
A question I receive many times over as a travel agent specializing in Disney, is “What are the best things to do in the Disney parks for adults?” Many times, people think a Disney World vacation is only for small children, but the truth is an adults-only trip can be an amazing way to experience the magic of the Disney theme parks through the resorts, restaurants, and nightlife options. Keep reading for more info on the best things to do in Walt Disney World for adults!
Best Resorts for an Adults-Only Disney World Trip

Favorite Magic Kingdom area resort
When you are considering a Disney trip, think about where you want to spend the majority of your time when selecting your resort. If you prefer Magic Kingdom Park, consider The Grand Floridian Resort for its close proximity and refined beauty. Adults will appreciate the grandness of this flagship resort, along with the fantastic dining options available. Our favorite fine dining for adults at The Grand includes Citricos with its Mary Poppins-inspired setting, Narcoossee’s along the waterfront for amazing seafood options, or Victoria and Albert’s for the ultimate in fine dining.
Adults will also love being able to relax at the Citricos Lounge or the Enchanted Rose for a quick cocktail before dinner. Take in a massage at the spa on the property and enjoy the Magic Kingdom fireworks from the resort beach. You can also check out any special events going on at any Walt Disney World resort hotel to see if there might be some targeted to an adults-only trip.

Favorite EPCOT/Hollywood Studios area resorts
If you prefer to stay closer to Epcot or Disney’s Hollywood Studios, consider staying at one of the BoardWalk area resorts. We recently visited Beach Club Resort for dinner at Cape May Cafe. It was absolutely beautiful and the perfect setting for an adults-only getaway. The Beach Club, Yacht Club, or Disney’s BoardWalk Inn are fantastic Disney resorts for a trip focused on Epcot or Hollywood Studios. These parks are a quick walk, a Skyliner trip, or a boat ride away. Plus, the resorts along Crescent Lake make it the perfect spot to wander around at dusk taking in all of the Disney magic.
Dining options abound in the BoardWalk area. Some of our favorites for adults include Cape May Cafe, Yachtsman Steakhouse, Ale & Compass, and Trattoria al Forno. Enjoy a relaxing dinner, grab an ice cream for Beaches and Cream, and stroll along Crescent Lake.

You can also head over to Epcot for the fireworks, and some alcoholic beverages and explore different countries in the World Showcase – a perfect adults-only evening! Be sure to check Epcot’s festivals – we love the Food and Wine Festival and the Flower and Garden Festival.

Disney’s Riviera Resort is another good option for an adult-only Disney trip. This is one of our favorite resort hotels with access to the Skyliner to Epcot and Hollywood Studios. Riviera also offers fantastic dining options in Topolino’s Terrace and a unique design with European flair.

Best Animal Kingdom area resort
If your trip will be focused on Disney’s Animal Kingdom, check into Animal Kingdom Lodge. This Disney resort has some of the best dining on Disney property including options like Boma, Jiko, and Sanaa. If you are looking to relax and watch the animals at the resort, grab a drink from Victoria Falls Lounge and take it all in. My husband and I loved taking an anniversary trip to this resort recently. We really felt like it was an escape away from the daily grind.
Best Disney World Rides for Adults

If you are exploring the Disney theme parks without young children, you can go on all of the thrill rides without any concern for height restrictions or whining during long lines. There is always a debate on the best rides and the best Disney park. Truthfully, all of them offer fantastic ride options. Here are some of our favorites from Animal Kingdom, Magic Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, and Epcot.
Best Rides in Animal Kingdom
Animal Kingdom is filled with so many fantastic rides, along with beautiful animals and landscapes. Our favorites include Expedition Everest, Flight of Passage, Dinosaur, and Kilimanjaro Safaris. Make sure to visit Animal Kingdom at night too. Seeing Pandora lit up with all of its lights and sound effects is magical. Combine that with an evening safari experience, making Animal Kingdom a great way to spend an adult evening.
Favorite Rides in Magic Kingdom

Our favorite Magic Kingdom rides include Space Mountain, Pirates of the Caribbean, Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, and Jungle Cruise. Of course, your nostalgic side might also enjoy It’s a Small World or Peter Pan’s Flight. Don’t forget to take a stroll down Main Street. Always check to see if Extra Magic Hours are included in your park admission if you are staying in one of the Disney hotels. Enjoy the most popular attractions with less wait time. Don’t forget the nighttime show and a Mickey Mouse ice cream bar or churro!
Favorite Attractions in Hollywood Studios for Adults

Disney’s Hollywood Studios is filled with some of the best things. It may be my new favorite Walt Disney World park. Disney fans love the addition of Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge and the ability to explore all things Star Wars land. You can investigate the Millennium Falcon and ride one of Disney’s best newer attractions, Rise of the Resistance. Make sure you know how to secure your spot in the virtual line for Rise! Grab a blue milk and enjoy all there is to offer in Star Wars Land.

