Walt Disney World For Adults

Walt Disney World has certainly grown since I (Mr W) first visited with my parents back in 1980, back then, there was just the Magic Kingdom. Today it consists of 4 theme parks 2 water parks, shopping and entertainment centres and 27 themed resorts from the budget-friendly to the luxury.

Well as a relatively excitable 11-year old I was captured by the magic but after all this time and as a slightly cynical 50 something ‘adult‘ could a trip to Disney still be something special. What is there to do for adults visiting without kids? What about food and drink, we can’t go for a couple of weeks just eating fast food and cola. So last year, after a practice weekend trip to Disneyland Paris we made the childfree trip to the’ happiest place on earth’, Walt Disney World Florida.

The Theme Parks

On top of the list for many visitors to Walt Disney World is the Magic Kingdom, with it’s instantly recognisable Cinderella’s Castle, one of the most photographed structures in America. Here, as an adult, you can release your inner child and enjoy the things you wouldn’t dream of in the ‘real‘ world. Now is the time to stick on those Mickey Ears.

Due to its popularity, the Magic Kingdom is one of the busiest parks but if you do your planning and book those crucial ‘fast passes’ it can be a great day. Just enjoy it as if no one’s watching. Although the Magic Kingdom is lots of fun and essential Disney our personal favourite park is Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

We love the atmosphere in Disney’s Hollywood Studios and the opening shows and comical characters are reminiscent of the golden days of Hollywood. The studios used to be one of the smaller theme parks but with the addition of Toy Story Land and Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge there is far more to see and do. It also has one of our favourite rides The Twilight Zone Tower Of Terror.

The newly opened and very popular “Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge” appeals to kids as well as adults like ourselves who still have fond memories of the original films from the seventies and early eighties. As mentioned, a little planning in advance will help you avoid the big queues and make sure to purchase Disney tickets in advance so you can reserve those fast passes.

Many of the parks do have many immersive attractions and themed worlds which appeal to adults as well as kids such as the amazingly constructed Pandora- World Of Avatar at Disney’s Animal Kingdon and for food and drink (yes, they do serve alcohol) walk around the countries and sample the tastes of Epcot’s World Showcase.

Where To Stay At Disney World

As mentioned there are a number of accommodation options at Disney World from the value to the deluxe. One of our recommendation for adults is Disney’s Boardwalk Inn. It has a great location on Crescent Lake and is within walking distance of Epcot and Hollywood Studios.

We also love its turn of the century boardwalk styling based on the early days of Atlantic City and New York’s Coney Island. Why not take a ride around the boardwalk on a two-person Surrey Bike.

Another reason why we love staying here is the close proximity to a number of bars, restaurants and other resorts around the boardwalk. It’s also good to have the option to walk over to one of the restaurants in The World Showcase in Epcot.

The quality of the restaurants within walking distance are excellent too such as The Flying Fish at the Boardwalk, Todd English’s Bluezoo at The Dolphin Hotel and the Yachtsman Steakhouse at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort.

During our last trip, we had great cocktails at the AbracadaBar before popping next door to the Flying Fish. We had great food and service and the atmosphere was less hectic and rowdy and more intimate than many American restaurants.

Shopping And Entertainment At Disney World

Believe it or not, you may want a break from the parks and spend some time relaxing, shopping and even trying an activity that isn’t Mickey Mouse related. The old Downtown Disney area has been transformed into the much larger and more varied entertainment complex now known as Disney Springs.

Disney Springs has an excellent selection of bars, restaurants and live entertainment venues a swell as over a 100 shops including Sephora, Levi’s, Superdry and Lacoste. There is also bowling, a cinema and a new Cirque du Soleil will be opening soon.

If it’s not too windy and you don’t mine heights take a ride in the giant helium balloon (don’t worry it is tethered) or maybe a more leisurely cruise on Lake Buena Vista in a vintage amphicar.

For those of you who want to relax on the fairway there are also three 18-hole championship golf courses around the resort.

So all you adults, why not give Walt Disney World a try and see how you like it. As well as the fun of the theme parks there are more sophisticated dining and entertainment options than ever before. If you are still not sure why not try a later taster by including it as part of a multi-centre trip to Florida.

Also, don’t worry you don’t have to meet Mickey Mouse in person and wearing those ears are not compulsory!

Walt Disney World For Adults – Pin For Later