13 of the Best Things to Do at Disney World for Adults

With hundreds of rides, attractions, and entertainment venues, it’s no surprise that Walt Disney World attracts over 58 million visitors every year. 

And while every kid might dream about a Disney vacation, there’s so much for travelers of all ages to explore throughout the parks and around Orlando, Florida. 

Planning a trip to Disney as an adult can feel overwhelming, with so many of the rides and attractions being designed around families and young kids. But if you’re planning a Disney trip with adults, you won’t have to worry about staying busy and finding things to do throughout your visit. 

Whether you want to challenge yourself to a Disney bar crawl, enjoy the exciting nightlife at Disney Springs, or just relax and unwind at a Disney Resort spa, Disney World has endless options for adults looking for ways to enjoy their Florida vacation.

So if you’re planning a trip to Orlando but aren’t sure about all the adult-friendly activities in the area, keep reading to find the perfect itinerary items for your next visit. 

Best Things to Do at Disney World for Adults

Here is your guide to 13 of the best things to do at Disney World for adults. 

Go Drinking Around the World at Epcot

Without a doubt, Epcot is the best Disney park to visit as an adult. With innovative attractions, exciting festivals and celebrations, and a huge variety of cultures to explore, guests of all ages can spend all day taking in everything Epcot has to offer. 

The biggest draw to this park for adults, however, is the opportunity to experience new cultures and try delicious international food and drinks at World Showcase. 

Surrounding the scenic World Showcase Lagoon, this attraction is made up of international pavilions representing 11 different countries. Visitors can learn about traditions, interact with cast members, and try food and drinks from:

• Canada
• The United Kingdom
• France
• Morocco
• Japan
• The United States
• Italy
• Germany 
• China
• Norway
• Mexico

Drinking around the world at Epcot World Showcase is a fun and exciting challenge for any 21+ Disney visitor. During this unofficial bar crawl, participants aim to try a drink from every international pavilion during their day at Epcot. 

While trying delicious and authentic drinks from every country, be sure to have a chat with the cast members representing each country to learn more about their culture and traditions. 

There’s also so much entertainment to enjoy while exploring the different areas of the World Showcase. From a mariachi band in Mexico to a Beauty and the Beast Sing-Along in France, there’s plenty of excitement and attractions for every adult to discover.

Complete a Monorail Bar Crawl

Another exciting unofficial Disney Bar Crawl, the Monorail has several stops that make it an ideal way to explore different bars, lounges, and restaurants throughout Disney resorts. 

The monorail loops between several resorts, including the Polynesian Village Resort, Contemporary Resort, and the Grand Floridian, and ends at Epcot. Between these four main destinations, there are so many places to grab dinner, snacks, and drinks. 

At Disney’s Contemporary Resort, you can find the Outer Rim, which offers stunning lakeside views, fun and eye-catching cocktails, and mouth-watering appetizers. Or, if you’re searching for food and drinks to share, you can stop by the less-crowded and relaxing Wave Lounge.

Other key stops along the monorail bar crawl include the Courtyard Poolbar and Grill, Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto, and the classic and luxurious Mizner’s Lounge. 

Enjoy Nighttime Entertainment at Disney Springs

Located at Walt Disney World Resort near Typhoon Lagoon, this shopping, dining, and entertainment complex offers endless one-of-a-kind experiences for visitors of all ages. 

Disney Springs is home to 103 unique shops and boutiques, 66 incredible dining options, and nearly 30 different live events, shows, and attractions. With so much to explore in the area, there’s truly something for everyone to enjoy. 

There are four main areas of Disney Springs to explore. You can shop and dine at The Marketplace, stroll through the nautical-themed Marina at The Landing, visit all the retailers and boutiques in the Town Center, or enjoy endless entertainment at The West Side, Disney Springs’ exposition center. 

While there are countless family-friendly activities to enjoy at Disney Springs during the day, it’s the perfect place for adults to experience the incredible nightlife, live entertainment, and adult-friendly restaurants and bars once the sun goes down. 

