Visiting Disney World as an Adult

Last Updated on May 1, 2025 by Steph

Walt Disney World feels like you’ve stepped into a portal of childhood magic with a side of hospitality and sunshine. I grew up with Disney movies, and Belle was my favorite princess. But, I didn’t visit Disney World for the first time until I was in my late 20s. I grew up taking family vacations to the Boundary Waters of Northern Minnesota for camping, hiking, and canoeing. This Disney World post is entirely from the perspective of an adult without kids. Considering that it’s estimated that 70% of Americans have visited one of the two US Disney parks, it’s safe to say that many people have their favorites, but I wanted to throw my two cents into the ring. 

I realize that there are some interesting opinions about Disney adults, and I must say that I was pretty surprised by the number of people we encountered who make this journey annually (or even more often). If you want a fun deep dive, listen to this Flightless Birds podcast episode where they explore the Disney adult. 

Why Go to Walt Disney World as an Adult?

One of the coolest things about being an adult is making all your own decisions. You no longer have to go along on family vacations, but I’ve also found that it’s one of the best reasons to visit Disney World as an adult. As the childless couple in the family, we’ve been able to join the nieces and nephews on their experiences, and when it’s all a bit too much, we can sneak off and enjoy some air-conditioning and a cold drink. 

I also recommend Disney World to adults because few other places make you feel like you’ve stepped into a magical wonderland where you can act like a kid again. The price is high, but we always thought we got our money’s worth. The service was incredible, the food and drink options were amazing, and it was fun to have so much to experience without dealing with transportation logistics. 

You’ll be able to enjoy all the fun things that kids get to experience, but with control over the money and the appreciation for some of the tiny details that I found so impressive about Disney. I would say it’s a place that everyone should visit at least once in their lives if they have any interest. 

My Favorites at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida

I’m going to break down my favorites based on each theme park, plus the extra places around the park. The Disney websites make it easy to explore each park using maps and apps, so this will give you a good starting point. Let’s dive into the magic.

Animal Kingdom

Animal Kingdom exceeded my expectations. It’s a theme park mixed with a zoo, combined with the Lion King, mixed with a little bit of Epcot’s world showcase all over again. With the addition of Pandora, it’s got a mix of the fantasy world and the natural world, but it’s a very well-done park. 

Expedition Everest

This is my favorite roller coaster in the world. You’ll walk through villages in the Himalayan Mountains in line. Once on the coaster, you’ll soar up to the top of Mount Everest. I don’t want to ruin the surprise on the ride, but as the Yeti is chasing you, you’ll love every minute. We did this coaster multiple times on both of our trips to Disney World. 

Kilimanjaro Safari

One of the most popular activities at Animal Kingdom is the Kilimanjaro Safari. You’ll be loaded into a vehicle that resembles the ones on our game drives in Namibia. You’ll wind through their large animal area and see all the incredible creatures. The guides are very knowledgeable about the animals. The enclosures are huge, but spotting the animals is usually easy. It feels like the in-between of a Zoo and the wild. They share a lot of the conservation work they are doing and help people understand the dangers some wild animals are facing. 

Yak & Yeti Restaurant

We made a restaurant reservation for lunch, which was incredible. There were lots of vegetarian options and fantastic cocktails. I recommend reserving a time slot here and coming hungry. I can never say no to wontons, especially when they are on the dessert menu. 

Dawa Bar

The Africa section of the park has some fascinating market stalls to explore. We stopped after the parade for a beer at the Dawa Bar, and I was surprised to see how many African beers they had available to choose from. 

Character Experiences

This was the only park where we found characters with no line, so that we couldn’t resist. Justin walked right up to Baloo and King Louie and told them their work in The Jungle Book changed his life.  Sometimes, I just laugh at his ridiculousness… well, this move paid off. We decided to take in the parade. While sitting there watching and enjoying something with an obscene amount of sugar, we saw our friends, King Louie and Baloo, coming down the road on their float. They were doing their standard handshakes and high-fives until they saw my husband.  His kind words clearly had an impact on them, because they ran to embrace him. It made all the five-year-olds a little jealous. I was so proud.

Magic Kingdom

This feels like the quintessential part of Disney World. It’s the closest to Disneyland in California and is split up into multiple “lands.” If you enjoy princess castles, this should be your number one destination. It’s probably my least favorite park (if I had to decide) because it’s designed for the kids, but you should go at least once. There are still really cool experiences in this park. 

Rope Drop

We arrived first thing in the morning and watched Mickey Mouse roll in on his train. It’s so much fun to watch all the kids (and adults) get excited when the gates open. There’s a little show and song that the characters put on. Plus, when you arrive early, you can check off some of the more popular rides with shorter lines. 

