Is Disney World Worth it for Adults? (Ultimate 2023 Guide)
👉 Jump to: Things to Do | Tips | FAQ
You may be wondering to yourself is it really worth it to plan a trip to Disney World for adults?
The answer is a resounding yes! Walt Disney World is the top destination for family vacations, but there is endless fun for guests of all ages.
There are a few ways that adults can make their Disney trip feel more age-appropriate while visiting Walt Disney World (while still allowing their inner child to run free).
As a self-proclaimed Disney adult and former cast member, I’ll be sharing some of my favorite activities and Disney World tips for making the most of your 18+ Walt Disney World vacation.
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15 Things to Do At Walt Disney World for Adults
Enjoy Specialty Coffee
Find your new favorite cup of java at one of the many shops around the resort hotels and Disney parks.
🌐 Website
A delicious morning drink gets Disney fans up and ready to rope-drop their favorite Disney World rides. All four theme parks have a Starbucks location, but Joffrey’s Coffee has locations across Disney World property with varying specialty drinks.
You might like to stay cool with a frozen blended coffee from Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort. Star Wars fans should consider picking up a Black Spire brew from Oga’s Cantina in Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
👉 Local Tip: If you’re looking for itineraries for your Disney vacation, I’ve put together a few for you:
- 6-Day Walt Disney World Itinerary
- Magic Kingdom Itinerary
- Epcot Itinerary
- Animal Kingdom Itinerary
- Hollywood Studios Itinerary
Drink Around the World Showcase at Epcot
The most well-known activity at Disney World for adults is enjoying a beverage from each of the countries around the World Showcase.
📍 Google Maps | Website | 👉 Purchase Epcot tickets at Undercover Tourist
Drinking around the World Showcase doesn’t need much explanation, it is just walking around and sipping on your new favorite drinks. If you’re feeling adventurous, try something unique and different for each country. If you want to play it a little safer, stick to beer and wine which are offered in every single country.
Don’t forget to drink lots of water and eat some snacks along the way. There are plenty of delicious options from all of the countries.
👉 Local Tip: Grab this fun temporary tattoo to keep track of all the countries you’ve stopped at!
Visit Disney Springs
Visit your favorite brands or try a new restaurant in this shopping and entertainment district.
📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours: 10 am – 11 pm | Entrance: Free
Unlike the Disney theme parks, it is free to park and enter Disney Springs. I recommend adding a Disney Springs day to your adult Disney vacation to enjoy some great food and pick up your souvenirs. Adults will enjoy the offerings at some of my favorite Disney Springs stops: Wine Bar George, Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar, and Raglan Road.
For entertainment at Disney Springs, check the schedules for movies at the AMC theater, shows at Cirque du Soleil, and concerts at House of Blues.
Capture Your Moment Photo Shoot
Take your time capturing the perfect Insta-worthy photo with a personal photographer.
🌐 Website | Cost: Starting at $99
Capture your moment photo shoots are offered at Magic Kingdom park, Animal Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, and Epcot. These 20-minute sessions give your group plenty of time to set up some iconic shots around the Walt Disney World Resort.
Photo downloads are not included with the price of the session, so look into purchasing Memory Maker for your adults trip to get access to all your photos. These photo shoots are also a great activity for a honeymoon at Disney World.
👉 Local Tip: If you’re looking for a magical place to propose, do it during a Capture Your Moment session so you’ll have tons of photos of the special occasion.
Take a Backstage Tour
Add a little fun and education to your Disney World trip by heading behind the scenes of the magic.
🌐 Website | Cost: Varies by tour
Look no further than a backstage tour to enhance your Walt Disney World vacation if you are a true Disney fan. There are a few different tours to choose from depending on your interests. Those looking to learn more about the Magic Kingdom theme park and Walt’s vision will enjoy the Keys to the Kingdom tour.
Animal lovers can choose from several interesting experiences at Disney’s Animal Kingdom and Epcot theme parks. Savor the Savannah and Wild Africa Trek take guests on an extended private safari. At The Seas in Epcot, guests can go scuba diving with over 2,000 aquatic animals in the almost 6 million-gallon aquarium.
