Best two WDW parks for two teenagers?

[Disneyfreak]

We head to WDW next weekend for a 5 night stay in a 2br at SSR with BIL & his family. He has a 15 year old son & a just turned 14 year old daughter. His kids have never been to WDW, & for some reason BIL only wants to get two one day park passes for each the whole time there.:jawdroppi

The room is of course our treat :dancingba & BIL is not hurting financially. We tried to encourage them to get the 4 day pass with two days free from Undercover Tourist which would have run close to $900 but they want to spend $500 + & only get two days.:worried: BIL stated that his kids would want to enjoy the resort, " I now my Kids & they are going to want to be at the pool" he says. He may be right, but I personally think it is child abuse to take your kids to WDW for the first time & not go to all the parks:headbrick

So, everyone, if you have two teenagers who have never been to WDW, which two parks would you choose?

I am thinking MK of course, & maybe DHS.

[I'mNoPrince]

WOW thats tough real tough. DD is 14 and Vet of WDW if this was her 1st and only I think things would change.

With that said you have to do MK well just because it's MK and has the Most and best rounded attractions of all.

Then for the second Her choice was AK followed by Epcot and DHS.

Remember it's not to late once he gets there and relises how much fun it is they can upgrade one of the single day tickets for them to add the next few days. It won't save much but still.

[Tink22]

If they are ride-lovers I would say DHS. I personally cannot imagine going to WDW and not going to MK. However, some teens really love animals and so I would suggest AK. My teens really do love Epcot (test track, soarin') and the fireworks and food choices are great. I know this post is of no help at all, but it really depends on the likes and dislikes of the particular teen. Maybe you could get hoppers and pick which things at each park they would like to do. I agree with you, you really need to experience each park for different reasons. I think they just don't realize what they would be missing. Good luck!!

[Mary]

Talk him into the hopper--then do MK on a late night when the kids can just about run on everything. they can do AK that morning and afternoon. The following day make it a resort pool day as they will be exhausted from the late night. Maybe in the afternoon you could pool hop a little to give them a feel for the vast size of Disney. the next day try for epcott and Hollywood Studios especially if they have a llate night for one of them. They won't see everything, but if they grab soarin fast pass as they go in they might get a decent amount in. Make sure they see the light show in Hollywood studios at the end of a day! Good luck. I worry when I go with people that do not want to spend the money for the pass! Mary

[Disneyfreak]

Thanks for the replies,

DW, DD 15, DD8 & I have some old non expire park hopper plus passes that have a couple of days & a couple of options left on them that we will be using.

I do not think I can talk them into getting hoppers, but maybe I should let WDW do the talking when we get there!

We will be :drive: down in two vehicles & BIL is worried about the Gas prices, if he realized how much money we are saving him by staying with us he would not worry about the gas prices. We live about 8 hrs from WDW & BIL about 7 hrs.

Oh well, we will just have to see.

[glypnirsgirl]

Well to be charitable, perhaps he does know his kids best. My son was one of those kids that just did not enjoy the parks as much as the pool. (It still did not stop me from getting a 5 day hopper plus for him).

SO to answer the question, I would definitely go for MK and DHS. MK is self explanatory. At DHS you have the 2 major thrill rides; TOT and RNRC (my favorite in all of WDW), Indy, LMA, and Muppets 3D.

I agree to not argue about it, just let WDW work its magic on him.

(Speaking of which, what is he buying for himself?)

Elaine

[rpssas]

Been to WDW 56 trips with international students. Many have only one day. Two even with hoppers is rich.
Since you can take the monorail and check out mk, that might be sampling enuf. Epcot gives you your money's worth for the tix and there is enuf rides, interactives and culture to appeal to any teen. Can't really do it in 1 day, but sure can do a lot of sampling. Start at opening at the epcot golf ball ride, end the night at the firework laser show leaves oceanography, dinosaurs, physiology, photography, test track, soarin, countries, international foods and demonstrations, with lots more options in between for their personal interests. AK, same thing, but doesn't its not open as late, ecologically it stunning (depending on where you are from and how much of the world you've experienced. Enjoy your visitors, shirley

[handa]

There's enough time to call WDW, have them send your BIL this year's DVD, and let him have his kids watch the DVD to make their own choices w/ the two days that they have. This is also a good reason to spend 20 minutes watching Stacey and the "Top 7" show. It gives a nice overview of most of the resort to help them make better choices based upon their interests.

