Best Things for Adults to Do at Disney World: A Complete Guide
The entrance to Main Street in Magic Kingdom
Leave the kids at home and explore the best things for adults to do at Disney World!
So many people think that Walt Disney World is a kids-only zone.
But let me assure you that it is not!
You can be a perfectly respectable adult and still enjoy the House of Mouse sans kids.
As an adult, I've been to Disney no fewer than eight times without any kids, and I've had a fantastic time on all of those trips.
How do you carve out some adult space the most magical place on earth?
Easy—just follow my Walt Disney World for adults tips below!
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Why Should You Take a Disney World Adults Only Trip?
I'm in Disney World, and I can do whatever I want!
First of all, it is so much fun!
As someone who’s been to Walt Disney World way too many times to count as a kid, as a single adult, as a newlywed, and now as a parent, there’s really no wrong way to have fun here.
But, there’s something special about being able to do exactly what you want when you want in the huge playground that is Walt Disney World.
Secondly, you aren’t the one responsible for the kid meltdowns, the nap schedules, the feedings, and the requests to ride Dumbo for the 10th time.
That means you’re free to eat, drink, skip, and ride your way across all 4 parks as you see fit.
Thirdly, there are so many things for adults to do at Disney World. You’ll never be bored in or outside of the parks. (See below for specific ideas and tips!)
You’ll want to plan your itinerary around the needs and interests of your group, but I recommend basing things around Epcot, which is the best Disney park for adults.
Definitely go to all of the parks, but Epcot’s focus on food, cocktails, education, and culture will appeal to your adult party.
What's the Best Place to Stay in Disney World for Adults?
Coronado Springs at Walt Disney World Resort
While there aren’t any Disney World adults only hotels, the moderate and deluxe hotels onsite are great for quieter visits.
Trust me here, and splurge for anything beyond the value resorts, which often host cheerleading and baseball teams as well as huge international groups of teenagers.
There’s nothing fun or romantic about listening to a bunch of loud, giggling kids run past your room in Pop Century for the 5th time at midnight. (True story.)
Instead, I love Port Orleans Riverside or Coronado Springs in the moderate category for adult visits to Disney World.
>> Read my full Port Orleans Resort review here. <<
Port Orleans Riverside is quiet and out of the way, plus the meandering paths by the river are perfect for romantic evening walks.
Coronado Springs has a fantastic pool and fun Southwestern theming that isn’t childish.
As it’s a popular spot for business conferences, you’re much more likely to be surrounded by adults than kids.
>> Read my full Coronado Springs Resort review here. <<
For deluxe resorts, you can’t beat the top end luxury of the Grand Floridian, which would be the ultimate hotel for Disney World honeymoons.
I also like the Boardwalk Resort for adult trips as it is quiet and calming with turn of the century seaside theming.
If you don’t mind a Disney partner hotel without any specific Disney theming, the Swan and Dolphin are beautiful, modern, and within easy walking distance to both Hollywood Studios and Epcot!
8 Best Things for Adults to Do at Disney World
1) Watch the Magic Kingdom fireworks from the railroad platform at the front of the park.
Fireworks at Walt Disney World
Here, you’ll avoid the masses of people and be far away from most of the exhausted children.
You’ll have a great view of the fireworks show, and, as a bonus, you're super close to the park entrance when you’re ready to leave.
2) Take on a food and/or drink challenge.
When my sister and I went on an adult Disney vacation after we were both done with college, we decided to try something in each of the stalls in Epcot.
By the end of the day, we were STUFFED, but we’d had some delicious treats along the way.
You could try this by drinking around the world in Epcot, doing a dessert challenge in Epcot, trying a cupcake in each park, or aiming to try as many mac and cheese bowls as you can find!
3) Ride the Astro Orbiter at night!
If we’re talking about things to do at Magic Kingdom for adults, this is one of my favorites!
At night, the entire park is lit up, and Tomorrowland is especially pretty. From the tower where Astro Orbiter is located, you’ll be able to see it all, including the castle.
For extra points, see if you can time your ride while the fireworks show is happening.
Other can’t-miss Magic Kingdom rides for adults include Splash Mountain, Space Mountain, and Big Thunder Mountain Railroad.
4) Make use of the single rider line.
Many kids (including my own) don’t want to ride by themselves, so families stick together on the thrill rides.
Take advantage of this, and opt for the single rider line. You’ll get onto the most popular rides faster, which means more time for other activities each day.
5) Try for late night reservations.
Wandering through Animal Kingdom after late dinner reservations
This approach works for any of the restaurants or themed activities in the parks, so pick your favorite park and plan accordingly.
If you want to see Hollywood Studios like never before, look for the last possible reservation at Oga’s Cantina, the SciFi Drive In, or Savi’s Workshop.
