Thinking of a trip to Walt Disney World for Adults? While the most magical place on Earth caters to both the young and the young at heart, there are simply some things that are just better as a grown-up at Walt Disney World. Here are our Top 10 Tips for an Adult Only Disney Trip, and all the extra ways to make the most of your Disney vacation.
As Disney adults ourselves, we’re pretty versed in the art of doing Disney as grown-ups. In fact, we’ve shared some fun Things for Adults to do at Walt Disney World already. But this post is about more than just a checklist for your adult-only trip to Walt Disney World. We’re sharing tips, ideas, and ways to really maximize your Disney Adult trip with things that are just better without kids. From resorts that include a Lounge or Bar, to restaurants with new foods to try, there are plenty of ways you can add a few grown up things to your Disney trip, so let’s dive in.
Contents
- 1 Upgrade Your Stay to Disney Resorts for Adults
- 2 Stay Disney Concierge Level
- 3 Add a Disney After-Hours Event
- 4 Book A Disney Resort Restaurant
- 5 Get to Know the Disney Lounges
- 6 Find the Best Coffee at Disney
- 7 Stroll the Disney Walking Paths
- 8 Ride the Rollercoasters
- 9 Plan a Shopping Day at Disney Springs
- 10 Head to the Disney Boardwalk
- 11 Book a Walt Disney World Tour Experience
Upgrade Your Stay to Disney Resorts for Adults
Traveling without kids means opening up some time and money for things like free time, late (or early) mornings, and appreciating a bit of luxury, and convenience. We’ve talked before about the Best Disney Resorts for Adults, and highly recommend a Moderate or Deluxe Disney Resort if you can manage it. Why? Well, because the more expensive resorts naturally have fewer guests, groups, and children. You don’t want your Adult Only Disney Trip to include being woken up by a visiting marching band, or screaming kids in the halls. And trust us, both are fairly common at Disney World.
On the Disney Skyliner Route
Even if you plan to be in the parks most of the day, having a higher-end Disney Resort to come home to means you’ll have better mattresses, a quieter stay, and conveniences at your fingertips that simply aren’t available in the Value Resorts. Staying at Disney’s Riviera Resort or Caribbean Beach Resort gets you access to the Disney Skyliner Resorts, and quick transportation to both Hollywood Studios and EPCOT. Add in the specialty coffees at Le Petite Cafe, and the beaches at the Caribbean Beach Resort for lounging, and you’ll wonder why you haven’t done this before!
Resorts On the Monorail
Meanwhile, staying at a Disney Monorail Resort costs a pretty penny to be sure. But, you get within walking distance of Magic Kingdom Park. As such, if you’re planning for a Magic Kingdom party, or After Hours event, being close to your hotel when the clock strikes 1 AM is a godsend. Plus, the monorail at the Magic Kingdom gates also transfers to the TTC, getting you easy transportation to EPCOT too.
At the Disney BoardWalk
And of course, if you’re visiting EPCOT for the Festivals throughout the year, then staying at a Disney BoardWalk Resort gets you closest. This means having the chance to be within Walking Distance of the Disney Parks, without fighting for space on the buses all hours of the day. Allowing you to take afternoon breaks or naps. Or a quick trip over to the Ale and Compass Lounge for a drink. Plus, BoardWalk area hotels are within walking distance of both Hollywood Studios and EPCOT, so you can maximize your time at Disney too.
And staying at a Deluxe Disney Resort means access to Extended Evening Hours on select nights, which means you get to be in the parks after hours as a Disney Deluxe Resort guest. This means minimal crowds, late-night hours, and the chance to ride all the rides as much as you like.
Stay Disney Concierge Level
We’ve only recently begun to experience Concierge Level, or Club Level, at Walt Disney World Resorts. Mostly by chance in fact, when booking through hotels.com, we booked a room and were given Club level at Wilderness Lodge Resort. Hey, no complaints here. But what we did learn was that staying at a Disney Concierge Level is a godsend for a variety of reasons, ( with or without kids!). Concierge Level access at the Disney Deluxe Resorts includes access to special rooms, on certain floors, only accessible to those guests staying at that level. So, already, there’s a bit of exclusivity there.
