your day.
Teens will love to compete on the Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin. A fun interactive ride of earning points as you spin around and try to defeat Evil Emperor Zurg. As a junior space ranger, teens try to hit targets with an infrared laser.
Out of this World Shopping and Snacking for Teens
- Tomorrowland Launch Depot is the place to find that tron inspired apparel and merch.
- Star Traders has some cool Tomorrowland ears, pins and so much more.
- Auntie Gravity Galactic Goodies is a quick service of many delicious tasty treats from Churros to ice cream to shakes to sundaes.
Faith, Trust & Pixie Dust Tips
There is so much for you to discover and explore with your teen in the Magic Kingdom Park! In fact, we have not even begun to unwrap the EXTRA magic that awaits you and your teen. Discover more Pixie Dust Tips for Teens.
Want to learn more tips, tricks, and budget-friendly savings for Disney World? Check out our posts below.
