Disney World For Adults — Castles & Carpools

Disney World isn’t just for families with young children. Visiting Mickey and friends can make a fantastic adults-only vacation too.

Picture Walt Disney World and you likely think of young families navigating the parks with kids in tow.

But you might be surprised to learn that visiting Disney sans kids isn’t a novel idea. It’s actually a growing trend.

In fact, up to two thirds of Walt Disney World guests on a given day are from homes without kids under 18 in them.

So you won’t be alone if you choose to leave strollers and sippy cups behind to explore Disney as an adult. You’ll join others who know it can be a great escape for adults. It offers a chance to be a young again. But, it comes with the freedom to explore the happiest place on earth as only kids-at-heart can.

And you’ll be enjoying entertainment, restaurants and other things to do designed to appease travelers just like you.

That’s because the adult trip trend hasn’t gone unnoticed by Disney. The brand keeps adding adult centric attractions, places to eat, lounges, and more.

We’ve got your guide on how to plan Disney World without kids. From where to stay and what to do, here are 9 tips for planning a magical adults-only Disney vacation.

Disney Adult Vacation — Disney’s Yacht Club makes the list of the best resorts for a couples’ or friends’ trip to Disney World.

Choose A Deluxe Or Moderate Hotel.

Staying on property at a deluxe resort hotel is a great way to have all the conveniences that make your Disney vacation stress-free. You’ll have easy access to the parks and upgraded amenities. And without kids, you can often skip the need for a larger room, which decreases the price.

Or, if you want to save even a little more on accommodations, a few moderate resorts are good choices too. While they have a few less amenities, they still offer royalty-worthy stays without the princess price tag.

Our favorite resort hotels for a no-kids trip are:

Disney’s Riviera Resort - Romantic European elegance on the Skyliner loop.
Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort - Disney World’s flagship resort, offering classic, Victorian luxury.
Four Season’s Resort Orlando - Ample Disney perks in a luxury sanctuary located just far enough away from the parks. It’s also a featured property with Fora, meaning booking through me provides access to extras like breakfast, resort credits, and room upgrades.
Gran Destino Tower at Disney’s Coronado Springs - Chic feel with grand architecture at a price point that delivers a ton for its price point. For a full explanation and review of the suites at Coronado Springs Resort click HERE.
Walt Disney World Swan Reserve - Luxury-oriented experience in a boutique-feel Marriott Autograph Collection property.
Disney’s Yacht Club - Refined and relaxed atmosphere is a more adult setting. Inquire with us about additional savings that might be available.

NOTE: Booking any of the hotel options above means you’ll have access to special discounts, added perks, and personalized hotel recommendations. And booking through me is at no cost to you!

Disney World Adult Trip — The Biergarten Restaurant is one of our favorite stops for an immersive dining experience.

2. Dine At Disney Restaurants That Are Perfect For Date Night Or Friends Night Out.

Disney restaurants have long been one of our favorite things about visiting. And that hasn’t changed now that we’ve gotten some adult focused trips added to our adventure book.

Some of the most date worthy options are located just outside the parks.

Victoria & Albert’s, Disney’s only Michelin starred restaurant, is the obvious date-night fan favorite. It’s located at Disney’s Grand Floridian.

The Contemporary Resort features California Grill, which can’t be beat for a special night out thanks to fireworks views.

Or, try one of our favorites, Jiko. Located in Animal Kingdom Lodge, it has a fantastic, unique wine list and African-inspired food.

EPCOT is the hands-down winner for adult-oriented food inside the parks. Spice Road Table is our top choice for something a little easier on the pocketbook and still unique and delicious. The same could be said of Rose and Crown in the U.K. Pavilion.

Want elegant and in the parks? Monsieur Paul is perfect for French-inspired cuisine and Tutto Gusto Wine Cellar is the hidden gem choice.

(NOTE: Reservations open 60 days in advance at 6:00 AM EST and disappear in seconds, but I handle these early-morning booking windows for my clients.)

Disney Adult Trip — EPCOT is the place to go for the most food and drink options of any park.

