Disney World Adult Tips – Grown Ups go to Disney

Disney World Adult Tips

Planning a Disney vacation can be so much fun.  But what are the best Disney World adult tips to maximize your time?  With so many Disney vacations under my belt, I can certainly give you all of the Disney World adult tips you can possibly need.

Walt Disney World without kids is an experience that is a must-have for adults.  It’s a vacation full of a lot of fun, unique experiences, and possibly some serious romance. 

No doubt, when Disney World first came around, it centered around families with children.  But now, that can’t be further from the truth.  Granted, you will have a much better time if you’re light-hearted with imagination, but you can’t go wrong with the adult options at Disney nowadays.

Disney Hotels for Adults

There are Disney hotels that are primarily themed for children, like the Disney value resorts.  For a Disney World adult trip, there are a few good options.  The cheapest hotels, owned by Disney, are the Port Orleans Resorts.  They are considered moderate resorts, but you can book for around $185/night.

Other Disney-owned options:

• Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge
• Walt Disney World Swan or Dolphin Hotel
• Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa
• Disney’s Coronado Springs

Cheaper optios are the resorts within the Disney Springs resort area for about $100/night.  If you’re looking for a budget-friendly hotel, check out this post.

Disney World for Grown Ups: Hit Rope Drop

There are two types of vacations, the sleep in late/relax on the beach kind, and the maximize every second because wow kind. 

Disney World is the latter.  A one-day park ticket to a Disney theme park can cost up to $120 + tax.  That’s not cheap, so you want to maximize that ticket.  That means being at the gate 40 min before the park opens.

This is not a drill.

Yes, the early bird does, in fact, catch the worm.

Yes, you might be tired.

Why should you wake up at 7 a.m. while on vacation?

1. Morning weather is the nicest weather to tour the parks in.  It’s a lot cooler and the sun is gentler.
2. It gives you time to leave for lunch and take a nap or hang by the pool. All you need to do is feel that Florida sun one time between 12-4pm to know not to be walking around the park in it.
3. Most people don’t want to get up at 7am so the park is way less crowded.
4. You will have more time to tour the park and be able to experience more than ever.

Magic Kingdom for Adults

Just two months ago, Disney released news that every sit-down restaurant in Magic Kingdom will be serving alcohol.  If that isn’t enough to get you packing, then I’m not sure what would.

At the Magic Kingdom, you will find a combination of nostalgia, theme park rides, and entertainment of all types.  When it is an adults only trip, you don’t have to worry about a child not meeting the height requirement or not wanting to ride Space Mountain (roller coaster) or the Haunted Mansion. Or even having to get on rides alone while someone stays with the kids.

Disney World Adults Nightlife

Disney Springs, Disney’s entertainment district, is a great place to visit both during the day and at night.

House of Blues is a really nice place to have a few drinks at.  They have something like a beer garden with live music.  I have visited both at night and during the day and suggest it.

Some good places to try:

• Paradiso 37 Entertainment
• House of Blues
• Raglan Road^TM Irish Pub and Restaurant

The Boardwalk, at the Boardwalk Resort, is a must stop for any Disney vacation. It such a good time, I make it a point to go all the time.

This probably deserves a post of its own but the Boardwalk has shops, bars, and FIREWORKS. From the Boardwalk, you have a good view of Epcot and can watch fireworks from just about anywhere.

Spa Time

Sense, located at Grand Floridian and Saratoga Springs, is a full-service spa and health club and is the perfect way to relax during your Disney World vacation.  Senses Spa has great reviews.  They do facials, full-body massages, nails, and also have water relaxation areas.

Reservations

To schedule treatments, please call (407) WDW-SPAS or (407) 939-7727 up to 180 days in advance. Reservations are highly recommended!

Relaxation

Going along the line of spa time, a Disney World adult only trip is going to be a lot more relaxing. I mean, being home without kids is relaxing.

I went for a week once with my significant other, and we spent a week at Disney World and scheduled 2 of those days for pure relaxation. We spent hours at the pool, having cocktails and and taking naps. In the morning, we would wake up, open the patio doors, and have our breakfast and coffee. It was the best thing ever.