We're all traditionalists, and think that there are certain things that are "Must do activities" but it really isn't fair to transpose our experiences onto another's sensibilities, unless of course they ask ;)

We pay for all of the other priveleges (pool, fitness room, resort entertainment, etc.) with cash for room nights and our ownership. If others see more of a value in this than we do, why not let them take advantage of their stay in the manner which they most see fit? I tend to over-focus on the parks because this is my thing, but friends have shown me the value of a good meal, a day at the pool, and a night in DTD as a nice balance to all of the other stuff that I'd do 24/7 if somebody let me attempt it.

However, I *would* strongly suggest a trip to Boardwalk for Welcome Home Wednesdays. I'm sure that the kids will love this! After all, of all the "must do's" that we have available to us, there's nothing quite like spending 90 minutes with Dee for the latest in live infomercialy goodness :Pokepoke:

Chris

[greenban]

Well to be charitable, perhaps he does know his kids best. My son was one of those kids that just did not enjoy the parks as much as the pool. (It still did not stop me from getting a 5 day hopper plus for him).

SO to answer the question, I would definitely go for MK and DHS. MK is self explanatory. At DHS you have the 2 major thrill rides; TOT and RNRC (my favorite in all of WDW), Indy, LMA, and Muppets 3D.

I agree to not argue about it, just let WDW work its magic on him.

(Speaking of which, what is he buying for himself?)

Elaine


Elaine you are the best (I can't believe you are a Lawyer, LOL!).

I would say, thank goodness they are inlaws if you know what I mean. I actually have 1 inlaw family that sounds quite similar, and we always stay in seperate rooms (our treat too!), after the first and only time in a 2 bedroom together. We are just different people!

So to the OP!

You are a saint, good luck! and g-d bless!

-Tony

[Disneyfreak]

Hey Tony,

How about I send the inlaws to you & have you straighten them out!!;)

[glypnirsgirl]

Elaine you are the best (I can't believe you are a Lawyer, LOL!).

So to the OP! You are a saint, good luck! and g-d bless!

-Tony

Tony - I have a hard time believing that I am a lawyer either. I never intended to be one. My first husband insisted that I go to law school when what I wanted to be was a wife and mom. I told him that all my friends that went to law school hated it and I did not want to spend three years of my life hating it. Well, to my surprise=, I loved law school. I loved all of the reading and studying. It was a lot like learning geometry. There is a set of rules and you use those rules to accomplish what you need to accomplish. Once you get your mind around the fact that law (and geometry) are human constructs to be used for a particular purpose, its fun!

Somtimes I am horrified by the incompetence of my brethren and sometimes I am awed by their brilliance - sometimes that is the same person at different moments. Until the last few years, I have been a trial attorney and as a result, I am still more willing to contest matters in bankruptcy court. A few weeks ago, in one of my cases, a claimant was asking to get out from under the automatic stay to be able to pursue collection activity against one of my clients (a realtor) and the claimant stated that they were a secured creditor, secured by future commissions. I did the research to show that future commissions were property of the bankruptcy estate and therefore could not be attached or garnished. I did a brief, copied opposing counsel, and filed the brief with the Court. On the morning of the first hearing, another bk attorney with exactly the same issue, same claimant showed up at court on the same issue and the court clerk told him that I had filed a brief on my case. He decided to contest the issue. The claimant's attorney was relying on the two of us to be lazy and he asked for a continuance. So this past Thursday I show up, other bk attorney shows up and claimant's attorney shows up. I am flabbergasted!!! The other bk attorney rolls over and enters into an agreement to pay claimant $9000! I stand up to do the hearing. The claimant's attorney stands up. The judge says, Let me see if I get this right, and relates the particulars of our fact situation. Asks claimant's attorney, is this correct? Are there any facts that are in dispute? No. Judge says, sorry you lose. Future commissions are exempt property AND property of the bankruptcy estate. your lien is not valid.

So, why did the other attorney NOT have a hearing??? My guess is that it was just FEAR of the unknown (that should have been known, he did not even have to do his own brief, he could have read mine). I see stuff like that all of the time. It drives me crazy.

But I am getting older (53, soon to be 54) and tireder (for the alliteration, I know that it is not gramatically correct), and I just don't have as much fight left in me. I am limiting my practice to ONLY bankruptcy. You really have to look for a fight in bankruptcy court.

Elaine

[greenban]

Tony - I have a hard time believing that I am a lawyer either. I never intended to be one. My first husband insisted that I go to law school when what I wanted to be was a wife and mom. I told him that all my friends that went to law school hated it and I did not want to spend three years of my life hating it. Well, to my surprise=, I loved law school. I loved all of the reading and studying. It was a lot like learning geometry. There is a set of rules and you use those rules to accomplish what you need to accomplish. Once you get your mind around the fact that law (and geometry) are human constructs to be used for a particular purpose, its fun!

