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You may be pondering whether really arranging a Disney World travel for adults is worthwhile?
To gain more insight into what can be experienced during the different seasons in Nashville, see my guide to The Optimal Times to Visit Nashville.
There are a few ways adults can make their Disney trip feel more suitable for their age while visiting Walt Disney World (while still allowing their inner child freedom).
As someone who considers themselves a Disney adult and previous cast member, I’ll be sharing some of my favored activities and Disney World recommendations for making the most of your 18+ Walt Disney World vacation.
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Table of Contents
15 Things to Do At Walt Disney World for Adults
Enjoy Specialty Coffee
Discover your new favorite cup of java at one of the numerous shops surrounding the resort hotels and Disney parks.
A delicious morning drink gets Disney fans up and ready to begin their favorite Disney World rides early. All four theme parks have a Starbucks location, but Joffrey’s Coffee has locations across Disney World property with varying specialty drinks.
You may like to cool off with a chilled blended coffee beverage from Disney`s Grand Floridian Resort. Fans of the Star Wars franchise should consider sampling a Black Spire brew from Oga`s Cantina located in Disney`s Hollywood Studios theme park.
👉 Local Tip: If you’re looking for itineraries planning your Disney getaway, I’ve prepared a few options for your consideration:
- Six-day sample schedule for Disney World
- Itinerary for Magic Kingdom
- Epcot Itinerary
- Itinerary for Animal Kingdom
- A day at Hollywood Studios theme park
Drink Around the World Showcase at Epcot
The most well-known activity at Disney World for adults is enjoying a beverage from each of the countries around the World Showcase.
📍 Map View | Destination Details | 👉 Purchase Epcot Access at Undercover Tourist
Strolling around the World Showcase at Epcot and sipping drinks from different global locations doesn`t require much by way of an explanation – it`s a self-guided tour while indulging in new beverages. But it remains one of the highly praised highlights of Epcot!
If you’re feeling daring, try something unique and different for each country. If you want to play it a little safer, stick to beer and wine which are offered in every single country.
Be certain to drink lots of water and eat some snacks along the way. There are plenty of delicious options representing all of the countries.
👉 Local Tip: Obtain this amusing temporary tattooto track every location you’ve visited!
Visit Disney Springs
Browse popular brands or sample new cuisine in this shopping and leisure region.
📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours: 10 am – 11 pm | Entrance: Free
Unlike the Disney theme parks, Disney Springs has free parking and admission. I recommend adding a Disney Springs day to your adult Disney vacation to enjoy some great cuisine and pick up souvenirs. Adults will appreciate the options at some of my favorite Disney Springs locations: Wine Bar George, Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar, and Raglan Road.
For activities at Disney Springs, check schedules for movies at the cinema, shows at Cirque du Soleil, and concerts at House of Blues.
Capture Your Moment Photo Shoot
Take the time to perfectly capture memorable photos with a professional photographer accompanying you.
🌐 Website | Cost: Starting at $99
Capture your moment photo sessions are offered at Magic Kingdom park, Animal Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, and Epcot. These 20-minute intervals give your group plenty of time to set up some iconic shots around the Walt Disney World Resort.
Photo downloads are not included with the price of the session, so look into purchasing Memory Maker for your adults trip to get access to all your photos. These photo shoots are also a great activity for a honeymoon at Disney World
👉 Local Tip: If you’re looking for a magical place to propose, do it during a Capture Your Moment session so you’ll have tons of photos of the special occasion.
Take a Backstage Tour
Explore behind the scenes at Disney World for a fun and educational experience.
🌐 Website | Cost: Varies based on tour type.
Look no further than a backstage tour to enhance your Walt Disney World vacation if you are a true Disney fan. There are a few different tours to choose from depending on your interests. Those looking to learn more about the Magic Kingdom theme park and Walt’s vision will find the Keys to the Kingdom tour engaging.
Animal lovers can opt for several intriguing activities at Disney’s Animal Kingdom and Epcot theme parks. Savor the Savannah and Wild Africa Trek take guests on an exclusive wildlife safari. At The Seas in Epcot, guests can engage in scuba diving with over 2,000 aquatic animals in the almost 6 million-gallon aquarium.
