10 reasons why being an adult in Disney World is awesome

Anyone who tells you that Disney World is “just for kids” either hasn’t experienced the magic of traveling there as an adult, or basically has no soul.  While it is of course a wondrous place for children, Disney World is also pretty darn fun as a grown-up, especially if you’re traveling without kids.  So grab a group of friends, head on down, and enjoy these perks to visiting Disney World as an adult!

1. Drinking around the World
   Honestly, there are a lot of great places to drink in Disney World.  But one of the most fun, unique things that you can do is drink around the “World” in Epcot.  The park has 11 different countries that feature the culture, food, and drinks of their land.  The object of drinking around the World is to get 1 drink in each country – a margarita in Mexico, wine in Italy, beer in Germany, sake in Japan… it’s a very cool (and probably all day!) experience you can only do as an adult.
   

   Beer and macarons in France.

2. All the other bars in Disney
   There are a lot of really cool themed bars in other places throughout Disney World.  Visit the enchanted tiki bar at Trader Sam’s in the Polynesian Resort and watch the room “interact” with you depending on what drink you order.  Head to the Boardwalk and learn some magic tricks at Abracadar, or check out the dueling pianos at Jellyroll’s.  In Disney Springs Indiana Jones fans might appreciate Jock Lindsay’s Hangar Bar.  Or you could grab a pint at Raglan Road, the Irish pub.  And that’s really just the tip of the iceberg!
3. Staying out late
   Bedtime? You don’t need a bedtime in Disney World!  If you’re a night owl the parks can be open rather late, especially if you’re staying at a Disney resort and have access to extra magic hours.  With the extended hours available by being a park guest, there are evenings where you can hang out in the Magic Kingdom until 1 or 2 in the morning. 
   

   You can ride Everest as many times as you want.

4. Riding whatever you want
   For most adults, you don’t have to worry about not meeting the height requirements to ride all of the attractions.  So you can do the biggest thrill rides like Rock n’ Roller Coaster and Expedition Everest.  And unlike other theme parks, the smaller rides don’t have a maximum height requirement either, so don’t worry about being too tall for the kiddie rides.  You go on Dumbo and ride to your heart’s content.
5. You can appreciate the good food
   Did you know Disney World has some incredible signature restaurants?  We love good food and eat out a lot, but some of the best meals I’ve ever had were at Disney World.  Get an incredible steak at Yachtsman, a killer seafood dish at Flying Fish, or go all in and dine at the Chef’s Table at Victoria and Albert’s, a AAA 5 diamond restaurant.
6. Treating yourself at the spa
   Did you know there are several spas on Disney property?  Treat yourself to a relaxing massage, pedicure, facial, or whatever it is you feel you deserve on vacation.
7. Buying whatever souvenirs you want
   Mom and Dad aren’t here to manage your souvenir money, so if you want something you can buy it!  It could be that adorable Dooney and Burke purse, or it could be a classic set of Mickey Mouse ears.  You’re on vacation.
8. Backstage tours
   While kids can do some of the backstage tours, others have restrictions on them with a minimum age, sometimes as old as 16.  As an adult you can do whatever backstage tour you like.  And odds are you have the attention span and interest to really appreciate the Disney history and other cool things you could learn.
9. The Nightlife
   Yes, this includes the bars that I mentioned earlier, but Disney has a lot of other nightlife options for adults that don’t center around drinking.  Head to Splitsville for some bowling, catch a performance of Cirque du Soleil (ending soon, but a new show may come to replace it), or visit Port Orleans Riverside for the hilariously talented performance of Yee-Haw Bob.  And while kids can attend dessert parties and the like, they are a fun way to enjoy the fireworks and other events Disney has to offer.
   

   I still love meeting characters as an adult!

10. No one will bat an eye if you want to act like a kid again.
    At home I find myself constantly having to explain to people why I love Disney and how it’s not just for kids.  No one acts like that’s weird in Disney World.  I’ve gone solo and waited in line to meet the characters and all of the cast members and other guests still treat me like I’m special – like I’m a kid again.  And that’s the real magic of Disney World.

What’s your favorite part about visiting Disney World as an adult?