![]() Everyone becomes a kid again when they step inside the gates of Walt Disney World, no matter what age they may be. So rather than pointing out my favorite things for adults to experience at WDW, we'll call them my favorite things for "big kids." Whether you want to pack in as many rides and attractions as possible, enjoy fine dining, or indulge in some retail therapy, there's something for everyone! So here's my top 10 picks (in no particular order) of favorite things for big kids to enjoy at Walt Disney World: 1. Take in a performance of La Nouba at Downtown Disney This Cirque du Soleil show is specific to Walt Disney World and has been dazzling guests since 1998. It really is something that can't be put into words, but rather an experience you have to see to believe! The name of the show literally translates to "the party," and features a cast of more than 65 performers from more than 15 countries. While the show was put together with families in mind, I do believe adults can appreciate the artistry more than kids. It's only one hour and 30 minutes long and a great way to kick off a night at Downtown Disney. Be mindful there are no performances on Sundays or Mondays before you pick your date, and take a look at some of the special offers that Disney makes throughout the year. 2. Drink your way around World Showcase at EPCOT Don't have quite enough room in your vacation budget to travel outside of the country, but still want to experience all of the unique cultures of the world? Well you're in luck, because EPCOT's World Showcase can transport you directly to Mexico, Norway, China, Italy, Germany, Japan, Morocco, France, the UK, and Canada! And for adults, you can taste your way through all of these pavilions with native foods and drinks, including the most alcohol you'll find at Walt Disney World. As long as you're safe and smart about it, it can be a great day of adult fun and indulgence! 3. Enjoy the Magic Kingdom fireworks from the deluxe resorts around Seven Seas Lagoon Everyone loves fireworks, and to me there's nothing quite like Wishes at the Magic Kingdom! It speaks to me every time... But sometimes the Magic Kingdom's prime viewing spots can get a little crowded, and you may want to escape to an area with a little more room to breathe. Well look no further than the three hotels that border Seven Seas Lagoon: the Grand Floridian, Polynesian, and Contemporary resorts! Each hotel offers stunning views of the popular nighttime spectacular, but they also add a touch of elegance - something adults can appreciate more than kids. Whether you choose the Polynesian beach, the overlook patio at the Contemporary, or one of the Grand Floridian gardens, you'll feel close to the magic and relaxed at the same time. 4. Have a meal at The Hollywood Brown Derby at Disney's Hollywood Studios Modeled after the famous restaurant of the same name in Los Angeles, the Hollywood Brown Derby serves up a little bit of history with their fine dining. It serves as a great place for a more upscale experience after a day in the park, and there's even opportunities to dine with a Disney Imagineer over lunch! Families are certainly welcome, and there's a small kid's menu with a few choices, but it's predominantly more of a choice for dates or adults-only fun. And you can't forget about that cobb salad! 5. Stroll along The BoardWalk at night Travel back to the golden age of the first shoreline boardwalks for a night out with fine dining, midway games, dancing, street performers, and more! Disney's BoardWalk is a great destination for adults that's right outside the gates of EPCOT and directly accessible from five Disney resort hotels. Again, kids are able to enjoy most offerings, but venues like Atlantic City Dance Hall and Jellyrolls are specifically for adults looking to blow off some steam and have late-night fun. Plus, you don't want to miss how everything looks all lit up at night! 6. Discover Downtown Disney's new restaurants and specialty shops Big things are happening at Downtown Disney right now as it begins its total re-transformation into Disney Springs, including new dining and retail locations. Specialty shops for items like hats, running, and shaving needs (yes you read that right, shaving) have been opening in phases during construction, and The Boathouse restaurant recently made it's debut as well. Be sure to carve out at least one night during your trip to walk around and check out all that Downtown Disney has to offer, with or without little ones. 7. Conquer all of the thrill rides at each park Disney may be well-known around the world for family fun, but they know how to raise the bar on the thrills too! Make your way around all four theme parks to enjoy each of their high-adrenaline offerings, including the four mountains at Magic Kingdom and the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror at Disney's Hollywood Studios (one of my personal favorites!). These aren't your average rides though, as each story they tell includes spectacular detail and magic worth exploring deeper. Take your time and look around in the queue lines and loading areas, as you may see things most park-goes overlook, and then get ready for action! 8. Re-discover all of the classic attractions You can't forget about those attractions that started it all, either! From the Carousel of Progress to it's a small world to the Haunted Mansion, adults should still the take time to revisit what made the Disney theme parks so magical from the very beginning. These attractions really take me back to the time when Walt walked Disneyland and directly influenced his first Imagineers, which makes everything all the more special. Don't skip the carousel, either! 9. Indulge in an opulent, elegant meal at Victoria and Albert's at the Grand Floridian This AAA Five-Diamond Award-winning restaurant is the perfect location for foodies visiting WDW that are looking for an upscale dining experience. With a live harpist, fresh flowers, and warm candlelight, it's a location that children certainly wouldn't enjoy or appreciate as much as adults. The pricey menu is packed with choices for a complete seven-course meal including caviar, duck, lamb, and souffle, among others. Formal dress is required, and advanced reservations are highly recommended. 10. Let your competitive side out at Splitsville at Downtown Disney I'm a very competitive person and never back down from a challenge, so why not take your friends out for food, drinks, and a little bowling competition right in WDW! This restaurant-bowling alley hybrid is fairly new to Downtown Disney (West Side), and is full of both nostalgia and fun. There's music, billiards, and televised sports games too, which means you can easily spend your whole night at this location! Take the kids during the day for lunch and a quick game, but save the evening for a night out with just adults. I totally agree with Walt in his thinking that "Adults are only kids grown up, anyway." There's so much to enjoy and experience as a big kid at Walt Disney World, so don't be afraid to visit the most magical place on earth if you don't have any kids in tow. Whether you want to indulge in the experiences specifically crafted with adults in mind, or let you inner 5 year-old out (like I prefer to do!), Disney has it all for you. And while I certainly would encourage big kids to do all of the adult things, don't be afraid to bust out your Mickey ears, eat a Mickey's Premium ice cream bar, or skip down Main Street USA with a balloon in hand either! Have you visited WDW without any kids? Tell me about it in the comments below! Until the next post, see ya real soon!
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About MeA twenty-something alumni of the Disney College Program looking to help others plan the Disney vacations of their dreams! Living that Disneyland AP dream in SoCal. Archives
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