Ultimate Guide to Disney World for Adults

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Disney World is well known as one of the most popular family vacation destinations in the world. It seems like most people will try to take their kids there at least once to experience the magic that is Disney. But do you know how great Disney World is for adults?

With great dining options, themed lounges and bars, fun rides, and nice resorts, Disney has evolved into a destination where adults can play, relax, and indulge. 

Discover the best rides, restaurants, bars, and other hidden experiences that make Disney World an unforgettable destination for grown-ups. I’ll also include some tips on how to plan your adults only Disney trip in this ultimate guide to Disney World for adults.

Why Disney World Isn’t Just for Kids Anymore

First, let’s take a look at some of the factors that make Disney World for adults too, not just for kids.

You’ll hear the phrase “Disney Bubble” a fair amount, and let me tell you, it is real. It refers to this concept of becoming immersed in the Disney experience and not needing to think about what is going on outside of that bubble.

Let’s face it, as adults, our lives are filled with stress. Being inside of the Disney bubble allows us to leave those stresses at the door and just immerse ourselves into a little magic for a while. 

Whether people love Disney World or hate it, one thing that can’t be denied is that Disney Imagineers are masters at facilitating that immersion. They think of details we never could have imagined.

For example, did you know that each resort, many rides, and areas of the resort have custom smells? By engaging the olfactory areas of your brain, in addition to all of the visual and auditory cues, they successfully immerse you in the experience you are having.

Basically, it lets you live in the moment, and that is a huge deal.

Aside from that, Disney just makes it easy inside of the bubble. If you stay at a Disney resort, all of your transportation is taken care of. Whether it’s by bus, boat, monorail, or gondola, you never have to touch your car.

This is huge because traffic in Orlando is no joke. 

If you use MagicBands (custom wrist bands that get you into the park, unlock your hotel room, and allow you to put all your purchases on the hotel tab), this adds another level of simplicity to your experience. Basically, it means you can worry about less.

However, in the end, I think what an adult Disney vacation does is it allows us to go back to a time that was simpler. When we could believe in magic and everything that comes with it. It’s pure escapism, simple as that.

How to Plan the Perfect Adults-Only Disney World Trip

Get the most out of your trip with smart planning. With these Disney planning tips for adults, we’ll look at the best times to visit (and avoid crowds), how long to stay, and so on. Later, we’ll take a closer look at which resorts are best for adults, the best parks, rides, restaurants, bars, and more.

Best Time of Year for Adults to Visit Disney World

We could define “best time of the year” in multiple different ways. And you need to figure out which way is most relevant for the experience you want to have.

Do you want the lowest crowds (and therefore less kids running around)? Do you want to target a specific holiday or Epcot festival? 

You might not have the answer to this yet, but hopefully by the end of this post you’ll have a better idea of what you want.

But first things first, let’s talk crowds. Listen, this is a theme park geared towards kids, so there will be kids wherever you go. However, all times of the year are not created equal in terms of crowds.

In fact, there is a very specific time of year that has the lowest crowd levels, thematic holiday decorations, and the most popular Epcot Festival of them all. Of course, it also comes with meltingly hot temps and the risk of hurricanes. 

I’m talking about the end of August through September.

Parents no longer hesitate to pull kids out of school for vacations. Because of this, the crowds are high during times you wouldn’t anticipate. The exception to this rule is the beginning of the school year.

Because school is just starting, parents are more reluctant for the kids to miss school. This creates a pocket of time where the crowds dip pretty significantly. You do have to be prepared to sweat because it’s quite hot and humid, but it’s a good trade off.

Along those lines, there are specific times to avoid like the plague. Any major holiday falls under this category. If kids have off school for a long weekend, Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter, don’t go to Disney. These are the busiest times of the year.

Seasonal Experiences

The next part to factor in is whether you want a particular seasonal experience or festival. For example, Disney goes all out with Halloween and Christmas decorations. If you are a fan of either holiday, planning a trip during those time frames is a great idea.

Christmas in particular is chock full of additional experiences which can appeal to adults. There are specialized parties, the Festival of the Holidays and everything that comes from it, special holiday menus and treats.