Here are just some of the unforgettable ways to enjoy Disney Springs:

• See a show at the full-service dine-in AMC theater
• Get a bird’s-eye view of the area with a Character’s in-flight balloon ride
• Enjoy live music at the AdventHealth Waterside Stage
• See a Cirque Du Soleil Drawn to Life performance

After a long day of shopping, listening to music, and enjoying all the unique themed areas of Disney Springs, you’ll have plenty of incredible dining and drink options to choose from in the area.  

You can sit down for a lively dinner at the House of Blues Restaurant & Bar, sip some wine at the Wine Bar George, or watch the sunset from the luxurious Boathouse waterfront dining. And if you’re looking for a quick bite to eat, you can’t go wrong with a visit to any of the delicious food trucks located on the West Side. 

Attend a Disney World Special Event

Whether you’re looking for live music events, food festivals, or unforgettable celebrations, Disney World’s special events are the perfect way for adults to make the most of their trip to Disney. 

If you love all the tasty food and drinks Disney has to offer, you might want to consider a visit during the EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival. This annual event boasts more than 30 global marketplaces throughout the park that sell food, wine, beer, souvenirs, and more. 

Epcot is also home to the International Flower & Garden Festival between March and July. With an abundance of colorful flowers all over the park, a plant-based food stroll, a butterfly house, and a tea garden, this festival is perfect for adults and kids alike. 

During the holidays, there are even more special events to enjoy throughout the Disney Parks. From a Halloween Party to an International Holiday Festival and sleigh rides during the Christmas season, a trip to Disney has an abundance of special events designed to get visitors of any age in the holiday spirit. 

There is also a variety of live entertainment and shows that are only performed on select nights, so be sure to look at the different concerts and events happening during your stay. Potential shows you can see include the extravagant Fantasmic nighttime musical, a Glow After Hours water park party, or the Disney on Broadway concert series. 

And if you’re there during the Disney World Marathon Weekend, you can participate in a 5k, 10k, half marathon, or marathon or cheer people on from the sidelines. 

Unwind at the Spa

Personal care is a critical part of enjoying your time at Disney. And as an adult, getting an early start and walking around all day in the Orlando heat can definitely take its toll. 

If you’re looking for a way to escape the heat and unwind during a long day at the park, you have plenty of options. Disney parks offer many options in spa treatments, fitness centers, and health clubs that are perfect for any adult looking to unwind on their Disney vacation. 

One of the most popular peaceful escapes in Disney World is the Grand Floridian Spa. With a Victorian-style design, soothing lighting and music, and a huge range of treatments and services, this luxurious destination is the ideal spot to rejuvenate and stay refreshed during a long day on your feet. Amenities include a relaxation room, spa treatments, salon services, and a 24-hour fitness center. 

Another must-visit destination is the Mandora Spa in Epcot. This tranquil, Balinese-themed spa offers massages, body wraps, aromatherapy, facials, manicures, and anything else you might need to escape the heat and chaos of the park. 

Other spas, salons, and health clubs in the area include:

• Ship Shape Massage Salon Fitness
• Sturdy Branches Health Club
• Zahanati Massage and Fitness Center
• Muscles & Bustles Health Club

With all the excitement of being at Disney World, it can be easy to fall out of your normal routine and forget to take care of yourself. With a variety of spas and 24-hour fitness centers located in the resort, you can still relax, unwind, and treat yourself to a spa treatment while enjoying the parks. 

Stroll Through Disney’s Boardwalk

Nestled along Crescent Lake, this charming and exciting waterfront promenade boasts over 90,000 square feet of attractions, shops, restaurants, bars, and entertainment. 

While parking at the Boardwalk is limited, there are several other transportation options to get to this destination. You can take busses or friendship boats from other areas of Disney World or hop on a Skyliner for a ride with a view. And if you’re already at Epcot, the Boardwalk is just a short and easy stroll from the park. 