Somtimes I am horrified by the incompetence of my brethren and sometimes I am awed by their brilliance - sometimes that is the same person at different moments. Until the last few years, I have been a trial attorney and as a result, I am still more willing to contest matters in bankruptcy court. A few weeks ago, in one of my cases, a claimant was asking to get out from under the automatic stay to be able to pursue collection activity against one of my clients (a realtor) and the claimant stated that they were a secured creditor, secured by future commissions. I did the research to show that future commissions were property of the bankruptcy estate and therefore could not be attached or garnished. I did a brief, copied opposing counsel, and filed the brief with the Court. On the morning of the first hearing, another bk attorney with exactly the same issue, same claimant showed up at court on the same issue and the court clerk told him that I had filed a brief on my case. He decided to contest the issue. The claimant's attorney was relying on the two of us to be lazy and he asked for a continuance. So this past Thursday I show up, other bk attorney shows up and claimant's attorney shows up. I am flabbergasted!!! The other bk attorney rolls over and enters into an agreement to pay claimant $9000! I stand up to do the hearing. The claimant's attorney stands up. The judge says, Let me see if I get this right, and relates the particulars of our fact situation. Asks claimant's attorney, is this correct? Are there any facts that are in dispute? No. Judge says, sorry you lose. Future commissions are exempt property AND property of the bankruptcy estate. your lien is not valid.

So, why did the other attorney NOT have a hearing??? My guess is that it was just FEAR of the unknown (that should have been known, he did not even have to do his own brief, he could have read mine). I see stuff like that all of the time. It drives me crazy.

But I am getting older (53, soon to be 54) and tireder (for the alliteration, I know that it is not gramatically correct), and I just don't have as much fight left in me. I am limiting my practice to ONLY bankruptcy. You really have to look for a fight in bankruptcy court.

Elaine

Actually Elaine, I totally get your love of the law. Despite being a Physician, and hating PIP lawyers from day one, I too have a love of the law. When I finally retire from medicine, I plan on obtaining two more degrees:

1) Theoretical Physics and/or Quantum Particle Physics (just for fun) and

2) Law (J.D.) specializing in constitutional law (if I 'do it' just for me) or trial law (Medical Malpractice) if I plan on doing it as a second carreer age 66-75ish.

As my undergraduate is BioMedical Engineering, I'm probably still geekish enough to do both. If there was a night school near me I would do my Law studies now, but none of the Internet Law Schools are admitted to the Bar in NJ or NY.

-Tony

Translates to, I'd gladly buy Elaine and her Macro specializing photographer hubby at Yeungling at WDW!

[glypnirsgirl]

Translates to, I'd gladly buy Elaine and her Macro specializing photographer hubby at Yeungling at WDW!


We would gladly take you up on this offer ... and reciprocate. Elaine

[7swans]

I just asked 2 fifteen year old boys your question and they both immediately responded Disney Quest!

I explained that that wasn't one of the choices, after they stopped moaning, we discussed the merits of each park, they both chose MK & to my surprise Epcot. I would have thought ToT & RnR would have put DHS over the top. :idontgeti

We will be there next weekend too!
I hope your trip is a great on inspite of your stubborn BIL!

[greenban]

I just asked 2 fifteen year old boys your question and they both immediately responded Disney Quest!

I explained that that wasn't one of the choices, after they stopped moaning, we discussed the merits of each park, they both chose MK & to my surprise Epcot. I would have thought ToT & RnR would have put DHS over the top. :idontgeti

We will be there next weekend too!
I hope your trip is a great on inspite of your stubborn BIL!

I agree with Disney Quest as the top choice for teenagers.

-Tony

[handa]

I thought about DQ and Blizzard Beach as two options instead of the four main parks from a teen's perspective as well. Maybe one day at BB and a night at DQ with a second day in a park, or something like that.

Chris

[AFMom]

OK- I've asked a few people and kids - The concensus seems to be MK and Epcot. I would have thought DHS - but they felt with only 2 rides there they were all that interested in (ToT and RnR) it wasn't worth spending a whole day there. Epcot has TT, Soarin', M:S - and it suprised me how much a few of the kids liked walking around WS. Also - Illuminations was a big sell. They liked it better than Fantasmic. Although younger kids like Fantasmic better. AK - well - Kali and EE are both awesome - but still - they didn't want to spend a whole day there.
The ones who had gone also loved DQ and the water parks.
Good luck!

[vwl mom]

DS, 15, says Epcot and HS, along with DTD and MK-fireworks from one of the resort viewing areas.

[7swans]

Polled another one; 17 year old male also down for MK & EP.

[Disneyfreak]

O-kay everyone, now I am really confused of which two to go to :headscrat

Maybe I should have done a poll :)

I guess I should just ask them .......

