7+ Common Pitfalls to Avoid on an Adults-Only Disney Trip

Planning a kid-free trip to Disney World? Your resident travel planing expert has rounded up all of her ultimate tips for planning the perfect adults-only trip to Disney World! From the where to stay, to (more importantly) where to drink, you'll learn everything you need to know when planning a trip to the Disney parks.

Entrance to Disney's Beach Club Resort (JSB)

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Planning an adults-only trip to Disney World? Lucky you!

Epcot World Showcase, Quebec (JSB)

There's nothing more magical than a trip to Walt Disney World Resort. And while all parents agree that there's also nothing quite like experiencing Disney through the eyes of small children, there is something incredibly magical about experiencing an adults-only vacation Disney. 


My husband and I have had the absolute pleasure of visiting Disney World three times on adults-only trips, and I'm happy to throw myself into the "Disney Adults" camp! The most magical place in the world is ideal for an adults-only getaway, with high-end restaurants, five-star resorts, and more than a handful of places to grab a drink. 

FAQ: Is it weird to go to Disney World without kids?

If you've only been to Disney World with the kids, or not at all (gasp!) you may be wondering if it's "OK" to go to Disney without kids. 


I'll admit that the first time my husband I went, I was slightly embarrassed to tell people what we were doing, and a little self-conscious when we arrived. 


Let me reassure you: any discomfort at all disappeared the moment we arrived at Disney World. There really are tons of couples visiting without kids, including a lot of couples on their honeymoons. While I didn't take the plunge and rock a costume, I saw lots of couples in ears and quite a few in matching shirts. 


So please, please, please enjoy your time and don't give discomfort a second thought. We enjoyed it so much in our late 20's that we went two years in a row, and would have kept going, had the pandemic not gotten in the way!

Disney guidance for an adults-only visit:

Good news! Disney does provide their guidance for an adults-only trip to Disney World! Check out Fun for Adults at Walt Disney World for all of Disney's tips, tricks, & recommendations. One of the best recommendations: Savor the Savanna.
Interested in making your trip extra special? Check out Private VIP Tours from Disney.

Is there a good spa in Walt Disney World?

Yes! The Grand Floridian Spa, located in the Grand Floridian Resort offers a full range of spa services. The spa is 18+. Kids 14+ may attend with a parent. I haven't been myself, but I've been assured by several friends that Disney knows what it's doing, even in the spa department.

Let's plan that trip to Walt Disney World!

I've rounded up my best tips for visiting my happy place on an adults-only trip! I hope you'll find answers to some common questions, tips to make your trip to Disney enjoyable and comfortable, and a few tips to help you find the adults-only zones where you'll have the best time in the theme parks and surrounding area.

7+ Common Pitfalls to Avoid on an Adults-Only Disney Trip

Be Our Guest Restaurant, Magic Kingdom (JSB)

Let's dive right in! I'll walk you through my top common pitfalls to avoid when planning an adults-only trip to Disney World! Don't forget to leave your suggestions in the comment section below. I'm always looking to hear about the unique experiences you've had at Disney!

1 Picking the Wrong Hotel

The most important choice you'll make when planning your adults-only Disney World vacation is selecting the right hotel for your stay. We have stayed a few different places and I've always been really happy with our hotel rooms and our Disney resort experiences in general. That said, the easiest way to ensure a good Disney trip for adults is the right hotel. Your hotel is your retreat from the chaos of Disney world, and, if you pick the right one, it should be relaxing and exactly that, a retreat.

Should I stay on Disney property?

Yes.

Though there are several luxury hotels surrounding and abutting the Disney property, there's nothing as easy and convenient as staying "on-property" during your Disney stay, even as adults. Using Disney's transit, you can get anywhere in the parks quickly, even in the evening or after having a few drinks.

The most alluring perk of staying on property is the extra time in the parks that guests staying on site receive, not just due to decreased travel time, but during the "magic hours" when only on property guests are allowed in the parks, before the parks open to the general, ticket-holding public.

Best Disney resorts for an adults-only trip

In general, the 'higher end' resorts ("deluxe resorts") are going to be the more adult-focused hotel, with the exception of Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa which, given its proximity to the Magic Kingdom Park, does tend to have more kiddos than you might expect, given the price point.


If you'll be spending a lot of time at Epcot (you will), I'd strongly recommend the Beach and Yacht Club, particularly the latter. Disney's Yacht Club Resort is high-end, has nice eating and drinking options, and offers easy access to Disney's Boardwalk, for even more eating and drinking options. Most importantly, it's walkable to Epcot, via a well-lit path. The Yacht Club is framed by Disney as the most adults-only Disney resort, offering adult-focused activities and the Ale & Compass Restaurant and Lounge, which we frequented on our most recent trip as just a very good bar. (The Beach Club, though lovely, has a very crowded breakfast/meal area that will honestly make any adult, parent or not, want to pull their hair out).




Interested in a more themed, yet actually higher-end experience? Consider Disney's Polynesian Village Resort. A Disney classic resort since 1971, the Polynesian offers Monorail and Water travel access, and little touches of Moana inspiration throughout. Consistently rated one of the best hotels in Disney World, you won't be disappointed. Don't forget to check out the Barefoot Pool Bar.

2 Dinner for 2?

One of the highlights of any Disney adults vacation are the fine dining experiences, from park dining to resort dining. 


Finding the best food in Disney World is fairly easy - just go to Epcot and start eating. Just kidding, but in all seriousness, Epcot is the best. 


