Disney for adults is a magical place! I never knew how fun it could be as a “grown up” until I went with friends a few years ago, and I’ve made the annual pilgrimage ever since. There are tons of fun and creative things to do at Disney World for adults and there’s a list of the top 7 of them (in my opinion)!
Despite the idea that Disney is for kids, it’s a wonderful place for folks of all ages. We love to go whenever we can, and there are tons of activities and events for Disney lovers of all ages.
I am only familiar with the Florida Disney World parks, but you can check out my guide to visiting Disneyland Paris here.
Every time we go to Disney World we discover new fun things for adults and couples to do there. I am constantly impressed by Disney’s attention to detail of every single aspect of the parks. That level of detail goes into all of their restaurants, costumes, meals, customer service, and even the way the ride lines are curated and planned!
Below are some of my personal favorite things to do at Disney World for adults at the Florida parks. Do you have any favorites? Leave them in the comments below!
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Here are my top picks for grown ups to do at Disney World in Florida! Some I have personally done–and some I am looking forward to doing on upcoming trips!
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Do you like surfing? What about scuba diving? Getting up close with rhinos? If you answered yes, yes, and HELL YES, then you need to check out one (or five) of Disney’s behind the scenes tours and events! Perfect for adults and couples, the various tours take you into the heart of the Magic Kingdom, Epcot, and Animal Kingdom.
If you like to surf, you can take private surfing lessons with your own waves in their state of the art wave pool. If a more upscale vibe is your thing, consider the Savor the Savanna: Evening Safari Experience which includes a premium small group safari in the Animal Kingdom. You’ll follow that up with a curated menu of African-inspired bites and beverages.
The point is, Disney is so much more than just going through the parks and riding rides (although that is also fun)!
Whether it’s the Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, or New Year’s Eve at Disney World, the staff and imagineers pull out all the stops. And these events are perfect for adults at Disney.
During the Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party you can trick or treat in the Magic Kingdom, watch a ghoulish parade, and snack on special treats only available during Halloween time. Who knows what spooktactular scaries might crop up?!
Christmas and New Year’s at Disney World are over the top and give you that warm gingerbread feeling throughout the holiday season! The parks are decorated to the nines, and you’ll be able to sample exclusive holiday treats like elven desserts and champagne to ring in the new year.
Save up to $10 on Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party here!
Save up to $10 on Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party Ticket!
I looooooooove Disney Springs. I remember when it was just a twinkle in the eye of Disney and called “Downtown Disney” with a bunch of holes in the ground with no visitors. Ah, the good old days!
But now, it is so amazing. It’s like the best mall you could ever want plus mouth watering cuisine at every turn.
Some of my favorite shops in Disney Springs are the Uniqlo, where you can find unique Disney t-shirts with exclusive prints. Also a great place for picking up an affordable jacket if the nights get chilly. Visit the Art of Disney to check out some fantastic artwork and feel like you’re in a gallery for a bit. There’s also a Coach store and Lacoste if you fancy (I’m not). The point is, you could spend a whole day browsing the shops placed all around the Disney Spring Lake.
And let’s talk about the restaurants in Disney Springs. We’re talking about restaurants by James Beard Award-winners (Frontera Cucina), Wine Bar George with over 140 types of wine by the glass, and a French-style patisserie (Amorettes Patisserie).
There’s also an AMC movie theater, House of Blues, NBA Experience, and live performances. Wowza!
Disney Springs is the “true” adult playground for Disney. You could shop and eat here for a full week without ever going in the parks!
What could be more relaxing for adults at Disney than taking a mid-day break and heading over to one of the Disney resort spas for a massage or mani-pedi? Yes, they can be expensive. But as in all things Disney, you’re guaranteed to have excellent service and attention to detail.
Plus, with any spa service booked, you’re able to enjoy the whole spa area. That includes the Mandara Spa Meru Temple or Tea Garden at the Swan and Dolphin Resort and the Senses Spa at the Grand Floridian.
Folks who book a treatment at the Grand Floridian are also granted full-day access to amenities like a steam room, whirlpool, and relaxation lounges.
Each Disney World Resort has its own theme and cuisine (do you like what I did there?). Going to the resorts is really like a free way to experience the magic of Disney without actually going inside a park. Eating all day sounds like a dream come true activity for adults at Disney.
Some of my favorite bites at the resorts include:
Grand Floridian Resort: High Tea, English-style, baby. Indulge in some scones and a spot of tea while taking in the Victorian-style decorations.
Wilderness Lodge: Check out one of the campfires at the Wilderness Lodge to make s’mores or watch a movie under the stars.
Polynesian Village: DOLE WHIP ANYONE? Head over to the Polynesian Village to indulge in one of these smooth and refreshing dairy-free desserts made from pineapple juice.
Port Orleans Resort French Quarter: If you love New Orleans, you’re going to love the dining options at the Port Orleans French Quarter. Take in a cold drink at the Mardi Grog pub and snack on sugar-dusted beignets and chicory coffee at Sassagoula Floatworks and Food Factory.
Is the new Star Wars: Galaxy Edge really just for adults? I mean….when it opens next week I am pretty sure it’s going to be a flood of Gen X’ers and Millenials (like us) reliving our childhood dreams of being Princess Leia or Luke Skywalker.
But for real, if you want the inside scoop on all things Star Wars and more ideas for Disney for adults, you need to check out the glorious writing and Instagram of theme park goddess Carlye Wisel (her Instagram is below). She’s been getting all of the hot sneak peeks and Star Wars: Galaxy Edge, and I owe my two Oga’s Cantina reservations to her!
I am really excited to check out this new part of Hollywood Studios and to take a ride on the Millennium Falcon. Hopefully I’ll be back at you later in the fall with my take on the new land!
https://www.instagram.com/p/ByTfCctAesG/
Drum roll please. The number one thing to do at Disney for Adults is the Epcot Food and Wine Festival!
If I sound like a Festival stan, it’s because I am. This event is hands down the thing I love the most at Disney.
We all know Epcot has 11 “main” year-round countries. But did you know during the Epcot Food and Wine Festival they install pop up tents and buildings to house even more food from more than 30 countries and cultures? You can find food from Africa, India, Ireland, Spain, Thailand, and more, in addition to the traditional Epcot countries like Italy and France.
There’s also a free concert series called “Eat to the Beat” where you can re-live your teen years with acts like Hanson, Boyz II Men, Tiffany, Kenny G and more!
The Epcot Food and Wine Festival also offers cheese and wine tasting sessions, chocolate workshops, celebrity chef demos, and a tailgating snack workshop. If that doesn’t say Disney for adults, what does?!
Check out my review of the 2018 Epcot Food and Wine Festival
While you’re in Epcot, be sure to check out the aquarium at Sea Base. It’s a 5.7-million-gallon Caribbean Coral Reef Aquarium (the second largest in the USA) with public feeding sessions at 10am at 3:30pm daily.
If you’re looking for a quick list of what to take to Disney World, here are a few of my top suggestions:
If you liked this list of things to do at Disney World for adults check out these other posts!
Disneyland Paris Solo: Is it worth it?
A Nitty Gritty Trip Checklist for International Travel
Fort Lauderdale, Florida: Where to Stay, Play, and Eat
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