Of course, don’t forget other classic favorites like Rockin’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith, Toy Story Mania, Slinky Dog Dash, Star Tours, and Tower of Terror. Grab a Cobb salad at Hollywood Brown Derby or a Num Num cookie near Toy Story Land and enjoy!

Another newer fantastic ride at Hollywood Studios for adults and kids alike is Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway. This is a popular ride with a cue that often spills outside. Be sure to visit early in the morning at the park opening or wait until the evening for shorter lines. Worth the wait for Mickey and Minnie lovers!

Best Attractions in Epcot

What are the best things to do in Walt Disney World for adults in Epcot? Make sure to take time to explore Epcot’s World Showcase. Try all of the different cuisines and take in films from countries around the world. Enjoy some live music and an adult beverage while you stroll to the best attractions. Our favorites include Ratatouille, Test Track, Soarin’, Frozen Ever After, and Mission: Space. Nosh on delicious snacks including the pretzel from Germany, maple popcorn in Canada, and fish and chips in the United Kingdom.

Disney Springs: Best Things to Do in Walt Disney World for Adults

If you are looking for the best things to do in Walt Disney World for adults, consider visiting Disney Springs. A park ticket is not required and parking is free. It is a nice way to spend a non-park day at Disney World. There are 98 stores and shops, over 60 dining options, and 22 options for play in Disney Springs.

A few of our favorite options for adults only are taking in a movie at the AMC Theatre on the property. You can also play a fun game of bowling and take in dinner at Splitsville Bowling. Cirque du Soleil is also featuring a beautiful Disney-based show, Drawn to Life. Make sure you look into tickets for that one!

There are plenty of dining options at Disney Springs. Our favorite dessert options include Gideon’s Bakeshop and Amorette’s Patisserie. Make sure to check into the virtual cue for Gideon’s as soon as you arrive to get a spot in line!
The Boathouse, Jock Lindsey’s Hanger Bar, and Wine Bar George are two of our favorite dining options at Disney Springs. If you dine at the Boathouse, make sure to check out the Amphicar right next door. You can drive into the water! Such a fun experience and you do receive a discount if you dine at Boathouse before or after your visit.
Water Parks at Disney World
If you want to check out the water parks at Disney World, there are two options. You can visit Typhoon Lagoon or Blizzard Beach. Typhoon Lagoon has some relaxing options like a great lazy river and a wave pool. If you want more adventure, you can check out the Crush n’ Gusher Raft ride or Humunga Kowabunga.
Blizzard Beach offers more adventurous rides like Summit Plummet body slides and Runoff Rapids. You can visit the parks with a ticket to the water park. You can also add it to your park ticket with a park ticket plus option. Patios, cabanas, and umbrella options can also be purchased.
Best Restaurants in Walt Disney World For Adults

If you are looking for the perfect date night restaurant for your Disney World trip for adults, there are so many options! Our favorites include:
- Jiko at Animal Kingdom Lodge
- California Grill at Contemporary Resort
- Tiffins at Animal Kingdom Park
- Yachtsman Steakhouse at Yacht Club Resort
- Le Cellier at Epcot
- Flying Fish at BoardWalk Inn
- Narcoossee’s at Grand Floridian
- Sanaa at Animal Kingdom Lodge
- Paddlefish at Disney Springs
- Wine Bar George at Disney Springs
Private Tours at Disney World
If you are looking for the best things to do in Walt Disney World for adults, you might also enjoy one of the private tours. If you have a healthy budget, explore a VIP tour guide option. They will take you and your group on a private tour. Tour guides allow you to cut most of the lines and even enter the parks in private entrances. The VIP tour can be personalized to your taste, making it a fantastic time-saving option!
Consider other tours as well like the Ultimate Disney Classics VIP tour, Backstage Magic Tour, Keys to the Kingdom, Wild Africa Trek, Behind the Seeds, and Up Close with Rhinos. These provide a unique Disney World experience with an inside look. Tours are an additional cost to your Disney World tickets, but well worth it.
I hope this article helped you plan your next adult-only trip to Disney World. If you want more info on how to plan your trip to Magic Kingdom, hop here, Animal Kingdom tips head here, and Disney Springs here! Also, remember that using a travel agent specializing in Disney costs you no more and we offer expertise to help in your planning. Happy traveling!
Keep reading more great posts to help you plan your next Disney vacation!
Non-Park Day at Disney with Kids
Best Backpacks for Disney World
Best Beaches Near Disney World
Tips for a Girls’ Trip to Disney
What to Pack for A Disney Cruise

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