When the Rides Get Bigger Than the Autographs
There comes a moment in your Disney-parenting era when the autograph book gathers dust and the character meet-and-greets get replaced by, “So… can we rope drop Incredicoaster?” Suddenly you’re navigating thrill rides, teens with phones, and kids who can out-walk you by lunchtime. It’s a whole new chapter—fun, fast, and honestly? A little bit magical in its own way.
Here’s how to make your Disneyland (or DCA!) trip amazing when your big kids and teens are officially more into adrenaline than autographs.
The Rides Get Bigger—And So Does the Fun
Once your kids move past Dumbo and into the world of coasters, the parks take on a whole new vibe. This age group is primed for speed, suspense, and bragging rights.
Must-Do Thrill Rides:
⭐ Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT!
The soundtrack, the drops, the screaming—no ride delivers more teen joy per minute.
⭐ Incredicoaster
High-speed launch + loops + Jack-Jack chaos = instant family legend.
⭐ Space Mountain
Darkness makes everything feel faster, and they love it.
⭐ Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
Perfect “warm-up” coaster if someone needs a confidence boost before the bigger rides.
⭐ Radiator Springs Racers
Part story, part race—everyone walks off smiling.
Pro tip:
Do a “thrill ride warm-up” sequence for teens who need time to work up to Guardian’s or Incredicoaster. Start with Big Thunder → Space → Racers → THEN the big drops.
Later Nights = Peak Teen Energy
You know who thrives after dark? Teens.
You know who still happily heads to bed after fireworks? The babies you no longer have to worry about.
Lean into the luxury of this season.
Why Late Nights Are Magic with Big Kids
- Shorter wait times after 9 p.m.
- The parks light up beautifully—great for photos and memory-making.
- They’ve got stamina (shockingly more than adults sometimes).
- Nighttime rides feel different—Indy, Big Thunder, and Guardians hit extra hard after dark.
Let them be night owls. This is the era for it.
Pro tip:
Plan a slow morning the next day—sleep in, hotel pool, Starbucks run—then stroll into the parks refreshed.
Phones, Freedom & Actually Staying Together
Phones make Disney with teens easier and trickier. You want them to have freedom, but also… not disappear into Tomorrowland.
Here’s what works beautifully:
Set Phone Rules BEFORE You Enter the Park
- Location sharing on.
(Life360, Find My, etc.) - Respond to texts within 5–10 minutes.
Teens love autonomy but do not love 47 missed calls. - No walking while texting.
(Disney crowds + curbs + churros = danger.) - Picture check-ins.
“Send a selfie before you hop in line” works wonders. - Portable charger required!
Yes, they must carry one.
This keeps the day smooth without hovering.
Splitting Up Without Stress
One of the best parts of Disney with big kids:
You don’t all have to do the same things anymore.
Someone wants Guardians? Someone else wants shopping? Someone needs a snack? Perfect. Divide and conquer.
How to Split Up Smartly
- Pick a home base (Jolly Holiday tables, Fiddler Fifer, etc.).
- Choose a clear meeting time (“Meet at 3:15, not ‘see you later.’”).
- Keep two adults per group if possible—makes ride seating easier.
- Use Rider Switch if someone is still thrill-ride hesitant.
- Let teens choose a few activities they control that day—snack stops, which land to head to next, or which show to watch.
When Splitting Up Works Best
- During Fantasyland peak hours
- When someone wants a thrill ride and someone else needs a break
- When shopping is calling one person and churros are calling another
- During Genie+ return-time gaps
Magical Moments Look a Little Different Now
Autograph books might not come out anymore. But new magic appears in its place:
- Inside jokes on the Incredicoaster launch
- Whooping cheers after winning on Buzz
- Late-night castle selfies
- The pride when they lead the way vs. follow
- Debriefing the day over beignets or Cozy Cone treats
- Watching them fall in love with rides you loved as a kid
This phase is bigger, louder, faster—but incredibly rewarding.
Final Thoughts: Disney with Big Kids & Teens
If the toddler years were about naps and character hugs, this season is about thrills and independence. Your teens may be taller than you, but they still want the Disney experience—with more freedom and bigger rides.
Lean into it.
Let them take the lead sometimes.
Enjoy not packing sippy cups.
Stay up too late.
Make the memories that this age will actually remember.
Because Disney with big kids is not just different—it’s its own unforgettable chapter.