The term “Disney Adult” may get a bad rap, but to that we say, “Who cares?” Adults going to Disney’s Orlando theme parks and water parks without kids is actually a huge trend right now. If you grew up on Disney movies and shows, or just love the vibe of the Most Magical Place on Earth, you don’t need to have kids to enjoy it. Disney is just as much fun for adults, too.
Disney for Adults: What to Do at the Orlando Theme Parks
If you’re a Disney-loving adult, don’t hide it—embrace it! Here are the best things at Disney World for adults to do, no kids needed.
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1. Enjoy Dinner and a Show at Disney Springs
There’s nothing better than a date night or big night out with friends than hitting all of the amazing Disney foods and restaurants at Disney Springs, the dining and entertainment district of Walt Disney World Resort that practically screams Disney for adults. Here you can find everything from fast-casual burgers at D-Luxe Burger to high-end tapas at Jaleo by Jose Andres.
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Take your time wining and dining around Disney Springs, then head over to the white tent on Disney Springs’ Westside to take in the awe-inspiring Cirque du Soleil show Drawn to Life. Afterward, indulge in an ice cream from Salt and Straw or a beautiful baked treat from Amorette’s Patisserie.
2. Sample Wines at Wine Bar George
A great way to treat yourself as an adult at Disney is with a wine tasting, and Wine Bar George (also at Disney Springs) is the place to do it. This is the only master sommelier-led restaurant in Florida where every wine is available by the ounce, glass, or bottle. The wine menu has more than 140 varieties.
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Those who enjoy wine can create their own wine flight or have the waitstaff create a wine flight that will take you on a delightful journey. For a real indulgence, consider the chocolate experience that includes three different wines and three different chocolates along with a pairing demonstration.
3. Rent a Cabana at one of the Disney Water Parks
Both of the Disney water parks in Orlando, Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon and Disney’s Blizzard Beach, offer guests the opportunity to rent a cabana for the day. The cabanas come with loungers, a locker, towels, refillable cups, cold bottled water, and a cabana host who can get food and drinks for you from around the park.
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Each cabana can accommodate up to six guests and is ideal for those traveling to Disney World in large groups who can split the cost of the cabana a few different ways. The cabanas are dotted around each park and some even offer views of park attractions like the lazy river or wave pool.
4. Take a Boat Out for a Day
Sometimes Disney is even better without kids. Case in point: Walt Disney World offers boat rentals from many of its Disney World hotels, and it’s a perfect way for adults to spend a day on the water away from the little kids at Disney World. You’ll need to be a guest at one of the Deluxe hotels that has a marina, but you don’t need a reservation to rent the 10-seat boats. All rentals are first-come, first-served. They start in the morning and go until just before sunset.
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Marina locations around Bay Lake and Seven Seas Lagoon include Disney’s Contemporary Resort, Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa, and Disney’s Wilderness Lodge. Marinas are also located at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort and Disney’s Beach Club Resort for rides around Crescent Lake and up to Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
5. Make Your Own Skyliner Bar Crawl
The Disney Skyliner connects many of the Disney hotels to both EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios. While you can definitely use the Skyliner to make your way to EPCOT for a drink-around-the-world day, why not elevate your bar crawl by stopping at some of the resort hotels?
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Favorites like Disney’s Riviera Resort, Disney’s BoardWalk Inn, and Disney’s Yacht Club Resort and Disney’s Beach Club Resort are all great locations to stop and get a drink. A favorite spot for Disney adults is Topolino’s Terrace at Disney’s Riviera Resort, where bar seating is first-come, first-served. The Modern Old Fashioned (flavored with vanilla bean) is not to be missed.
6. Go Behind the Scenes with a Backstage Tour
There’s an abundance of backstage tours at Walt Disney World, so depending on your interest you’re sure to find one that will please everyone in your group. If you’re into Disney history consider Disney’s Keys to the Kingdom Tour, a five-hour behind-the-scenes tour of Magic Kingdom, including a rare look at the underground tunnel system known as utilidors.
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Animal lovers may want to book the Caring for Giants tour at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. The hour-long tour gets you up close to the elephants that call the park home (and who can often be seen on the park’s popular Kilimanjaro Safaris attraction).
7. Hit the Tee
Whether you’re ready for 18 holes or something a little more playful, Walt Disney World has a golf experience for you. The sprawling resort has two 18-hole courses, a nine-hole walking course, and three mini-golf courses. The nine-hole walking course is perfect for late-evening golf just when the sun is starting to set, while mini-golf always brings out the competitors in adult friend groups at Disney.
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8. Catch a New (or Classic) Disney Movie
No matter which Disney resort you’re staying at, each night in an outdoor common area there are movies shown on a large screen. Often these are Disney’s animated classics like Monsters, Inc., or The Little Mermaid. This is a fun way for adults at Disney to chill out after a long day.
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To catch the latest Disney movies and other new releases, head to the 24-screen AMC dine-in theater at Disney Springs. You can even make it an extra-special Disney-for-adults movie night by renting an entire theater for your viewing pleasure.
9. Go Camping (or Glamping)
Pitch a tent or stay in a cozy cabin at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort and Campgrounds. This unique Disney resort is worlds apart from a standard Disney hotels. In true family glamping resort style, the cabins have full kitchens and room to sleep six, while each camp sight is set for tents or RVs.
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No matter which you choose, be sure to book a golf cart so you can zoom around the family campgrounds with ease. From Halloween through Christmas, most people who stay here decorate their campsite or cabin for the holidays, so renting a golf cart is a convenient way to see all of the decorations as well.
10. Make a Run for it with runDisney
Every year, runDisney hosts multiple race weekends inside the theme parks with different themes. The runDisney season starts in November and goes through April, and race distances include a 5K, 10K, half marathon, and full marathon. Races are themed after different Disney characters, including princesses, fairy tales, and the classic Mickey Mouse gang.
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For adults visiting Disney, runDisney races provide a unique way to experience the energy of the parks and resort hotels. Many racers dress up in costume, and you get a special medal when you complete each race.
