Walt Disney World may be known as a popular destination for families, but that doesn’t mean that it isn’t a perfect location for an adults-only getaway! And, with four theme parks – including Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom – plus Disney Springs, there’s plenty to keep even the oldest Disney fans busy.
But, planning an adults-only Disney World trip isn’t the same as planning a visit with your family. Instead of focusing on rides and shows geared towards kids, you’re likely going to be looking to experience the more “adult” side of the parks. Each Disney Park has its own unique set of attractions and entertainment and, while you certainly can’t choose poorly, some parks are better suited for adults. From thrill rides to nostalgia to nightlife to the best food, here are the parks to visit based on what you’re looking to get out of your vacation!
Best For Nostalgia – Magic Kingdom
If you’re looking for a trip down memory lane, Magic Kingdom is the place to be. As the first park to open at Walt Disney World, it’s no surprise that it’s full of nostalgia. From classic attractions like “it’s a small world,” PeopleMover, Carousel of Progress, and The Enchanted Tiki Room, to the chance to meet your favorite characters like Mickey Mouse and Cinderella, there’s something for everyone to reminisce about.
Not only does Magic Kingdom offer a trip down memory lane, but it’s also a great park for adults who want to feel like a kid again. The park’s atmosphere and fun-filled attractions make it easy to forget about the stresses of everyday life and just enjoy the magic of Disney. And, after you’ve ridden all of the rides that you remember from your childhood vacations, be sure to make your way to Main Street, U.S.A. for the nightly fireworks show, Happily Ever After. It’s the perfect way to end a day full of nostalgia
Best For Thrill Seekers – Disney’s Hollywood Studios
If you’re looking for an adrenaline rush, plan to spend a whole day (or more) at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. This park is known for having some of the most thrilling rides including high-speed roller coasters, drop towers, and even some rides that take you through your favorite Star Wars movies.
One of the most popular rides at Hollywood Studios is the Tower of Terror. This drop tower ride takes you on a haunted journey through the Hollywood Tower Hotel before plummeting you down a 13-story drop. And, after you hop off, be sure to head next door to Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster starring Aerosmith. This high-speed roller coaster takes you through loops and twists while blasting classic Aerosmith tunes.
But Hollywood Studios isn’t just about roller coasters. The park also features some of the most immersive experiences in all of Disney World. The Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run ride puts you in the cockpit of the iconic Star Wars ship, allowing you to pilot the vessel on a daring mission. And, Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance ride puts you in the middle of a battle between the Resistance and the First Order.
Plus, if you’re someone who gets a thrill out of beating your family members in games, Toy Story Mania is sure to bring out your competitive side. This 4D attraction lets you compete against your friends and family in a series of carnival games based on the Toy Story movies and the competition can get pretty heated depending on who you’re traveling with.
Best For a Relaxing Day – Disney’s Animal Kingdom
For a slower-paced, relaxing day, you’ll want to head to Disney’s Animal Kingdom. With plenty of fun shows to see, lounges to drink and snack at, and nature trails for leisurely walks, you can take your time and enjoy the park rather than feel like you’re constantly hopping from ride to ride.
One of the best places to hang out for a quiet drink is the Nomad Lounge. Located next to Tiffins Restaurant and just before Pandora – The World of Avatar, this lounge offers a peaceful ambiance with a stunning view of the park’s lush landscape and Discovery River. You can enjoy a variety of drinks, including cocktails, beer, and wine, along with some of the signature items from Tiffins Restaurant while relaxing in the lounge’s comfortable seating. And, the best part, there’s no rush to get out – you can stay as long as you like!
Besides the Nomad Lounge, there are plenty of other spots to relax and unwind at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. The park’s Discovery Island Trails are perfect for a slow stroll and offer a chance to see exotic birds and animals in their natural habitats. Or, you can take a break and watch the park’s live entertainment, including the popular Festival of the Lion King show.
Best For Foodies – EPCOT
If you’re someone who considers the food as much of an attraction as the rides in Disney World, EPCOT is the park for you. EPCOT boasts the biggest variety of foods thanks to World Showcase, which features 11 different pavilions with eats and drinks from around the world.
In addition to the permanent restaurants, EPCOT also hosts several food festivals throughout the year that are popular among adults, including the International Food & Wine Festival, the International Flower & Garden Festival, the International Festival of the Arts, and the International Festival of the Holidays. These festivals bring an even wider variety of food options to the park, including small plates, specialty cocktails, and beer and wine tastings.
