Greetings Lynetta,
Thank you for bringing your question to planDisney! What a wonderful surprise you are planning for your family. The 50th Anniversary Celebration is currently in full swing at Walt Disney World Resort, so there is no greater time to plan a visit.
I’ve thought a lot about your question, and I think the best park options are
Disney’s Hollywood Studios or
Disney’s Animal Kingdom. I know you want to select just one so let me try to help you narrow it down.
I love Disney’s Hollywood Studios because it has some of the
best thrill rides on property for teens and
rides for the smaller Mouseketeers that even the teens will want to join in on. If your teens love big drops and coasters, then they will love riding The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror and Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith. For your little one, Hollywood Studios offers the chance to become one of Andy’s toys in
Toy Story Land. Your little one will have a blast competing head-to-head in classic games against your older children and you in Toy Story Mania. If your little one is tall enough and a little thrill-seeker themselves, they can also enjoy Slinky Dog Dash. I’ve ridden it as an adult, and I’m sure that your teens will also enjoy it. Lastly, as a mega Star Wars fan, I would be remiss if I didn’t mention that
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge is fantastically immersive and fun for the entire family. While your teens pilot the Millennium Falcon, your toddler might enjoy building a Droid at
Droid Depot with you. I could talk about Disney’s Hollywood Studios for a long, long time, but it is time to talk about Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
Who doesn’t love animals and
Pandora-The World of Avatar?! I suggest this option because there are so many things that you can do together. My personal favorite ride is Kilimanjaro Safaris. Ride through the African savanna on a safari vehicle while your expert guide brings you up close with giraffes, rhinos, zebras, and so much more. Your toddler will love pointing out the animals they see, and your teens will be impressed by this unforgettable experience. Your little one will also love spotting animals along the various exploration trails and in Rafiki’s Planet Watch. While your toddler is mesmerized by animals, your teens can take a ride on their own mountain banshee on Avatar Flight of Passage. They will feel like a member of the Na’vi as they soar above the Pandora sky. Then, you can meet up and take a relaxing ride on the Na’vi River Journey.
I think with either of these options, you can find experiences that not only make both age groups happy but also allow opportunities for you to make memories together. I would be happy to help you plan your trip further as you narrow down your options.
I hope you have the most magical surprise trip, Lynetta!
Happy Planning!
Ashley F.