Part of your adults only Disney vacation planning should include looking into typical seasonal offerings, as well as learning about each of the Epcot Festivals as a way to help you to narrow down the best time of year for you.

How Long Should My Adults-Only Disney Vacation Be?

Let’s be real, there’s no one size fits all answer to this question. However, I personally think there’s more room for shorter trips when going to Disney with grown-ups.

My husband and I have done a few different long weekends at Disney World and found that to be sufficient for our needs. That being said, we’ve been to Disney a lot so we can be much more laser focused on what we want to do and see.

If you’ve never been to Disney World and want to experience all 4 parks, I would suggest a 6-7 day trip. This gives you a chance to spend one day at each park. If you want “rest days” as well, the number of days goes up from there.

However, if you want to be more focused and selective I think you can have a great adults focused Disney trip in a 4 day trip. This gives you 2 full days in the parks and hopefully you can spend an evening at Disney Springs.

The Best Disney Resorts for Adults

There are a few qualities that I consider to be the priorities when determining the best resorts for an adult only trip to Disney. Let’s face it, this is Disney World, there are going to be kids everywhere. However, there are certain resorts that create a more adult friendly environment through theming.

Just like everything else about Disney World, not all resorts are created equal. There are some Disney resorts that you should absolutely avoid like the plague. 

For example, the All Star Resorts are usually used for large groups of kids. Think school trips, competitive cheer and dance teams, athletics of all kinds, etc. While this is an awesome experience for the kids, this is probably not where you want to spend your adults focused Disney trip.

As long as your budget can handle it, I would recommend sticking with the moderate and deluxe resort categories, with the exception of one value resort (more on that in a minute).

The location of the resort is also important to consider. For example, the resorts around Crescent Lake put you within walking distance of Epcot and Hollywood Studios. This is key if you plan on Drinking Around the World or spending most of your time between these two parks.

If you plan to spend most of your time around Disney Springs, then selecting a resort with easy access to the bars and restaurants might be a priority.

Let’s take a look at some of the best Disney Resorts for adults.

Romantic Disney Resorts for Adults

I know this might seem far fetched, but yes, there are some Disney resorts that have a more romantic vibe than others.

They are in the Deluxe Resort category, meaning they come with a higher price tag for the rooms. But if this is the vibe you want, then you should consider them.

There are two main resorts I would consider romantic Disney resorts:

• Grand Floridian Resort and Spa
• Riviera Resort

Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort is one of the older Disney resorts, but don’t let that fool you. The whole design is based on old southern luxury.

It’s a stunning set of buildings that really stand out along the lake. Its design is done in a lush victorian-like theme. When you walk into the resort, there’s no mistaking the vibe they were going for.

When you see all of the Disney dream weddings, this is the resort they are happening at. There’s a wedding pavilion on the grounds at Grand Floridian.

Also, Grand Floridian houses one of the only spas on Disney World property. So if that is something you want easy access to, Grand Floridian is a winner right off the bat.

Riviera Resort is the newest Disney Resort (at least until the new Lakeside Resort is completed). It’s themed based on the Riviera and Mediterranean luxury.

I will admit, I find it a bit bland in comparison to the older Disney resorts where they really went all in with the theming. However, it’s still a great resort with some of the nicest rooms on property.

It’s also in a prime location along the Disney Skyliner, giving easy access to both Epcot and Hollywood Studios.

Relaxed and Thematic Disney Resorts for Adults

There are 5 resorts I would put in this category, and one of them is even a moderate resort!

• Animal Kingdom Lodge
• Wilderness Lodge
• Boardwalk Resort
• Port Orleans Resort – Riverside
• Saratoga Springs Resort

This list actually contains my three favorite Disney resorts to stay at! My husband and I prefer the more relaxed vibes at these resorts, and on top of that, the theming is just on another level at two of them.

Both Animal Kingdom Lodge and Wilderness Lodge are the most beautifully themed of all the Disney resorts. When you step in those doors, you are transported to another place. There is not an ounce of blandness or conformity to be found.

Wilderness Lodge is themed after the old National Park lodges of the Pacific Northwest, while Animal Kingdom Lodge is based on African savannas. Let’s be real, there’s an actual savanna behind the resort, with animals roaming and everything!

