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It’s well-known that Walt Disney World caters to families and children in particular. So what is there to do if you want to do a Disney trip without kids? A ton, actually! Check out some of the best ways to experience Disney with adults only.
Resorts
Set the tone of your trip by choosing the right resort for your adult party. Are you looking for luxury and proximity to parks or maybe a more laid-back atmosphere? Disney offers a wide range of choices when it comes to resorts, but if your goal is to be more adult-centered, your best bet is to stay away from the resorts with larger than life theming like Art of Animation or Pop Century.
• In the moderate category, there are some great choices for a quiet and relaxed ambiance. Coronado Springs and Caribbean Beach both have beaches with hammocks that allow for a great way to unwind at the end of the day. Port Orleans French Quarter and Riverside are both quiet, well-themed and have nice paths for quiet walks around the resort. They’re also a nice boat ride away from Disney Springs!
• Then there are the deluxe resorts of Walt Disney World. Some of these tend to attract fewer families and are ideal if you’re trying to have a luxurious, kid-free vacation. The Boardwalk has beautiful, quiet rooms, and is super close to some awesome nightlife options. It’s also walking distance from EPCOT and Hollywood Studios making your days as leisurely as you want. If you’re looking for a less park-centered trip, Animal Kingdom Lodge is amazing. Splurging for a Savanna view room allows for a stunning, quiet place to sit back and take in the animals just outside your room. The best of the best is, of course, Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa. This resort offers wall-to-wall elegance with the ease of the monorail just steps away. Not many families choose this resort, so you’ll be less likely to be surrounded by children here.
Nightlife
Disney has lots of options for nightlife! There are a few areas I’d like to highlight:
• Disney Springs-- Formerly known as Downtown Disney, Disney Springs has really really come to life recently. There are tons of options for entertainment, food, and adult beverages. Check out Raglan Road Irish Pub or Jock Lindsay’s Hangar Bar for some super fun atmosphere. Morimoto Asia and The Boathouse also have some great drinks and appetizers to enjoy late. And you certainly can’t miss House of Blues to get your groove on!
• The Boardwalk-- As mentioned above, this resort is close to nightlife because it IS the nightlife! Right on the Boardwalk, you can find a wide array for restaurants and bars. Flying Fish Cafe has amazing food to fill you up before you head down to Jellyrolls (dueling) piano bar to enjoy some live music and drinks if you’re so inclined. You can also check out AbracaBar where you can take in some magic while you sip on some creative cocktails. If you’re not a drinker, no worries! Munch on an appetizer or order a non-alcoholic beverage while still enjoying the vibe.
• Resort Lounges-- Take some time to explore some of the moderate and deluxe resorts and check out their lounges. Some of my favorites are Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto at the Polynesian, Territory Lounge at the Wilderness Lodge, River Roost Lounge at Port Orleans Riverside, and Wave at the Contemporary. There are tons more, though!
Other Exceptional Experiences
There’s a never-ending amount of things for you to do, and if you want to branch out beyond the traditional park days, here are some other adult-only things you can experience:
• Spa day-- There are three spas you can enjoy at Walt Disney World. The Madara Spa at the Walt Disney World Dolphin, the spa at Saratoga Springs, and the spa at the Grand Floridian. Each one has a different vibe, but all offer days of relaxation from mani/pedis to facials, or massages. And of course, the service at each one is top-notch. Take some time on your trip to relax and pamper yourself!
• Golf-- There are four golf courses to try out in Walt Disney World-- Disney’s Palm, Magnolia, Lake Buena Vista, and Oak Trail golf courses. Each one offers a different experience but allows you to take some time out of the hustle and bustle of the parks to relax on the links.
• Special Tours-- If you’re looking to do something structured but unique, check out one of the amazing tours offered by Disney! In EPCOT you can do the Seas Aqua Tour and learn some behind the scenes facts about the Living Seas. You can even SCUBA dive or swim with the dolphins! If you love animals, check out the Backstage Tales tour at Animal Kingdom. The ultimate tour is the Keys to the Kingdom tour where you can learn and see everything you’ve ever wondered about WDW.
Tips and Tricks for your Adults-Only Disney trip
• Book off-season-- If you can make it work, go during an off-season time. This will allow you to have smaller crowds and therefore shorter wait times in the parks. These times tend to be mid-January to early March, most of May (before Memorial Day) and mid-September to mid-November (before Thanksgiving). The weather tends to be milder during these times too--less hot and humid.
• Early morning and late nights-- When you’re going into the parks, if you go early in the mornings and later in the evenings, you’ll have shorter wait times and smaller crowds. When staying on property, take advantage of those Extra Magic Hours too! This can leave your midday open for spa treatments or some quiet time by the pool!
When most people think of Disney, they think of kids. But there are endless things for adults to enjoy at Disney too! What’s first on your list for your adult-only trip?
Jessica@stepintoadventure.com