No Disney World is not just for kids! Explore our Disney World for Grown Ups Guide and Disney Packing List for Adults to help you plan, pack, and prep for what could be your most fun Disney trip ever!
The BEST Disney World for Grown Ups Guide & Packing List!
Welcome to the ultimate guide for grown-ups visiting Disney World! If you think Disney World is just for kids, think again. This guide is specifically crafted for adults who want to make the most out of their Disney World experience. Whether you’re planning a solo trip, a friends weekend, or a romantic getaway, we have you covered.
This blog is all about the best Disney World for Grown Ups Guide and Disney Packing List for Adults!
Experience the magic of Disney World without the crowds and enjoy attractions, deluxe dining, and unforgettable experiences. We’ll provide you with insider tips, packing list essentials, and everything you need to know to plan your perfect Disney World trip- no kids required!
Are you ready to uncover the secrets of an grown up Disney adventure? Let’s get started!
Planning a Disney World for Grown Ups Trip
The Benefits of a Grown-Up Trip to Disney World
When planning a Disney trip, many people tend to think of it as a family destination, but the parks have a lot to offer for adults as well. A Disney World trip for adults has its own unique advantages and benefits that can make for a great vacation experience. Here are some reasons why planning a grown-up trip to Disney World can be a great idea:
- Avoid the crowds: Unlike during peak family travel times, an adult trip to Disney World allows you to enjoy the parks with fewer crowds and shorter wait times at attractions. Though there are really no “low crowd” times anymore at the Disney Parks, the Parks are definitely less crowded when the kids are in school. You can explore the parks at a leisurely pace and make the most of your time.
- Adult-friendly attractions and experiences: Disney World offers a range of adult-friendly attractions, from thrilling rides and incredible shows to delicious dining options.
- A relaxed and leisurely vacation: Without the need to cater to children’s schedules and preferences, a Disney World trip for adults offers a more relaxed and leisurely vacation. You can spend time exploring the parks, enjoying spa treatments, or trying more adventurous restaurants.
Get to know the My Disney Experience App
Whether you are traveling solo, on a friends trip, for a couples weekend, or with your family you will need to know how to use the My Disney Experience app. This little piece of technology will become your best friend when scheduling your day, joining a virtual queue for a new popular attraction, or making a dining reservation or a mobile order at your favorite quick service restaurant. You can also use this app to pay for Genie+, Walt Disney World’s pay to ride reservation system or their pay-per-attraction Individual Lightning Lane for select popular attractions.
Consider checking out the Water Parks
If you plan an adults trip to Disney World on a not-cold month, and that’s most months of the year, a visit to either of the two Water Parks- Typhoon Lagoon or Blizzard Beach, could be lots of fun! Since the Pandemic Disney World has been alternating which of these parks are open but they are both awesome water parks that kids and adults alike will love. And if you plan a trip to the water parks during the school year it won’t be nearly as crowded.
Planning a Friends Trip to Disney World
If you’re looking for a fun and exciting getaway for a girlfriends getaway or a friends trip, Disney World can be the perfect destination. Here are some tips for planning a memorable friends trip at Disney World:
Coordinate travel arrangements:
Decide on travel dates, book flights or plan a road trip, and secure accommodations WAY in advance to ensure a smooth and hassle-free trip. It’s easier to plan a Disney trip in the “off season”, AKA when the kids are in school. But Disney World is always busy, and getting a reservation at a popular Disney resort or restaurant takes planning. Dining reservations should be booked at the 60 day mark before the first day of your travel, and Disney resort hotels should be booked more than 60 days ahead of time.
Choose fun group activities and experiences:
From shopping sprees at Disney Springs to indulging in spa treatments at one of the resort’s luxury spas, there are plenty of activities and experiences that are popular among groups of friends. There are so many things to do on Disney property that don’t even involve stepping foot into a Disney Park!