Quite frankly, these resorts are Disney Imagineering at its best, which is why I love them so much.

Boardwalk Resort is an entirely different feel. This one is themed on the boardwalk resorts of the Atlantic coast back in the golden years. There is an actual boardwalk along Crescent Lake just outside of the resort which adds to this feel.

There is a slightly higher energy to this resort due to the boardwalk, which does in fact have boardwalk performers, but overall it’s a very relaxed resort.

Most importantly, it’s located within walking distance of Epcot and Hollywood Studios, making the potentially tipsy trip to your room much easier.

And finally, we have Port Orleans Resort – Riverside. This resort is in the moderate category, which means it comes with a much friendlier price tag. However, that also means it comes without some of the bells and whistles of the Deluxe Resorts. 

That being said, this is also one of our favorite resorts to stay at in Disney World, especially if we’re doing more of a staycation with no parks.

The thing that really stands out about Riverside is how quiet and peaceful the resort is. It is beautifully themed based on the Louisiana Bayou. One part of the resort is themed after old southern manors, while the other has a more backwoods bayou feel.

The property is fairly spread out and is along a canal. Walking around the resort is actually one of my favorite things to do when I’m there. The walking paths connect to its sister resort, Port Orleans – French Quarter, doubling your dining and entertainment options.

There is also a boat that takes you directly into Disney Springs, which is a big factor if you want to take advantage of the nightlife there.

Speaking of Disney Springs, if that is your priority, there is one resort that is miles above the rest: Saratoga Springs Resort. This is the only resort with walking access to Disney Springs, making it perfect for evenings spent there.

If you don’t want to walk there are also boats that can take you there. As far as I’m concerned, Saratoga Springs is a bit of a sleeper favorite. The resort is spread out, quiet, and quite pretty. It’s themed after horse racing town, Saratoga Springs, NY. 

Saratoga Springs is also one of the most affordable deluxe resorts, so it gives you all of the benefits of a deluxe resort, the easiest possible access to Disney Springs, and a smaller price tag.

Budget Friendly Disney Resorts for Adults

Last but not least, we have to have some budget options. There are fewer of these simply because this category is where you’ll find most of the families, and therefore, the most noise.

• Pop Century Resort
• Port Orleans Resort – Riverside
• Coronado Springs Resort (especially Gran Destino Tower)

These resorts give you a good Disney World experience with a smaller price tag, but once again, you do sacrifice a lot of the amenities that come with the higher level resorts.

Pop Century Resort is the lone value resort on my list. I’ve stayed here quite a few times and it’s my favorite of the value resorts. The theme is pop culture through the decades, so there’s a fair amount of nostalgia for the grown-ups. 

You will find a lot of families and kids here, so that’s a sacrifice, but as long as you are in the buildings not surrounding the main pool, I find the resort to be quite quiet.

Most importantly, Pop Century is located along the Disney Skyliner gondolas, giving you easy access to both Epcot and Hollywood Studios.

This is the second appearance for Port Orleans Riverside! That’s because it really does give you probably the best mix of theme, quiet, and price of all the resorts

Finally, we have Coronado Springs Resort, which is another moderate resort. Coronado Springs actually has two parts to it, the original Coronado Springs Resort and Gran Destino Tower.

Gran Destino gives you a bit more of a deluxe resort experience with a cheaper price tag. However, some of the rooms become extremely expensive, so you need to do the math. If you are paying the same as you would for a Deluxe Resort but without the extras you get with Deluxe, look at some of the other options on this list.

However, Coronado Springs Resort as a whole is another largely peaceful and quiet resort. Lots of walking paths around and across the lake. This is also a conference center, but I didn’t find that to impact my stay there.

Best Disney Parks and Rides for Adults

I feel like we’re finally getting to the main event! If you are going to Disney World, you are most likely curious about how the Disney parks are for adults.

Now, I am a firm believer that all of the Disney parks have something for adults to enjoy. I personally enjoy each and every one of the parks for many different reasons. However, for an adults only Disney trip, there’s one park that stands out from all the rest.

I’m going to give each park its own section here and talk about what makes each of the Disney parks great for adults.

Before we do that though, a note about the rides. If you are going to Orlando looking for high intensity thrill rides, don’t go to Disney World. Universal has those on lock.

