Hiya Theresa, and welcome back to planDisney! I'm so happy you are here, and I'd be honored to contribute some pixie-dust to your magical aunt-and-nephew Disney World trip. Wooo hooo!
It made my heart happy that even when my kids entered their teenaged years, they continued to enjoy the magic of the Disney Parks. In fact, this year my teenaged son and I took our first trip just the two of us, and it was one of my absolute favorite experiences! I learned a few things from something he told me afterwards. "Mom, thank you for this perfect Disney trip." This boy who used to head back to our Disney Resort with his dad when he was tired... enjoyed every single moment from park open until close! I just know you and your nephew are going to have a similar, spectacular adventure!!
What did I learn? It seems to hit different for kiddos when you can just let them exclusively set the pace for your party-of-two, eat when they are ready, and enjoy the attractions they are drawn to. I don't consider my son a foodie, and yet the meals were some of his absolute favorite moments. So I'm super excited you've asked about this, and without further ado... here's some customized recommendations my teenager thinks your nephew will love!
- Oga's Cantina - I debated about committing to multiple dining reservations in one day, but I'm so glad we did this. Ask to sit up at the bar, it's a totally different "grown up" feeling for them... he didn't want to leave! And two thumbs way up for the concoctions without alcohol "Carbon Freeze", which is absolutely delicious and has an exciting presentation that can't be beat.
- Sci-Fi Dine-In Theatre - We had always wanted to try this fun spot in Hollywood Studios, and this was the perfect trip to do it. He thought facing front, and watching old, funny black & white movies while enjoy burgers and shakes was the coolest thing ever.
- Teppan Edo - My son calls this "the steakhouse"... and there's just something about this entertaining presentation of a chef making your dinner right before you that he absolutely loves. Bonus points if you get to witness a baby's first hibachi somewhere in the room. We saw two. And they were hilarious.
- 'Ohana - I can't keep my picky eater teenagers away from 'Ohana, it's their absolute favorite meal in all of Walt Disney World. Teen boys do tend to get their money's worth from this "all you care to enjoy" feast more than most! We always try to time it so we can watch Happily Ever After fireworks from the restaurant windows at some point during our evening meal. Or better yet... finish dining just in time to stroll down and watch from the Polynesian beach.
As you mentioned, don't miss the thrill rides! I'm sure you'll hit them all, but my son's top two are Guardians of the Galaxy and Space Mountain.
And last but not least, this fun tip is for YOU. Taking selfies with the PhotoPass lenses in the My Disney Experience app is much more entertaining when you have a teenaged boy to join you. Mileage may vary on levels of participation.
Theresa, I'm getting so excited just thinking about this amazing vacation you'll be taking your nephew on to celebrate his graduation. Don't forget to grab him an "I'm celebrating" button to mark the occasion! Swing back and see us any time at planDisney, we love to sprinkle pixie-dust.
Magical memories await,
Tami