Excuse me...can you please pour some more of that Disney Magic in my cocktail? Enjoy the park perks without kids.
I *technically* went to Disney World when I was 2, but I don't think that even counts because I have no recollection of it. However, earlier this year at 30-years-old, I brought my dad to 'the happiest place' on earth where I was covering a story.
And honestly, when I told some of my friends that I went to Disney World the eyebrow raise of judgement hit me hard! Whoever gives you sh*t about going as a grown ass adult is just jealous IMO. Like do they even know how fun it is to drink around the world at Epcot from margaritas in Mexico to lagers in Germany?
Because quite frankly, I didn't expect to have so much fun. But without any childhood memories, I didn't have anything to compare it to. And no I'm not paid to write about Disney here so I'm not fluffing you. It's incredible how much there is to do there between the four main parks and the countless hotels on property which makes life so easy traveling on the monorail throughout the day. Disney World without kids is the way to go, IMO.
First you have Magic Kingdom, the most PG park which has the iconic Cinderella's Castle, It's a Small World and the infamous tea cups. Next is Hollywood Studios, where the cool kids hangout with Star Wars' Galaxy Edge and Tower of Terror. Animal Kingdom is for nature lovers obviously, which has the world of Pandora (from Avatar) and no you don't need to be a fan of these movies to appreciate it. Lastly and most fitting for adults is Epcot which features different countries all within walking distance, no plane required.
You can purchase hopper passes to go between the different parks which I recommend. Now I'm not saying it's fun for adults only because you can drink alcohol. My life doesn't revolve around alcohol. Being completely sober too there's so much to do and without any children and you'll avoid hotspots like chasing down characters to get a photo with or dining with Cinderella like so many families do. But if you do want to eat lunch and rub elbows with Cinderella, that's cool too :)
This trip showed me that you're never too old for some Disney Magic, and that you shouldn't be self conscious to say that The Lion King is one of the greatest movies of all time. Below I made a list of hot takes for each park to consider when planning your own adventure.
Magic Kingdom:
Do this:
-Splash Mountain (Going to be remade as Princess and the Frog)
Skip this:
Eat here:
Pro Tip:
-Alcohol in Magic Kingdom is only available at sit down restaurants
-Watch the fireworks on main street in front of Casey's because if you get too close you miss the fireworks behind the castle.
Hollywood Studios:
Do this:
Skip this:
Eat here:
-The Hollywood Brown Derby ($$$ sit down)
Pro Tip:
-Take the Skyliner from Hollywood Studios to Epcot. Great views and really convenient.
Animal Kingdom:
Do this:
-Flight of Passage (best ride in all of Disney IMO)
Skip this:
Eat here:
Pro Tip:
-Start the day at Pandora end the day at the safari — more animals are out when it's cooler
Epcot:
Do this:
-Go around the world to: Mexico, Germany, China, Italy
Skip this:
-Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros (ride in Mexico)
Eat here:
-Le Cellier Steakhouse (Canada)
-La Cava del Tequila (Can't skip bar in Mexico)
Snack:
-Regal Eagle Smokehouse in America (snack not meal)
Pro Tip:
-Canada has the dole whip alcoholic version. Must get!
-If you drink around the world start in Mexico end in Canada
-Walk over to Disney's Boardwalk Resort after because they have bars and restaurants open late.
Where to stay:
Now I can only speak to certain hotels, but what I can tell you is to stay on the Disney property. They have a range of hotels from lavish to 'don't worry we won't completely break the bank'.
Stay:
Where to eat outside of the parks:
-Enchanted Rose (Beauty and the Beast themed bar)
-Disney Springs (not in a park but has tons of food options)
Pro Tip: You can make reservations for restaurants in any of the parks right on the app. They book up fast so plan ahead if there's something you really want to experience.
Leaving you with a wholesome pic…
Be good, JB
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