That doesn’t mean that Disney World doesn’t have great rides, because it most certainly does. They just aren’t as intense as say, Velocicoaster. 

I am someone who loves thrill rides and Velocicoaster. That being said, I still have a grand time on the rides at Disney World, with some rides standing out as some of my favorite ride experiences, period.

Ok, back to the parks. I am going to put these in order for what I consider to be the best to the good. I just couldn’t bring myself to say the worst because I don’t think any of them are the worst.

Epcot

Epcot is hands down the absolute best Disney park for adults. When I mentioned above that when my husband and I do an adults only Disney trip we are more targeted with our parks, Epcot was the park I was referring to.

Epcot is also considered a preferred park for the locals. This is where you’ll find Orlando area residents on the weekends and evenings.

The most popular thing to do in Epcot for adults is drink (and eat) around the world. Epcot is famous for the pavilions representing different countries, including their cuisine.

You can absolutely spend an entire day, or two, making your way around World Showcase and still only hit the tip of the iceberg in terms of the food and drinks options. And that’s before you even factor in the festivals.

Epcot has four different festivals throughout the year that each contain additional “outdoor kitchens”. These are booths around the whole park with thematic small plates and more alcoholic beverages than your liver can handle in a lifetime. 

Epcot is a popular location for couples, bachelorette parties, groups of friends who want to hang out, and really any other group you can think of.

Bars and Lounges at Epcot

Epcot is home to a few unique and interesting bars and lounges that are worth checking out. This is of course in addition to all of the outdoor kitchens during the festival. Really, the entire park is essentially a bar…

• GEO-82 – a new 21+ bar located inside Spaceship Earth
• Space 220 Lounge – a thematic restaurant that also has a lounge/bar option
• La Cava del Tequila – known for premium tequila and a cozy setting
• Tutto Gusto Wine Cellar – wine bar with over 200 bottles to choose from

Seriously, this list doesn’t even cover the outside bar carts. There’s no shortage of alcohol at Epcot.

Best Epcot Rides for Adults

Epcot also has a handful of rides that will appeal to adults. Keep in mind though, everyone has different tastes. I love thrill rides, but I also enjoy some of the more sedate, classic rides, like Living With the Land.

• Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind
• Test Track
• Soarin’

Guardians of the Galaxy is actually one of my favorite rides in all of Disney World. It’s an indoor roller coaster and is really well done. If you’re a fan of the movie it adds to the experience, but even without that it’s just a really fun ride.

Hollywood Studios

Hollywood Studios is home to the rides with the highest intensity level in Disney World. In addition to that, it has Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge which is an awesome immersive experience. If you are a Star Wars fan this is an absolute must do.

Like Epcot, the overall theming of Hollywood Studios is less overtly childlike. It’s based on an old Hollywood look.

Bars and Lounges at Hollywood Studios

While it doesn’t have the same range and selection as Epcot does (I mean, no where can compare), Hollywood Studios has a few bars and lounges that are noteworthy.

• Oga’s Cantina – the most sought after lounge in Hollywood Studios, located in Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge, highly themed bar experience
• Baseline Taphouse – small bar that serves domestic and international craft beers and small plates
• Hollywood Brown Derby Lounge – outdoor lounge attached to Hollywood Brown Derby, serves wine, cocktails, and appetizers

Best Rides for Adults at Hollywood Studios

Here is where Hollywood Studios stands out from the other parks. There are more rides that will interest adults than at the other parks.

• Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster – the only roller coaster in Disney World that goes upside down, it’s being rethemed to open summer 2026 at Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Muppets Mayhem
• Tower of Terror – a fun drop/free fall style ride, it’s particularly cool at night
• Rise of the Resistance – hands down, one of the best rides at Disney World, highly themed immersive ride
• Millenium Falcon: Smugglers Run – simulator ride that puts you in the pilot seat
• Star Tours – Star Wars based simulator ride

Magic Kingdom

We finally come to Disney World’s main attraction. It is of course the hallmark experience to have at Disney World. If you’ve never been to Disney World before, you should prioritize some of your time for Magic Kingdom.