Space Mountain

Your neck might hate you, but everyone should do Space Mountain at least once. I rode it multiple times, and it was just as wild each time. There is very little light, so you never really know what’s happening. It’s also close to Buzz Lightyear’s Space Adventure, so it’s kind of a fun out-of-this-world adventure. 

Haunted Mansion

This ride is worth waiting in line for because the line is so entertaining. You’ll wind through a cemetery before getting to the haunted mansion. Read all the headstones and giggle at the little puns they’ve hidden. The souvenir picture from this ride is always one of my favorites as well. 

Tiana’s Bayou Adventure

Full transparency: I did not do this ride at Disney World because it wasn’t open yet, but I have done the version at Disneyland. This is my favorite Disney movie, so I cannot skip mentioning this ride at both destinations. 

Fireworks at the Castle

One of our trips here was during the holiday season, and the nighttime Christmas parade was impressive. Once it was over, the castle had a laser show with fireworks, and the entire castle was made to look like ice. It was like Elsa from Frozen had taken over. They do not skimp on their end-of-evening show, so plan to watch it at least once while you’re there.

Hollywood Studios

With our schedules at Disney World, we had the least time for this park. It feels a little more old Hollywood with a backlot and fun movie collectibles in the shops. With the addition of the Star Wars section, there is much more to do in the park today than when I first visited, so don’t skip this one.

50’s Prime Time Cafe

We had a great lunch at this cafe, which feels like you’ve stepped back in time. Every detail has been considered, and it’s an immersive experience. The menu took me back to my grandma’s house when we were on school break, and it was a fun blast from the past. Don’t skip out on the milkshakes.

Star Tours

Before there was a full-blown Star Wars land, there was Star Tours. You can go back and experience different adventures over and over. You’ll be riding in a flight simulator to one of the destinations from the Star Wars movies. There are more than 250 storylines, so if you love the ride, you can just keep going over and over.

Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith

If the line is long, you might be disappointed after waiting, as this ride is over in no time, but it’s still a ton of fun. You’re rushing to get to your concert on time and hearing some of Aerosmith’s hits while speeding along. We did this with our nieces multiple times, and everyone loved it. There are some upside-down spins on this, but that’s what makes it so fun. 

Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge

This park section is fun to explore, even if you aren’t a huge Star Wars fan. It’s a newer addition, so there are some pretty cool features hidden throughout. With two different rides, unique shops, and even a replica of Olga’s cantina, this is a fun area to spend some time.

EPCOT

Everyone I spoke to who had gone to Epcot as a child said it was the worst. No roller coasters or fun shows to see. But this was my favorite park, so indulge me. The food, service, and drink options were better than any other park. It’s the best Disney World park for an adult.

Soarin’ Around the World

This ride was fun and the perfect introduction to the World Showcase that EPCOT is famous for. You’ll be strapped into a seat, and then the room becomes an immersive screen, making it feel like you’re flying all over the world. 

The World Showcase

You cannot skip any countries. Go into the stores and scope out which characters are in each spot. It’s so fun for adults. The attention to detail is incredible. Everything in each country, including the Disney employees, is sourced directly from that country. I won’t break down every country, but I will share a few of our favorite stops.

• France: We sipped champagne and sampled Les Halles Boulangerie-Patisserie pastries. I loved the miniature version of the Eiffel Tower. 
• Morocco: Walk through this section and explore the Gallery of Arts and History. I wish I had planned to have dinner at the Spice Road Table, but that’s my plan for next time.
• Japan: In the large gift shop, we were able to sample sake and learn more about the traditional rice wine. I still remember all the cool information we learned, and I also found out what my favorite type of sake is. 
• Italy: Without lunch reservations, we decided to pop into Via Napoli Pizzeria and then have a glass of wine at the Tutto Gusto Wine Cellar. It’s hard to say no to Italian food.
• Germany: Our Christmas dinner was at the Biergarten Restaurant, and there was a full performance during dinner. It wasn’t the best vegetarian option, but we had so much fun with our large group.
• Norway: We did the Frozen Ever After ride with our nieces, and it was stunning. If the line is long, you can skip it as an adult, but if Frozen is one of your favorites, it’s a beautiful experience and nice to get out of the sun for a minute.

Spaceship Earth

This felt like a very old-fashioned ride, but it was a fun add-on at the end of our day. You just slowly ride around the inside of the large sphere at the front, learning about inventions and technological advances throughout time. You’ll even get a little peek into your future. Keep your camera out because you’ll get some hilarious illustrations during the ride. 

Disney Springs

Downtown Disney is a free place to explore, and it’s perfect if you want a meal on a day you don’t visit a park. I think it’s a spot worth visiting once, but it could also be skipped if you’re short on time. I loved their Christmas tree display during the holiday season, but when we visited in February, there weren’t any extraordinary experiences—the time of year makes a difference.