It also includes a variety of appetizers, sweets, and foods available at certain times throughout the day, offering up the option to have breakfast, lunch, or dinner here, all included with the concierge-level pricing. This is obviously a huge saving if you plan on being at the resort, as you can forego eating out at the restaurants. It’s also important to note that if you feel like half your Disney budget is going to alcoholic drinks or snacks, that club level offers up a variety of wines, champagne, and liquors as well as Mickey bars and other treats in the lounge. We also loved the Concierge Level at Coronado Springs Gran Destino Tower and Club Level at Animal Kingdom Lodge.
Add a Disney After-Hours Event
Only offered during certain times of the year, a Disney After Hours ticket may seem unnecessary. But for its late hours, and its high price tag, you’re guaranteed an emptier park, and complimentary popcorn, water, and mickey bars. Plus, you don’t have to use Lightning Lane or Genie+ reservations for your rides…which oddly saves money, and stress. The best strategy is just skipping the park day ticket and instead planning for something else during the day. Visit the Disney Resorts, head to Disney Springs, or the Disney BoardWalk. Maybe just explore your resort, take time at a Disney lounge, or the pool.
Whatever you choose, you can plan on getting in as many rides as you desire, and some more than once at an After Hours event. Disney offers After Hours events at certain parks throughout the year, check out the Disney Website, for all the details, and ticket availability.
Book A Disney Resort Restaurant
While the restaurants inside Disney Parks can be quite good, the restaurants at Disney Resorts are simply better. Not feeding tens of thousands of people a day probably helps with the food quality too. Both Moderate and Deluxe Resorts have specialty restaurants worth trying for a nice meal, and you can visit them even if you’re not staying there. Sebastian’s Bistro at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort is one of our favorites when you’re looking for a budget-friendly restaurant filled with island flavors. And Topolino Terrace at Disney’s Rivera Resort offers some amazing European fare with rooftop views.
If you’re making a day of it, we say head to Animal Kingdom Lodge for views of the savannah and a meal at Sanaa; famous for its bread service, we love breakfast here too. There are so many Disney Restaurants to try, be sure to check out our Disney Resort Restaurant reviews to browse some options.
And on an Adult Only Disney Trip, you can even try out the signature restaurants that would simply be too expensive and unenjoyable for kids. Meals at Monsieur Paul, Victoria and Alberts and Tiffins may be just what you’re looking for!
Get to Know the Disney Lounges
While children are allowed in most Disney Lounges on the property, the atmosphere and menu remain truly geared toward adults. So, if you want a break from the childhood nostalgia of the parks, and to settle in somewhere more grown-up, we have some favorite Disney Lounges for Adults to share. A Disney Lounge is all about taking it easy. Comfortable seating, interesting spaces, and a slew of drinks and small plates invite you to stay as long as you like. And finding your favorite Disney Lounge is perfect for an Adults Only Disney Trip.
Find your Favorite Disney Lounge
- Are you wanting an easy atmosphere on a porch overlooking the river? Head to Nomad Lounge in Disney’s Animal Kingdom for cocktails, mocktails, churros, and sliders.
- Do You want to cozy up in decorated rooms reminiscent of the Beast’s castle, complete with library, garden room, and ballroom decor? Try the Enchanted Rose Lounge at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort for themed cocktails, truffle fries, and flatbreads.
- Perhaps you’ve had a rough day and are looking for something more rugged to go with your next scotch or bourbon? Territory Lounge at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
Whatever your lounge style, know that Disney World has dozens of them, all themed to certain areas or resorts. As such, you’re sure to find one you love. Why not make it a goal on your Adult-Only Disney Trip to explore them and find your favorite?
Find the Best Coffee at Disney
We are Disney coffee junkies. Really, we are. We’re always looking for the Best Coffee at Walt Disney World, and while we have plenty of coffee options at home, nothing beats finding something special, we’ve never tried before. And even the coffee in the parks surprises us sometimes! We loved the Black Caf Cold Brew at Galaxy’s Edge so much that we made a copycat recipe. And if you’re heading to Barcelona Lounge, they have specialty coffees courtesy of the southwest!
