What to Do at Disney World for Adults
Photo by Amy Humphries
Originally Posted On: https://www.peanutsorpretzels.com/what-to-do-at-disney-world-for-adults/
What to do at Disney World? Just because you are an adult doesn’t mean you won’t enjoy a trip to Disney World. After all, anyone looking for vacation ideas usually want a destination that is known for quality, good service, and full of options for entertainment. And that’s exactly what Disney is! It’s not only about kids. In fact, there is actually such a wide variety of entertainment options available at Disney, even for adults, that we categorized them here. So whether you are a foodie, love entertainment, are an explorer or an adrenaline junkie, you’ll see that it’s actually hard to decide what to do Disney World for adults!
We assure you, you won’t be bored at Disney – so check it out!
What to do at Disney World for Adults – Magic Kingdom Park
For the Explorer at Heart: Tom Sawyer’s Island
Hop on the boat over to the Tom Sawyer’s Island in Frontierland to explore dark caves, forts and story book sights. Take a seat on a rocking chair on the dock and people watch across the river to Liberty Square and enjoy the quiet as the island often is much less crowded than other areas of the park. You can even climb into one of the forts where they have fake guns that conveniently happen to be aimed towards Thunder Mountain if you want to take out some imaginary aggression on the runaway train. *Note the island is only open during the day time – so watch for what times it is accessible.
For that Adrenaline Fix: Splash Mountain – at night
Splash Mountain is one of the most popular attractions at the Magic Kingdom and during a warm day the crowds will flock to the mountain to cool off. Once the sun goes down the line for this attraction will go down as well but if the short line isn’t enough to entice you – the view you will get of Cinderella’s Castle from the mountain should do the trick. And that drop will get you every time.
If you like a good Scavenger Hunt: Sorcerer’s of the Magic Kingdom
Sorcerer’s of the Magic Kingdom is an interactive scavenger hunt that takes place throughout Magic Kingdom in which you can help overcome Disney Villains in a quest. It’s easy to play, just remember to stop by the Firehouse at the front of Magic Kingdom to sign up for a quest. Each mission takes 20 – 30 minutes, sometimes longer depending on the degree of difficulty. This is a great way to explore new areas of the Magic Kingdom and discover special surprises along the way. Of course kids can participate in this as well, but it can be very fun for adults just the same.
For the Entertainment Type: Dapper Dan’s – Main Street USA
If you enjoy to be entertained Main Street USA is the place to be, especially in the morning/early afternoon. You can catch the lovely trolley show but along with that you can catch the very talented Dapper Dan’s modeled after a traditional Barbershop Quartet along with tapping and their own musical instruments.
For the Foodie: Be Our Guest
Be Our Guest is currently the Magic Kingdom’s most popular restaurant because of how new it is, the amazing menu, the beauty inside the dining room AND the fact that it is located in one of the few areas of the Magic Kingdom that isn’t dry. Located in the new Fantasyland Area, it is the first Magic Kingdom to serve alcohol. Be Our Guest and Gaston’s Tavern (a small quick service area located next door) are the only places in the Magic Kingdom that serve alcohol as the rest of the park is still dry.
Quick Food with a View: Pinocchio’s Village Haus
For fast good food that isn’t just burgers, hot dogs or fries Pinocchio’s Village Haus is the place to go but it also has a little known secret. Located in Fantasyland order your food at a counter on the main floor but there is also a small upstairs with indoor tables. However there is also a small outdoor balcony area that you can also eat in that has approximately 4 tables. Not many people know about this area and with only 4 tables it makes is much quieter than eating inside, however the biggest perk is that if you are lucky enough to snag one of these tables you will get a great view of Cinderella’s Castle, the Carousel and Fantasyland below as you enjoy your lunch.
* Download your FREE Disney for Adults Itinerary to start planning your visit!
What to do at Disney World for Adults – EPCOT (Experimental Prototype City of Tomorrow)
For the Green Thumb: Behind the Seeds, Basically anything you see…
Living with the Land is a great boat tour located in The Land Pavilion but if you have more of an interest than just seeing the green houses there is a great tour called, “Behind the Seeds” for a very affordable price, that will take you on a more in depth tour and explain how much of the fresh produce eaten at Disney World actually comes from their own gardens in the park.
EPCOT is also full of the most cultivated and beautiful gardens in all of Walt Disney World. Throughout the park you can experience these gardens but the best time for you to visit if gardening is your passion would be during the spring for EPCOT’s Flower and Garden Festival where the gardens multiply even more. Accompanied by a butterfly greenhouse and gardening demonstrations.
For that Adrenaline Fix: Test Track & Mission Space
If getting your heart pumping on some thrill rides is what you are looking for you will definitely want to hit up Test Track and Mission Space, locate in Tomorrow World. There are not many attractions by way of rides in EPCOT as it is mostly an educational/showcase park but these two rides are must not misses if you are craving some heart pumping fun.
