Walt Disney World isn’t just for kids – it’s a playground for all ages! Whether you’re looking for thrilling rides, gourmet dining, or unique experiences, there’s plenty to enjoy. Here are some fun ideas for adults at Disney World.
Indulge in Fine Dining
Disney World can boast about having some incredible restaurants catering to any palette. And the dining experiences aren’t just about the food at Walt Disney World. Don’t count out immersive dining experiences like character dining or locations such as Space 220. They are fun at any age! If you’re looking for a more elegant dining experience, perhaps for a special evening out, see my post about Date Night Dining at Disney World.
Ride the rides!
The rides are what calls to most of us from Walt Disney World, young and old alike. Though Walt Disney World doesn’t necessarily have the most thrilling rides when compared to other theme parks, they do have some of these most immersive rides in the world. Some of my favorite rides aren’t thrilling at all – Spaceship Earth, Living with the Land, and the Haunted Mansion to name a few. These are the kinds of rides that make Walt Disney World’s attraction catalog special. Throw in some legitimately thrilling attractions like Expedition Everest, Space Mountain, and Tower of Terror, and there’s truly something for everyone. I have an entire post about Adult Rides at Walt Disney World that goes into more details about specific attractions that I think appeal to adults.
Drink (or snack) around the World
Drinking around the world showcase has become a rite of passage for many Disney World Adults. It’s not uncommon to see groups with matching shirts marching around the World Showcase imbibing in adult beverages, especially on the weekends. To some, this is a blight on the land. Sometimes these groups can go a little too far and cause a commotion for other park guests. This is not what I’m suggesting here. Frankly, I don’t understand why anyone would drink around the world and not also eat something at every top. To me, this is the way. Drink slowly, eat frequently, and you won’t end up on someone’s TikTok as an example of how not to behave. I’ve spent many days doing exactly that and it’s truly one of my favorite ways to spend a day and evening at EPCOT – especially if there is a festival going on (and that’s basically every day!)
Don’t miss the giant pretzels in Germany. They’re a perfect base. Other personal favorites include sake from Japan, wine from France, and a pint at Rose and Crown in the United Kingdom. If you’re going around the World Showcase clockwise starting from Mexico you’ll probably also be ready for a more substantial bite. Yorkshire Fish and Chips is not to be missed if that’s your jam.
Take a tour
I’ve personally only taken two tours, but I plan to take many more because those experiences were so positive. You can read about my Behind the Seeds tour experience here. I absolutely loved this experience. Going backstage at an attraction was something I’ll never forget. I’ve also done the Caring for Giants tour at Animal Kingdom which brings guests backstage to where the elephants roam. I’d highly recommend that as well. There are also tours that will take you to normally off limits parts of the Magic Kingdom, bring you on a trek through the savannah in the Animal Kingdom, or even give you a VIP tour guide for the day. There’s something for everyone and in my experience are a great way to see Walt Disney World in a different way.
Go to the Spa
If you’re looking for some real pampering and self care then a trip to the spa may be just what the doctor ordered. There are several options around the property.
The Grand Floridian Spa – Located at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, this Victorian-themed retreat offers massages, facials, body treatments, and nail services in an elegant setting. This is the only full service spa at a Disney resort right. Prior to the pandemic there was an underrated spa at Saratoga Springs resort, but sadly that has yet to reopen.
Mandara Spa at the Swan & Dolphin Hotel – This Balinese-inspired spa provides a variety of treatments, including massages, facials, and body wraps. While not technically a Disney run property, it’s an easy walk from EPCOT and right next to Yacht & Beach club and the Boardwalk.
Zahanati Massage & Fitness Center – Found at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, this spa offers hand and foot treatments along with massage services. Thought not a full service space, this is a great spot to get those barking dogs to calm down and recharge for the next round of touring.
Resort Hop or don’t hop
Don’t underestimate the amount of adult fun that can be had outside of the parks. In recent trips I’ve been spending more and more time at the resorts, both the one I’m staying at and others. If you’re a first time visitor or on a once in a lifetime type of trip, then this probably isn’t how you want to spend your time. If you’re a returning visitor however, then devote an afternoon or evening of your trip to checking out another resort or two.
I recommend utilizing the monorail to loop around the Magic Kingdom resort area, starting at the Contemporary and ending at the Grand Floridian. Another great option is to spend some time at the Crescent Lake resorts. The boardwalk area is magical in the evening with street performers, snacks, and lounges all within steps of each other. With the installation of the Skyliner resorts like the Riveria, Caribbean Beach, and Pop Century are now just a short flight away.
A resort day at your own resort is also an underrated way to spend a day. Again, most first timers would probably shy away from “wasting” an entire day at the resort. Trust me, I get it. It can be difficult to relax at your pool knowing that your favorite ride or character experience is just a quick ride or walk away. But the feature pools at most resorts are attractions in and of themselves. If a more serene day by the water is what you need then seek out a quiet pool. We’ve had entire pool areas to ourselves for hours at a time!
As what some may call a Disney adult, I know first hand that Walt Disney World isn’t just a playground for the young. There’s a reason folks like me keep coming back. At first it’s the rides and the parks that pull guests in, but after a few trips the rest of what Walt Disney World offers comes into focus and ultimately, for us, is what keeps us coming back every year.