During the day, there are plenty of activities for both families and adults to enjoy. You can rent a Surrey bike to explore the district, walk through the unique shops and restaurants, play midway-style boardwalk games, view colorful art at the Wyland Galleries, or grab a quick bite at the To-Go Cart. 

Whether you’re visiting during the day or looking for exciting nightlife and entertainment once the sun goes down, there are so many options along the Boardwalk that adults are guaranteed to love. 21+ visitors can:

• Stop by Jellyrolls, a popular dueling piano bar with audience sing-alongs 
• Watch the street performers along the Boardwalk
• Watch a movie under the stars in the center of the Disney Boardwalk
• Visit AbracadaBar, a magic-themed cocktail lounge with delicious specialty drinks
• Grab dinner and a beer at Big River Grille & Brewing Works

If you’re looking for an easy and convenient way to enjoy the Disney Boardwalk, you should consider a stay at Disney’s Boardwalk Inn. This luxurious and whimsical waterfront resort is a quick walk to the dining, shopping, and nightlife located along the boardwalk, as well as Epcot and Hollywood Studios. 

Escape the Crowds on a Disney World Cruise

If you’ve ever visited Disney before, you know that the park’s world-class fireworks are something that you won’t want to miss. 

With Disney’s specialty cruises, you can enjoy an unforgettable view of either the Epcot Forever Fireworks show or the Magic Kingdom Happily Ever After Fireworks as you sail around on a chartered boat. 

Along with a spectacular fireworks show, you can enjoy a comfortable and spacious boat away from the crowds at the park. The boat accommodates up to ten guests, so you won’t have to worry about the boat getting overcrowded or not having a place to watch the fireworks show. 

The experience also includes a variety of drinks and snacks for the best experience possible during your voyage. 

Take a Backstage Access Tour

While kids at Disney love getting to explore the main areas of the park, there’s even more for adults and older kids to enjoy behind the scenes. 

If you want to experience a unique side of Disney, you can participate in a wide variety of backstage tours and experiences. These tours take you behind the scenes of Walt Disney World for an insider look at what makes the parks so unique and special. 

Anyone interested in insider access to Disney World has a variety of unique, one-of-a-kind tour options to choose from. Visitors can:

• Learn about the early life of Walt Disney at the Marceline to Magic Kingdom Tour
• Discover the history of Walt Disney World Resort with Disney’s Keys to the Kingdom Tour
• Get inside access to the park’s steam trains with Disney’s The Magic Behind the Steam Trains Tour
• Enjoy iconic Disney food and drinks at the Taste of Magic Kingdom VIP Tour
• Take a nighttime tour of Animal Kingdom with the Ultimate Nights of Adventure VIP Tour

There are also several immersive and exciting experiences for the more adventurous visitors. You can scuba dive with over 6,000 sea creatures, interact with dolphins at The Seas with Nemo & Friends Pavilion, or get up close with rhinos or elephants at Animal Kingdom.

Disney also offers a huge range of seasonal backstage tours and celebrations, so be sure to keep an eye on the calendar when you’re planning your trip for unique guided access through the park.

Visit a Disney World Bar

While the World Showcase is the most popular drinking spot in Walt Disney World Resort, there are plenty of other incredible themed bars throughout the different parks to enjoy delicious food, tasty drinks, and a warm and inviting atmosphere. 

When you’re in Animal Kingdom, be sure to stop by the luxurious and renowned Nomad Lounge. Located near Pandora – The World of Avatar, this travel-themed bar and restaurant boast tasty appetizers, entrees, and specialty cocktails. 

They also offer a wide variety of wines, beers, and non-alcoholic cocktails. And with a stunning and spacious open-air deck, this is the perfect place to sit back and relax after a day at the park. 

There are also several other bars and lounges throughout the parks that are worth a visit. You can watch the fireworks from the California Grill Lounge, enjoy the unique vintage decor at Jock Lindsey’s Sky Bar, or travel back to the 1950s at the Tune In Lounge. 

