Most people think of Walt Disney World as a family vacation destination, for obvious reasons. A Disney World vacation almost feels like a childhood right of passage, with many families taking at least one trip to Disney World during their kids’ childhood.
However, the Walt Disney World resort is also a great destination for adults. With thrilling rides, fantastic entertainment, fine dining options, and so much more, many adults have also enjoyed visiting the Walt Disney World theme parks over the years. People of all ages can have the best time on a Disney trip.
If you are planning an adult trip to Walt Disney World, you may wonder which are the best parks in Disney World for adults. While there are some parks that have events/rides that appeal to adults, all four parks are fun. So, if there’s something specific you want to see (like the animals at Animal Kingdom, for instance), be sure to include that park on your agenda.
Keep in mind that if you want to visit more than one theme park per day, you’ll need to have the park hopper option on your tickets. Otherwise, the base tickets only allow for one park per day. Currently, you’ll also have to make valid park reservations at the first park you visit for the day, even if you have tickets. Things are scheduled to change early next week.
In addition, you do need valid park admission when dining at a restaurant in a theme park. So only make restaurant reservations for a day you know you’ll be in the park. Reservations do not guarantee admission to the park.
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The Best Parks in Disney World for Adults
When to visit Walt Disney World as an Adult
Of course, you can visit the parks at any time. However, many adults choose to plan their visit around a specific Walt Disney World event, like the Walt Disney World Marathon, the EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival, or the Princess Half-Marathon.
If your schedule is flexible, I’d recommend avoiding times like school vacations, when prices are higher and the crowds are at peak levels. If you travel during these times, you may experience long lines for the popular attractions. Mid-week, during a shoulder season (like the fall, for instance), is an ideal time, unless you are attending a specific event.
Epcot
Epcot is, in my opinion, the absolute best theme park in Disney World for adults. From the cultural elements of the World Showcase to the various special events held at the theme park throughout the year, Epcot has the most appeal for adults.
Attractions
Make no mistake – while I feel that EPCOT is the best theme park for adults at Disney World, there are still plenty of attractions that young children (and really, any age group) will love as well. But, here are the attractions that I feel are best for adults:
Soarin’: This movie experience makes you feel like you are actually hang gliding above the world. It’s a popular ride, and even if you’ve experienced it once, you’ll want to go again and again.
Test Track: Design your own SIM car and take it for a spin through these road trials. My favorite part of the ride is when you reach the outdoors and test how fast it can go.
Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure: In this new Walt Disney World ride, you’ll feel like you shrunk down to the size of a rat as you follow Remy from Disney Pixar’s Ratatouille cooking in his French kitchen.
Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind : The newest EPCOT ride is an enclosed indoor roller coaster with a reverse-launch start. It’s thrilling, and very unique.
The World Showcase: Travel around the world as you visit countries such as France, Mexico, the United Kingdom, Morocco, Germany, Italy, and Canada. Each pavilion is staffed with citizens of the respective countries. In each one, you’ll find shops, restaurants, attractions, and more.
Restaurants
Eating is such a big part of any Walt Disney World vacation. In my opinion, Epcot has some of the best restaurants on the property. My favorites include:
Le Cellier: a delicious table service steakhouse located in the Canada pavilion.
Tangierine Cafe: Located in Morocco, this quick-service restaurant offers generous portions of delicious food. Limited seating is available both indoors and outdoors.
Via Napoli: A casual table service restaurant in the Italy pavilion offering pizza, salads, and other Italian specialties. If you like pizza, you definitely have to try theirs.
Tutto Italia: Also located in the Italian pavilion, this table service restaurant is more upscale than Via Napoli. I love Italian food, so I try to visit both when I go to Walt Disney World.
San Angel Cafe: Located in the Mexican pavilion, this authentic Mexican restaurant is located along the Gran Fiesta Tour River.
In addition to these restaurants, many adult guests like to eat and drink around the world visiting different countries. Start at one end of the World Showcase, and travel to each kiosk trying a snack and a beverage from each one. While there are lots of options for alcoholic beverages, there are also plenty of non-alcoholic options. You’ll want to make sure you have friends to share items with.
