Bored teenager

[asmidir]

Our ds turned full teenager last year (he was 13) so getting up every day was a 'pain' and the parks were 'too much walking', and the hotel with multiple pools, lazy river, dining area, games room, was boring ,etc, etc

I was wondering if any of you guys had experienced similar joy and had any tips - these holidays are not cheap and it can get a bit grinding when you're supposed to be enjoying yourselves and I'm not sure he understands how lucky he is!

Maybe a villa with his own space could help? Buy we like the convenience of a hotel, so have not considered it so far. Also thinking about split stay with some time near the sea, like Anna Marie island

Thanks for any replies!

[NewtoOrlando]

I have a nearly 13 year old and an 11 year. They are generally pretty good but the are at the stage now where they need space, and a bit of extra time for some peace & quiet. We do spilt stays so a few days onsite and then move to a villa. They don’t like full days in the parks, they do whinge more in the parks then they do in a villa. We do half days in the parks, and then spend the rest of the time chilling round the pool, eating, shopping. We had a great time in a villa last summer after 8 nights in hotels, so have decided this is the way to go for future holidays. They loved the pool, the WiFi, their own rooms and the fully stocked fridge. We always dedicate a day at the beach as they love snorkling so that keeps them happy. Ask him if there’s anything he wants to do? And factor that in to your plans, if it’s a chill out day, so be it. Plan that and a nice dinner in the evening, but agree the next day you will be going to one of the parks. I think it’s all about give and take especially when their teens!

[papasmurf]

Leave at home?

The money you can save will go toward some great meals and things to do

[ERICSMUM]

Perhaps they would prefer a beach holiday where they can just “chill” ?

[Vinniecat]

Any possibility of taking a friend? Just a suggestion although I have to say it is not a responsibility that I would want. My cousin was allowed to take a friend at that age and my daughter's friend went with another friend last year aged 13.

[Mexy02]

Perhaps somewhere else in the world that ignites him. I hate to say it or appear blunt but There are too many threads on here where the kids are bored of Florida yet the parents still insist on taking them there instead of exploring new things. May comes across in the wrong way but it’s not intended and it’s a genuine question of Why do you consider him lucky to go somewhere he doesnt want to go?

[JSP]

I agree with the above, how many times has he been to Florida? Maybe he just needs a change of destination, somewhere away from all the stuff he doesn’t want to do

[cornishfrogboy]

You have not said how many times that you have visited. Orlando is not perfect for everyone.

I would consider leaving him at home. It might simply not be 'his thing'... if you have suitable child minding options available.

This would reduce spending on flights, tickets accommodation etc. It may well work out well for both yourselves and your son.

Alternatively, you could look at a different type of vacation that suits him better.

[Red Nats]

I also agree with how many times has he been?

Last year we did an Italian tour, lakes beach cities. My 14 year old coped well but wasn’t his kind of holiday. We then Did a villa in lanzarote, he was bored! If I did a villa again I’d take a friend but we’ve realised it didn’t work.
We asked the kids where they would like to go this year (14,12,10) it was a resounding Florida! It’s not mine and hubby first choice but that’s ok, we’ve got years of holidays ahead we hope. So Florida it is.
He’s already excited sits down and plans with me , knows the adr he wants. It’s nice to see.
NB he’s been once before 4 years ago

I’d find out what he wants in a holiday

[novocastrian]

some friends tool their 12 year old football mad son last year for the first time, he just wasnt interested in any of it... the mam was the real driver for going and was devastated after all that money, he just didnt get it and found it all in his words babyish...

even the waterparks didnt do much for him.

so in conclusion i would say florida isnt for everyone and ask your son where/what he wants to do / would look for on holiday, plus as suggested maybe he could take a pal ?