5 Fun Tips for Grown Ups at Walt Disney World
So you're thinking of heading off to Walt Disney World for some grown up time? Why not! Disney is a wonderful place to explore no matter what your age. Here are 5 fun tips from our experts to make the most out of your grown-up vacation.
5 Fun Tips for Grown-Ups at Walt Disney World
- Leave the Kids Behind: Even if you have to bring the kids along on vacation, take a night off for yourself. Disney offers some fun childcare options, and honestly the kids may not even miss you. It's OK to get out and have some adult time on your own.
Enjoy a Rare Date Night
- Pace Yourself: We're not as young as we used to be. Well, at least I know I'm not. It's a vacation, take time to relax and pace yourself through the parks. If you close the Park down late at night, it's okay to sleep in the next morning. Make sure you take some time to relax and indulge.
A Walk Once Around World Showcase Lagoon is 1.2 Miles
- Eat Well: Though it's fun to forget your diet for a few days, Walt Disney World offers so much more than your typical theme park fare. Adult palates can be delighted by the wide variety of foods available. Be sure to make time to have a wonderful meal at one of the many special and unique eateries.
Disney Signature Dining is Special
- Splurge: Though we all have to work within a budget, be sure to splurge on at least one thing you really want to do. It might be adding park hoppers to your tickets, upgrading your hotel or even having dinner at Victoria & Alberts.
Revive at a Disney Resort Spa
- Try Something New: After years and years of vacationing at Walt Disney World it can be easy to fall into the same old routine. To keep some excitement in your vacations, be sure to plan at least one new adventure for each trip! New ride, new restaurant, new tour; what will you try on your next vacation?
What are your grown-up tips for a great adult Disney vacation? Leave a comment and share what makes your grown up Disney time special!
About WDW For Grownups
We're a website dedicated to adults who visit Disney World because they love it, not just because their kids love it. Join in the discussion on our forums or find us here:
DisneyLvr wrote on Tue, 01/22/2013 - 18:17:
I go to Disney regularly and I am in my mid-20s. It really is a great destination for people of all ages... my boyfriend and I both love just walking around the parks and taking in attractions when we can. Same goes with restaurants... Disney offers some of the best dining options, and we really enjoy trying new things.
I have yet to try any of the spa options, but I am definitely putting it on my to-do list.
crazycatperson wrote on Wed, 01/23/2013 - 18:33:
I completely agree with eating well, splurging, and trying new thing, but pacing myself? No freaking way! I don't care how old I am, when I get to WDW I don't want to slow down until I'm on my way home. I can sleep after the trip is over.
Caleb wrote on Thu, 01/24/2013 - 04:01:
Get the dining plan, or if you really love great meals get the deluxe dining plan. My fiancé and I cannot go without getting the deluxe plan. There are so many great restaurants to enjoy. Yachtsman steakhouse is definitely at the top of my list, and there is nothing like dining in a castle.
Take in as much as you can. Crazycatperson has the right idea, you can slow down when you're going home. you don't get to go to Disney all the time so be sure to take in as much as you can. But don't get caught up in what you missed. There is so much to see and do that you can't possibly do it all in one trip. Have each person in your group make a list of the top 5 (or something close to that) things you want to do at each park and make sure you hit those, anything else on top of that is just icing on the cake.
Don't go home thinking "I wish I would have___ when I was there". Don't be scared to try something new or different. Disney world is 1 of a kind and you never know when you'll get your next chance to go parasailing or go up in a hot air balloon.
Buy souvenirs, take some magic home with you.
Don't be afraid to be a kid again, and again, and again. No one is too old for Mickey and the gang. Take as many pictures as you can with the Disney characters, and don't be embarrassed, no one else is.
Most importantly have fun and make tons of memories.
Kristen K. wrote on Thu, 01/24/2013 - 13:13:
Thanks Caleb! My family loves the dining plan too!
Curtis wrote on Thu, 01/24/2013 - 16:26:
My wife and I went to Disney last February and had a blast but then again we don't have any kids so when we go we go by ourselves lol
Ann A. wrote on Thu, 01/24/2013 - 17:47:
We are now lucky enough to only live 1 1/2 hours from Disneyworld.
We have our yearly passes and pick a day out of the week to visit a different land. We usually end up at the Grand Floridian at night for a coffee and relax listening to the orchestra play in the lobby. Pure heaven!
