By Jennifer Eblin
Disney World is exciting for kids, but not necessarily for teens. They want to visit attractions in
Orlando where they can have fun, but where they don't have to worry about running into someone in an oversized costume. Teenagers are in a class by themselves---they're tired of doing the same things they did when they were kids.
Richard Petty Driving Experience
The Richard Petty Driving Experience has a program that's perfect for teens because it puts them right inside the car with a professional driver. This Ride Along program is only available for kids 16 or older. They get decked out in safety equipment and spend three laps riding around the track at speeds over 100 mph.
Fun Spot Action Park
The Fun Spot Action Park is strictly for teens who still like being a kid sometimes. This park has two different go-kart tracks, including one with several different levels. They also have rides such as a Ferris wheel and fun carnival food such as hot dogs and cotton candy.
Marine Mammal Keeper Program
The Marine Mammal Keeper Program is only open to kids 13 or older and is a program through Sea World. The entire event takes eight hours to complete, which keeps the teen busy for the entire day. They get to put on a wetsuit and work directly with the trainers in all aspects of their job, from feeding the animals to working with trained dolphins.
Wet n' Wild
The Wet n' Wild Water Park has 20 different water-themed rides, including a multiple-story water slide. Teens who prefer sitting on the beach can sit back and sunbathe, while those who want something more exciting can try one of the many rides. It's also good for families since they have a separate section for kids.
Orlando Premium Outlets
The Orlando Premium Outlets are a series of outlet shops set up inside the city limits. They have stores ranging from Adidas and Puma to Tommy and Lacoste. Nearly every teen can find a shop they like while looking at the store and because it's so large, it's easy to spend an entire day just wandering through the shops.
City Walk
City Walk is a 30-acre complex owned by Universal Studios and located in Orlando. This complex features stores, restaurants and performers playing in the street. Most of the outdoor shows and performances are free, which makes it a nice choice for teens. City Walk also hosts a fireworks show every night.
Universal Studios Mardi Gras
Every year, when the real Mardi Gras takes place in New Orleans, Universal Studios puts on their own version of Mardi Gras. The only difference is that the Florida version is open to people of all ages and is more family friendly. Teens will still love getting the chance to wander through the park and collect beads with their friends.
Discovery Cove
Discovery Cove is best known for their dolphin swimming adventure, which is open to teens. The experience can take place over 30 minutes or all the way up to a full day, depending on the package. Even the most hardened of teens will melt when they see their first dolphin up close and personal or feel it nudge against them.
Islands of Adventure
Islands of Adventure is one of the more popular amusement parks in Orlando, especially for teens. The park focuses more on extreme roller coasters and rides, rather than family fun. Many of their roller coaster utilize loops or fast speeds, which makes it a top choice for teens who love those kind of rides.
Disney Quest
Teens who like video games will love Disney Quest, a top-of-the-line arcade owned and maintained by Disney. The arcade isn't like a typical arcade because it consists of several different floors and a high-speed elevator that's just like an amusement park ride. They have everything from traditional video games to interactive ones such as Dance, Dance Revolution.
About the Author:
Jennifer Eblin has been a full-time freelance writer since 2006. Her work has appeared on several websites, including Tool Box Tales and Zonder. Eblin received a master's degree in historic preservation from the Savannah College of Art and Design.