Of course you can also find Starbucks at Walt Disney World, in each park and at Disney Springs. That said, we love taking our chances on new coffee drinks around the parks and resorts as they show up. And while we’re usually up for waiting in coffee lines, kid’s typically aren’t. So, why not take this Adult-Only Disney Trip as an opportunity to find new favorites? If so you can head to the new Carousel Coffee counter at Disney’s Boardwalk Inn for Joffrey’s favorites and specialty drinks to get started.
Stroll the Disney Walking Paths
Walt Disney World is covered in walking paths, with opportunities for a morning run or stroll to the parks. With kids in tow, chances of leisurely walks take a back seat to a busier schedule. But, on an Adult Only Disney trip, that doesn’t have to be the case! It’s time to indulge in those things you typically wouldn’t find time for with kids. With so many Walking Paths at Walt Disney World, be sure to stroll the ones at your resort, and those that lead to the parks. Depending on where you stay, you may have paths that connect resorts, which allows for even more exploring on your trip.
We most like the walking paths at Fort Wilderness Resort, and the one near the Boardwalk that connects EPCOT and Hollywood Studios. While some paths are simply from necessity, they are quite scenic and offer an opportunity to avoid the buses.
Ride the Rollercoasters
If you’ve been waiting for an Adults Only Disney Trip to ride all the rides, take advantage of it. Without the kids, you can easily race to your favorite thrill rides across the parks, and ride them as many times as you like! We love Flight of Passage at Animal Kingdom, Cosmic Rewind at EPCOT, and Expedition Everest at Animal Kingdom as favorites to try. And of course, TRON in Magic Kingdom is well worth the Virtual Queue Boarding Pass. All the more reason to tackle the rides without the kids.
Plan a Shopping Day at Disney Springs
One of the best parts about an Adults Only Disney Trip is the FREE TIME! Hear us out! While there are things you typically have to plan when kids are around, a trip for grown-ups has more flexibility. If you want to hang out all day at Disney Springs, browsing shops, you can! And frankly, we like to make a day of it. While many of the stores are available at home, there is nothing wrong with leisurely window shopping. Or real shopping if your luggage can handle it. Enjoy a special lunch, perhaps at Earl of Sandwich or Terralina Crafted Italian. And take in the live music in the evenings on the weekends.
You can head to Everglazed for coffee and donuts, or Splitsville for a round of bowling. Stay late for Cirque du Soleil and grab sweet treats at the Ganachery. There is alot to do at Disney Springs, so be sure to make time for it!
Head to the Disney Boardwalk
The lack of rides and Disneyfied decor on the Disney BoardWalk may bore children, but for an Adults Only Disney Trip, this area of Walt Disney World Resort is pure delight! The combination of the path around the lagoon, beaches with loungers, quaint shops, and restaurants is perfect for grown-ups looking for a Disney Vacation that actually FEELS like a vacation. With several Disney Boardwalk Resorts surrounding the area, there is a plethora of cafes to grab a coffee, cozy lounges to relax in, and paths to stroll. Plus a day on the Disney Boardwalk is FREE, so no park ticket or reservations are required!
Book a Walt Disney World Tour Experience
If you’re a Disney fan, chances are you love learning how things work behind the scenes. This can sometimes mean an hours-long tour, that kids may not find as fun! We recently experienced the Behind the Seeds Tour and loved learning about the farm-to-table culture, and the agricultural advances involved in getting food on the table. As true foodies, we’re always up for learning new things. Another favorite was Animal Kingdom’s Wild Africa Trek Tour, for behind-the-scenes animal caretaker talks and lunch on the savannah. As Disney tours can be pricey and require an attention span, if you’re looking for a way to add some depth to your Adults Only Disney Trip, this could be it!
Disney Vacation for Adults
There you have it. All our favorite tips, ideas, and extra fun you could be having as an Adult at Walt Disney World. While we love the parks and resorts for family vacations, we also adore Walt Disney World for special trips, like a Disney Girls Trip or adult vacation. Hopefully, these ideas can help you get started on your Disney Vacation Planning and help you have the best trip ever!
Rochelle Mariah is a writer, designer and photographer with an MLIS in Information Science and a B.S. in Arch and Design. Determined to make Planning a DIY Disney Vacation easier she makes lots of lists and drinks lots of coffee. When not designing apparel at Polka Dot Pixie Shop, she's watching old movies and planning the holidays. She has been traveling to Disney destinations since 2010.
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