I am bringing my son to Disney for his 1st trip. He's 10, and we are staying at the Contemporary Resort. I would like ideas for theme parks and resort activities. It will be a 5-day, 4-night trip. I am thinking 2-3 theme parks days and 1-2 resort days.”

Hi Troy! What you are doing is an awesome “dad move.” As a dad and a huge Walt Disney World Resort fan, it is my pleasure to answer your question! Let’s make this visit all about your son! At 10 years old, there is so much magic for him to enjoy!

If your son is a fan of Star Wars, Toy Story, Indiana Jones, and thrill rides then you are going to want to schedule time at Disney’s Hollywood Studios! Here you can take your son to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge to experience Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run and Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance! Over in Toy Story Land, you can hop aboard Slinky Dog Dash, Toy Story Mania, and Alien Swirling Saucers! If your son is all about thrill rides and thrilling shows, then you’ll want to visit the Hollywood Tower of Terror, Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith, the Indiana Jones Stunt Spectacular, and Fantasmic!

If you want your son to experience the magic of Disney tradition, coupled with the newest attraction of the Walt Disney World Resort, then you are going to need to spend some time at Magic Kingdom Park! Here you can experience the most iconic attractions such as Pirates of the Caribbean, Peter Pan’s Flight, Space Mountain, The Haunted Mansion, Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, and Jungle Cruise! The newest attraction to open is TRON Lightcycle / Run! This is a stunning attraction (especially at nighttime) and a great thrill ride!

If your son is a fan of Guardians of the Galaxy, then you are going to want to experience Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind at EPCOT! He will also love Soarin’ and Test Track! If your son likes roller coasters, he is going to love this one! I have experienced this ride myself, but my sons haven’t yet. This is the ride I am most excited to have my sons experience during our upcoming visit!

Finally, Troy, you are going to want to visit Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park! The Walt Disney World Resort is home to two water parks, but Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon is the one that will be open during your October visit! We took our sons to the water park during our last visit! All three of the boys told us that visiting the water park was the best part of the trip! I highly recommend a day at the water park for you and your son!

So, there you go, Troy! From one dad to another, these are my top tips for amazing attractions and parks for you and your son to experience together at the Walt Disney World Resort!

Happy Planning!

Jonathan