Think Disney is just for kids? Here are 10 things for adults to do in the most magical place on Earth!
As a 24 year old Disney fanatic, I’ve been told countless times that Disney is “just for kids.” Or when I tell people about my next trip to Walt Disney World for this or that special occasion, they ask, “Don’t you get tired of it? It’s all for little kids.” Admittedly, I’m a bit sensitive when it comes to Disney topics, but it drives me nuts when people say that! So I’m laying out the top 5 things for adults to do in Disney World. Make sure you pin this on Pinterest and send it to anyone who tells you you’re too old to enjoy Disney.
Brunch at Cinderella Castle
Ahh, Cinderella Castle, the most beautiful castle there is (sorry, West Coast friends). The last time I ate at Cinderella’s Royal Table was in 5th grade, but I was very sick on the trip (unbeknownst to us at the time, I had a liver and kidney infection) and I threw up all over the place. Do you know how traumatizing it is to throw up on the Fairy Godmother? It’s horrific, although she was very kind and they gave me free fastpasses.
Anyway, I refused to dine at the Castle again until last year where I had brunch for my 21st birthday. It was delicious! I was disappointed I missed out for the last decade. And is brunch really brunch without mimosas? I don’t think so! While you will definitely see children here, it’s a fabulous place for an adults-only meal. The ambiance is incredible and you truly feel like a royal.
Stay at/Visit the Grand Floridian
I think that the Grand Floridian Resort and Spa is by far the most luxurious place on Disney’s property. It was the first place my family stayed when I was little and my mom won’t stay anywhere else. I understand it’s very pricey for most people; if you can’t stay there, at least stop by and visit the lobby and hotel grounds. The Grand is home to some fabulous restaurants, like Citrico’s and Narcoosee’s. These are geared toward adult crowds (and have dress codes, so make sure you pack an appropriate outfit). You can also have afternoon tea at Grand Floridian’s Garden View Tea Room, complete with tea, scones, and sandwiches. Whatever you choose to do at the Grand, you can’t go wrong, it’s a truly magical place to be. It’s also perfect for a romantic getaway!
Drink Around the World
I think this is a fairly widely known option, but drinking around the world in EPCOT is one of the best options for adults. This is something I plan on doing more of in the future; I only made it through 2 countries when I was there for my 21st birthday. Now that I’ve been able to drink for a few years, I have a better idea of what drinks I like (aka–not beer!) and feel less weird/guilty ordering a drink. Some people like to get a snack and drink from every country, so that’s another possibility. The first time I drank in Disney, I got a grapefruit beer from Germany and Frose from France. Of the two, I strongly preferred the Frose–it’s an Epcot classic.
If you really want to make an occasion of it, get some shirts made about Drinking Around the World! I’m also a fan of this Disney Day Drinkers shirt and these princess inspired boozey shirts.
Since originally writing this post, I’ve been to Disney 4 more times and have tried more drinks around the World Showcase–I completely get the appeal and recommend it as something for adults to do in Disney! The Festival of the Holiday drinks were my favorite, followed by Festival of the Arts, and The Flower and Garden Festival. I’ll update this again after I try the Food and Wine drinks, but I’m not a huge wine person so I’m not expecting to love those.
Something you can get year-round is the Ice Cream Martini from L’artisan des Glaces in the France pavillion. You select the type of ice cream you want and the liqueur and voila! I chose vanilla and peanut butter with whipped ceram vodka. They pour the vodka straight on top of the ice cream so it is strong, but a really fun option if you don’t want an actual drink.
The Edison in Disney Springs
The Edison had been on my list of to-do’s ever since it opened and it did not disappoint! It’s a steampunk style restaurant and nightclub with food, cocktails, and entertainment. I’m a fan of The Great Gatsby and I definitely get roaring 20s vibe from this hotspot. There are different themed rooms like the Telegraph Lounge, the Patent Office, the Radio Room, and others. As far as entertainment goes, you can find live music as well as contortionists and aerialists. After 10 pm, the Edison is a true nightclub and you must be 21 or older to enter. There is also a dress code at that time, but during regular dinner hours there is no dress code. Their menu even has an entire section devoted to baked mac and cheese!
I ordered the Strawberry Fields Forever drink and it was honestly one of the best drinks I’ve ever had. For an appetizer, we got the Creamy Spinach Cheese Dip and creamy is an understatement! Unlike many spinach dips, there was no artichoke in this so it was truly just spinach and cheese…yum! Finally, for an entrée, I got The Edison burger. Honestly, I’m not a big burger fan but I hadn’t eaten in almost two days so I was going for the protein. I didn’t love it because of the Special Sauce they put on it, it has a strong dill flavor and I hate pickles. If you love dill, then it’s a great option for you! And pro-tip, if you want to try the Electri-Fries but don’t want to order an appetizer, order your side of fries to be prepared like that!
Bar Hop Around the Monorail Resorts
I’ve already talked about the Grand Floridian, but the other two monorail resorts are The Polynesian and The Contemporary. Another thing for adults to do in Disney is to make an evening of going to the bar at each hotel and going around the monorail. But, remember that ultimately Disney is a family friendly place so please respect the families in the resorts and on the monorail and don’t get wasted!
Go to Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto tiki bar at the Polynesian and try the HippopotoMai-Tai or the Polynesian Pearl (the pearl is a souvenir!). At the Outer Rim at the Contemporary, try the Godiva Chocolate Martini or the Magical Star Cocktail. And at the Enchanted Rose, a Beauty and the Beast themed bar at the Grand, try Lavender Fog with some crab macaroni and cheese. At each of the 3 hotels, there are other bars and lounges to choose from, but these are the 3 I suggest and/or am trying on my next trip.
Pro Tip: You can add rum to your Dole Whip! See my post here where I talk about it and other yummy desserts in WDW.
See, Disney isn’t just for kids! There are plenty of ways you can make your Disney trip more adult-friendly. But don’t forget to still enjoy the “kid” aspects and ride the rides, see the parades and shows, and just have fun! Disney is what you make out of it, so if you go in thinking you won’t have fun, then chances are it won’t be as magical of an adventure it could be. Comment below and let me know if you have any questions or other adult suggestions!
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