Select the best resorts for your friend’s trip:
Disney World offers a range of resort hotels that cater to different tastes and preferences. Look for resorts that offer amenities such as pools, lounges, and proximity to the parks or Disney Springs that make it more convenient and fun for adult friend groups. Some great ideas include:
- Boardwalk Inn- close to Epcot and Hollywood Studios, and great dining close by
- Wilderness Lodge- fun restaurants, lounges, a nice pool, and just a boat ride away from the Magic Kingdom
- Coronado Springs- upscale bar and restaurants, and less kids than most Disney resorts (but it’s farther away from the parks)
- Polynesian Resort- on the Monorail loop, fun Tiki theme and fabulous bars and restaurants, and both a quiet pool and a fun pool
- Port Orleans French Quarter- fun, party vibe, and a boat ride away from Disney Springs shopping and dining district
Enjoy relaxation, pampering, and bonding time:
Take advantage of the opportunity to relax, pamper yourselves, and spend quality time bonding with your friends. Schedule spa treatments (Grand Floridian has the best spa on property but the Dolphin Hotel and Yacht Club resort also have great spas), enjoy poolside cocktails, or hang out at any of the popular Disney World resorts or parks lounges, or bars. Here’s a list of my favorite bars and lounges to enjoy with friends!
Consider meeting a Disney Character or two
Character meet and greets aren’t just for kiddos! Adult friends can have so much fun meeting their favorite character, and can even plan their outfits around what Disney character they intend to meet that day- making for even better pictures!
Fun things to do on a friends trip at the Walt Disney World Parks
Magic Kingdom is full of classic rides, storybook fantasy, thrill rides, Princesses and iconic characters, and Adventure! Epcot is fantastic for an adults trip to Disney as you can explore the different flavors and offerings from around the World Showcase, Soar over the World on Soarin, speed super fast on Test Track, or have an incredible ride on Guardians of Galaxy Cosmic Rewind!
Animal Kingdom is perfect for a grown-up trip- from awesome Broadway-style shows, to the immersive and adventurous world of Pandora and the incredible Kilimanjaro Safari- not to mention the thrill of peaking at Everest and meeting a Yeti!
And let’s not forget the fun of exploring Galaxy’s Edge at Hollywood Studios, as many adults grew up watching Star Wars and this place makes you feel like you are truly in the story! You can also scream your way down an elevator shaft on Tower of Terror, or dive into the Mickey Mouse shorts in Runaway Railway!
Have some fun outside the parks
Other fun ideas for girls weekends or any kind of friends trip for grown ups at Disney World:
Ferrytale Cruises or Fireworks Cruises (more info below)
Miniature Golf
Walt Disney World has two miniature golf options and you usually get free tickets when you book a Disney Resort Package (if you need help booking a package just let me know)
Fort Wilderness Recreation and Enterntainement
Head over to Fort Wilderness Campground for a myriad of fun including archery lessons, horseback riding, canoeing or kayaking, and even a hilarious dinner show at Hoop-Dee-Do Musical Revue. You can make a whole day out of a visit to Fort Wilderness and you can take a free boat from the Magic Kingdom to get there!
Sunset Golf
Does your friend group like to golf? Disney World has three outstanding Golf Courses and is offering a new Sunset Promotion that includes a golf cart rental, 9 holes of golf, and 2 beer or soft drink beverages!
Do a monorail crawl
Just jump on the resort monorail at the Magic Kingdom and this will take you to the Contemporary, the Polynesian, and the Grand Floridian. At each of these stops there are bars, lounges, and great table-service restaurants.
I highly recommend hitting up Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto at the Polynesian before 5 p.m. (they open at 3 p.m. and if you really want to get in you can put your name on a waiting list at that time). This is a fun, Tiki-party type atmosphere.
If you want something more subdued and classy consider the Enchanted Rose at the Grand Floridian.
The Contemporary also offers the Lounge at the California Grill that has fabulous fireworks viewing with the music pumped right in. You can also just chill on the beach at the Polynesian and see the fireworks while enjoying pumped in music!
Planning a Couples Weekend to Disney World
A Disney Vacation, particularly a Walt Disney World vacation, can be a surprisingly romantic destination for couples looking for a weekend getaway. Here are some tips for planning a romantic couples’ trip to Disney World:
Couples-friendly activities:
Private tours, fine dining experiences, and fireworks cruises are just a few of the couples-friendly activities that you can enjoy at Disney World.
