From celebrating one of life’s many milestones with friends to spontaneously spending a romantic weekend away with your partner, there are so many reasons to visit Walt Disney World Resort for an adults-only vacation at your #HappyPlace. And there is no better time to visit than during The World’s Most Magical Celebration, which honors the resort’s 50th anniversary. It’s a chance to embrace your nostalgic side and experience Disney as an adult! Here’s a list of must-do things now that you’re a grown-up!
1. Celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Walt Disney World Resort
The Walt Disney World 50th Anniversary celebration began on Oct. 1, marking an unforgettable moment in Disney history. Nothing could be more magical than visiting your happy place during the 18-month celebration, which is a once-in-a-lifetime chance to encounter the shimmering EARidescent atmosphere and take part in new experiences across all four theme parks and beyond.
2. Re-create a Childhood Photo
A lot can change over the years and the memories made on a Disney vacation last a lifetime. Re-creating a childhood photo taken at Walt Disney World Resort is a fun way to reminisce on the past, reflect on growing up and celebrate the present.
3. Embrace Some Holiday Magic
Ever wonder what it’s like to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year at The Most Magical Place on Earth? If you’re a Disney fan, visiting Walt Disney World during the holiday season is a must! From seasonal decorations and jolly entertainment to festive treats and music, there is so much to experience now through Dec. 31. And you also won’t want to miss Disney Very Merriest After Hours, a specially ticketed event held at Magic Kingdom Park on select nights through Dec. 21 that includes shorter attraction wait times, new holiday-themed entertainment offerings and a special yuletide-themed fireworks show.
4. Have Fun at an EPCOT Festival
Perfect for a group outing or celebration with friends, festivals at EPCOT offer an ever-evolving assortment of delicious cuisine, culture and entertainment. As an adult, you can appreciate more adventurous dishes, and enjoy the wine pairings and cocktails that perfectly complement flavor profiles from around World Showcase. And with the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays presented by AdventHealth running through Dec. 30, now is the perfect time to check “attend an EPCOT festival” off your list.
5. Experience Your Favorite Attractions
Remember the Disney attractions you wanted to go on again and again … and again as a kid? When you visit Walt Disney World as an adult, make sure to experience all the attractions you loved during your childhood vacations. Visiting as an adult is an opportunity to check out all the new attractions added in recent years, such as Seven Dwarfs Mine Train at Magic Kingdom Park and Avatar Flight of Passage at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park.
6. See the Parks from a New Perspective with runDisney
Participating in a runDisney race is a one-of-a-kind Walt Disney World experience you have to do at least once in your life. Running past iconic Disney landmarks and beloved characters before the parks open to guests is both invigorating and magical. Whether you’re a professional runner or just starting out, runDisney offers running events for a variety of fitness levels along with the training tools you need to prepare for race day. You can learn more about upcoming runDisney races and find the perfect race for you and your tribe on the runDisney events page.
7. Indulge in Delicious Treats
From DOLE Whip and churros to Mickey’s Premium Ice Cream Bars, iconic Disney theme park treats you loved as a kid are just as delicious as an adult. And with new DOLE Whip flavors and an exciting list of creative 50th Anniversary-themed menu items to try, these nostalgic treats can now be enjoyed with a “newstalgic” twist.
8. Meet Up with Friends at Disney Springs
Disney Springs is the ultimate destination for a fun-filled time with friends. This one-of-a-kind retail, dining and entertainment complex offers live entertainment; activities that everyone can enjoy, such as bowling at Splitsville Luxury Lanes; showings of must-see movies at AMC Disney Springs 24 Dine-In Theatres; and a long-list of delicious eateries that serve a variety of exciting cuisines. Sample craft brews and the ultimate American menu at City Works Eatery & Pour House, experience the lavish industrial-style ambiance and vintage craft cocktails at The Edison or hop to Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar, which has transformed to Jock Lindsey’s Holiday Bar for a lite bite and a seasonal drink. And don’t forget to check out the all-new show, “Drawn to Life” presented by Cirque du Soleil and Disney, which is now open.
9. Stay in the Magic at a Disney Resort Hotel
Vacationing as an adult means unplugging from responsibilities at home! And by staying at a Disney Resort Hotel during your vacation, you can immerse yourself in the magic. The Disney Resort hotels offer themed amenities and special dining experiences along with convenient proximity and transportation to all four Disney theme parks, Disney Springs and the Disney Water Parks. If you stay at a Resort hotel along Disney’s BoardWalk, you can walk to EPCOT and take a short-water-taxi ride to Disney’s Hollywood Studios!
10. Spend a Day Park Hopping
Planning a weekend trip with friends? Make the most out of your trip by purchasing a ticket with the Park Hopper Option so you can visit multiple theme parks in one day! You can even create your very own personalized itinerary using Disney Genie on the My Disney Experience app. Why not start your day by zipping through Andy’s backyard on Slinky Dog Dash in Toy Story Land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and end your day with a nightcap during “Harmonious” at EPCOT? The choice is yours! And Walt Disney World transportation offerings, such as the Disney Skyliner, make it easy for guests to hop between Disney’s Hollywood Studios and EPCOT.
11. Say Goodnight with Enchanting Spectaculars
Watching fireworks is a quintessential part of any Walt Disney World vacation and a must-do for adults visiting our theme parks. And with the recent debut of two new shows – “Harmonious” at EPCOT and “Disney Enchantment” at Magic Kingdom Park – now is the perfect time to visit. Be sure to add both shows to your next trip itinerary!
12. Feel the Force in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Whether you loved it growing up or discovered it as an adult, seeing the world of Star Wars come to life at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disney’s Hollywood Studios is a truly incredible experience. From building your own customized droid at Droid Depot to piloting the “fastest hunk of junk in the galaxy” on Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run, every immersive detail will bring you back to your childhood and let you live out the Star Wars adventure of your dreams.
Ready to book your next Walt Disney World vacation? Visit DisneyWorld.com/Adults for more can’t-miss experiences for adults at Walt Disney World!