Going to Disney with a Tween or Teen? Don't Forget These.....

There are plenty of articles out there offering advice on what to pack when going to a Disney Park with younger kids. I have actually written a few. But you don’t see as many “things to pack for Disney” or “Things to do in Disney” for older tweens and teens. As our kids have gotten older, what we pack and do at the parks has really changed.

Our family has been going to Disneyland and Disney World since the youngest was just 6 months old. The big stroller we had back then made it possible to pack the proverbial “kitchen sink” with items the kids might need throughout the day. The stroller did all the heavy lifting.

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Once you leave behind the stroller, you are left with all this stuff and you begin to ask yourself, “Do I Really Need ALL this?”

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As we get ready to head back to Disney World in about 3 months, I’ve been looking back through photos. I’m amazed at how much the kids have changed in the past ten years. What’s even more surprising is how our packing has changed. I thought now was the perfect time to update my packing list of Disney Park essentials. I asked my tween daughter for her input too and here is our list of tips.

Disney World Packing List: Teen Edition

Embarking on a Disney adventure is an exhilarating experience, and being well-prepared is often the difference between misery and magic. To ensure you’re ready for a seamless and enjoyable trip, we’ve compiled a list of 20 must-have items to pack for your Disney journey.

From practical comforts to fun accessories, these essentials will keep you prepared and ready to enjoy the magical place on Earth.

Water bottle or refillable cup

Staying hydrated is super important, especially with all the walking you do inside a Disney Park. Our kids bring their refillable water bottles everywhere, including Disney. This way they can drink while they walk or wait for a ride, then refill at a water fountain or at a quick service restaurant.

Note: If staying in a Disney resort, the refillable resort cup is a good buy. Although you can’t refill it in the parks, you can use it for water and clip onto a bag or belt loop when empty with a carabiner.

Small bag or backpack

The best part about having older kids is they can carry and be responsible for their own things! Although a huge gear bag isn’t essential anymore, a small drawstring bag, lightweight backpack, or crossbody is super convenient.

Older kids can store their water bottle, cell phone, camera, souvenirs, half finished cotton candy, etc. If the kids have their own bag, it means the parents have less to carry.

Snacks

I think this is the biggest change to what we bring into a Disney Park with tweens and teens. Instead of packing in a ton of snacks, we opt for bringing one of two with us and then buying others inside the park. Many of the snacks we enjoy at Disney are available within the park.

If you do pack healthy snacks for Disney World, just remember they need to be fully portable and cannot be in glass containers.

Sunscreen & First Aid

These are theme park essentials regardless of age. Sun protection is needed regardless of season and weather conditions. I like to give my teens at Disney a small personal sized sunscreen. They can each have one and reapply as needed. We like the solid state sunscreens to avoid spills or leaks in our bags.

At a minimum, teens should have bandaids and moleskin in their First Aid. The bandaid is self explanatory. Moleskin comes in really handy for blisters on the feet. If your kid needs any medication or an epi-pen, it should also be included.

When my teens are packing for Disney World, I often just have them carry a mini First Aid kit. This way I know they have everything with them they might need.

Cell Phone/Camera

Despite the desire to go tech free, there are advantages to allowing your tweens and teens to have a cell phone inside the parks. One, their cell phone is their camera and they should be able to take plenty of pictures. Two, with a cell phone you can reach your kid in the event that you get separated or if you allow them to tour with friends.

Have them download the Disney experience app and others to help navigate the parks and to stay in touch with you. Disney allows 14 year olds to enter the park without an adult. Although it’s a bit nerve-wracking, try to give older teens some independence on their Walt Disney World vacation.

Tweens and teens can also download games or entertainment on their phones to keep them occupied during long wait times. Don’t forget a portable charger!

Whether you decide to designate one gear person or have everyone carry their own bags, these are our top 5 things to pack when visiting Disney World for teens. Now that you’ve got your Disney packing list, the next question is what is there to do in Disney World theme parks for teens?

Activities for Teens on a Disney World Trip

The whole point of Disney is to bring out everyone’s inner child and remember what it feels like to believe in magic. Even if your teens think they are too cool and grown up for princesses and tea parties, there is plenty for them to do when traveling to Disney.

Thrill Rides

Because teens can have a little more freedom and independence inside the park, not everyone has to do the same rides. Some kids are adrenaline junkies and want the most belly dropping rollercoaster. Others will prefer more mellow options.

Be sure to try Mission: Space in Epcot and Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance.

Behind the Scenes Tours

Do you have a teen who is interested in how things actually work? Behind the Scenes tours at Disney show you how the magic is made. Hollywood Studios, Epcot, Magic Kingdom, and Animal Kingdom all have a variety of tours.

Water Parks

Teens love to vacation, but they also love to relax and just have fun. Disney has two water parks with several different pools, slides, and other features. It’s a great way to unwind and cool off.

After Hours Admission

If your teen is more of a night owl, take advantage of the Disney After Hours. You get 3 extra hours in a theme park, unlimited snacks, and lower wait times for rides.

Disney Springs

Disney springs has themed shopping, entertainment, and restaurants galore. It’s also a great place to buy your Disney souvenirs. Your teens will enjoy browsing the many shops and then taking in a show at night.

More Disney Tips

Once they have all the essentials in their bags and a list of what activities to try, your teens will have a truly magical time at Disney. Explore individual interests, eat all the yummy food, and make memories as a family together.

What is your favorite thing to do at Disney with teens? Share it with me in the comments below.

Don’t forget to invite your friends to our Facebook groups! We would also love to see your vacation pictures!

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