Magic Kingdom has the highest percentage of rides of all the parks, by a very wide margin. However, the vast majority of them are definitely more for kids. 

There are a lot of truly nostalgic rides as well that absolutely should be on your list. 

Bars and Lounges at Magic Kingdom

Magic Kingdom has the least accessible alcohol. The only places to order alcohol are at table service restaurants or at the one and only bar that literally just opened.

• Beak and Barrel – brand new pirate themed bar that serves drinks and small plates, highly competitive reservations

Best Rides for Adults at Magic Kingdom

Ok, this list is going to look a little wonky because my own bias is about to shine through. Some of the rides on this list are not even remotely thrill rides. However, they are fun and can be enjoyed by people of all ages.

If you are not looking specifically for thrill rides, Magic Kingdom gets bumped on on the best parks list significantly because of the sheer volume of rides.

But I will start the list with the thrill rides at least.

• Space Mountain – indoor roller coaster, it’s a bit herky jerky, but a fun overall ride
• Tron – Magic Kingdom’s newest ride, a roller coaster that is both indoor and outdoor
• Thunder Mountain – outdoor roller coaster. TIP – sit towards that bag for more intensity
• Seven Dwarves Mine Train – a fun little roller coaster, mild in intensity
• Tiana’s Bayou Adventure – a highly themed log flume ride with that traditional big drop at the end
• Pirates of the Caribbean – yes, it’s on the list. I simply love it and everyone coming to Disney should ride it
• Haunted Mansion – it’s iconic. Fight me.

Animal Kingdom

It pains me to put Animal Kingdom last on any list because I truly love it. However, it’s been struggling in recent years with not having enough to do.

It’s for this reason that I put this on the bottom of my list of the best Disney parks for adults.

That being said, it does contain 2 of my family’s favorite rides at the park. Pandora itself is worth a look, a highly themed world based on Avatar.

Bars and Lounges at Animal Kingdom

Animal Kingdom doesn’t have a ton of options, but it does have some. One of them happens to be one of my favorite lounges.

• Nomad Lounge – a very popular lounge located on the outskirts of Africa and Pandora, a peaceful oasis serving a variety of drinks and delicious food
• Thirsty River Bar and Trek Snacks – an outdoor bar located in Asia, near Expedition Everest
• Dawa Bar – a shaded outdoor bar in Africa, serving fruity drinks and beer

There are several other outdoor kiosks and bars that you can try at Animal Kingdom.

Best Rides for Adults at Animal Kingdom

This list is going to be short but powerful as both of these rides are truly very good.

• Flight of Passage – simulator ride that is one of the best at Disney World, a truly one of a kind ride
• Expedition Everest – a zippy and fun roller coaster

Overall, Animal Kingdom is in a state of flux. There’s an Indiana Jones ride coming to replace DINOSAUR, which is a fun ride. Once it opens in 2027, it will be added to this list.

The Parks at Night

This gets its own little heading because experiencing the parks at night is a whole other level. One of the main factors here is that typically, the crowds thin out a bit as younger kids just can’t hang late at night.

The exception to this rule is Epcot, which tends to become more crowded at night as all of the adults filter in. 

At night, the ride lines tend to get shorter, and some of the rides are even more fun at night than during the day.

But aside from all of that, the parks are simply stunning at night. Once again, you see Disney design and Imagineering at its finest. The lighting effects, fireworks shows, and general ambiance at night are all awesome.

The vast majority of my favorite pictures at Disney World are all at night.

While you might not want to stay until park closing every night, make sure you do it for at least one of the nights of your trip. Unfortunately, Animal Kingdom isn’t open late enough anymore to truly enjoy it at night, which is a shame because Pandora at night is probably the best at Disney World.

The Best Restaurants at Disney World for Adults

The Disney dining scene is another reason why Disney World is good for adults. Are there restaurants that are themed specifically for kids? Absolutely, like the many character meals you can find. These character meals can also be good options for character loving adults.

But even though Disney World is “for kids”, the Disney dining for adults scene is also steller. Actually, there are probably more options that cater to adults than kids.

There are restaurants that fit every category of budget, from the reasonably affordable to the ridiculously expensive. Sure, there are a lot of good quick service restaurants, but the real treat will be found in the myriad of Table Service restaurants, especially the Signature Restaurants.

