- Disney World can be just as much fun for adults as it is for kids.
- Enjoy dining, drinks and other adult-oriented entertainment options.
- Disney World features a variety of attractions besides rides, such as cultural experiences and tours, though many adults still enjoy the rides.
Disney World is commonly thought of as a family destination oriented toward children, but many adults enjoy Disney World’s parks and entertainment options too. Whether visiting Disney World with your kids, friends or partner, there’s a long list of fun things for adults to see and do.
While much of Disney World’s entertainment is geared toward children and families, the parks also provide plenty of adult-oriented activities like fine dining, private tours and nightlife for cocktails and wine. Many people visit Disney World kid-free for engagements, birthday parties or just as a day out with friends. For adults taking a day or evening away from their kids or those visiting the park on their own, here are our top recommendations for Disney entertainment options.
Why Visit Disney World as an Adult?
Disney World advertises its entertainment options as “Enchantment for All Ages… Especially Adults!” Many people visit Disney World for milestones like birthdays and honeymoons, while others explore as a weekend or vacation adventure.
If you’ve ever visited Disney World as a child, you’ll fondly remember its magical rides and characters. As an adult, you can revisit the magic with a sense of nostalgia. Once you’ve had your fill of nostalgia, you can explore other adult-oriented options like dining, tours and nightlife. If you’re visiting without kids, you can go wherever you want without having to worry about whether the youngsters are having fun. This means no waiting in the longest lines for the most popular family rides or having to stick to kid-friendly rides instead of hitting up higher-intensity ones.
Shutterstock/VIAVAL TOURSAnimal Kingdom
While most Disney World visitors flock to the Magic Kingdom Park, the Animal Kingdom Park is a newer option that features the magic of nature. This park offers both day and night attractions and a diverse array of food options inspired by American, Asian and African favorites.
Some of the main highlights at the park include the thrilling Avatar Flight of Passage 3D flying simulator, the Kali River Rapids and the majestic Tree of Life attraction. You can also go on safari to see African savanna species like lions and hippopotamuses. You’re sure to find something everyone in your group will enjoy!
Shutterstock/legendaEPCOT Festival
With four festivals that are over a month long each, Disney’s EPCOT festivals run nearly year-round. Each of these festivals have their own themes, such as the EPCOT International Festival of the Arts, where you can find interactive art and Disney on Broadway performances. The EPCOT Flower and Garden Festival features impressive spring blossom displays and themed attractions.
If you visit during the holiday season, you’ll be treated to the International Festival of the Holidays with musical shows, seasonal decorations and storytellers representing holidays from all over the world. It’s such a special experience and will definitely make for an unforgettable trip!
Shutterstock/Wagner Santos de AlmeidaPark Hopping
While we definitely recommend checking out the Animal Kingdom Park for beautiful attractions and a quieter atmosphere, it’s also worth hopping between theme parks to experience everything Disney has to offer.
The Magic Kingdom Park is known as Disney World’s most enchanting park, with main attractions being the Cinderella Castle, the whimsical “It’s a Small World” boat ride and classic Disney characters. Then, check out the EPCOT Park for rides and attractions that highlight communication, culture and technology. If you’re a Star Wars fan, you might enjoy Hollywood Studios and its Star Wars-themed rides and immersive entertainment options. Each park offers something a little different!
Shutterstock/Katherine WellesSign Up for a Tour
Disney World offers a number of tours if you want a guided experience. While you may not initially think to do a tour at Disney, it can actually be a super interesting experience and teach you facts that you may not have learned on your own.
If you’re looking to book a tour that involves animals, check out the Caring for Giants tour to get a close look at the elephants of the Animal Kingdom Park. If you’re looking for something a little more behind-the-scenes, try out the Backstage Magic tour. For personalized services and perks, join a Disney Private VIP Tour.
Shutterstock/George SheldonLounge and Pamper
If you’re looking for a little relaxation and quiet time during your vacation, you may be surprised to learn that Disney has an amazing range of activities to help you wind down! Few adults will say no to a day of pampering and lounging.
Disney World has a variety of health clubs, pools and spas for you to enjoy. You can easily book a massage before heading out for an evening at the parks, or take a day off from the attractions to lounge at your favorite themed pool, such as the Mediterranean Riviera Pool or the Animal Kingdom Lodge’s pool.
Shutterstock/NDAB CreativityPlay a Round of Golf
Are you hoping to hit the green on your upcoming trip to Disney? We don’t blame you! Golf is the perfect relaxing vacation activity that can get you some sunshine and peace and quiet.
If you’re a big golfer, or simply looking to play during your trip, you’ll be happy to know that you can find three different golf courses at Disney World, including Palm, Magnolia and Lake Buena Vista. Rated four stars by Golf Digest, the Magnolia golf course is the longest of the three and features beautiful scenery and wide fairways, but you’ll surely be satisfied with any of the three!