You’re less likely to have to clamber for a late spot, plus you’ll get to see the park after it’s closed—and completely empty of people!
6) Shop ‘til You Drop.
My kids never, ever let me linger while we’re out shopping, so it is a treat to be able to look at souvenirs at my leisure.
Whether you’re shopping at Main Street Emporium in Magic Kingdom or Uniqlo in Disney Springs, take your time finding the perfect item to take home.
7) Invest in a Loungefly backpack.
Speaking of shopping, you’ll want to pick up one of these adorable themed Loungefly backpacks on your first day.
After my cheap bag broke on the first day of our most recent trip, I decided to splurge and get one of these.
I wish I hadn’t held out so long because I LOVE it. It’s the perfect size for holding the basics while I’m in the parks, and I get compliments constantly when I’m wearing it around at home.
8) Take a behind the scenes tour.
I was able to do the behind the scenes tour at Animal Kingdom, and it was fantastic.
We were able to learn about the ways that the animals are kept healthy, see their enclosure, and lots more that the general public doesn’t have access to.
These tours can be pricey, so I wouldn’t take my kids on them until they’re much older and able to sit through the entire thing.
However, they’d be a great way to spend a few hours on an adult Disney vacation!
BONUS ITEM: Try to complete the Walt Disney World 4 Parks 1 Day Challenge!
I know it’s hard to attempt this right now with the post-Covid restrictions, but it’s something I had a blast trying with my sister a few years back.
Best Walt Disney World for Adults Tips
Take advantage of the school calendar.
Fall, winter, and early spring are all great times to visit since the majority of kids will be in school.
And if the kids can't come, there won't be any family vacations happening.
September, early November, January, February, late April, and early May are all great times to go if you want fewer crowds and less kids around.
Just double check when popular fall breaks, winter breaks, and spring breaks occur, or you'll be swarmed by fresh-from-school kids.
Stay up past bedtime.
Most kids will rise early and hit the sack before the nighttime parade.
Crowds start thinning out after the evening show (this will vary on the park), so use that remaining hour or two before the park closes to go for a spin on your favorite ride.
If you stay on property, take advantage of the free guests perks, which can include an extra hour at night after closing.
You're an adult--you don't have to worry about your mom getting you up the next morning!
Embrace the inner kid.
No matter when you visit, there will be children of all ages around you.
Accept that there will be tantrums, spilled ice creams, and exhausted princesses at every park.
However, having that much youth around you is freeing.
They certainly won't judge you if you start dancing at the afternoon parade, tear up at the Wishes fireworks show, or don your very own pirate Mickey ears.
Loosen up, wear something you never would back home, take some pictures, and enjoy the magic.
My sister sporting her sparkly Minnie ears in Epcot's Mexico.
>> Get fun ideas on how to dress while at Disney World! <<
Hit up Disney Springs.
With restaurants, shops, and shows, Disney Springs is a great place to enjoy the Disney atmosphere if you don't want to brave the parks.
The themed restaurants such as Rainforest Cafe and T-Rex Cafe are full of kitschy, over-the-top fun.
While many of the shops have cartoon-focused toys and clothing, you can find some more subtle Disney wear at Tren-D and in the women's and men's sections of World of Disney.
Disney Springs also has plenty of fun date night options including Drawn to Life by Cirque du Soleil, a bowling alley, and a movie theatre.
Use your 21+ privileges.
Hands off, kiddos!
Enjoy an adult beverage while visiting the World Showcase in Epcot, or sidle on up to one of the bars in Disney Springs.
With craft beers from around the world to your favorite fruity cocktail, Disney's got you covered if you're over 21.
Just remember, if you have to wear one of those “Drunker Belle” t-shirts, don’t imbibe so much that you’re puking in the bushes. Yuck.
Class things up with high-end dining.
There are plenty of romantic spots for couples who want an incredible dining experience.
The Victoria and Albert at the Grand Floridian is a five star restaurant with a prix fixe menu.
The Contemporary's California Grill offers gorgeous views of Bay Lake and the Magic Kingdom.
Book a table at California Grill at night for an unforgettable perspective on the fireworks!.
Sample traditional African fare at Sanaa in the Animal Kingdom Lodge and then step outside to see the animals roaming the property.
Spurge on a fun couples-only extra.
Afternoon tea, spa treatments, a round of golf, or a fishing adventure are all activities that you can do with your significant other while at Disney World.
And best of all, other than the tea, these are all pre-booked, single party experiences, so you will have time to relax with just the two of you.
Most of these activities also would be fun for a sisters' trip, a sorority reunion, a family reunion, or a trip with friends.
Have you taken an adult Disney vacation? Let me know what you did in the comments!