Yes, you can absolutely bring your kids to any one of the restaurants on property, but some of them are in price ranges that would make that a really expensive dinner, and a whole lot less relaxing and romantic (if that’s what you’re looking for).

In case you didn’t know, the phrase “table service” refers to restaurants with traditional sit down dining, not fast food our counter service options. Signature Restaurants are Disney’s answer to fine dining, with a more upscale atmosphere, food, and price tag to match.

You can find table service restaurants at the parks, resorts, and Disney Springs. So, basically, there are options everywhere. Each park also has at least one signature restaurant, sometimes even more than that.

If you do want to have meals at specific restaurants, I HIGHLY recommend making sure you have reservations ahead of time. Many of the restaurants will book up. You can take your chances with waiting for a table, but there’s no guarantee.

In terms of Disney dining for adults, the Signature Restaurants are a great option. Yes, kids are still allowed, but you’ll find less kids at these restaurants than the others.

The most famous, and romantic, restaurant in all of Disney World is Victoria & Albert’s. This is a Michelin star caliber restaurant, earning one star in 2024 and retaining it for 2025. If you want a truly special meal for a romantic Disney getaway, Victoria & Albert’s should be on your list.

Best Disney World Signature Restaurants for Adults

Seriously, I could make this list so much longer, but this at least gives you a good idea of some options to look at first.

• Victoria & Albert’s – This is an award winning restaurant and the ultimate splurge meal for an anniversary or honeymoon
• California Grill
• Flying Fish
• Morimoto Asia
• Hollywood Brown Derby
• STK
• Le Cellier Steakhouse
• Boathouse
• Topolino’s Terrace

The bottom line is, you can come to Disney World over and over and over again for years and you would still be hard pressed to hit all of the restaurants, and if food is your thing, that is an awesome prospect.

The Best Lounges, Bars, and Nightlife at Disney World

Yes, you read that right: there is nightlife to be had at Disney World. Pretty awesome nightlife at that. We’ve already talked about staying in the parks late into the night and how cool that is, but there are other options. And the even better news is that the bars and lounges aren’t limited to just the nighttime. 

Bar Crawls at Disney World

Let’s get real, you can make a bar crawl out of pretty much any series of bars that happen to be close to one another. However, there are two within Disney World which are considered the most common: Drinking Around the World and the Monorail Bar Crawl.

Drinking Around the World

Drinking Around the World is probably the most famous activity at Disney World for adults. All you need in order to do it is have a ticket to get into Epcot! And a high tolerance for alcohol.

The full challenge of Drinking Around the World is to have one alcoholic beverage (beer, wine, mixed drink, etc.) at each of the countries in World Showcase. Did I mention there are 11 countries in World Showcase? Clearly, this is an activity that you must engage in responsibly!

World Showcase opens at 11:00a and stays open until the park closes, on average around 9:00p. That is a lot of drinks to spread out throughout the day. If you already recognize that this is too much for you, pick a handful of countries that you want to highlight for your own Drinking Around the World adventure.

Tip: If you are at Epcot during one of the Festivals, you can switch up Drinking Around the World to add in some of the specialty drinks at the outdoor kitchens. There are many awesome beverage offerings during the Festivals.

Monorail Bar Crawl

Doing a Monorail Bar Crawl is a much more low key, but no less fun, alternative to Drinking Around the World. The Monorail Bar Crawl highlights the bars and lounges which can be found at the Monorail resorts, i.e. The Grand Floridian, The Polynesian, and The Contemporary.

Personally, I add Wilderness Lodge to this list as well because of its close proximity to Magic Kingdom and the ease of getting there by boat from the Contemporary. And I’m just a huge fan of Geyser Point.

Again, you can tailor a Monorail Bar Crawl to your heart’s desire. When Doug and I did a Monorail Bar Crawl, we focused on the bars and lounges which really struck our fancy the most. Which bars will you be most interested in? Below we will identify all of your options!

Nightlife at the Resorts

Many of the resort areas have their own bars and lounges to enjoy. Some have a more laid back, relaxing vibe, while others hit you over the head with fun and energy.