Drinking Around the World at Epcot

Eleven drinks.  Let’s go.

Epcot is home to 11 countries, it’s Disney’s attempt at a permanent World Fair, and it’s beautiful.  Drinking around the world is when you drink one beer, cocktail, or glass of wine in each country.  Can you make it?

Start in Canada with a Torontopolitan and end in Mexico with a Margarita.

This offers an opportunity to try interesting drinks and have an overall fun experience.

Disney For Grown Ups Itinerary

Here’s a sample itinerary to help you and maybe give you an idea of what a few days at Disney World for adults will look like.

Day 1

Arrival

Try to arrive in Orlando early morning but remember check-in isn’t until 3pm.

I don’t suggest Advanced Dining Reservations because you never know when you’ll be done checking in, and what if you’re hungry before the reservation time?

I use the arrival day to get situated, get some groceries and drinks from the store, and have a nice dinner. If I have time I hit the pool but I try not to push it.

Day 2

THEME PARK

Magic Kingdom is a must-do for anyone visiting Disney World. Epcot and Animal Kingdom tie for second.

Day 3

Relax

Make a nice dining reservation for today. Sleep in, take it easy, and spend some time at the pool. Most Disney pools have pool bars, and they make excellent drinks.

I also tend to buy a case of beer and bring a few with me to the pool or sit on the patio with them.

Day 4

THEME PARK DAY TWO

Day 5

Departure.

A sad day.

Is Disney World Worth it For Adults?

A trip to Disney is totally worth it as an adult. It’s obviously a very different experience from when you went as a kid, but not any less magical. In fact, if you haven’t been to Disney as an adult, it’s somehow even more magical because it’s just how you remember it. 

There’s nothing shattering any illusions that you didn’t notice because you were a kid, it’s even more impressive and special. 

On the flip side, if you never went to Disney as a kid, you must go as an adult! There is so much to explore and discover and Disney magic will truly make you feel like a kid again. Experiencing Disney for the first time, whether you’re 3 or 33  is nothing short of magical. 

In addition, you get to mix into your Disney World vacation, just about anything you’d like.  We like to try out new bars and food locations.  Between Disney Springs, and the parks, we have more than enough to do and we love it!

How much is Disney World For Adults?

It’s no secret that Disney World is expensive, but there are definitely ways to save some money here and there.

There are a lot of factors to take into account when thinking about how much your Disney trip will be and what you can do to keep the spending to a minimum. 

Hotel

Firstly, if you’re not local to the Orlando area, you’ll probably have to pay for somewhere to stay, which can be the most expensive part of your trip. If you are looking to stay at Disney Resort, you have a bunch of options. 

Disney resorts are broken down into three categories. Value, Moderate, and Deluxe. The value resorts will be the cheapest, with the deluxe resorts being the most expensive. If you’re unsure of where to start, this is where a Disney Travel agent can be of some real help.

Most value resorts have over-the-top, in-your-face themes, which you can get over if you want to save a buck. However, they are very kid-focused, more so than the average Disney Resort. 

A moderate resort may be best if you’re looking for a more adult experience and can spend a little more, and of course, there are the Deluxe Resorts and Villas, which, to be honest, is a great option, especially if you’re splitting the cost between a group of friends.

Tickets

Once you’ve settled on a place to stay, the next thing to focus on is park tickets. Standard theme park tickets are available on the Disney website and at the parks themselves, but we recommend getting them as far in advance as possible.

Currently, Disney theme park tickets are an average of $109 per day with the cost decreasing by $20 when you purchase three-day or longer tickets. So for instance, if you buy a 6-day pass it would be $75/day as opposed to $109/day, which will save you $204.

Once you decide on how many days you’ll be spending in the parks, you’ll have to think about what kind of tickets you’d like to purchase. Will you be going to one park each day? Or will you be going to multiple parks per day? Water parks? 

There are four tiers of park admission tickets: 1 Park Per Day, which is the baseline admission where you can, you guessed it, visit one park per day. There is the Water and Sports Park option, which will allow you to go to one park per day and also enjoy admission to Disney water parks and golf courses.

The Park Hopper options are usually the most popular ticket since you can visit multiple theme parks per day. There is also the Park Hopper Plus which includes admission to Disney water parks and Disney golf courses. 