Kristen K. wrote on Thu, 01/24/2013 - 20:20:
Ann - I adore the Grand Floridian Society Orchestra! Sounds like such a wonderful way to explore.
bsqd wrote on Thu, 01/24/2013 - 23:35:
We too have no kids and people ask us why go? Just for the reason's listed above! I have been trying to go on rides or see shows I've never seen. Sometimes we'll just go into Epcot to have a beer in Germany. It is truly my happy place :)
Tanya wrote on Fri, 01/25/2013 - 01:19:
My husband and I are in our 40's. We have 6 boys and love going to Disney. We live in Texas and try to take the kids at least once ever year or every other year but for the last 5 years we go by ourselves for our anniversary in September. It is not crowded because all the kids are back in school and weather is warm without being too hot.
We love to plan the trip by eating a new restaurants at not only the parks but different resorts. Victoria and Alberts is by far the best restaurant we have ever eaten at anywhere...and we are foodies.....if you have not experienced this restaurant it is well worth the price. It is a 2-3 hour meal and the atmosphere is dreamy! We also love Jiko at Animal Kingdom Lodge. Get "the rib". The boys won't let us miss this reservation when the whole family goes because it is a favorite.
Also if you have been to Disney a few times as want to learn some secrets. Take the "keys to the kingdom" tour at Magic Kingdom. It is not very expensive and it is a half day tour with a quick service lunch that tours Magic Kingdom and let's you learn about the park and go backstage to a few rides to see how they work and also to tour the utilidors under Magic Kingsom. It was a lot of fun.
Take a trip some evening to the Grand Floridian even if you are not staying there and sit in the main building and just listen to the band or piano player. Great atmosphere. Also look for the little old lady dressed in Victorian style carrying a bag if dolls.... We thought she was a character because for the last 4 trips we have made and stayed there she was sitting in the lobby. We finally asked who she was supposed to be and we were told that she does not work for Disney. Her husband passed away a few years ago and they used to visit all the time so now she just comes and sits everyday... I think it is wonderful of Disney to allow her to do this for years.
JL wrote on Fri, 01/25/2013 - 13:57:
I have a very hard time pacing myself! We don't get to go that often, so when I'm there, I tend to drill myself right into the ground! I don't feel like I'm over 60, but sometimes my body just reminds me in a "not so gentle" way.
Last trip, after our morning "Wild Africa Trek" we were sitting in EPCOT, and I kept dozing off SITTING UP!! My hubby suggested I go back to our hotel for a nap...and that's just what I did...a 2 HOUR one! My head had hardly hit the pillow and I was OUT. Really felt great when I again rejoined the group...and we were able to tour the parks right up until closing.
laurie wrote on Fri, 01/25/2013 - 18:54:
We love to rent a Sea Raycer from either Port Orleans Riverside or Polynesian Resort. It's a great way to relax, and see the waterway.
jamie wrote on Mon, 01/28/2013 - 00:48:
Great advice! I especially love the "try something new" part; although for me, a Disney vacation could never get old : ) Even so, it is always great to add a new adventure to your getaway! There is so much to experience, why not make sure we sneak something new in every once in a while!?
JudieClay wrote on Wed, 11/27/2013 - 12:17:
I was cautious at first.. but I decided to live a little and revived myself at the Disney Resport Spa. It was absolutely amazing and made the rest of the day so enjoyable I will never forget it. Indeed, Disney World is a great place for grown ups to loosen a little! --Judie <3
Bryan wrote on Mon, 02/10/2014 - 18:26:
Do your research on different hotel restaurants the menus change from time to time. It's a good idea to make reservations too. And if you want to eat at a different time just call and they are usually accommodating. Also Christmas time is a must. My wife and I want to go again before wehave kids.
maryloud wrote on Mon, 02/10/2014 - 18:39:
well, we all have a special way to enjoy the World...we are over 60, have AP's and live a little over an hour away...we love to camp at Fort Wilderness and try to make it a monthly event. In between camping trips we enjoy "day trips" and spend our time trying new restaurants, strolling around World Showcase, riding the boats wherever we are headed and DTD. We love to spend the day exploring the resorts. We never rush anywhere now...those days are fond memories of visits with the kids and grands...we are much more relaxed now in our explorations.