For the Entertainment Type: The British Revolution/Hat Lady @ Rose and Crown
There are performance acts in most every country that are all spectacular but if you want to get away from the crowds I suggest grabbing some fish and chips from the stand in the UK and making your way deeper into the UK Pavilion where you will find a lovely garden courtyard with a stage. This is where The British Revolution performs some great classics. So sit back and relax or get up and dance a bit away from the crowds.
If the weather is less than preferable or you need a break from the sun hit up the Rose and Crown Pub. Grab a seat and drink and enjoy the musical stylings of the Hat Lady who has become a staple at the Pub. While still being an “in park” entertainment offering I speak from experience when I say this woman can make up a song about you on the spot that definitely pushes the envelope with innuendo – trust you are in for some laughs, even if at your own expense.
For the Foodie: Food & Wine Festival
Any time of year is a great time of year for food and drink at EPCOT with all of the great restaurant offerings but the best time to try to most types of delicacies from around the world is at the International Food & Wine Festival that takes place ever fall. Enjoy additional international pavilions set up with various small tastings of food and wine/beer pairings. A perk of this event is also the concert series. Make sure to check the schedule to see if your favorite artist might happen to be performing. Some groups popular to the festival are Starship, Boyz to Men, Hanson, The Pointer Sister and Sugar Ray. * Food and Wine has become so popular that they have even started incorporating some of these booths in their Flower and Garden Festival that takes place in the spring.
Yay – Food and Wine Festival at Epcot, Disney World
Choose Your Own Adventure: Drinking Around The World
Probably the most popular EPCOT Attraction that is not an actual attraction is what is commonly referred to as Drinking Around the World. Commonly tagged on social media as #datw those who partake in this often make it a goal to eat, drink (or have something of both) from every pavilion in the park. It is commonly accompanied with a lot of shopping, laughs, photos and fun. It can make for a nice relaxing afternoon but will definitely take some stamina. If you want to make it all the way through then the art of pacing will be your friend.
Have a drink in Paris? Or Epcot at Disney World!
What to do at Disney World for Adults – Hollywood Studios
For that Adrenaline Fix: Hollywood Tower of Terror & Rockin’ Rollercoaster
Heading into the park and taking a right onto Sunset Blvd will lead your straight to the Hollywood Tower of Terror, and over the left of that you will come in contact with Rockin’ Rollercoasters. These are the two most heart pumping attractions you will find at Hollywood Studios – the shortest lines for these will be at night and both attractions offer a single rider line.
For the Entertainment Type: Fantasmic!
Often boasted as WDW’s largest stage show, “Fantasmic!” has a venue on the top of Hollywood Hill that can seat up to 10,000 with standing room and believe it or not – during peak seasons the theatre can fill to capacity for not just one but two shows and during the holidays, sometimes even for a third. This 28 minute show contains a ton of characters, fireworks, water, fighting, stunts, explosions and everything else that can take place in Mickey’s imagination but a word of advice – if there are two shows you should ALWAYS plan on attending the second showing. People sometimes line up for the first shows 3 hours early and will take their seats up to 2 hours before show time, this can take a huge chunk of time out of your day.
The second show is always less crowded and no one will line up for it until after the first show has started – which will be only an hour and half before the 2nd show and you will be able to be seated just 30 minutes before the show. Going to see the second show, I have always been able to get a seat by showing up 45 minutes early at the most – but I typically get there with less time than that as during the first showing the lines for Tower of Terror and Rockin’ Rollercoaster (located right outside the theatre) are at their shortest point of the day during that time.
For the Shopper/Collector: Throughout the Park
Throughout this park you will get the chance to see relics from old movies as well as get the chance to buy various collectibles. If you are a movie buff this park is for you and if you are a Star Wars fan I’m sure you’ve heard that this park is in the midst of a HUGE expansion that will bring an entire new Star Wars land to the park.
For the Foodie: 50’s Prime Time Café
Prime Time Café is just like having dinner at your mama’s house – back in the 50’s. The menu is full of classics like meatloaf with potatoes and the staff is full of remarks to make you mind your manners or face the consequences. This quirky restaurant is sure to bring laughs, especially when they bring you the dessert menu – a toy viewfinder full of pictures of the deliciousness offered to end your meal.
If you don’t have time for a full meal I highly recommend hitting up the bar area. You can relax on a sofa in front of a TV playing some classic shows or grab a seat at the bar and enjoy the fun friendly quips of the bar staff.
For the Music/Dancing Type: Club Disney
Newly opened Club Disney is a great place to escape the weather and listen to the DJ play the latest and greatest hits. Enjoy your time with a nice retreat to people watch or participate in the dancing fun. Recently this venue also hosted “Club Villain”, a very popular dinner show featuring Dr. Facilier (The Princess and the Frog) and a band of villains, dancers and vocalists. It ran for a limited time but due to popularity, they just announced it’s return! So keep you eyes peeled for further information.
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What to do at Disney World for Adults – Animal Kingdom
For the Adrenaline Fix: Expedition Everest
Expedition Everest is a rollercoaster that will take you to Nepal where you’ll have an encounter with the every mystifying Yeti. This rollercoaster is sure to get your blood pumping and bring a few surprises along the way. This attraction also has a Single Rider line to save time.