Shutterstock/Daxiao ProductionsVisit Disney Hotels
Disney World once only had two hotels, but it now has a wide variety of themed hotels to stay at. Each hotel comes with perks such as complimentary transportation and early park entry but different levels of luxury, depending on your preference and budget.
Deluxe resorts such as Animal Kingdom Lodge are so close to the park that you can see its savanna animals from your room’s balcony. Located in the EPCOT park, Disney’s Riviera Resort features Mediterranean decor and rooftop dining experiences. For a classic Disney World stay, visit the iconic Contemporary Resort with multiple pools and breakfasts by Chef Mickey.
Shutterstock/spiderman777Run With Disney
There’s no need to neglect your fitness routine when visiting Disney World. The resort regularly hosts races via runDisney, from the Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend to the Princess Half Marathon and the Wickedly Delicious Wine and Dine Half Marathon Weekend. If you don’t want to run the whole 26.2-mile race, you can run other race distances, like the 5k, 10k or half marathon. Many runners wear Disney-inspired gear for the race or dress up as their favorite Disney character, making it feel more like an attraction than an endurance event.
You can see all upcoming races and events here.
Shutterstock/Pavel1964Disney Springs
Enjoy Disney’s own downtown experience in Disney Springs, a themed retail and entertainment center consisting of four distinct neighborhoods: The Landing, Marketplace, West Side and Town Center. The downtown features Florida-inspired historic architecture and bubbling springs, with over 150 locations to visit and enjoy.
Try bowling at Splitsville Luxury Lanes or taste some of the many dining options, including bakeries, coffee shops and fine dining. Spend the day shopping for souvenirs and Disney merch, sit down for dinner at a world-class restaurant and and finish the night with a live show! There’s so much to see and do at Disney Springs.
Shutterstock/Liz Tracy PhotographyDining and Drinks
If you’re a big foodie and looking to try some new culinary experiences on your trip, Disney World has a surprisingly wide variety of dining options. Each park has its own themed dining experiences, with Disney Springs offering the most concentrated dining offerings.
Pick up a slice of pizza at Blaze Fast-Fire’d Pizza or sit down for beautiful Spanish seafood fare at Jaleo by Jose Andres. There are even famous fine dining options, such as Morimoto Asia. You’ll surely find something you’ll love with so many options. You could even make it a goal to try a new restaurant every day!
Shutterstock/KzenonExplore the Nightlife
If you’re big on nightlife, especially when indulging on vacation, you’ll be happy to know that Disney definitely has a good range of pubs and restaurants to kick back and enjoy! When you’re done exploring rides and attractions for the day, Disney Springs offers a variety of lounges, bars and pubs to enjoy drinks with friends.
Although the nightlife at Disney World is relatively wholesome, you can visit the Stargazers Bar patio for cocktails and live music or the Ragland Road Irish Pub and Restaurant for a relaxed pub atmosphere. There’s a variety of options to suit your nightlife preferences that you’ll surely enjoy.
Shutterstock/DGLimagesDisney Fireworks Shows
Adult or not, no Disney World trip is complete without seeing at least one fireworks show, which are hosted almost every day. The Disney Enchantment delivers a magical light show, or you can watch sea creatures parade across the twinkling lagoon. For an inspiring performance, watch the thrilling Harmonious fireworks with classic Disney music.
Watching fireworks at Disney world is a classic and nostalgic moment you likely remember from childhood, so definitely make sure to get to the venue early to get a good spot and clear view of the light show. It’s a spectacular moment that you’ll never forget!
Shutterstock/JongonzalezphotoDisney World Showcase
The World Showcase area in the EPCOT Park is a special journey through the 11 pavilions, each highlighting a different country. It’s a celebration of cultures and traditions and features countries including Mexico, Norway, Germany, United States, Italy, China, Morocco, France, United Kingdom, Canada and Japan.
You’ll be surprised at just how long you can spend learning about the people, cuisine and architecture from each country. There are also locals from each country you can talk to that are eager to teach about their homeland. Exploring the World Showcase area is the perfect low key activity to break up all the action-packed days of shopping and thrill-seeking.
Shutterstock/SolarisysTips to Enjoy Disney as an Adult
Enjoying Disney World as an adult is about reimagining the resort from family or kid-oriented to a hub of incredible attractions, art, technology and dining. Hopefully this list has helped to give you some ideas on what activities you can indulge in during your vacation. Lastly, here are our tips for getting the most out of your adult-oriented Disney World trip:
- Slow down and take time to appreciate each attraction.
- Check out less-trafficked parks and attractions.
- Spend time enjoying the nightlife with amazing drinks and dining.
- Embrace the nostalgia of Disney and reacquaint yourself with Disney favorites as an adult.
Shutterstock/Marko Aliaksandr