The restaurant options are impressive; you can find fun-themed restaurants and fine dining. It’s a good mix of brands you’ve heard of and unique experiences, so you can choose your own adventure. It’s also a great place to buy souvenirs if you don’t want to carry them around the parks. It’s mostly geared towards families who might not have emptied their wallets completely yet, but there are some fun things for Disney World adult visitors as well.

Other Disney World Resort Destinations

In addition to the parks and Downtown Disney, each Disney property is open to the public. You don’t need to be a guest to visit the onsite restaurants or explore the grounds. Some amenities are off-limits, but if you’re just looking to explore and get some steps, I recommend visiting at least one other property. These Disney World activities are more of an adult thing, so I’d skip the extra transit if you’ve got little ones with you. 

Restaurants at the Animal Kingdom Lodge

Sanaa was one of my favorite meals at Disney World. I love Eastern African food now, but I didn’t know when we made the reservation. The bread and dips were game-changers, and we had so much fun watching the animals while we ate. 

Disney’s Boardwalk

There are a few resorts around Crescent Lake, but you don’t have to stay at one to visit the Boardwalk. It’s a fun nod to the classic Jersey Shore spots, with snacks and entertainment lining the waterfront. 

Tiki Bars at the Polynesian Resort

If I had to pick a resort to stay at next time, this one would be at the top of my list. You’ll feel like you just stepped off a plane on a tropical island. We took the shuttle here and enjoyed some drinks at the on-site tiki bar. Then, we walked around and enjoyed all the tropical flowers. 

Winter Summerland Miniature Golf

This is not your average mini golf course. According to the website, it was designed by Santa Claus himself. There are two separate 18-hole courses, and we had to play both. One is inspired by summer and looks like Santa’s summer vacation destination, complete with sandcastles and flamingos decorated with Christmas lights. The other is a winter wonderland where you’ll feel surrounded by the North Pole no matter what time of year. I would highly recommend this on a day when you’re taking a break from the parks. 

Other Logistical Things to Know About Visiting Disney World as an Adult

PhotoPass

All visitors to the park have the option of adding the PhotoPass to their tickets. Our family did that for our big trip, and then everyone had access to all the photos at the end of the trip. This was nice, as it helped us take pictures of the whole group and also take advantage of some of the magical photo opportunities scattered throughout the park.

If you’re just going with your partner or a friend, it’s up to you to decide if that pass is worth it. The staff will take pictures with your phones in many spots, and you can download the photos from the rides in the app without paying.

Lightning Lane Passes

There are some rides with extremely long lines. If you want to make the most of your time at the park, it might be worth purchasing these passes. You select the rides and the times you want to visit, and the pass holds your spot in line. We opted out of this because there wasn’t any ride worth the extra money, plus we visited the busiest rides first thing in the morning. If you’re trying to park hop and have minimal time, this might be a good option for you.

Souvenirs

You might laugh at the idea of buying Mickey Mouse ears before you enter the park, but it’s a lot harder to resist temptation once you’re there and you see how many people are rocking them. I borrowed some from a friend, and that was perfect. I got to have all the cheesy pictures without investing my own hard-earned dollars in a headband that I wouldn’t wear again, and kind of hurt my head after more than an hour.

I loved browsing the souvenir shops, but we are pretty minimalist when it comes to things. The experience and photos were enough for me. If you like souvenirs, Disney World has no shortage of shopping opportunities.

The App

Download the app to make your entire visit easier. You can schedule all your dining reservations, view your lighting passes, and check line lengths in real-time. They keep making improvements and utilizing this technology, so it’s worth adding to your phone when you start planning and taking advantage of all the features. 

Final Thoughts on Visiting Disney World as an Adult

There aren’t many places in the world where you can truly check out and just experience joy. For me, I was able to do that at Disney World. It’s not for everyone, but I think anyone could have fun if the circumstances were right. Visiting at peak times would have been stressful for me. I was also lucky enough to have plenty of Disney experts helping us get organized. Plus, I got the pleasure of watching my nieces and nephews experience the joy without being the adult responsible for them. We got to tag along, but could excuse ourselves during any meltdowns or moments of hanger. 

This is not a trip I would do over and over again, but I would go one more time with my younger nephews. I would also never turn down a free trip. My husband has gone to work recently and had a blast. 

Whatever reasons you had that landed you on this article, I hope it helped you get excited about experiencing this magical world. And if I helped you decide against a trip, I’m happy I could give you information to make an informed choice. Happy planning, and drop any questions you may have about navigating Disney World as an adult in the comments, and I’ll get back to you.

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