Everyone knows Walt Disney World is the happiest place on Earth, but many people think it’s exclusively for kids. While most Disney products, movies, and shows are aimed at young children, people of all ages can enjoy them, and the experience of going to a Disney theme park only gets better with age.
Going as an adult, without kids, means you have more freedom. No stopping for naps, snacks, or diaper changes (okay, maybe you’ll need a nap). All the roller coasters that terrified you as a child? You can reach the height requirement now! The older you get, the more there is to do in Disney World. Here are some things only adults can do at the happiest place on Earth.
1. Adult Beverages
Let’s get this one out of the way first. If you’re over 21, you can drink. Adult beverages are severed at select places throughout the parks, such as Gaston’s Tavern in Magic Kingdom. Of course, you can always order a cocktail at dinner—The California Grill at the Contemporary Resort has a creative selection. Many people also participate in the “Monorail Crawl,” which is when you go to different resorts that are connected by the Monorail line to drink, such as the Polynesian, the Grand Floridian, or the Contemporary. You can also “drink around the world” at the World Showcase in Epcot, sampling traditional alcoholic beverages from the eleven countries represented there. Just make sure to behave yourself, and don’t BYOB.
2. Backstage Tours
Seeing what goes on “backstage” might ruin the magic for little kids, but for adults, it only enhances it. Many of the tours only allow guests who are over the age of 16 so as not to interfere with how children see the parks. The Backstage Magic tour, a seven hour tour of four parks, is exclusively for grownups. Also available are the Backstage Safari, Holiday D-Lights during the Christmas season, and the Keys to the Kingdom tour, which explores, among other areas, the hidden world known as the Utilidoors.
3. Extreme Rides
Not every kid wants to be dropped from 200 feet in the air repeatedly or be upside down while listening to Aerosmith, but if that’s your thing, going to the park as an adult opens up new possibilities for rides. You don't have to stick with the tame “story” rides if you don’t want to; you can head straight for Space Mountain as soon as the park opens.
While these rides aren't exclusively for adults—the last time I went on the Tower of Terror there was a seven-year-old next to me—but when you're at the park without kids, it is easier to experience the more thrilling rides.
4. Take Advantage of Extra Magic Hours
For those of you who don’t know, Extra Magic Hours (EMHs) are early opening or late closing hours provided to park goers. The amount of time varies, but with no young children in your party, you can get up early and explore areas that would normally be crowded or even ignored during the more busy times of day. You can get some shopping done before you start your day (and have your purchases sent to your room to avoid carrying them around) or have breakfast at one of the park restaurants, such as Crystal Palace in Magic Kingdom. If you're a night owl, you could also enjoy one of the many things to do after dark, such as Fantastic at Hollywood Studios, IllumiNations at Epcot, or the Wishes Nighttime Spectacular at the Magic Kingdom. You can also experience the Jungle Cruise Ride at night.
5. Epcot International Food and Wine Festival
This yearly event brings hundreds of people to the park. The festival runs from September 25 through November 16, and is included in regular Epcot admission. You can sign up for a culinary demonstration, enjoy specialty sliders at the Rockin' Burger Party, meet celebrity chefs, and watch ABC’s "The Chew" being filmed live from the park. There’s also a concert series and a “Yelloween” masquerade party on Halloween, named for the golden champagne that will be flowing freely the entire night. Yes, costumes are required!
6. Romantic Getaway
If you and your significant other are both Disney fans (and why would you date anyone who wasn’t?) there are plenty of romantic things for you to do together in the parks. If you’re "Lady and the Tramp" fans, Tony’s Town Square Restaurant in the Magic Kingdom is the perfect place to share spaghetti and meatballs and recreate that adorable scene from the movie. You could also get a couple’s massage, spend a night at the Boardwalk's Atlantic Dance Hall, take a horse-drawn carriage ride, or arrange for a surprise package to be delivered to your room for your special someone. Of course, Disney parks have plenty of ideal spots for romantic photo ops. Take advantage of that if you're waiting to pop the question to your prince or princess. You can even get married at one of their many romantic wedding venues!
7. Fine Dining
We all know how difficult it can be to try to have dinner out when you have kids. Disney has plenty of dining experiences for adults, such as California Grill, Victoria and Albert’s at the Grand Floridian, Le Cellier Steakhouse at the Canada Pavilion, Monsieur Paul at the France Pavilion, The Brown Derby at Hollywood Studios, Artist Point at the Wilderness Lodge, and many more. Though you might prefer to grab a turkey leg from one of the food kiosks, one of the perks of going to the park when you’re older is getting to sit down and enjoy your meal.
8. Water Activities
At the Watersports Centre at the Contemporary Resort, you can go parasailing, waterskiing, tubing, wake boarding, and many other options. You can also go scuba diving in Epcot’s saltwater aquarium, or surfing in Typhoon Lagoon. If you’d rather spend some time on the water, you can always rent canoes, kayaks, catamarans, or even a motorized boat to use. You can also go fishing at Fort Wilderness or Port Orleans-Riverside.
9. Sports
Did you know you can go golfing at Disney parks? There are three golf courses on the grounds of the Grand Floridian resort and one near Saratoga Springs. There are also putting greens, driving ranges, and lessons available if you need to brush up your swing. You can also go horseback riding at Fort Wilderness or get behind the wheel of a sports car at the Richard Petty Driving Experience.
10. Pamper Yourself
Disney resorts are home to many luxurious locations where you can spend a day relaxing. The most notable is the Grand Floridian Resort and Spa, but there are also spas and fitness and health centers located at the Contemporary Resort, Saratoga Springs, and the Wilderness Lodge. All of these options have different reattempts meant to relax your body and invigorate your senses.
There are plenty of things for adults to do at Disney parks, whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway, a trip with your friends, or just interested in indulging your inner child again. You can relax by one of the many pools, enjoy the fireworks, and most importantly, create your own schedule. Disney World is for the child in all of us. The magic never goes away, it just grows with you.
