3. Celebrate Around The World At EPCOT.

If traveling and exploring other cultures is your jam, EPCOT is your no-passport perfect day. The park’s World Showcase celebrates 11 permanent country pavilions, and four rotating signature festivals throughout the year.

Foodies, cocktail fans, and those wanting to learn a little about at each place, can check out all of them.

Some must do’s at EPCOT’s World Showcase on an adult Disney World vacation include:

Mexico Pavilion: The colorful and dimly lit indoor area is one of my favorite. It depicts a Mexican village, set against the backdrop themed from various time periods in Mexican history.
The American Adventure: Features an audio-animatronic and film showcase of American history. And yes, it’s so good that it’s worthy of taking a break away from the great food and drinks at EPCOT.
Japan Pavilion: Koi ponds and rock gardens flank the entryway to the pavilion, which also has some of the best sushi in Disney World.
Morocco Pavilion: Winding passageways filled with intricately tiled facades make you forget you’re at a theme park.
France Pavilion: Features great wine and food choices, a beautiful fountain, and tons of character.
United Kingdom Pavilion: Don’t miss the charming English style street or the cottage and tea gardens, one of our favorite quiet spots in EPCOT.

Just by booking through us you’re helping to make the world in which we travel a little better. Learn more about our CHARITABLE FOCUS.

Disney For Adults — Disney’s Contemporary Resort is one of the 3 resorts connected by the Monorail.

4. Do A Progressive Dinner Or Pub Crawl On The Monorail.

I used to think staying at one of the monorail resorts was a great idea because it allows for mid-day breaks for little ones.

But, monorail resorts are equally as great for adults because of easy access to amazing restaurants and drink spots.

Here’s a sample itinerary for a monorail crawl:

Stop 1: Disney’s Contemporary Resort -Head to Steakhouse 71 Lounge for their signature cocktails or mocktail paired with French onion soup or lump crab cakes to share. Or visit the Outer Rim Lounge for views of Bay Lake, a Blue Glo-tini and buffalo chicken flatbread.
Stop 2: Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort - Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto is a must-do for its Hippopoto Mai-Tai. While you’re waiting for a spot in the small space, grab some Ohana Noodles or Honey-Coriander Chicken Wings at Tambu Lounge.
Stop 3: Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa - Relax in Beauty and the Beast style at one of my favorites, the Enchanted Rose. Sip an Island Rose cocktail and snack on truffle fries, the artisanal cheese board, or dark chocolate mouse with blackcurrant.

5. Sip And Snack At Stops On The Skyliner.

Disney’s Skyliner isn’t just great for guests traveling between certain resorts to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios. It also makes for a perfect non-parks way to experience some of the best food and drinks on property.

The Skyliner links Art of Animation, Caribbean Beach Resort, Pop Century, and Riviera Resort via a gondola-style transit system. And since it also makes a stop at EPCOT’s World Showcase entrance, Disney’s Boardwalk Inn, Beach Club , and Yacht Club are also within a short walk.

A fun way to spend a late afternoon and evening with stops along the Skyliner might look a little something like this:

4:30 PM: Surrey Bike Rentals
Rent a 2-to-4-person Surrey bike to explore Disney’s Boardwalk.
5:30 PM: Pre-Dinner Cocktails or Mocktails
Grab a margarita at BoardWalk Joe's Marvelous Margaritas or enjoy a magic-themed drink at AbracadaBar.
6:45 PM: Dinner on the Boardwalk or at EPCOT
Make a reservation at one of the best restaurants on the Boardwalk, like Flying Fish or Bourbon Steak. Or, if you park hopped earlier in the day, head back into EPCOT for dinner in the World Showcase.
8:15 PM:Dessert
Indulge in a slice of Millionaire Cake at The Cake Bake Shop or a sundae at Beaches and Cream Soda Shop.
9:00 PM: EPCOT Fireworks Viewing
Head over the bridge connecting the Boardwalk to the Yacht & Beach Club. Stop midway for a spectacular, unobstructed view of the EPCOT nighttime spectacular, Luminous The Story of Us.
9:45 PM: Post-show Cocktail or Mocktail
Grab the last treat of the evening at Belle Vue Lounge in Disney’s Yacht Club or stroll to Disney’s Riviera Resort. The Riviera Resort features breathtaking views from Topolino's Terrace Lounge.