Riding Expedition Everest at Disney’s Animal Kingdom
For the Animal Lover: Conservation Station/Rafiki’s Planet Watch
Taking a journey by the Wildlife Express Train will bring you to the Conservation Station also known as Rafiki’s Planet Watch. On this quiet island in the midst of the Animal Kingdom you can learn about the animal rehabilitation programs offered at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, see some animal nurseries, get a meet and greet with various exotic animals that get brought out throughout the day as well as visit the petting zoo. Since this attraction is only accessibly by train it is often very secluded from the large crowds that can fill the park.
For the Entertainment Type: Festival of the Lion King & Finding Nemo
Animal Kingdom is home to a couple of the highest rated shows on Disney property and both can provide a great escape from the summer heat in their air conditioned theaters. “Finding Nemo” is a small scale Broadway production with an original song book and innovative puppetry. Journey under the sea in this show that will guide us through the story of the movie it is modeled after. “Festival of the Lion King” may not be as large of a production but it packs just as much heart – if not more. With well known songs from the movie, acrobats, ballet dancers, aerial arts, large puppets and fire dancer you can’t help but smile and laugh as Timon leads us in a great festival to celebrate all of our favorite characters and songs from the movie.
The Legend of the Lion King show at Animal Kingdom is a must see!
For Afternoon Refreshment: Dawa Bar
The Dawa Bar, located in Africa near the Festival of the Lion King Theatre offers a great list of cocktails as well as your regular bar fare to help you cool down and relax. Watch your times guide so that you can time your refreshment at the perfect time to catch the troupe of drummers that will put on a show full of rhythm, energy and laughs.
Food with a View: Flame Tree Barbecue
Flame Tree Barbecue can be a popular quick service spot to eat simply because the smell wafting from it draws in any one who walks by but there is a little known escape from the madness here. If you go into the seating area and head back to the end and to the right you will find a great little spot of tables along the waterfront that is largely hidden by trees. You can look out over the water and onto the Asia portion of the park in the shade of the trees while you enjoy a relaxing lunch and break from the madness that can be the main midways.
Read More: Top 10 Expert Disney Tips from a Former “Magic Maker”
What to do at Disney World for Adults – Outside the Parks
For the night Owl: Jellyrolls/Atlantic Dance Hall/Boardwalk
If you are looking for some night time fun head on over to the Boardwalk Hotel where you can find tons of eatery’s, a boardwalk full of boardwalk performers and some nightlife. Jellyrolls is a dueling piano where you can sing and laugh the night away. Across from Jellyrolls is Atlantic Dance Hall which is open Monday-Saturday as long as there isn’t a private party featuring great DJ’s and a large dance floor.
For a Quiet Date: Fireworks from the beach at the Polynesian
If you aren’t feeling like braving the crowds take the time to enjoy the Magic Kingdom Fireworks from the Beach at the Polynesian Hotel. If you get there early enough, you may just be able to snag a hammock too.
For an Some Afternoon refreshment: Trader Sams’s Grog Grotto
Located at the Polynesian, this new bar tells a story all its own. Stop in to hear the stories and enjoy the atmosphere along with a drink and some grub. You may also think about popping in here for a visit just to get a few hours away from the busy Magic Kingdom park on a hot day.
For the Entertainment Type: Hoop Dee Doo Review
Head on over to the Fort Wilderness Campground Settlement to enjoy some great country cooking and a show full of singing, dancing and laughs. Complete with unlimited Beer, Sangria and food you are guaranteed to leave this show full and happy. While the show is family friendly, there are still some jokes for the adults to enjoy just as much.
Hoop-de-Doo Revue
For the Shopper: Disney Springs
Formerly known as Downtown Disney, if you are in the mood to shop at a variety of shops, catch a movie, street performances, catch an aerial view of the surrounding area, eat, or grab a drink… or 5 – head on over to Disney Springs. There are many options for restaurants, bars and entertainment. Disney Springs is also home to a Bowling Alley, Movie Theater, Cirque De Soleil, and Characters in Flight – a balloon that will take you up high in the air to enjoy the views.
For the Late Night Laid Back Crowd: Yehaa Bob @ River Roost – Port Orleans Riverside
Yehaa Bob has been homed at Walt Disney World for 19 years and has been honored with the Disney Legacy Award – and I tell you this guy loves his job. Head on over to the River Roost at Port Orleans Riverside for a night of entertainment. Post up at the bar or grab a table, sit back and enjoy. Be sure to check Bob’s schedule for as much energy as this guy may have, he just can’t be there 7 days a week.
Decisions, Decisions! Should You Take it Slow or Be on the Go?
From shopping to entertainment, adrenaline-filled rides to lazy afternoons by the pool, gourmet food or late night watering holes, one thing is for certain…there’s no denying that Disney World isn’t only for kids. With so many choices, the hard part will be deciding what to do at Disney World for adults who love all this stuff, there’s just never enough time!