The Boardwalk area around Crescent Lake has a vibrant scene, with street performers a la Coney Island spread around the boardwalk, in addition to the bars that are also there.

And I’ve already mentioned above that hitting up the Magic Kingdom area resorts has already turned into its own adventure via a Monorail bar crawl.

Below you will find a list of bars and lounges in each of the resort areas. The bars in bold are particularly popular and I highly recommend. P.S. – I’m not including pool bars in this list, but each of the resorts has at least one of those as well.

In addition to drinks, these bars and lounges also serve a variety of foods, some of which are downright delicious.

Money Saving Tip: Going to a lounge connected to one of the Signature Restaurants is a great way to experience some of the food from the restaurant kitchen, without the big price tag.

Magic Kingdom Resort Bars and Lounges (Monorail Bar Crawl Contenders)

• Crockett’s Tavern (Fort Wilderness)
• Trader Sam’s Tiki Terrace (Polynesian Resort)
• Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto (Polynesian Resort) – this bar is extremely popular, often having lines to get in when the doors open
• Tambu Lounge (Polynesian Resort)
• Citricos Lounge (Grand Floridian Resort)
• Enchanted Rose (Grand Floridian Resort) – Beauty and the Beast themed bar!
• The Perch (Grand Floridian Resort) – this is a brand new bar located in the lobby of Grand Floridian
• Geyser Point Bar & Grill (Wilderness Lodge Resort)
• Territory Lounge (Wilderness Lodge Resort)
• Outer Rim (Contemporary Resort)
• Steakhouse 71 Lounge (Contemporary Resort)
• California Grill Lounge (Contemporary Resort)
• Top of the World Lounge (Bay Lake Tower Resort) – This lounge is only available to Disney Vacation Club members. If you are one, you should definitely check out Top of the World.

Epcot Resort Area Bars and Lounges

I’m not going to lie, the boardwalk area is not what is used to be. The most popular bar, Jellyrolls is now closed. I wouldn’t head in this direction specifically for the bars…

• Banana Cabana (Caribbean Beach Resort)
• Ale & Compass Lounge (Beach and Yacht Club Resorts)
• Martha’s Vineyard (Beach and Yacht Club Resorts)
• Belle Vue Lounge (Boardwalk Resort)
• AbracadaBar (Boardwalk Resort)
• Bar Riva (Riviera Resort)

Animal Kingdom Resort Area Bars and Lounges

• Laguna Bar (Coronado Springs Resort)
• Rix Sports Bar and Grill (Coronado Springs Resort)
• Sanaa Lounge (Animal Kingdom Lodge)
• Cape Town Lounge and Wine Bar (Animal Kingdom Lodge)
• Victoria Falls Lounge (Animal Kingdom Lodge)

Disney Springs Resort Area Bars and Lounges

• River Roost (Port Orleans Riverside)
• Muddy Rivers (Port Orleans Riverside)
• Scat Cat’s Club (Port Orleans French Quarter)
• Mardi Grogs (Port Orleans French Quarter)
• Turf Club Lounge (Saratoga Springs)
• Gurgling Suitcase Libations and Spirits (Old Key West)

Disney Springs Nightlife

In addition to the nighttime events in the resorts themselves, there are a plethora of bars and lounges scattered throughout Disney Springs. Most of the coolest ones are located at Disney Springs, which remains open until midnight, with some of the bars staying open until 2:00a.

Some of the options in Disney Springs are more than just bars, they offer an enhanced or unique experience to enjoy.

For a adults-only Disney trip, Disney Springs absolutely needs to be a priority. Locals go to Disney Springs for date night, just in general. Full of great retail options and more restaurants and bars than I can fit in this post, it’s a great Disney experience for adults.

Disney Springs Bars and Lounges

• The Edison
• Jock Lindsay’s Hangar Bar
• Enzo’s Hideaway
• House of Blues
• MacGUFFINS
• Raglan Road – While technically not a bar, it’s lively atmosphere makes it a notable option for a night out. Live Irish bands and Irish Step Dancers add to the experience
• Splitsville – Bowling, food, and drinks. Need I say more?
• Stargazer’s Bar

The best part about all of the bars and lounges at Disney Springs and the resorts is you don’t even need a park ticket to go to them. This makes these bars a great option for non-park days or trips that don’t include the parks themselves.