Adult Trip to Disney World — Adulting in Disney World.

6. Plan Adult-Friendly Park Touring And Enchanting Extras.

Being able to skip planning around nap times and meltdowns means you’ll get to explore the park you way you want to.

Head straight to the thrill rides without zigzagging the park.

Take advantage of lightening lanes and single rider lines.

And don’t forgot to check out Enchanting Extras that are meant especially for kids at heart.

For example, you can sample African fare and experience extra time on Animal Kingdom Park’s savanna on the Savor the Savanna tour.

Deep dive into all things Magic Kingdom in the Keys To The Kingdom Tour.

Listen to great music while dining at the Eat To The Beat event in EPCOT.

And even schedule a Disney Private VIP Tour or private pontoon boat fireworks cruise.

For a free, personalized Monorail or Skyliner crawl itinerary, book your Disney Vacation with us! Fill out the form on our CONTACT US page HERE.

7. Check Out Lounges In The Parks.

You don’t need to look far to spot evidence of Disney catering to more than just their pint-sized visitors.

Several years ago lounges and pubs started popping up throughout the parks. Now adding them to your park tour plan is a great way to experience the magic over-21-style.

EPCOT: It’s no surprise this park gets the award for the most adult-friendly lounges. For example, La Cava del Tequila is a not to be missed spot for tequila themed drinks served in the breathtaking Mexico pavilion. Tutto Gusto Wine Cellar is a tucked away spot in the Italy pavilion. And, most notably, GEO-82 Bar & Lounge is the only strictly 21+ lounge in the park. Located inside Spaceship Earth, it blends nostalgia with a tech-centered menu and stunning fireworks views.
Magic Kingdom: Beak and Barrel serves swashbuckling, pirate drinks in the park’s first dedicated lounge.
Hollywood Studios: Baseline Taphouse is the place to go for an indoor/ outdoor brewhouse experience. Or for an-out-of-this-world take on cocktails, try Oga’s Cantina. If you don’t come in a Star War’s fan: (a) you’re missing out on the greatest galactic fairy tale ever, and (b) you just might leave as one.
Animal Kingdom Park: For the OG of Disney World lounges, head to Nomad Lounge. Located beside Tiffins restaurant, it’s an ode to globetrotting and serves craft cocktails and small plates.

Disney World For Adults — Restaurants, shopping, and entertainment at Disney Springs offer a great alternative to park time.

8. Explore Disney Springs.

Disney Springs is Walt Disney’s World’s shopping and dining hub away from the parks. It’s divided into 4 areas - the Marketplace, the Landing, Town Center, and the West Side.

Start your day or evening here with retail therapy at the largest Disney store in the world. Then head to less Mickey themed spots like Lululemon, Coach, and Kendra Scott.

Make one of the fun restaurants your next stop. Some stellar choices include The Boathouse for waterfront dining, Raglan Road for Irish dancing and cuisine, or Morimoto Asia for glitzy Pan-Asian.

End the night with your choice of entertainment. Guests can spend the evening bowling at Splitsville Luxury Lanes or watch Drawn To Life, an awe-inspiring Disney-themed Cirque du Soleil show. For quicker though no less unique entertainment options, ride in a vintage amphibious vehicle or take an Aurophile Balloon Ride.

Disney World Adult Vacafion — No adult day at Disney World is complete without some “smell the roses” time, stopping at places like the English Tea Garden in EPCOT.

9. Schedule In Down Time.

Our number one tip for a couple’s or friends adult trip to Walt Disney World remains the same as our number one tip for a family trip. Schedule some down time during your vacation.

Disney park days can be high-energy, sensory-overload. We’ve always thought the best way to enjoy the exhilarating thrills and immersive meals and storytelling is through balance.

Schedule in some lounging time at your resort’s quiet pool. Book a massage at Disney’s Grand Floridian Spa. Embrace the split-day strategy, which means scheduling a mid-day break, on one or more park days. And take some time for enjoying the quieter parts of Walt Disney World.