Insider's Guide to Disney World

Teens Do Disney Too

Disney World can be a special place for those old enough to explore without Mom and Dad. They can ride buses between parks, dine with friends, and find adventures all on their own.

•  Where To Stay: Pools, accessibility to good bus routes, and fun atmosphere guide the best teen choices. A clean bed, a television, and a bathroom fit most of their needs. If you have a teen in tow and don't plan to spend much time in the room, choose the All-Star or Pop Century Resorts. If you know your teens will be out while you want to stay in, opt for the more spacious and centrally located Contemporary.

•  How To Spend Your Time: Last summer, my 16-year-old daughter, Ellen, and her friend, Amanda, responsibly visited all four parks, two water parks, Downtown Disney, and the BoardWalk. They learned bus routes and stayed in touch via cell phone. One of their favorite activities became pin trading. With a $20 investment in a lanyard and a set of six starter pins, they exchanged pins with Disney cast members everywhere they went. At night, they enjoyed the Magic Hours–the parks stay open to resort guests for three additional hours on certain nights.

•  Mealtimes: Ellen made dining reservations each day. At MGM, the girls had to hide their uneaten green beans from their server at the 1950s-style Prime Time Café. Their Downtown Disney favorites included the House of Blues, Planet Hollywood, and Bongos Cuban Cafe.

•  In the Parks: Teens love excitement, and parents love safe thrills for their teens. Each park now offers at least one let-a-scream-fly ride. Animal Kingdom's brand-new roller coaster, Expedition Everest, gives them another reason to go in addition to Kali River Rapids. Epcot's Mission: SPACE appeals as well. MGM has the most to offer with the Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith; The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror; and the new Lights, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt Show.

Ellen's Must-Do List
Sixteen-year-old Ellen recently had her first on-her-own days in the parks with a friend. This is her top 10.

1. 1. Riding the Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith at Disney-MGM Studios.
2. 2. Staying for the Magic Hours–when the parks stay open late for resort guests.
3. 3. Barreling down the waterslides and tanning by the wave pool at Typhoon Lagoon.
4. 4. Souvenir shopping at Downtown Disney–make sure to hit the kid stores for princess and LEGO toys.
5. 5. Dinner at Epcot–we liked Mexican restaurant San Angel Inn best.
6. 6. Playing against your friend on Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin at Magic Kingdom, where you score points for hitting aliens.
7. 7. Riding Space Mountain during the fireworks show. There are fewer people, and you can usually ride twice.
8. 8. Eating character meals. Go to Chef Mickey's at the Contemporary Resort, and feel free to have lots of kiddie fun.
9. 9. Riding Peter Pan's Flight in Magic Kingdom. It's cool to pretend to be 7 years old again.
10. 10. Taking photographs of the fast and furious stunt shows at MGM.