1st time w/ a tween!

[Rogue21]

I had promised my niece if she got straight A's I'd take her to WDW. Teach me to have "one more glass of wine"! I got the call recently and due to schedules, we'll be visiting during peak season this summer.

She loves rides, so that is not an issue. And she's pretty easy with dining and trying new cuisines. She'll be 12 at the time of the trip.

My question is this . . . since it'll be MY first trip with someone other than a sibling or significant other of "advanced" age . . . is there anything I should make an effort to show her? I don't think she'll be getting to WDW with her parents anytime soon, so I want to make sure she sees the major things -- Haunted Mansion, Expedition Everest, Soarin' etc. Is there a character meal that she might like? (Her fav characters are Cinderella and Pooh.)

Thanks, in advance, for your advice!

 

[CAPTAIN HOOK]

The obvious character meals are both at MK. Cinderella's Castle will satisfy her craving for Cinderella and Crystal Palace will see Pooh greet you along with Tigger, Piglet and Eeyore :slurp:

 

[GenerationX]

I'm sure you'll have a great time!

The Crystal Palace in the MK has all Pooh characters, is a beautiful restaurant, and has great service. The food's good, too. Cinderella's Royal Table is near impossible to get ADRs for, but she would undoubtedly like it.

The last time we went, my oldest son was 12, and he could not get enough of the waterparks. Try to hit one or both of Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach.

If this is your first time going in the busy summer season, my #1 advice is to tour the parks in the morning then again in the evening. A mid-day break back at the resort during the hottest time of day will do wonders for both of you.

 

[Rogue21]

I usually visit WDW in December, so this will be a new experience to visit in the heat and crowds of August.

The Crystal Palace sounds like it might be a winner. I doubt I could get into Cinderella's Castle at this late date. Gotta keep up my rep as the "cool aunt".



Too bad she's not old enough for one of the Segway tours . . .

 

[Monty]

I usually visit WDW in December, so this will be a new experience to visit in the heat and crowds of August.

The Crystal Palace sounds like it might be a winner. I doubt I could get into Cinderella's Castle at this late date. Gotta keep up my rep as the "cool aunt".



Too bad she's not old enough for one of the Segway tours . . .

With CRT it's hit and miss, never hurts to try though!

I'm dying waiting for DS13 to turn 16 so tours are an option! :lol:

 

[tigsmom]

I would get her a planning book and tell her to make a list of her must do, want to do and will do if we have time. That goes for the places to eat also. Then get together and see if they jibe with your list. This trip is her gift from you so let her set the tone.

One more thing...before you go make sure you have a copy of her health insurance info and a notarized letter giving you permission to seek treatment for her should anything happen (God forbid). It will save a lot of time and aggravation.

 

[One Lil Spark]

I'd say with most 'Tweens you'll want to hit all the thrill rides.

Also, when you head to Hollywood Studios be sure to check out the High School Musical Pep Rally! It's still listed on the official website here: http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/wd...tDetail?id=HighSchoolMusicalEntertainmentPage

Hope that helps!

 

[Rogue21]

Tigsmom, thanks for the insurance info -- I hadn't thought about that. I had asked my sister to make sure she has some ID, but nada otherwise.

It's kinda funny, but whenever I ask her what she wants to see, her response is: " I don't know". Typical tween, I'm guessing.

I know when we have watched the vacation planning dvd I've noted what she says is "cool", so that goes on the "to do" list.

She is very excited for the trip and her enthusiasm is quite contagious. I think I'm as excited to show her MY favorite vacation spot as she is to be going for the first time. We're both counting the days.

Thanks for the tips so far!

 

[tink68]

I have a 12 year old girl here also and what she really likes to do is swim and shop. Make sure you save time to do plenty of those. Try Coral Reef for a meal because mine says it is "cool". :slurp: Have fun and good luck. :wave:
Sheri

 

[minnie2000]

I have an 11 year old DD, and these are her favourites at WDW.

• breakfast at Crystal Palace
• Big thunder mountain railroad
• Meeting characters and getting as many autographs as possible
• Buzz Lightyear ride
• Mad Hatter's tea party
• Test Track
• Soarin'
• Gran Fiesta ride
• Safari at AK
• swimming
• shopping, shopping and more shopping!

She is not a fan of the very fast rides, so your niece might prefer other rides. She saved some money last time we went, and was given some money by her grandparents, so we bought a Disney gift card with it, and she felt like she was using a credit card!