Brian Jones wrote on Mon, 02/10/2014 - 18:50:
Of our many trips to WDW, with our kids, with our adult kids, with our kids and grandkids, the best was with our adult (over 60) friends. Easy pace, relaxing, saw and did things never seen before or since.
Jennie wrote on Mon, 02/10/2014 - 20:15:
I used to be a "commando" Disney Vacationeer. Now I take my time. I still do rope drops but it's to enjoy walking around and seeing the parks without the crowds. Then, back to the resort for a pool break and/ or nap. Then back off to a park for some more fun. I'm a Food and Wine Festival addict but avoid the booths on weekends. I reserve that for the Food and Wine Classic at the Swan and Dolphin. For a splurge, I'll do Party for the Senses on Saturday. I suggest touring a resort. The Poly just before dusk (tiki lighting ceremony!!) or Wilderness Lodge followed by a boat ride to the ranch! I also take solo trips either just for a day during the vacation or for a few days by myself.
Mmbl wrote on Mon, 02/10/2014 - 20:19:
Unless you intend to gorge yourself, DON'T GET THE DINING PLAN. Don't get any of them unless you eat 3 full meals a day including dessert from your first day there until your last. We have premium annual passes and get Tables in Wonderland where we save 20% on all table service dining , including beverages- when alcohol. Even if you can't get TIW, you'll probably spend less just actually buying the food you want. If Disney wasn't making $$$ on the dining plans, they wouldn't push them. Really evaluate your eating habits before getting any dining plan.
arnsfamily wrote on Mon, 02/10/2014 - 22:14:
My husband and I love to sit outside at the United Kingdom pavilion and listen to the band play!
Paula Barnes wrote on Mon, 02/10/2014 - 22:29:
We try one new to us restaurant on each visit. We call it eating our way through WDW. One trip we spent an off day just riding all the modes of Disney transportation, plus walking one way to Downtown Disney. We met a lot of people, gave out some park knowledge and gained some park knowledge. Our kids thought we were crazy, but we had a lot of fun.
Jennifer Kucharik wrote on Tue, 02/11/2014 - 00:33:
We have been 6 times since 2005 and the last two times it was just my husband and I. We definitely try to do something new, cause it's true, you can't see everything when you go. We did the monorail resort tour and wilderness lodge this last time loved it! One of my favorites was also purchasing a bag of cinnamon pecans and taking a relaxing your on the people mover!
Talking to CMs, do things that your kids might find "boring". Lol! We have a lot of fun, don't get me wrong, but when we want to slow it down and soak it up, we do slow things! Lol
Dianne wrote on Tue, 02/11/2014 - 01:09:
I have no children and really no family, so each year I go by myself. What a wonderful time I have. I do miss companionship when dining, however, there are always friendly people also dining and usually share their conversations and experiences with me. I cannot afford the deluxe dining plan, and find the regular dining plan does well for me. WDW is the only place that I know of that I can be a child once again - I can laugh and/or sing out loud; I can march behind the numerous parades; and I can pose with any of the characters. Oh My! How much better can life be?!?!????!
Patrick wrote on Tue, 02/11/2014 - 02:21:
I go alone as well, it's nice to leave the little guy with the grandparents and leave the wife home to study. I take my motorcycle from Tampa and just enjoy the day at the parks.
Zee wrote on Tue, 02/11/2014 - 03:06:
Was glad to see a post from someone who goes alone...I am newly "alone", but love to travel. All of these posts sound wonderful and exciting. Wondered what it would be like to go to Disney World alone.
Shawn wrote on Tue, 02/11/2014 - 04:22:
My husband and I spent our honeymoon in WDW in 1977, our 3 daughters have been there several times..as a matter of fact my oldest daughter-33 has season passes and goes all the time but now with her new 2 yr old Ania. My husband and I love to go just to walk in all the wonderful shops..clothes, candy, food, drinks, toys, we love it all! We throw in a few rides and just enjoy each other's company!! WE LOVE DISNEY!!
Rick Rodriguez wrote on Tue, 02/11/2014 - 15:51:
Central Florida can get quite hot in the summer, so when we visit Disney World, we plan a pool break in the middle of the afternoon. Usually we stay at a hotel within Disney Property; during the hottest part of the day we take a bus back to the hotel and lounge around the pool for a couple of hours. With park hours extended in summer, it makes for a longer day to enjoy your stay, during the cooler evenings after an afernoon break in the pool.
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