Private Tours
There are quite a few options for private tours on Walt Disney World property ranging in price from somewhat affordable to premium experiences. My favorites are at Animal Kingdom and include Caring for Giants (a tour where you learn all about the African Elephants), Up Close with Rhinos, and the Wild Africa Trek. Epcot’s Behind the Seeds tour is great for those into gardening and growing their own food, or just seeing how Disney does it. Magic Kingdom offers the Keys to the Kingdom Tour to learn all about the inside workings and history of the Magic Kingdom.
Romantic Dining for Couples at Disney World
Looking for romantic fine dining experiences? At the top of the list would be the most premium experience of Victoria and Alberts at the Grand Floridian Resort. You can expect to pay more than $295 for this experience so keep that in mind. For a somewhat cheaper (yet still pricey) experience consider the California Grill on top of the Magic Kingdom adjacent Contemporary Resort. You can even watch the fireworks here and they will pump in the music for the show! Other great options for a romantic meal at Disney World would be Jiko at Animal Kingdom, Le Cellier Steakhouse at the Canada Pavilion or Monsier Paul at the France Pavilion (both are located in Epcot’s World Showcase). Or you can hit Wine Bar George at Disney Springs or the Yachtsman Steakhouse at the Yacht Club Resort.
Fireworks Cruises
Fireworks Cruises-Walt Disney World offers a few different ways that groups can have their own special fireworks party! You can charter a boat to watch either the Magic Kingdom Fireworks or Epcot Fireworks This option is $449 plus tax and is available for up to 10 guests, and includes a captain, assorted soft drinks, and even festive balloons and banners at your request. They also offer a Ferrytale Magic Wishes Dessert cruise aboard one of their iconic Ferryboats ($130 per adult including gratuity and tax). This specialty cruise features an assortment of cheeses, desserts, pastries, and specialty drinks, including cocktails, beer, or wine for those over 21. The private charters of course would be just your group, whereas the Ferrytale cruise would be a shared experience.
Disney World’s most romantic resorts and accommodations:
Disney World offers a variety of romantic resorts, from luxurious options to themed accommodations. Choose a resort and hotel room that suits your preferences and offers amenities like spas or romantic dining options. Remember you need advanced dining reservations for most table service restaurants at any of the Disney Theme Parks or Disney Resorts Table service restaurants so don’t forget to make those 60 days in advance.
My recommendations for romantic resorts at Disney World would be:
- Animal Kingdom Lodge
- Grand Floridian Resort and Spa
- Beach Club or Yacht Club
- Polynesian
- Port Orleans Riverside
Consider add ons or as Disney calls them Enchanting Extras!
Walt Disney World offers some add on opportunities that are an extra cost but can make your couples trip extra fun. One fun idea is the Sip, Savor, Sparkle available at the Top of the World at the Contemporary Resort. At this event you can enjoy sushi, small bites, desserts and other favorites from the Delicious California Grill, as well as complimentary bar items while you watch the Fireworks from an amazing viewpoint. Or enjoy a painting experience at Disney’s Coronado Resort. You could also take a cake decorating class at Amorette’s Patisserie at Disney Springs. And there are always some great cocktail and bar classes offered at Disney Springs and some of the Disney Resorts. Check Disney’s official site for a full list!
Planning a Solo Trip to Disney World
A solo adult trip to Disney World can be so much fun! You don’t have to plan around anyone else’s favorite rides, food preferences or agenda! No one will complain to you how much something costs, how long the lines are, or how they didn’t get to do everything they wanted. You can get up as early or late as you like, and close down the Disney parks if you want to! And you can really relax and soak in all of the magic.
My favorite solo trip to Disney World tips:
- Use single rider- you will get on a ride much faster using the Single Rider lane. Though not all rides have this option, definitely take advantage of those that do!
- Eat at Bars and Lounges- it will be easy to find a seat for one!
- Consider one of the tours listed above- it’s a lot cheaper than paying for a family to go!
- Enjoy a good book by the pool
- Be spontaneous- there is no better time to do this than when traveling alone!
Disney World Packing List for Adults
In this section, we will provide the ultimate Disney Packing List for adults. Whether it be specifically tailored for a girls’ weekend, friend trip, solor trip or a romantic couples trip to Disney World, we’ve got you covered. Being prepared with the right essentials can make or break your trip to the most Magical Place on Earth.