Go Golfing
Slow down on your vacation with an exciting game at one of the Disney World golf courses.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (407) 939-4653 | Website | Rate: Varies based on selected date and time
There are a total of four golf courses at Walt Disney World – three that span 18 holes each and one covering 9 holes. All are managed under Arnold Palmer Golf. Guests lodged at select Disney hotels receive complimentary transport to their tee times and equipment rental is also available.
If miniature golf suits you more, you’re in luck! The Walt Disney Company has two mini courses: Winter Summerland and Fantasia Gardens.
Listen to Live Music
Relax and enjoy some acoustic performances at one of the various stages scattered across the resort.
🌐 Website
You may not expect live musical performances to be a common aspect around Walt Disney World, but it is surprisingly effortless to find. Many of the Disney resorts include live artists at their lounges in the evenings and Disney Springs has several stages for performers.
One of my favorite Disney holiday experiences is listening to the pianist in the Grand Floridian lobby. During the wintertime holidays, there is a large tree and gingerbread house to complete the Christmas ambiance.
Explore Nightlife at Disney’s Boardwalk
Sing and dance along at a couple of the only 21+ establishments at Disney.
📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours: 7 pm – 1:45 am | Entrance: $20 (Jellyrolls)
Around Disney World, nightlife hotspots with chaotic energy are scarce. However, two adult-focused destinations can be found at Disney’s Boardwalk. Known for complimentary popcorn and skilled performers, Jellyrolls is a dueling piano venue charging a $20 entrance fee.
Head next door to the Atlantic Dance Hall if dancing is more your style. There is no cover to enter. You can dance the night away (if you still have the energy after exploring the Disney parks all day).
Attend a Special Event
Skip a busy, hot day at the parks and attend a special evening event instead.
🌐 Website link | Entrance: Varies by event | 👉 Acquire tickets via Undercover Tourist
I don’t always recommend special events to people visiting Disney World, but sometimes it makes sense. If you are including a pool or relaxation day, it can be fun to go to a theme park just for the evening.
For Halloween, Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party includes special shows and trick-or-treating through the Magic Kingdom. During the winter holidays, there are special events at Magic Kingdom and Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
Relax at the Spa
Take a moment to pamper yourself with a luxurious spa treatment.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (407) 824-3039 | Website
The most elegant Disney hotel possesses a gorgeous spa area where visitors can unwind. Guests have access to relaxing remedies including pedicures, massages, and facials at the elegant resort`s spa. The restorative treatments come with use of a calming lounge before and after.
You may prefer to visit the therapeutic center at the Swan & Dolphin if you are staying at or near the Boardwalk.
You can even get your hair styled for a fancy evening or date night if you are dining at one of Disney’s fine-dining establishments.
Dine at Disney Signature Restaurants
Skip less nutritious options like burgers and chicken nuggets in favor of an elegant and tasty meal.
🌐 Website
Regardless of dining preferences, there are many excellent and signature restaurants throughout the resort. Many are located at the Deluxe resorts but some can also be found across the theme parks.
Reservations at the top rated restaurants fill quickly, so plan ahead. You can make reservations 60 days before on the Disney website or mobile app.
👉 Local Tip: An experience that will not be forgotten is dining at the California Grill located at Disney`s Contemporary Resort. This restaurant is situated on the floor and offers unequaled views of the Magic Kingdom fireworks over Space Mountain.
Rent a Boat
- It’s cheaper than paying for international roaming
🌐 Website | Cost: $45 per 30 minutes
You’re likely seeking fresh experiences to incorporate if your group has frequented Disney World repeatedly. Numerous resorts have marinas providing pontoon boat rentals. Appreciate the breeze and splashing cool water while piloting around the area.
👉 Local Tip: Rather than self-driving, take a fireworks cruise aboard one of the boats. A captain will pilot your group to prime viewing spots while snacks and drinks are served.
Splash at a Water Park
The Disney water parks provide fun not just for the kids.
📍 Google Maps link | Website link | 👉 Purchase water park tickets via Undercover Tourist
Would you prefer relaxing on a lounge chair soaking in the sun`s rays or racing down twisting water slides? Regardless of how you spend your time, you`ll have a wonderful experience at one of Disney`s water parks. Both Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach offer lazy rivers for gentle floating, high-speed slides for thrills, and family raft rides for shared fun.
Drinks and plenty of food options are also available, so your group can easily spend the entire day splashing around the park.
Do a Resort Bar Crawl
Explore the resorts – one drink at a time!