I can see several reasons why they would enjoy DQ & a water park but now I am thinking it would be between HS or EP along with MK.

I may just tell them to do what they want & my family will do what we want.

I am starting to see the wisdom in Greenbans philosophy :innocent:

[Disneyfreak]

O-kay everyone, now I am really confused of which two to go to :headscrat

Maybe I should have done a poll :)

I guess I should just ask them .......

I can see several reasons why they would enjoy DQ & a water park but now I am thinking it would be between HS or EP along with MK.

I may just tell them to do what they want & my family will do what we want.

I am starting to see the wisdom in Greenbans philosophy :innocent:

[greenban]

O-kay everyone, now I am really confused of which two to go to :headscrat

Maybe I should have done a poll :)

I guess I should just ask them .......

I can see several reasons why they would enjoy DQ & a water park but now I am thinking it would be between HS or EP along with MK.

I may just tell them to do what they want & my family will do what we want.

I am starting to see the wisdom in Greenbans philosophy :innocent:

In all seriousness, which I rarely am, the web is littered with the blogs and sob stories of DVC owners trying to share the magic with good friends and loved ones.

These stories universally end in horror.

Sadly, none of us who read them believe it could happen with our families (remember your darling child before the teenage years, that wasn't gonna happen to your kid either, right?)

Weither it is non Owners don't appreciate the lodgings since they're free, don't realise how much planning a GREAT WDW vacation requires, or don't realize their own spiritual and physical limitations. (What, no EMH morning after closing down MK at 3AM today?) I'm not sure, but for every happy outcome, there are hundreds of very ugly ones.

And as anyone who has seen my pictures can attest, I know ugly well!

My free advice (worth everything you paid for it).....

Plan the vaction my immediate family will enjoy. Give everyone a schedule and reservations # and phone #s so they can decide to join us or not. ADRs have much more meaning when made for and paid by an individual.

Best of luck and may Mickey Bless!

-Tony

[kiapgh23e]

Man I cant see only doing 2 parks, and if that is it who's to say they will be able to ride most of the rides in 1 day. If I was picking i would go MK and DHS ( even though AK is pretty cool for all ages just not as many "big" rides) If your kids are Disney fanatics, what probably is going to happen is that his kids are going to want to go with your kids. Possibly peer pressure will give in. Like they say different strokes for different folks. I only hope their kids dont suffer the disappointment of not experiencing the WHOLE WDW experience.

[Dreams-come-true]

I would say the MK and DHS as known as MGM studios. They have the trill rides but so do AK and Epoct. man just to that would be hard now I think about it.

[kimberh]

O-kay everyone, now I am really confused of which two to go to :headscrat

Maybe I should have done a poll :)

I guess I should just ask them .......

I can see several reasons why they would enjoy DQ & a water park but now I am thinking it would be between HS or EP along with MK.

I may just tell them to do what they want & my family will do what we want.

I am starting to see the wisdom in Greenbans philosophy :innocent:

Just wondering how the trip went? Where did you decide to go?

[Niki]

I would have no idea how to choose. I suggest you order the infomercial from WDW and give them a couple of books like Unofficial Guide and Birnbaum's Official Guide. Strongly suggest they read/watch these materials and make their decision. To me, a trip without the Mountains, TOT, RnRR, Soarin' and EE is not a good trip. No way could I choose only two parks. All you can really do to help these people (who won't follow your advise to get a 4 day hopper) is to give them the support they need to make an informed decision. They will have to live with whatever they decide. You will not.

P.S. Tony - Enough lawyer dissing. Especially PIP. I've done both sides of the case in my career, and defense is totally the "dark side." Better watch out. This lawyer knows how to cook, and might just get a taste for french fried frog legs. Yum.:hahahaha:

[greenban]

I would have no idea how to choose. I suggest you order the infomercial from WDW and give them a couple of books like Unofficial Guide and Birnbaum's Official Guide. Strongly suggest they read/watch these materials and make their decision. To me, a trip without the Mountains, TOT, RnRR, Soarin' and EE is not a good trip. No way could I choose only two parks. All you can really do to help these people (who won't follow your advise to get a 4 day hopper) is to give them the support they need to make an informed decision. They will have to live with whatever they decide. You will not.

P.S. Tony - Enough lawyer dissing. Especially PIP. I've done both sides of the case in my career, and defense is totally the "dark side." Better watch out. This lawyer knows how to cook, and might just get a taste for french fried frog legs. Yum.:hahahaha:

Nikki:

I can't help myself, it is now part and parcel of being an MD.

Do you know that the Hippocratic Oath has been modified to include, "...nor suffer an attorney to live..."?

I also appreciate your heads-up, and I am working on my hopping and hiding skills as we speak!

-Tony