Go Golfing
Slow down on your vacation with an exciting game at one of the Disney World golf courses.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (407) 939-4653 | Website | Rate: Varies by date and time
There are three 18-hole golf courses and one 9-hole golf course at Walt Disney World. All of the courses are operated by Arnold Palmer Golf Management. Guests staying at select Disney hotels can receive complimentary transportation to their tee times and equipment rentals are available.
If miniature golf is more your speed, you’re in luck! The Walt Disney Company has two putt-putt courses: Winter Summerland and Fantasia Gardens.
Listen to Live Music
Sit back and listen to some acoustic jams at one of the many stages around the resort.
🌐 Website
You may not expect live music to be a staple around Walt Disney World, but it is surprisingly easy to find. Many of the Disney resorts feature live musicians at their lounges in the evenings and Disney Springs has several stages for performers.
One of my favorite Disney holiday experiences is listening to the pianist in the Grand Floridian lobby. During the winter holidays, there is a large tree and gingerbread house to complete the Christmas ambiance.
Explore Nightlife at Disney’s Boardwalk
Dance and sing along at a couple of the only 21+ establishments at Disney.
📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours: 7 pm – 1:45 am | Entrance: $20 (Jellyrolls)
You won’t find any chaotic nightlife locations around Disney World, but there are a couple of adult-only destinations at Disney’s Boardwalk. Jellyrolls is a dueling piano bar known for the free popcorn and excellent entertainers. There is a $20 cover charge to enter.
Head next door to the Atlantic Dance Hall if dancing is more your style. There is no cover to enter. You can dance the night away (if you still have the energy after walking through the Disney parks all day).
Attend a Special Event
Skip a busy, hot day at the parks and attend a special evening event instead.
🌐 Website | Entrance: Varies by event | 👉 Purchase upcoming event tickets from Undercover Tourist
I don’t always recommend the special events to people going to Disney World, but sometimes it makes sense. If you are including a pool or relaxation day, it can be fun to go to a theme park just for the evening.
For Halloween, Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party includes special shows and trick-or-treating through the Magic Kingdom. During the winter holidays, there are special events at Magic Kingdom and Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
Relax at the Spa
Take some time to treat yourself to a luxurious spa treatment.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (407) 824-3039 | Website
Of course, the Grand Floridian Spa is located at the most elegant Disney hotel. Guests can enjoy a range of treatments, including pedicures, massages, and facials at the Grand Floridian. The treatments come with access to the soothing relaxation room for use before and after.
You may prefer to visit the Mandara Spa at the Swan & Dolphin if you are staying at or near the Boardwalk.
You can even get your hair styled for a fancy evening or date night if you are dining at one of Disney’s fine dining restaurants.
Dine at Disney Signature Restaurants
Skip the burgers and chicken nuggets for an elegant and delicious meal.
🌐 Website
Regardless of your preferred cuisine, there are plenty of fine and signature restaurants throughout the resort. Many are located at the Deluxe resorts but several can also be found throughout the theme parks.
Reservations at the best restaurants fill up quickly, so plan ahead. You can make reservations 60 days out on the Disney website or the My Disney Experience app.
👉 Local Tip: One unforgettable experience is dining at the California Grill at Disney’s Contemporary Resort. This restaurant is located on the floor and offers unparalleled views of the Magic Kingdom fireworks over Space Mountain.
Rent a Boat
Get out on the water for unique views of the parks and resorts.
🌐 Website | Cost: $45 per 30 minutes
You’re probably looking for new experiences to include in your vacation if your group has visited Disney World many times before. Several of the resorts have marinas with pontoon boat rentals. Enjoy the breeze and the splash of the cool water as you drive around.
👉 Local Tip: Instead of driving yourself, take a fireworks cruise on one of the boats. A captain will drive your party to prime fireworks viewing spots while you enjoy snacks and refreshments.
Splash at a Water Park
The Disney water parks offer fun for more than just the kids.
📍 Google Maps | Website | 👉 Purchase water park tickets from Undercover Tourist
Do you prefer to sunbathe on a lounge chair or race down the water slides? Either way, you’ll have a great time at one of the Disney water parks. Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach water parks both offer lazy rivers, water slides, and family float rides.
Drinks and plenty of food options are also available, so your party can easily spend the entire day splashing around the park.
Do a Resort Bar Crawl
Explore the resorts – one drink at a time!
