Top 10 Things to Do at Disney Parks Without Kids

Disney Adventurer

Guinness Beer Epcot Walt Disney World

Over the past few years there has been considerable public debate on if adults, specifically young adults can and should visit the Disney Parks without kids. I don't see how this is any kind of debate.



In recent years Disney has catered more and more towards teenagers and adults in their parks, and there are numerous things to do without kids in tow. Here are just 10 of the many things to do when visiting the Disney Parks without kids.

Drink Around the World 

United Kingdom Epcot World Showcase

There is no denying one thing Epcot is famous for is its various drinks around the World Showcase. One of the best ways to experience them all is drinking around the world. This is the practice of getting one drink in each country around the World Showcase. This is definitely not an activity you should do with kids, but if you are traveling alone or with other adults feel free! It's a great way to experience the World Showcase and there's always something new to try.

Thrill Rides

Incredicoaster Launch Pixar Pier at Night Disney California Adventure

There are some rides at the Disney Parks that simply aren't aimed at kids. These rides are usually more intense and fun for adults who are looking for a thrill. Rides like Rock n Roller Coaster and the Incredicoaster are great to ride if you don't have kids who might be scared of them.

Specialty Bars

Trader Sam's Grog Grotto Sign Polynesian Resort

This one is relatively new but if you are traveling to the parks without kids you may want to visit one of the specialty bars throughout the Disney Parks. This trend started with Trader Sam's, which can now be found in both the Disneyland Hotel at the Disneyland Resort and the Polynesian Resort in Walt Disney World. There are slight differences in both of these versions, but both are based on the same enchanted tiki bar premise. Oga's Cantina in Star Wars Galaxy's Edge is another of these specialty bars, fully immersing you into the Star Wars universe.

Trader Sam's Enchanted Tiki Bar Sign Disneyland Hotel

Single Rider Lines

Matterhorn Bobsleds Station Disneyland

Many rides in the Disney Parks have single rider lines that allow you to get on rides faster if you are willing to ride the actual ride alone. This is mainly done on rides with strange seating configurations to try and make sure every ride vehicle is completely filled. Some single rider lines can as much as cut wait times in half if you are willing to ride alone, allowing you to get more done in a single day. Rides with single rider include Matterhorn Bobsleds, Test Track, Radiator Springs Racers, Expedition Everest, and more.

Festivals

Peter Pan and Captain Hook Topiaries Epcot Disney World

Most temporary festivals, from both coasts versions of the Food and Wine Festival to the Flower and Garden Festival, are primarily aimed at adults. They bring new adventurous food and beverage options, with numerous new limited-time alcoholic drinks coming for each festival. This is on top of many classes and entertainment offerings aimed primarily at adults available during the festivals.

Backstage Tours

Disneyland Resort Entrance Sign at Night

If you loved the Disney Parks as a child, didn't you ever wonder what it looked like backstage? Well coming back to the Disney Parks as an adult you have the chance to take tours and actually see the backstage of your favorite parks. Most parks have some kind of backstage tour, with highlights of some tours including a trip through the Utilidors of the Magic Kingdom or into the Dream Suite above Pirates of the Caribbean in Disneyland. It can bring new magic to a place you already have great childhood memories from.

After Hours Events

Partners Statue at Night with Sleeping Beauty Castle in the Background

After Hours events, from events as elaborate as Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party to simple events that give you extra ride time are often a great way to get a lot done in a short amount of time. But events that go late into the night can be hard for kids who are used to going to bed earlier than the normal midnight or later endings of these events. That's not a problem if your traveling without children. On top of that themed events like the Halloween party can be a lot of fun as an adult if you get into them. It's the only time you can dress in costume, so go all out! Do a group costume. You won't be the only one and it makes the party more fun for everyone.

Edutainment

Tree of Life Disney's Animal Kingdom

Who says you can't learn something on vacation? Disney Parks have a shocking amount of educational attractions that all kids might not fully enjoy. Learn about the future of farming on Living with the Land. Chat with animal experts throughout the Magic Kingdom. Learn about history from the American Adventure, Hall of Presidents, or the Muppets. On top of learning something, many of these experiences are seated and in air conditioning, meaning you get a rest from a busy day in the park.

Specialty Restaurants

Even if alcohol is not involved, there are just some restaurants in the Disney Parks that are great to experience without kids. Restaurants like the Japanese signature restaurant are not what you call child-friendly, but if you are traveling as an adult that might be a good thing. It gives you a place to escape the families and enjoy a world-class meal. There are also tons of high caliber restaurants throughout the Disney Resort Hotels that are a wonderful escape from the frantic pace of the parks.

Relive Childhood Moments

Mad Tea Party Empty at Night Disneyland

If you enjoyed something as a kid there's no reason you shouldn't be able to re-experience it as an adult. There's no shame in adults playing sports or coaching a team to relive that childhood memory, so why should there be shame in reliving a childhood Disney trip? If you want to meet a Disney Princess, go meet a princess. If you want to ride the teacups, go dominate those teacups. Walt Disney himself wanted to create parks everyone could enjoy, so there should be no shame in enjoying a trip to a Disney theme park, even without a kid in your group.

Mickey's Fun Wheel Cocktail Cove Bar Disney California Adventure

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