Genie+

Disney also recently announced their new Genie and Genie+ programs. Genie will be a complimentary service available via the MyDisneyExperience App. Disney Genie asks you questions regarding your preferences and will compile an itinerary for your ideal Disney Day. 

It will also be capable of showing attraction wait times, as well as the ability to join virtual queues and order food and drinks. 

Disney Genie+ will be a paid service and will cost up to $30 per day per person in addition to your park ticket. With Disney Genie+, you will have access to the new Lightning Lane program, which will officially replace fast passes. 

You can see how the costs can rack up, but there are a bunch of articles on Planning the Magic that will help you keep costs down. The bright side of an adult Disney trip is that you most likely only have to pay for yourself and let’s be honest, the magic of a Disney vacation is so worth it, even as an adult.

Using a Disney Travel Agent for a Disney World Adult Trip

Planning a Disney trip can easily become overwhelming; between booking your stay at a Disney Resort, to dining reservations, park reservations, etc., it can be a lot, even for a millennial. This is where a Disney travel agent can be super helpful.

Usually, their services are available at a low or no cost, and their job is to ensure your Disney experience is all you dreamed of. 

They can book all your reservations and are always the first to know when there is any kind of deal. I know it sounds counterintuitive, but if you’re trying to save money look into working with a Disney travel agent. 

Their passion is Disney, and they *literally* plan Disney trips for a living, so you know they are serious pros. Also, talk to them about how you want your days to look like. they can be as involved as you want and plan your days to the hour, or they can be as hands-off as you want and only plan your resort stay. 

Work with me to plan your Disney vacation.

Best Outfit for an Adult Disney World Trip

The best outfit for an adult Disney World Trip is any outfit that makes you feel comfortable!  As you know, you’re going to be outside most of the time, and you’re going to be walking a ton, so comfort is key, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have a little fun with some Disney-inspired items.

Of course, you have your classic mouse ears, available at nearly every Disney shop, and a foolproof way to Disney-fy your look. If the standard mouse ears aren’t your jam, head over to Etsy and discover nearly thousands of unique designs, some even completely customizable. 

If you’re looking for a bit more of a sophisticated Disney vibe, look no further than clothing shops like My Oh My Supply Co, The Lost Bros, and Fantasy Feelings. These shops and many others cater to adult Disney-goers who still want to participate in the magic but not at the cost of their personal style. Items include Disney-themed, tees, sweatshirts, and more. 

Do keep in mind that these shops are independently run small businesses, and require a bit of lead time to fulfill orders. We love supporting a small business, but if your Disney trip is sooner than a month away, shops like H&M, Target, or Walmart all have awesome Disney merch for your trip too. 

Now that we’ve figured out your perfect Disney outfit, we’ve come to the most important part: your footwear. 

Save the cute sandals for dinner, and opt for a pair of your best kicks while hitting the parks. Trust me, you will not be happy after walking around in flip-flops all day. Plus if you know Florida weather, you know that it could rain at a moment’s notice. Take it from someone who has ruined a pair of shoes in a 5-minute downpour in Magic Kingdom. 

Rain

Speaking of downpours, don’t let the rain stop you, and invest in a poncho! Ponchos reign supreme (no pun intended) in the wetter Disney weather, so no need to bring an umbrella. Ponchos are sold in nearly every theme park gift shop and are worth the seemingly hefty price tag. There’s just something about a Disney poncho that is superior to other ponchos, and they’ll make you forget it’s even raining.

It’s also a good idea to bring a small backpack or fanny pack to carry said poncho when it’s not raining and any other personal items you may need. When all is said and done, the best Disney outfits for adults are ones that bring out the kid in you, so have fun!

Which Disney World Water Park is Best For Adults?

Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach are Disney’s two water parks, and they’re both tons of fun. However, if you are looking for more of a relaxed day lounging in the lazy river, Typhoon Lagoon is the best water park. 

When it comes down to it, Typhoon Lagoon is overall a bit tamer than Blizzard Beach. Don’t get me wrong there are plenty of opportunities for some thrills at each park, but believe it or not, there are more opportunities for chills at Typhoon Lagoon.