🌐 Website
Every single one of Disney World’s resort hotels is uniquely themed and decorated. Since many of the hotels are grouped near each other, it is easy to create your own bar crawl as you explore the resorts.
The most famous crawl around Disney World is the monorail bar crawl at the Magic Kingdom resorts. You could also walk to all the hotels around the Boardwalk. My favorite bar crawl goes to all the hotels along the Skyliner gondolas.
Taste Spirits at La Cava del Tequila
Visit Epcot’s most famous bar for delectable drinks.
📍 Google Maps | Website | 👉 Purchase Epcot tickets at Undercover Tourist
Over the years, La Cava del Tequila has gone from a hidden gem to a full-blown favorite. This small bar is located inside the Mexico pavilion pyramid. You can order some small bites, but most guests are there for the margaritas.
You can order shots or a flight if straight tequila is more your style. Tequila connoisseurs would enjoy La Cava Experience, a tequila-tasting experience guided by an expert.
7 Tips for Adults on a Walt Disney World Vacation
Schedule Adult-Only Activities
Disney is going to be filled with children and families; it is to be expected at an all-ages resort. However, there are plenty of activities at Disney World for adults. Make sure you schedule a few adults-only activities to get a break from all the kids at the parks and hotels.
Use Genie+ and Lightning Lane
Genie+ and Lightning Lane have replaced the old Fastpass and Fastpass+ services. They both cost a small fee to purchase shorter wait times at your favorite attractions. This allows you to fit more fun in your day and spend less time waiting in lines at the theme parks.
Stay at a Deluxe Disney Resort
The best part about not bringing kids to Walt Disney World is that you can splurge on yourself. Enjoy a higher level of amenities and ambiance by staying at one of Disney’s deluxe resorts, such as Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort, Disney’s Riviera Resort, Disney’s Polynesian Resort, or Disney’s Boardwalk Inn.
Visit on Weekdays During the School Year
During the school year, parents are less likely to take their children out of school to visit Walt Disney World. Check the calendar to make sure you’re not visiting during school holidays, like winter and spring breaks.
Research Restaurants and Bars Ahead of Time
There are hundreds of restaurants, bars, and lounges across the Disney World theme parks and hotels. Take a look at the Disney Dining website to see which menus and drinks look most appetizing for your group.
Stay in a Club Level Room
Elevate your experience by staying in a club-level room (found at all deluxe resorts and Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort) at one of the best Walt Disney World Hotels. Club-level rooms allow you access to a helpful concierge and a club lounge filled with snack and drink options.
Use the Single-Rider Lines
Save some time by using the single-rider lines where available since you aren’t worried about riding with a child. Everyone still gets the enjoy the same ride, but there is typically a much shorter wait time.
FAQs About Visiting the Walt Disney World Resort as an Adult
Is Disney World worth it for adults?
Visiting Walt Disney World is absolutely worth it for an adults-only trip. There are attractions and shows for all ages. Plus, the additional entertainment offerings and plentiful restaurants allow adults to personalize the perfect kid-free vacation.
Which Disney World park is best for adults?
The best Disney theme park for adults is Epcot. In addition to the thrill rides and dining options, Epcot’s World Showcase is home to several festivals throughout the year. In the fall, the Epcot International Food and Wine Festival brings concerts and unique snack offerings to the theme park.
How much is it for adults to go to Disney World?
On average, Disney adults can expect to spend $1,500-$2,500 for a three-day trip to Walt Disney World for two adults. This cost will vary based on the choice of hotel, dining options, and ticket package.
Is Disney or Universal better for adults?
Both the Universal and Disney parks offer shows and attractions for all ages. However, Universal Orlando has more thrill rides and attractions better suited for adults. Universal Citywalk, an entertainment district next to the parks, also offers plenty of dining and drinking establishments for late nights.
Which Disney World theme park should adults skip?
The Disney World theme park most adults should skip is Magic Kingdom. The Magic Kingdom park is the most iconic Disney park, but it is also the one geared most toward children. Many adults choose to visit Disney World and only go to Epcot, Disney’s Animal Kingdom, and Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
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Whether you’re planning your first or hundredth trip to Disney World for adults, there’s plenty to do and tons of fun to be had. Next up, check out our article about all the fun things to do at Disney Springs.
