By No Vacation Required, on July 14, 2015

5 ways to enjoy Disney without kids

There is no doubt that the “Happiest Place on Earth” is pure magic when it comes to family vacations. The company’s success is powered significantly by the sense of wonder and excitement that Disney inspires in children. But Disney also goes to great lengths to curate thoughtful, elevated experiences that are geared directly toward adults. Adults who visit without kids at all.

All of our trips to Disneyland and Walt Disney World have been free of wee ones, and we continue to be surprised at the outstanding job Disney does at creating very adult-friendly experiences. Here is why we feel Disney is an excellent kids-free vacation option. 

Plenty of magic potions. If you thought a trip to Disney meant teetotaling among the tea cups of the Mad Tea Party, then you definitely are in for a shock. In addition to offering alcoholic beverages in many of the parks (the margaritas in Epcot especially are tasty), there are several restaurants and bars that take the cocktail to a whole new level.

For instance, Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort delivers full-on drink theater. As the name suggests, drinks here come in Polynesian style. That means the mai tai and the pina coladas are second to none. Don’t let the itsy-bitsy little bar fool you, the drinks are grown-up and the fun is big. 

Viewfinder Tip: Plan ahead to experience Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar, as the waits can be long (but totally worth it).

World class Les Poissons and more.Theme-park food usually means funnel cakes and hot dogs, but it can apply to other goodies, too. One of the biggest surprises for us about eating at Disney is that there are a lot of fine-dining options within the Disney parks. California Grill, at the top of Disney's Contemporary Resort, is a perfect example of the kind of elevated dining options on offer. Design-forward interior, panoramic views of the park, and globally-inspired seasonal fare such as mouth-watering pork belly nigiri “sushi” make this a very adult option. 

No strings to hold you down. No kids in tow means you have the ability to move much more quickly around the parks. Make the most of that freedom by taking advantage of a Park Hopper Pass and FastPass+ service. You’ll be able to hit multiple parks and experience your favorite rides without having to worry too much about lines.

Accommodations fit for a princess (or princes). Disney has some truly outstanding luxury accommodations. From the Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge to the over-the-water bungalows at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort (with private plunge pools and massive spa tubs), Disney has created some beautifully appointed accommodations. When we stayed in the bungalows, we considered staging a sit-in just so we wouldn’t have to leave. We've heard that the new rooms at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa are pretty spectacular, too.

Beyond the castle walls. For the ultimate adult Disney experience, you might not want to visit the theme parks at all. Instead, consider an adults-exclusive tour by Adventures by Disney, a way to experience the world in the most sophisticated and expertly curated way. You can choose from a portfolio of luxury excursions, from seeing the Great Pyramids in Egypt to touring the Amalfi Coast and Tuscany in Italy. What do these trips have in common? Disney's commitments to excellence and top-notch service.

What's your favorite way to experience Disney without kids?