Consider the Weather
Pack according to what time of year you are going to Walt Disney World- will it be hot, extra hot, or maybe not so hot? Those are the main categories! And will it rain? The answer to that is yes- no matter what time of year it is be prepared for rain. Always pack rain gear like a light rain jacket(which can double as an extra layer if you are going in the late fall, winter, or early spring), poncho, or small umbrella. Pack a change of shoes and socks in your park bag if you are going on a particularly rainy day.
Other Disney World essentials include tech items like:
- A Power Strip
- Portable charger- consider one of these that are light and pack a charging punch AND a fuel rod (you can exchange these for free at the Disney Parks and resorts for a brand new charger, they are not as powerful as the one mentioned above but they are handy if that one goes dead).
FuelRod Portable Charger Kit- Exchange for Free at the Disney ParksBuy Now$29.99We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.09/17/2024 12:14 pm GMT - Chargers for your laptop or tablet
Bring some nice clothes!
Walt Disney World has a very lax dress code for most of it’s restaurants as they understand people will be at the parks and baking in the Florida sun. BUT, at the nicer restaurants mentioned above, they do request that you dress up a bit, or at least not wear a tank top and shorts! Women should pack a cute dress, skirt or dress shorts, or some nice pants/jeans and a blouse or dressier tank top. Men can pack some nice jeans, dress shorts, chino type pants, and a button-down shirt or two. Remember to also bring some non sneaker type shoes- but make them comfy as lots of walking is usually involved no matter what you do. Nice sandals or TOMS type shoes could work, or even a loafer of some sort.
I love these Clarks flip flops and I always pack a pair when I go on a Disney Trip!
Other important items to put on your Disney World Packing List for Adults
Bathing Suit
A bathing suit for resort pools- even if it’s winter you will likely want to soak your tired body in Disney resort hotel hot tub or dive into one of their heated “quiet pools” so don’t forget your bathing suit and a nice cover-up in case you want to hit the poolside cafe or bar.
Comfy Clothes, Extra Shirts, Extra Socks
Always pack a few different styles of extra shirts, shorts, and pants (during the colder months) and consider Disney Bounding for fun (wearing the colors or style of your favorite Disney Character). Make sure the clothes are comfortable and made of breathable fabric as you are bound to get hot most months of the year in Central Florida.
Refillable Water Bottles
Bring a couple of reusable water bottles so you can get the free water the quick service restaurants and to stay hydrated as that heat is strong!
Cooling Items and Sun Protection
And speaking of heat- pack some sun protection essentials like sunscreen and protective lip balm.
You will also potentially cooling items for the Florida Heat in most months of the year. I love cooling towels, but some people don’t like that they make your neck and clothes a bit wet. A portable spray fan is also a great alternative. I have also used neck fans that work quite well. However, be careful about which one you pick as some work better than others!
Parks Bags and Snacks
Remember that you can pack your own snacks for the parks in your Disney park bag. You can bring in any type of food just no glass, alcohol, or knives. So bring a small backpack or a larger backpack, depending on what you want to bring with you. A fanny pack, cross body bag or hip pack could also be handy if you want to travel lighter.
Be sure to leave extra space in your bag! You will likely want to come back with a souvenir or two from a Disney gift shop!
Conclusion
A Walt Disney World vacation is not just for kids. From recreational activities to tours and even private fireworks cruises there are so many activities at Disney World for adults to enjoy! Disney World offers spa services, incredible food, lounges and bars that are like no other, and so much more magic!
This post was all a complete Disney World for Grown Ups guide and a Disney World packing list for adults!
For more Disney World packing tips and the Ultimate Disney World Packing List check out:
5 Amazing Disney Packing Cubes options
5 Essential Disney Packing Tips: How to Pack and Plan like a Pro for any Disney vacation!
11 Must-Have items for your Ulitmate Disney Packing List
Shelley has been going on Walt Disney World trips since she was a toddler growing up in South Florida. Since then, she has expanded her interests and passion to include Disneyland and runDisney trips. She is a Disney College of Knowledge-certified Travel Planner, runner, Physician, mom of three, and all-around Disney fan. She believes the magic is in the details of any Disney or runDisney trip!
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