Which Restaurants are the Best in Disney World for Grown Ups

There are so many options when it comes to food at Disney, but here are a handful of restaurants not to miss if you’re looking for something a little more grown-up. 

Firstly we have the newly refurbished Citricos located within Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort. The atmosphere is incredibly luxurious, channeling design inspiration from the Mary Poppins Returns film. 

The restaurant features two dining rooms, a private wine room, and a walk-up bar with additional seating. The menu also received an overhaul and includes dishes like smoked duck breast, guava barbecued short ribs, and a crowd favorite, truffle mac, and cheese. 

The natural light in this space is gorgeous and really adds to the atmosphere, making Citricos a  great spot for lunch, an early dinner, or pre-dinner drinks. 

Here is where we’d talk about California Grill, located on the 15th floor of Disney’s Contemporary Resort. However, it looks like a new dining experience will be taking its place.

There’s not much out there yet, but according to the Disney website, “California Grill is currently unavailable for bookings after October 2, 2021 as we create a special dining experience for the 50th Anniversary celebration of Walt Disney World Resort.” 

Unless you’re lucky enough to already have a reservation prior to October 2nd at California Grill, might we suggest Takumi-Tei, which has recently become a front-runner for the best restaurant in Disney. 

Takumi-Tei is located in the Japan pavilion of EPCOT’s world showcase and is one of the most luxurious and indulgent restaurants to open at Walt Disney World with a price tag to match. At $180 per person for the Kaiseki Menu, it’s hardly the most affordable option, but it will definitely leave an impression on your wallet and pallet. 

Which Bars are the Best in Disney World for Adults

As we all know, Disney World is fun for the whole family, but it’s especially fun when the whole family is 21+. Whether you’re on a trip with your family or enjoying a girl’s weekend, there are a ton of fun spots that will be sure to deliver. 

Of course, every adult’s favorite Disney pastime is hitting up EPCOT and drinking around the world. A beer in London, Champagne in France, beer in Germany, the list goes on… But the real MVP of EPCOT’s world showcase is La Cava del Tequila. 

Anyone who’s anyone knows that the Margaritas in Mexico are seriously the best, but La Cava is next level. For when you’re feeling a bit sophisticated and want to indulge a little, La Cava is the perfect Mexican hideaway. Try to get a table if you can order the guac and, of course, a specialty margarita. De nada.

If tequila is not your thing, hop over to Italy’s Tutto Gusto Wine Bar. It has a similar vibe to La Cava — it’s cozy, romantic, and cavernous; you’ll totally forget you’re in Disney World. With over 200 wines available, you’ll surely find something to sip while noshing on Italian specialties like cured meats, cheeses, and desserts. 

Disney Springs Bars

If you’re looking for a night out on the town without paying park admission, Disney resorts have some awesome bars as well. Trader Sam’s, located in Disney’s Polynesian Resort, offers campy Tiki drinks that are as delicious as they are grand. Trader Sam’s is perfect for a birthday celebration, or a night out catching up with friends. 

Disney’s Boardwalk Bars

Disney’s Boardwalk Entertainment District is home to some great options as well. AbracadaBar, is one of the more sophisticated additions in the past few years. Centered around a 1940’s mystery involving the disappearance of a group of illusionists and magicians, AbracadaBar offers fun-themed cocktails and bartenders that have a few tricks up their sleeves. 

Diagonally across the boardwalk from AbracadaBar is probably one of the most fun bars in all of Disney, Jelly Roll’s! Named after the great jazz pianist, Jelly Roll Morton, Jelly Roll’s is a dueling piano bar that is probably the most fun you’ll have outside of a Disney theme park. 

Write down your favorite tune on a napkin and hand it to the performer of your choosing, and don’t forget a tip! Trust me, you haven’t lived until you’ve scream-singed, “Don’t Stop Believing” with a bunch of strangers.

The atmosphere of Jelly Roll’s is a classic rock concert meets dive bar, so don’t expect any out-of-this-world cocktails, but do expect to have the best time ever and to maybe not have a voice the next day. 

I’m curious: what do you think when you think about an adult-only Disney World trip?