Mommy Frog's Note: As a mom of a tween, I understand how it can be hard to plan a family activity or vacation with a teenager. Will they enjoy it or pretend not to know us? The good news is that most tweens and teens magically stop acting like typical teenagers when they enter Disneyland. Somehow we all magically turn back into little kids while we are there. Your teen may still love meeting favorite Disney characters, piloting the Millennium Falcon and riding the top teen thrills at Disneyland. (Psst ... I've also written a complete guide to taking your teen or tween to Disneyland and Tad has a post on Disney California Adventure for even more tips on how to have a toadally awesome trip.)
Knowing how to entertain your teens in the park can lead to a successful trip and create hoppy family memories. I’ll turn it over to Tad so you can hear from him directly about his favorite thrill rides and small thrills at Disneyland so your tween or teen can anticipate the fun that is in store for them. As parents, Leap and I feel safe letting Tad experience a little bit of freedom to do his own exploring (sometimes on his own, and sometimes with a friend) to ride anything Lily is not quite tall enough for yet. I'll hand it over to Tad.
'Sup! Tad here. Some of my favorite thrill rides (and places to chill out) hoppen to be at Disney California Adventure. However, my favorite park is still Disneyland. No cap. Disneyland has a completely different feel from California Adventure and it has so much to offer people our age. Yes, there are thrill rides and I will tell you all about those, but there is a lot of simple fun and good vibes that you can get just walking around, being in the park or when you need to rest.
The Best Tween and Teen Thrills at Disneyland
How often do you get to drive your own car? It seems silly, but this ride so much fun for those of us not yet old enough to drive.
This one never gets old because there are different adventures, places and characters each time. And there is always the anticipation of finding out who the rebel spy is. Pick me, pick me!
This thrill ride roller coaster in the dark is pretty scary, fast and fun. I like to ride it during Season of the Force in and around May (Star Wars Month ) because it becomes Hyperspace Mountain and has a "Star Wars" layover! I recommend riding early, getting a Lighting Lane, or hopping in the Single Rider line for this one. We have a whole post on how to skip some line using Single Rider at Disneyland.
A few years ago, Harold, the Yeti, became scarier and more lifelike. The left track it is a little faster than the right. I often use the Single Rider line while Mommy Frog takes Lily on the nearby teacups or Alice in Wonderland. The Matterhorn ride just hits different at night compared to during the day, so choose your own adventure: left, right, day or night! Night is scarier in the dark! This has a short line in the morning (or on rainy days)! But you can also access the Single Rider line or book a Lighting Lane to skip the line.
"This here’s the wildest ride in the wilderness!" Never gets old. This line moves fairly quickly and is one of my favorites, so I often hit it twice if the line is short. The front of the train is slower, and the back is a wilder and faster ride. Row 15 is my favorite. Have you tried the Goat Trick?
Tiana's Bayou Adventure (open as of Nov. 15, 2024)
This new ride replaces Splash Mountain. This water ride is so much fun. The line gets long on a hot day, but it is usually very short once it gets dark. I have found that I get soaked in the front seat. Mommy Frog prefers the back seat, where she does not get so wet. On a cold night, we barely get a few drops on us, but on hot days we seem to get soaked. A heavier boat with more people will soak you more than a lighter boat. Be sure to smile for the camera at the top of the drop (look slightly to your right as you head down hill).
Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run
As a big time Star Wars fan, I always look forward to my next opportunity to hop into the cockpit of the Millennium Falcon. In the queue, you'll meet Hondo Ohnaka, who will explain your mission (with the help of Chewbacca). Then, you'll receive your assignment: pilot, gunner, or engineer. Can you obtain two containers of coaxium without damaging the ship? Hop over to my Galactic Guide to Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge to learn more about this ride. It's a must-read for young teen and tween padawans like myself. If you want to skip the line, book a a Lighting Lane or try the Single Rider line. However, you increase your chance of being an engineer by going Single Rider. Just sayin'.
Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance
This is the most epic ride at Disneyland! It has elaborate pre-shows that take you deeper into the story and a ride that makes you feel like you are on a ship in a "Star Wars" movie. This Galaxy's Edge ride is so popular we have a whole post dedicated to how to get on Rise of the Resistance and how to get the shortest wait.
The ride is exciting, but the line is fun and interesting, too — pull the bamboo pole and rope! This popular high-speed ride is also one you might want to get a Lighting Lane for to reduce the wait. The line is shortest in the first hour of park opening, during nighttime entertainment and at the end of the night.
Other Teen and Tween Thrills at Disneyland
Besides the thrill rides, there are other fun rides and things to do in Disneyland. Here are some small thrills that I look forward to each time.
Pirates of the Caribbean
Pirates of the Caribbean is always a favorite long and air-conditioned ride, especially when I am hot and tired from the thrill rides. Its line moves quickly and there are two thrills in the dark. If you like pirates, you may also enjoy taking a raft over to Pirate’s Lair, an island with caves and trails and some pirates lurking around.
Haunted Mansion and Haunted Mansion Holiday
One of my favorite times of the year is when the Haunted Mansion is transformed into the Nightmare Before Christmas from later summer to early January. Keep your eyes open for Jack Skellington and Sally in New Orleans Square photo op! During the rest of the year, the Ghost Host keeps foolish mortals entertained with ghoulish delight. "There's no turning back now ... "
Watching Fireworks
I have hopped around the park and seen the Disneyland fireworks from every location. I like to watch them from Main Street where I am surrounded by projection, and because I can hop in closer to show time. But it’s easier to catch a closer view of the fireworks, as well as another close-up type of projection that matches the castle projection, at "it’s a small world." The castle is a bit crowded for me (and you have to invest some time in getting a good spot.
Another great nighttime spectacular is Fantasmic! The Rivers of America is a great spot to watch the fireworks if you are also watching Fantasmic! that night.
Meeting Characters
You can meet Mickey and Pals in Town Square or Toontown, catch Disney villains, princesses and other characters wandering around in Fantasyland or see Star Wars characters in Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge. Not gonna lie, it's always a bit thrilling to be interrogated by Kylo Ren.
If you love shooting games and Toy Story, then this ride is for you. Join Buzz Lightyear in this interactive and intergalactic battle against the Evil Emperor Zurg. Shoot at targets to rack up points, and encage in a little friendly competition with your companions. If you like games (and who doesn't love games?), hop over to the Gamer's Guide to Disneyland for more fun. And a few tips on getting a high score!
Eating Iconic Snacks and Mickey-shaped Foods
Bruh, Disneyland has the best foods. And we all know everything tastes better when Mickey shaped. Mickey bars, Mickey pretzels, Mickey macarons, Mickey caramel apples, Mickey crispy treats, Mickey pancakes, Mickey waffles and Mickey beignets? Yes, please! But there are also a ton of other bussin' Disneyland snacks and mocktails or coffee drinks you gotta try!
Do you have any favorite teen rides and experiences at Disneyland? Please share them in the comments below. If you are looking for tickets, Undercover Tourist offers some hoppin' deals on Disneyland Resort tickets, including some tickets already loaded with Lighting Lane Multi Pass!
Related: Disney California Adventure's Best Attractions for Teens and Tweens
Related: Best Theme Parks in California by Age Group
Stay cool!