Each of Disney World`s resort hotels has a uniquely designed theme and decorative style. Since many hotels are situated near one another, visitors can create their own self-guided tour experience as they explore the resorts.
A famous pub crawl around Disney World circuits the resort hotels along the monorail route at Magic Kingdom. You could also walk between all the hotels at Boardwalk. My favorite bar route visits the hotels serviced by the Skyliner gondolas.
Taste Spirits at La Cava del Tequila
Visit Epcot’s famous bar for delectable beverages.
📍 Google Maps | Website | 👉 Purchase Epcot tickets at Undercover Tourist
Over the years, La Cava del Tequila has transformed from a secret find to a crowded favorite. This small pyramid-housed bar offers bites and margaritas as the main attractions.
You can order shots or a flight if straight tequila is more your style. Tequila aficionados would enjoy La Cava Experience, a tequila-tasting experience guided by an expert.
7 Tips for Adults on a Walt Disney World Vacation
Schedule Adult-Only Activities
Disney is going to be filled with children and families; it is expected at an all-ages resort. However, there are plenty of activities at Disney World specially planned for adults. Make sure you schedule a few activities exclusively for grown-ups to get a break from all the young ones at the parks and hotels.
Use Genie+ and Lightning Lane
Genie+ and Lightning Lane have replaced the old Fastpass and Fastpass+ services. They both cost a small fee to purchase shortened wait times at your favorite attractions. This allows you to fit more fun in your day and spend less time waiting in lines at the theme parks.
Stay at a Deluxe Disney Resort
The best part about not bringing kids to Walt Disney World is that you can use your funds on yourself. Appreciate a higher level of amenities and atmosphere by lodging at one of Disney’s luxury resorts, such as Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort, Disney’s Riviera Resort, Disney’s Polynesian Resort, or Disney’s Boardwalk Inn.
Visit on Weekdays During the School Year
During the school year, parents are less likely to take their children out of school to visit Walt Disney World. Check the calendar to make sure you’re not visiting during school holidays, like winter and spring breaks.
Research Restaurants and Bars Ahead of Time
There are hundreds of dining establishments, bars, and lounges spread across the Disney World theme parks and hotels. Browse the Disney Dining website to see which menus and drinks appear most appealing for your group.
Stay in a Club Level Room
An effective way to boost your vacation is staying in a club-level room (present at all top resorts and Disney`s Coronado Springs Resort) at one of the premier Walt Disney World Hotels. Rooms with club access allow entry to a helpful concierge and a lounge stocked with snacks and beverages.
Use the Single-Rider Lines
Save some time by utilizing the single-rider lines where available since group composition is inconsequential. All still get to delight in the same ride, but generally the wait time is much shorter.
FAQs About Visiting the Walt Disney World Resort as an Adult
Is Disney World worth it for adults?
Spending time at Walt Disney World is surely worthwhile for an adults-only trip. There are attractions and presentations suitable for all age groups. Moreover, the extra entertainment choices and abundant dining establishments allow grownups to customize the perfect child-free vacation.
Which Disney World park is best for adults?
The best Disney theme park for adults is Epcot. In addition to attractions that provide thrills and excitement and dining options, Epcot’s World Showcase is home to various festivals throughout the year. In the fall, the Epcot International Food and Wine Festival brings musical performances and novel snack choices to the theme park.
How much is it for adults to go to Disney World?
On average, adult Disney fans can anticipate spending between $1,500-$2,500 for a three-day trip to Walt Disney World accommodating two, varying according to lodging selection, dining choices, and ticket package.
Is Disney or Universal better for adults?
Both the Universal and Disney parks offer shows and attractions for all ages. However, Universal Orlando has more thrill rides and attractions better suited for adults. Universal Citywalk, an entertainment district next to the parks, also offers plenty of dining and drinking establishments for late nights.
Which Disney World theme park should adults skip?
The Disney World theme park most adults should avoid is Magic Kingdom. The Magic Kingdom park is the most iconic Disney park, but it is also the one geared most toward children. Many adults choose to visit Disney World and only go to Epcot, Disney’s Animal Kingdom, and Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
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Whether you’re intending your initial or hundredth excursion to Disney World for adults, there’s plenty to do and tons of fun to be had. Next up, check out our article about all the enjoyable things to do at Disney Springs.
