Yeah, so… this #adulting thing is not all it’s cracked up to be. It’s hard, naps are frowned-upon and there’s not enough wine throughout the work day. Sometimes, we just all want to be a kid again, right? Totally. That brings me to this – Disney World. The most magical place on earth and a place where anyone can kiss adulting goodbye for a few days and just have some good, old fashioned fun.
There are upteenth blogs on the topic of taking your kids to Disney. I’ve read some of them and they span subjects like the following… “How to eat cheap at Disney… with 17 kids.” Or there’s “How to ride every ride in every park in one day… with 17 kids.” And my personal favorite, “How to have as much fun as possible as an adult at Disney… when you have 17 kids.” Obviously, I jest. But seriously, unless you have boat loads of kids, there aren’t that many blogs aimed at tips for enjoying Disney. Let’s remedy that.
I have been to Disney World approximately 25 times in the last 7 years. So trust me as an expert when I say, Disney is, without a doubt, totally amazing for adults… who don’t have 17 kids.
3 Reasons Why Disney Rocks for Adults
1. Epcot International Food & Wine Fest.
Clearly, this is the best event at Disney for adults, IMHO. Tapas type food from over 100 countries. Beer from over 100 countries. Wine from over 100 countries. And dessert… from over 100 countries. They also have some pretty boss classes and demonstrations going on throughout the festival (I met the owner of Babycakes Bakery there once and heard her speak on gluten-free baking). They also have a concert series with some fun, often retro, bands. Like, real artists and bands. Not cover bands. My top tips for food and wine are to pace yourself – there are so many choices. Take a friend so you can share each selection and give you more room to try a larger variety. And DO stop at a kiosk upon entering Epcot and load some cash on a gift card. They come attached to a lanyard you can wear, thus eliminating the need to pull out your debit card/cash at every stop – just swipe the special card and start stuffing your face. It’s easy, faster and you can use it anywhere at Disney if you over-load it and have cash left to spend.
2. Extra. Magic. Hours. (aka; EMH)
(The really late night, I’m a big kid kind.) Every day, one park opens extra early, and one stays open extra late. Just cross the extra early thing off your list. Every mother and her 17 kids will be in line for the early morning hours. Makes sense since littles seem to get up earlier. Fast forward about 14-16 hours and we have a winner. Extra magic evening hours. Certain times of the year, this means a park is open until Midnight. Or later. But here’s the deal, squeal. Technically speaking, EMH is for Disney resort guests only. There is a chance that a ride technician could ask to see your room key – which is NBD because you’re staying at one of Disney’s amazing resorts anyway, right? You need to be in the park before the regular park hours end and the EMH begins. The lines will be short, and the park gets really empty. On the off chance you’re totally crazy and NOT staying at a Disney resort, it’s still a fabulous time to take some pics of the park lights and just mosey around, without being jostled by strangers… and their 17 kids.
3. Restaurants for Daaaaays. Shows. Shopping. BARS!
Disney is about way, way more than kiddie rides. You should go to Disney for the variety of offerings. There are shows in and out of the parks. (The Polynesian has a Luau dinner show which is UH-mazing.) There are more themed restaurants than you can probably visit in your lifetime. (Sci-fi drive-in, Be Our Guest, Cinderella’s Royal Table, 50’s Prime Time Cafe, The Brown Derby, etc.) And just when you think you’ve seen them all within the parks, think again. There are so many within the resorts, you’ll never get to them all. (Challenge accepted.) Bars. Shopping. Movie theater that serves adult drinks. So many possibilities.
Don’t let those people with 17 kids deter you from making a little magic of your own. Disney is totes for adults, sans kiddos. Throw me a comment below and let me know if you’ve been to Disney. Also, be sure to subscribe to my blog, as I post new travel tips every Tuesday.
