Update: This post on tips for an adults only Disney trip originally appeared in 2016, but I have updated it for 2018. Thanks for reading!
It’s no secret I love Walt Disney World. When I tell some of my friends my husband and I are going alone to Walt Disney World for the weekend without Emma Kate, they look at like I’m crazy. Why would I want to spend my adults only time with a bunch of kids? That’s when I get to explain our “Disney style”, and how it’s very different than a trip would look with Emma Kate in tow. While trips with her are super special and so much fun, there are “other ways” to tour the world as well.
So, here are my top five tips for an adults-only Disney trip, and maybe you will then see why we find our time in Disney so relaxing and enjoyable.
1.) Go Deluxe: I know it’s not in everyone’s budget, but if you can swing it (go at a cheaper time of year, use discounts, save up for a year etc.) I recommend staying at a deluxe resort, and if you save lots of pennies, splurge on a club level stay. I have stayed club level at all the Disney resorts, and it is truly a special treat. Honestly, it’s not worth it if you plan to jump up every morning, grab breakfast at the park, and stay gone until bedtime, but if you want to enjoy Disney at a leisurely pace, it’s the way to go. (Think: continental breakfast, snacks in the afternoon, wine and appetizers in the evenings, cordials and desserts at night.) Plus a lounge for you to sit in and read a book, chat with family members, or simply use it as a meeting spot. There are also dedicated cast members who help just club level guests with questions, dining reservations, and more. We love to eat and relax so it works for us!
Even if you can’t splurge for club level, I recommend a deluxe resort if you plan to take things slow and spend time at your resort. Deluxe resorts have the best pool areas, lobbies, and food options, so there is plenty to do just soaking up the theming.
Even if you can’t splurge for club level, I recommend a deluxe resort if you plan to take things slow and spend time at your resort. Deluxe resorts have the best pool areas, lobbies, and food options, so there is plenty to do just soaking up the theming.
2.) Less park days: Here is where you can actually save some money. If you are going for a week, only get 4-5 days of park tickets and spend your other days doing things around your resort, or even visiting the other resorts on property. There is plenty to do, which leads me to the next tip…
3.) Beyond the Theme Parks: Since you have a couple of “free days” with no park tickets, take time to explore some of the lesser-known Disney fun such as Disney Springs, miniature golf, water parks, going fishing or parasailing, or enjoy tea at the Grand Floridian. I actually wrote two blog posts a while back about things to do beyond the theme parks. You can check them out here and here. Check out the awesome cabanas you can rent pictured below if you are at the Contemporary!
4.) Sit on a bench: I know this sounds silly, but to this day it is one of my favorite things to do in Disney. People watching. I love grabbing Starbucks and finding a bench or laying in the hub grass at Magic Kingdom, and just watching the crowds go by while soaking up the Disney atmosphere. I feel like so many people rush from one ride to the next, that they don’t always take the time to really just soak in the fact that they are in Disney World! Stop and take a break and just be for a little while on your next trip. Grab some popcorn or a drink and just savor the moment.
5.) Eat. A lot: I know everyone eats more on vacation, but when you are traveling with small kids, you typically don’t eat at fancy table service restaurants enjoying four-course meals. It’s more of let’s stick some chicken nuggets in your mouth and move on before they have a meltdown. This is your chance to enjoy some of the nicer restaurants, just taking your time and enjoying your vacation and the atmosphere. Some of my favorites are: California Grill, Narcoossees, Yachtsman Steakhouse, Citricos, and Artist Point. Be sure to schedule in a lot of time to sit and eat nice dinners, or even nice breakfasts and lunches, too! Whatever you want, it’s your vacation!
This was on our honeymoon! Babies!
These are just some of my tips for planning an adults only WDW vacation. The key is to relax and enjoy without feeling like you need to be somewhere every five minutes. That doesn’t sound very relaxing and enjoyable to this girl. You earned those vacation days my friend, and you don’t have to have your kids with you to enjoy Walt Disney World. Have fun!
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QOTD: What is your favorite tip for an adults only Disney trip?
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Those are some great tips, but I think the wife and I still opt to take our kids to Disney. Disney is the best when you see it through the eyes’ of your children. Our first trip was magical when we took our 4 year old and 1 year old. First trip for both and they loved every minute. It was great taking our kids and the wife and I wished we would have taken them sooner.
That’s fine, you are of course entitled to your opinion. We run a lot of races there and there is no way we could both run if we took my daughter and would have no one to watch her. She turns two this fall and that is when we will be taking her for her first time. Can’t wait!
Great tips! I’m trying to talk my hubby into going with me for the Star Wars race weekend next year!
We went to Disney without our two year old (he has been with us twice so I didn’t feel guilty) and, as DIsney lovers, we had so much fun! I think it’s great because you can do all the things you can’t do with a young baby when it’s just the two of you. We got our roller coaster fix and didn’t miss it when we went back with the little guy. 🙂
I think that’s a great idea! Adults need time to be a kid, too 🙂
I’m slowly but surely convincing my husband that we should come to Disney World next November for our anniversary. I’ve been twice (last time was 2006) but it’ll my first time staying on the grounds and his first time going period, he had that whole “isn’t that for kids” thing going but when I told him that myself (who was 20 at the time) my mom and aunt who were in their 40’s all had a great time he started to come around. I think he’s close to 100% wanting to go since Avatar Land is opening next year, he’s a big fan of the movie…I want to go to do the attractions I’ve never had a a chance to do and revisit a few favorites so we’re not staying in the parks from sun up to sun down. I can’t wait to go back!! 🙂
So much fun!