Whether you’re looking to unwind in a cozy lounge or visit a themed bar after-hours for a refreshing cocktail, Disney has dozens of bars and restaurants perfect for any 21+ Disney traveler. 

Go Golfing at Disney’s Iconic Golf Courses

While Disney World is home to several family-friendly mini golf courses, the resort also has four incredible world-class golf courses run by Arnold Palmer Management. With so much scenic green space throughout these golf courses, a round of golf is the perfect way to get outside and take in all of Disney World’s natural beauty. 

There are three championship golf courses, including the Palm Golf Course, Magnolia Golf Course, and the Lake Buena Vista Golf Course. Between clear lakes, palm trees, spacious green complexes, and rolling hills, a round of golf at any of these locations is an ideal way to get outside, relax, and take in scenic views. 

Along with the championship courses, you can also stop by Disney’s Oak Trail Golf Course. This stunning 9-hole, par-36 course is walking only, so you can enjoy the picturesque views and rolling greens on foot while you get in a round of golf. 

If mini-golf is more your speed, you can stop by Fantasia Gardens or Winter Summerland for a fun and charming 18-hole game of miniature golf.

Enjoy a Fine Dining Experience

From Dole Whip to Mickey ice cream and pretzels, Disney World is known for its delicious signature snacks and treats throughout the park. 

But if you’re looking for a more luxurious experience when it comes to dining at Disney, you’re in luck. Between themed signature restaurants and extravagant, elegant dining experiences, there are so many ways to enjoy fine dining throughout Disney parks and resorts.

For a unique character dining experience, stop by Cinderella’s Royal Table at Magic Kingdom. Here, you can mingle with different Disney characters and princesses while enjoying an upscale dining atmosphere. 

You can also experience award-winning food and wine in a fine-dining environment at the Victorian-inspired Victoria & Albert’s. While this restaurant is one of the pricier dining options in the park, it’s worth a visit for anyone looking to splurge on an outstanding luxurious experience. 

Explore Outside the Parks

While there are plenty of activities for adults to enjoy inside the park, you’ll find even more entertainment when you venture outside the Disney World parks. 

Orlando is full of shops, restaurants, bars, and entertainment that can keep you busy if you find yourself getting burnt out at the parks. 

If you want to escape the crowds, heat, and chaos of the parks, there are plenty of other ways to enjoy your vacation. Popular activities include:

• Swimming in your resort pool
• Taking a kayak or paddleboard tour
• Parasailing
• Riding in a vintage Amphicar
• Visiting nearby natural springs

There are also numerous ways to spend time in the great outdoors outside of the main Disney parks. Plan a stay at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort for an unforgettable and refreshing stay on 750 acres of scenic forested land. During the day, you can enjoy a huge range of recreational activities, including fishing, kayaking, hiking, biking, and more. 

Experience Nostalgic Rides and Treats Throughout the Park

Just because Disney is known for its family and kid-friendly activities, it doesn’t mean that adults visiting the park have to miss out on all the thrilling rides and excitement throughout the park. 

Adults at Disney World can still have a blast exploring the park, riding their favorite attractions, and chatting with their favorite characters. 

Make sure to take time to enjoy the park and explore all the magic and excitement of Disney World. Whether you attend a character dining experience, ride It’s a Small World, or take in the Disney parades and Magic Kingdom fireworks, visitors of all ages can have an incredible time at Disney World. 

And before heading home, make sure to grab a funnel cake, Mickey ice cream cone, or any of your other favorite Disney-themed treats!

Finding the Best Things to Do at Disney World as an Adult

While Disney might be known as a family vacation spot, there are so many attractions, events, and festivals that adults and visitors of any age can enjoy. 

From unique, 21+ drinking challenges and bars to one-of-a-kind ways to watch fireworks and take in the scenery, Disney truly does have something for everyone. 

No matter what your preferences and interests are, there are adult-friendly activities and events that can help you make your Disney trip the perfect vacation.

Once you find the best activities for you, you can get started on making your itinerary, booking your resort, and building your dream Disney vacation.