If you've never been to Disney World, or if your partner is forcing you to go, you might be having nightmare visions of spending a fortune for the privilege of dining in your elementary school cafeteria. And, while I will promise that under duress you will likely end up accidentally having one meal like that, with good planning, you can spend most of your trip having nice conversation, excellent good, and a drink or three.


Some of the best restaurants for adults in Disney World are:

• Le Cellier Steakhouse
• Chefs de France
• Be Our Guest Restaurant (a personal favorite and the perfect experience for the Millennial Belle fan)
• Ale & Compass Restaurant and Lounge (in the Yacht Club Resort)

​3 Sleeping on Epcot

On that note, an adults-only Disney vacation will (and should) be largely focused on Epcot. In all likelihood, you will want to focus your trip in Epcot, and I'd plan for 2 full park days. On our last trip we did 2 Epcot and 1 Magic Kingdom. Epcot's food options are unparalleled, and drinking your way through Epcot World Showcase is a highlight of any Disney experience. And while I will never, ever, ever speak poorly of the Magic Kingdom, it's the most popular, most crowded, and most little-kid-focused of the Disney parks. You'll absolutely want to visit and there is plenty to keep adults occupied, but a trip to Magic Kingdom is frankly exhausting. And alcohol sales are limited. Just keepin' it real, y'all.


Epcot is roughly the opposite extreme, with the largest number of adult-focused (not adult-only) restaurants, plenty of booze, and just lots to do for adults! Featuring 11 countries, almost all of which have their own restaurant, Epcot World Showcase is the highlight of any adults-only Disney experience. And there are rides, too, including


Disney, and Epcot specifically, feature a number of special events throughout the year, including the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival (which is February 28 - May 27, 2024).

FAQ: Should I get a Park Hopper pass for an adults-only trip to Disney World?

The pricey-but-practical Park Hopper Option is the 'golden ticket' add on to your Disney World admission ticket.

If you want to spend the day at the Magic Kingdom, but have dinner in Epcot, you'll need the Park Hopper Option.

You cannot just show up at Epcot and eat dinner there (which is lame).

​Don't want to shell out for the Park Hopper? That's ok. Just plan your days and restaurants logically and you'll be just fine. And remember - you can eat at hotels, Disney Springs, Disney's Boardwalk without specific tickets.

4 NOT Drinking Your Way Through Disney

Just because Disney World is kid-focused doesn't mean they've failed to include imbibing options! And, of course, there's no better activity for Disney adults than posting up in a Star Wars bar (Oga's Cantina)! Or any bar. Or all the bars.


You're guaranteed to have a great time drinking your way through Disney and the Disney resorts.


One of the favorite adult destinations for a beverage is Jellyrolls, the adults-only piano bar over on Disney's Boardwalk.

5 Skipping Disney Springs

And on the late night topic, a great option for live entertainment, drinks, dinner, and dancing is Disney Springs. With 95 shopping options, 69 restaurants, cafes, and bars, and 25 "play" opportunities (shows, yoga, balloon rides, multiple live music venues - you name it), there's something for any adult at Disney Springs. The Edison, a "lavish" 1920's style bar, is a highlight.


It's a good idea (and strongly encouraged by Disney) to use their complimentary bus transit system to access Disney Spring, as this popular destination's parking fills up fast! Who wants to drive when you're going out for a night on the town, anyway...For more information on getting to Disney Springs, check out the full Transportation Guide.

6 Not scheduling your tickets properly

Just because you don't have an army of kids and grandparents in tow doesn't mean you should slack off in your Disney research, prep, and scheduling. For your daytime visits, take full advantage of the Lightning Lane and Genie+ Service, if you're willing to spend a little extra. Disney offers a number of helpful, introductory videos on these services.


Disney World is busy, but remember: early mornings are always less crowded and though afternoons are generally rough, there is some easing up for little kid nap time (1-4ish).

FAQ: ​Does Disney World have adult only days?

While rumors of "adult only days" at Disney World & Disneyland have been swirling, there's never been confirmation or scheduling of such days from the resorts. Personally, I think full days are unlikely to ever happen, though perhaps the parks could add in afternoons or after-hours events that wouldn't totally derail a family's vacation plans.

FAQ: What is Disney After Hours?

While not by definition "adults only," purchasing Disney After Hours tickets is likely to increase your chances of a more adult-focused visit, after many kiddos are tucked in and resting for their next day at the parks! Evening hours offer shorter wait times for rides, and less time in that boiling Florida sun. Disney After Hours features free snacks, included in the price of your ticket, and, most importantly, lighter crowds.

7 Not packing the right clothes

Packing for travel is one of my favorite blog topics and packing for a trip to Disney World is, unsurprisingly, no exception. Long, hot days of endless walking, followed by a few (hopefully) fancy dinners and and evening out on the town might mean at least one outfit change. You'll want to be comfortable throughout your day, but that doesn't mean you have to look like you just rolled out of bed! While I focus these tips on "mom" outfits, I think you'll still find my recent post on packing for a trip to Disney to be helpful, as you pack for your adults-only trip to the parks! 
How to Pack for Disney World {2024}

Thanks for Stopping By!

I hope I've given you some great food for thought for your adults-only Disney vacation. The magic of Disney is available to all, and I know you'll have as amazing a time in Disney World as my husband and I always have. Looking to extend your Orlando travels? Check out A Millennial's Guide to Exploring the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando​​.

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