Best Add Ons at Disney World for Adults

Disney has a plethora of experiences you can add to your Disney vacation. Some of those add ons are great for the whole family, while others might be better suited an adults only trip.

From tours to dining experiences, there is something for everyone. This list is just a small sample of some of the best, but there are many more to choose from.

• Victoria & Albert’s Chef’s Table Dinner
• Jiko Wine Tasting
• Savor the Savannah: An Evening Safari Experience
• Wild Africa Trek
• Keys to the Kingdom Tour
• Ultimate Day of Thrill VIP Tour

6. Spas, Golfing, Wandering, and More

Outside of the parks, there are still tons of opportunities to be had for various forms of entertainment. If a spa day is your thing, you can do that. Want a chance to hit the links? Disney has 4 different golf courses. Can’t hit a golf ball to save your life but still want to go golfing (my hand is in the air)? There are two miniature golf courses.

As mentioned above, Disney Springs has tons of restaurants and bars to explore. But in addition to that there’s shopping to be had! If you have a hankering to do some shopping, Disney Springs is the place to be, even if it’s just some window shopping or wandering.

And let’s not forget the resorts themselves for activities. In addition to the main feature pools at the resorts, most of them also have a separate quiet pool which is geared to be less boisterous for any adults who want to take advantage of the Florida heat and lounge by the pool.

Some of the resorts have surrey bike rentals, as well as regular bike rentals. When we stayed at the Boardwalk they offered sunrise yoga classes on the green. All of the resorts seem to have running trails and walking paths to explore.

If you like shows, you can see Cirque de Soleil: Drawn to Life in Disney Springs.

There are boat rentals and fishing options at the resorts that border the lakes of Disney World. I’m sure you start to catch my drift, there are so many options at Disney World for adults that don’t even involve setting foot in one of the parks.

Sample Itinerary for Adults Only Disney Trip

I thought it could be helpful to put together a sample itinerary of an adults only Disney trip. I’m going to take the middle ground, more than a long weekend, but less than a full week.

This allows you to experience the highlights of Disney World for adults without being stressed and rushed. Because that’s part of the beauty of a grown up Disney trip, no need to stress yourself out trying to make sure the kids have a great experience.

5 Day Disney Itinerary for Adults

Resort Recommendation: Either Riviera Resort or Boardwalk Resort

• Day 1: Arrival Day!
  • Try to arrive early in the day to give yourself time to explore the resort, maybe spend time at the pool, pick a restaurant that’s easily accessible to the resort
    • Sebastian’s Bistro
    • Topolino’s Terrace
    • Flying Fish
• Day 2: Epcot
  • Plan to spend the whole day in Epcot, get there at rope drop if you want to get on the top rides with shorter lines, or wait to arrive at 11a when World Showcase opens
  • Your main goal is to eat and drink your way around World Showcase!
• Day 3: Hollywood Studios, Disney Springs for Dinner
  • This time, plan to get to the park first thing to get on rides with shorter waits
  • In between rides, hit up Baseline Taphouse, maybe make a reservation for lunch
  • Once you are done at Hollywood Studios, head back to the resort to rest up before heading to Disney Springs for dinner and bars
• Day 4: Rest, relaxation, and whatever you want to do (with a return to Disney Springs for dinner)
  • I love a “rest day” in any Disney itinerary, but especially for adult, this allows you to fill in the gaps with some of the extras
  • Spend time at the pool
  • Consider the Monorail Pub Crawl
  • Head to Disney Springs for dinner and shopping
• Day 5: Departure Day

Final Thoughts on Disney World for Adults

In the end, there are a tremendous number of things to do in and around Disney World that will keep adults entertained for days. I hope that this post gave you a better idea of the sheer volume of options for adults at Disney World

Between all the adult only trips I’ve taken to Disney World, I have only hit the tip of the iceberg in terms of entertainment at Disney World. Guess that means I’ll just have to take more adult focused trips in the future!

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Your Thoughts

What are some of your favorite things to do at Disney World as an adult? Sound off in the comments below so I can add more things to my list of must-dos! Don’t forget to follow The Disney Journey on Facebook and Pinterest.

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