The other unique thing about dining in EPCOT is that it is home to several signature restaurants that are perfect for a celebration meal. This includes Le Cellier Steakhouse in the Canada Pavilion, Monsieur Paul in the France Pavilion, and Takumi-Tei in the Japan Pavilion.
Best Disney Water Park For Adults – Typhoon Lagoon
When it comes to the best Disney water park for adults, Typhoon Lagoon is the clear winner. This tropical oasis is perfect for those looking to relax and soak up the sun, as well as anyone who enjoys a thrill.
One of the things that stands out about Typhoon Lagoon is its massive wave pool, which produces some of the largest waves in any water park around the world. It’s perfect for those who want to catch some waves or just float around and relax on a tube. The park also has a lazy river that winds through a lush tropical landscape, providing an escape from the hustle and bustle of the theme parks.
For those looking for some adrenaline-pumping action, Typhoon Lagoon also has several high-speed water slides, including the Crush ‘n’ Gusher, which sends you twisting and turning through a series of waterfalls and drops. The Humunga Kowabunga is another popular slide, sending you down five stories in just a few seconds.
And, between all your pool wading, be sure to check out the food and drink options at Typhoon Lagoon including several bars and restaurants!
Best For Nightlife – Disney Springs
Now, you might not immediately think about nightlife when you think of Disney World, but there are certainly plenty of places to enjoy an adult beverage, listen to music, and even dance. And, the best place to do that? Disney Springs!
With a huge variety of upscale restaurants, you can start your evening off with a nice meal at places like Wine Bar George, Paddlefish, The Boathouse, or Morimoto Asia. And, once you’re full, you can start exploring all of the themed bars and lounges! Some of the most popular spots for nightlife include Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar (which is themed after Indiana Jones), The Edison, and Stargazer’s Bar (which is attached to Planet Hollywood).
Disney Springs is also home to some of the best nighttime entertainment including live concerts from popular bands at The House of Blues, movies at the AMC Dine-In Theatre, an amazing Cirque du Soleil acrobatics show, and bowling at Splitsville Luxury Lanes.
Keep in mind that Disney’s BoardWalk is another great place to experience the best of Disney World’s nightlife if you want lighter crowds.
FAQ
Which Disney park is best for seniors?
If you’re a senior looking for a fun and less strenuous experience at Disney World, Disney’s Animal Kingdom is the perfect park for you. With its smaller size and a larger variety of activities that can be done sitting, it’s easier to navigate and enjoy without feeling overwhelmed.
Now, it’s important to note that Animal Kingdom does have many nature trails where you can see animals up close. While these trails can involve a lot of walking, there are some shorter options including the Discovery Island Trails and the Maharajah Jungle Trek. And, the great part is that there are so many shaded places to sit and relax and live shows to enjoy between the nature trails around the park so you can rest up and refuel.
Which Disney park has the most rides for adults?
While any ride in Disney World is also great for adults, Disney’s Hollywood Studios and EPCOT have the most adult-oriented attractions. So, if you’re looking for thrill rides and attractions themed after your favorite Disney movies, be sure these are on your itinerary!
Is Disney World Worth It For Adults?
If you’re an adult considering a trip to Disney World, you may be wondering if it’s worth it to plan a trip to the “Most Magical Place on Earth.” And – for most people – the answer is, YES! Disney World has something for everyone, including adults.
While Disney World is often thought of as being best for young children, there are plenty of attractions, experiences, and dining options that cater to adults. From thrilling rides to world-class restaurants, Disney World offers a wide range of activities that you can only unlock on an adult-only visit.
One of the biggest draws for adults at Disney World is the opportunity to relive childhood memories. Many adults grew up watching Disney movies and visiting Disney theme parks, and a trip to Disney World can be a nostalgic and fun experience that brings out the kid in you.
Another reason why Disney World is worth it for adults is the sheer variety of experiences available. Whether you’re a thrill-seeker looking for high-speed roller coasters or a foodie looking for gourmet dining options, Disney World has it all. The parks also offer a range of entertainment options, from Broadway-style shows to fireworks displays, that are often even better when you don’t have to worry about herding little ones.
And, there’s no doubt that a trip to Disney is a great way to bond with friends and family – it’s vacation after all! Whether you’re traveling with your spouse, your friends, or your entire extended family, you’ll get to enjoy quality time with “your people” doing the things you may have never done in the parks and resorts. So, don’t let the fact that you aren’t traveling with kids deter you from planning your vacation!
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Do you think it’s worth going on an adults-only trip? Let us know in the comments what you think are the best Disney World parks for adults!
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