10 Top Tips for Disneyland with Teens & Tweens

Is Disneyland for teens? Heck yeah! Kids of all ages love the magic of a Disney vacation. Of course, Disneyland with big kids differs from visiting with young children. In many ways, it’s better. There’s no need to squeeze in naps, plus your family can enjoy later nights at the parks and more adventurous ride options. A trip with older kids requires different planning, too. Below are the top tips for visiting Disneyland with teenagers and tweens.

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1. Sleep In & Stay Late at Disneyland

Adolescents need tons of sleep for their growing bodies. Their natural body clocks also make them want to go to bed later and wake up later. Don’t push teens and tweens to rise early for the rope drop.

Instead, plan to sleep in and get a later start. Take advantage of the incredible nighttime entertainment offered at Disneyland and Disney California Adventure, like fireworks and World of Color – ONE Nighttime Spectacular.

2. Get Teens & Tweens Involved in Planning

When preparing for your Disneyland vacation, encourage big kids to get involved in the planning process. Teenagers crave control and autonomy. Let them suggest restaurants that sound good and ask teens which rides and attractions are must-dos. It will make a world of difference for the entire family!

3. Upgrade to Lightning Lane Multi Pass

Replacing Genie+, Lightning Lane Multi Pass is an optional upgrade at Disneyland that lets parkgoers avoid waiting in long lines. Guests reserve access to select attractions through their smartphones.

With this pass, you can make up to three Lightning Lane selections per day in one park, giving teens better access to their favorite rides without waiting in the standby line. Reservations are made upon entry to Disneyland or Disney California Adventure, and each attraction can be reserved just once per day.

Be sure to download the Disneyland app before entering the park. Even if you don’t purchase Lightning Lane Multi Pass, you can still explore theme park options like wait times, dining choices, and hotel reservations via the complimentary app.

Additionally, Lightning Lane Multi Pass includes unlimited Disney PhotoPass downloads, so your tech‑savvy kid will love having access to professional photos during their time in the Disney Parks. Selfies are fun, but PhotoPass photos are even better!

4. Book Extra Room for Big Kids

If possible, book a suite or adjoining rooms when traveling with teens and tweens to Disneyland. Giving everyone their own space while on vacation can make a big difference in attitudes, making Disneyland with big kids more enjoyable overall. Keep in mind that teen siblings may balk at sharing a pull-out sofa bed, so try to get each kid a separate bed, if possible. A fabulous pool helps, too, so check out my list of the best hotels with pools near Disneyland.

My partner, Get Away Today, offers Disney vacation packages and overnights at hotels near Disneyland that offer spacious accommodations. Below are some hotels near Disneyland with extra space for families.

Hotels for Families with Teens Near Disneyland

• Castle Inn & Suites
• Staybridge Suites by Holiday Inn
• Anaheim Springhill Suites Maingate
• Courtyard Anaheim Theme Park Entrance & Water Park
• Homewood Suites by Hilton Anaheim Main Gate

5. Scope Out Disneyland Attractions for Teens

Are there rides at Disneyland Park for teenagers? You bet! Your kids may no longer be interested in taking a spin on Dumbo the Flying Elephant, but there are plenty of fun attractions at Disneyland that appeal to teens and tweens.

For example, Millennium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run in Star Wars: Galaxy Edge is sure to please sci-fi fans when they board the Millennium Falcon and pilot it through outer space. Then challenge your teen or tween to a competition for the highest score in defeating Emperor Zurg on Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters in Tomorrowland.

Attractions for teens also abound at Disney California Adventure Park. My teens’ all-time favorite Disney ride is Incredicoaster at Pixar Pier with an upside-down loop, high speeds, and the scent of Jack-Jack’s Num Num cookies. Big kids who enjoy carnival games will love playing the Games of Pixar Pier along the Pixar Promenade for a chance to win prizes.

Got thrill-seeking teens? Take a look at the best scary rides at Disneyland.

6. Keep Smartphones Charged Up

Smartphones are essential for exploring Disneyland for teens and tweens. They enable kids and parents to explore separately and meet up easily without worry. Smart devices also allow teens to document their Disney vacation by snapping lots of pics. Plus, phones provide entertainment while waiting in long rides. (I suggest downloading the Heads Up app for a hilarious way to engage with your big kids while queued up!)

FuelRod portable chargers, available at kiosks throughout Disneyland Resort, are a convenient way to stay powered up during your amusement park visit. You can purchase a charger and swap it for a fully charged one at any kiosk whenever needed. Read my tips for charging your smartphone battery at Disneyland.

7. Split Up from Younger Siblings

When visiting Disneyland with both teens and little kids, be ready to divide and conquer. Let’s be honest, family together time is great, but older siblings will want to experience some rides and attractions on their own.

Start with family‑friendly fun everyone can enjoy together, like crushing the competition on Toy Story Midway Mania or embarking on a swashbuckling adventure on Pirates of the Caribbean. Then, let big kids branch off for roller coasters like Space Mountain or Matterhorn Bobsleds while parents and younger siblings stick to gentler attractions. This way, everyone gets their version of Disney magic without compromise.

8. Bring Along Friends

Consider allowing your child to bring along a friend on your Disneyland vacation. Friends mean everything to this age group. It’s not that they don’t love you. (They do!) But teens will probably have a lot more fun if they have someone their own age to share in Disney’s magic. This is especially true for singletons or older siblings who don’t want to do the baby rides at Disneyland.

You may also consider traveling with another family that has children of similar ages. Then, parents and kids can explore the parks separately and meet up for meals or special rides together.

9. Let Kids Be Kids

It’s tough being cool all the time as a teen or tween. Ask big kids if they’d like to ride It’s a Small World, Peter Pan’s Flight, or other fun rides for all ages. Don’t assume teens are too old to pose with Disney characters like Mickey Mouse, either. Teens also enjoy Disneyland character dining, so go ahead and book that special meal. Disneyland is one place where kids can let their guards down and embrace their playful side.

10. Save Money on Your Disneyland Vacation

Want to save money on your Disneyland vacation with teens? Of course, you do! Use discount code Colleen to receive $10 off any two-night or longer Southern California package (hotel and two-ticket minimum) when you book through my trusted partner, Get Away Today. 

Find Disneyland Resort deals, including ticket discounts and discounted hotel packages!

More Disney Vacation Tips

Disney isn’t just for kids. The Happiest Place on Earth can also be romantic. Read about things for couples to do at Disneyland.

With tips for delicious dining, best rides, and memorable hotels, discover the largest Disney park in the world in this Shanghai Disneyland guide.

Fall is scary fun at Disneyland! Read my complete guide to Halloween at Disneyland.

Take a break from the theme parks during your Disneyland family trip with the best things to do in Orange County.

Save These Disneyland for Teens Tips

For future reference, be sure to save Disneyland hacks. Simply pin the image above to Pinterest. I hope you’ll follow Colleen Travels Between on Pinterest while you’re at it!

Do you think Disneyland is for teens? Share your tips and questions below for planning a Disneyland vacation with teenagers and older kids!

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