Events
EPCOT is home to several world-class events held each year. During these events, you’ll find specialized exhibits, food kiosks, seminars, pop-up shops, live entertainment, and more.
Epcot International Festival of the Arts: Takes place in the winter, and offers art exhibits, food booths, seminars, live music, and more.
Epcot Flower and Garden Festival: This spring festival features Disney-themed topiaries, food kiosks, garden seminars and classes, and more.
Epcot International Food and Wine Festival: This signature event is extremely popular and has already been expanded to an even longer event. During this fall festival, you can try international food and drinks, attend wine seminars, and more.
Transportation
Epcot is accessible via monorail (from the Magic Kingdom and the Ticket and Transportation Center), bus, boat, and Skyliner. In addition, you’ll be able to take a short walk from the Boardwalk, Yacht, and Beach Club, and the Swan and Dolphin Resorts.
Disney’s Hollywood Studios
My favorite theme park for an adult vacation is definitely Disney’s Hollywood Studios. This park offers some of the newest attractions at Disney World and is also home to several exciting thrill rides that are great for adults.
Attractions at Hollywood Studios
There are plenty of attractions in Hollywood Studios that are great for people of all ages. I feel that the best rides are at Hollywood Studios. Here are my favorites for adults.
The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror: Although I do enjoy the Guardians of the Galaxy update on this ride in Disneyland Resort, the original Tower of Terror theme is my favorite. The actual ride mechanism makes it a thrilling ride, but I also really enjoy the spooky and creepy theme.
Rock N Roller Coaster: The only ride that goes upside down at Walt Disney World is a must-do. Travel in a “stretch limo” on the California freeway as you try to beat the traffic to catch an Aerosmith concert. The speed, darkness, and loud music combine to create a thrilling experience.
Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance: This new ride in Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge is more than a ride – it’s a full experience. Join the Resistance and fight the First Order in this ride that combines a trackless system, a drop ride, a walk-through section, and a motion simulator.
Toy Story Mania: This midway-inspired ride has long been one of my favorites. Try to gather points as you challenge your friends in a 3D ride. It’s located in the Toy Story Land area of the park.
Restaurants at Hollywood Studios
I’ll admit, there aren’t as many restaurants that I love in Hollywood Studios. However, one of my favorites in all of Walt Disney World is located there.
The Hollywood Brown Derby: This deluxe restaurant offers a glimpse of old Hollywood. All of the dishes I’ve had there have been excellent, but my favorite is the signature Cobb Salad.
Oga’s Cantina: I love this little Star Wars-themed bar, which offers unique alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.
Transportation to Hollywood Studios
Hollywood Studios is slightly less accessible than Epcot using Disney transportation, but it’s still very accessible. There’s a Skyliner station, bus service, and boat service. You can also walk to the Boardwalk, Disney’s Swan and Dolphin Resorts, and the Yacht and Beach Club Resorts. There is also a separate parking lot servicing that area.
Resorts Near These Theme Parks
If these two Disney theme parks are in your plans, you may be wondering where to stay. This post contains our favorite Disney resorts for adults.
For these two specific theme parks, I’d recommend staying at the Boardwalk Resort, the Yacht Club, or the Beach Club. These deluxe resorts are in a great location and have plenty of restaurants and amenities. Their perfect location means that you won’t have to drive or take a bus to either theme park.
Other Options
While I am specifically calling out these two theme parks as great for adults. They aren’t the only option. Disney movie and character lovers will definitely want to visit the Magic Kingdom, which is classic Disney.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom is a beautiful park with lots of great wildlife encounters and some fun rides. Don’t miss Flight of Passage in Pandora – the World of Avatar.
For water slide lovers, there are two Walt Disney World water parks. Admission can be purchased separately, or you can include water park admission on your park tickets.
During your vacation, you may also want to spend some time in Disney Springs. This huge shopping, dining, and entertainment venue offers so much to do. You can easily spend a day there, or choose to visit in the evenings after a long day at the theme parks.
