Planning Tips

Why You Should Go To Walt Disney World as an Adult

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Walt Disney World is fun for adults (and you don’t have to have kids to go)!

Since launching WDW Park Planners, I’ve had more people say to me, “I never thought about going to Disney as an adult until I read your blog and newsletter!”

I love hearing this! I feel like I’ve done my job if I’ve successfully persuaded non-Disney people to just consider going to Disney.

Aside from the fact that adult beverages are now served at all of the parks, there are TONS of other great reasons to visit The Most Magical Place on Earth without kiddos. Read my top picks for adults at each location!

Magic Kingdom

This here’s the wildest ride in the wilderness!
-Big Thunder Mountain Railroad

Walt Disney World is so much more than Dumbo and It’s a Small World. Magic Kingdom is home to what we fondly call “the mountains:” Space, Big Thunder and Splash. These are some of the best thrill rides in all of the parks, so try all three if you’re brave enough!

Or, stay for some late night fun and enjoy the breathtaking fireworks show “Happily Ever After.” Disney does fireworks better than anyone, and this show in particular really tugs on the heart strings (it gets me every time!).

Epcot

France has the best Grey Goose slushie drink!

The first place I usually tell adult groups to go is Epcot. World Showcase has 11 different countries (soon to be 12!) with a variety of culture – from food to drinks to entertainment – it really the best. Spend at least one night here enjoying everything it has to offer. If you didn’t do drinks around the world, did you even go to Epcot? Don’t forget to check out my post “Top 5 Must Do Rides at Epcot.”

Hollywood Studios

“I got you a really fast car!” -Rock ‘n” Roller Coaster starring Aerosmith

Hollywood Studios has some of the best thrill rides in all four parks – Tower of Terror, Rock “n” Roller Coaster, and Star Tours. The restaurants here are mediocre, but one newer bar we like to visit it Baseline Tap. Sit outside with a drink and just take in the sights and sounds of this incredible park. With the upcoming opening of Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge, this park is going to be huge hit for that adult fan base. If you’re any type of movie fan, this is the park to hit.

Animal Kingdom

Pandora is truly spectacular. Be sure to watch Avatar before you go!

Personally, I am a huge fan of Animal Kingdom. We typically don’t spend more than a half day here at a time (usually rope drop through lunch), but that’s all you need to get in the good rides and attractions. Check out my post “Top 5 Must Do Attractions at Animal Kingdom” for my list of favorites. If you like the movie Avatar, you NEED to check out the new Pandora area and rides. We also recently discovered our new favorite spot – Nomad Lounge. Check out my review for why we love this relaxing bar so much!

Disney Springs

This Irish pub is a family favorite of ours! Enjoy live music and world class Irish Dancing.

Formerly known as Downtown Disney, this non-park area has been renovated and expanded to a new level. It is an absolutely massive entertainment space with tons of foodie restaurants, fun bars and the best shopping in all of WDW. The live music everywhere at night is bumping, and the best part is, you don’t need a park ticket to visit here!

There is SO MUCH to do in Walt Disney World for families, adults and kids of all ages – and it’s easy to be overwhelmed by it all. I’m here to answer your questions, so send me a message today!

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Reviews

Restaurant Review: ‘Ohana

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WDW Park Planners Rating:

Location: Polynesian Village Resort

Dad and the girls, 2015

“‘Ohana means family, and family means nobody gets left behind or forgotten.” This famous Lilo & Stitch quote is one of our family’s favorite lines, and couldn’t be more true. For us, Disney is about family, and our WDW vacations hold some of our best family memories, especially at ‘Ohana.

The ‘Ohana restaurant is a very family-friendly spot, and one of our go-tos in WDW. The atmosphere is fun and engaging, with games for the kids and live island music throughout the night. You definitely want to come hungry to this meal – the Polynesian-inspired cuisine is delicious – and never ending!

The meal is primarily family style; your server will bring big portions to the table for the appetizers, sides and dessert. For the entree, they come around with meat and shrimp skewers and serve you individually. Pace yourself for this one, since each course is better than the last!

This restaurant is always jam-packed, so be sure to make your reservation far in advance (we would not recommend just walking up and putting your name in). Even with a reservation we always end up waiting a while for our table. But while we wait, we always like to order fun tropical drinks – they have options for the whole family!

WDW Park Planners Tip:

The Polynesian is directly across the lagoon from the Magic Kingdom, so you can see the fireworks show from many locations at the resort, including inside ‘Ohana. The restaurant plays the music for the show, so if you time your dinner correctly, you will get an awesome viewing of the fireworks.

Check the times guide on Disney’s website and try to coordinate your reservation around that – it makes the evening even more magical. Tables by the window have the best view, but you can always just get up from your table to go watch, too!

Reviews

Resort Review: Animal Kingdom Lodge

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WDW Park Planners Rating: 

Location: Animal Kingdom Park Area

Resort Category: Deluxe Resort

Our family has stayed at the Animal Kingdom Lodge twice over the years, and each time it did not disappoint. This top-tier resort is one of the best Walt Disney World has to offer. Having your morning coffee on the balcony while watching the giraffes pass by is truly breathtaking. You never know what you’re going to see when you look out your bedroom window – the animals are always moving and changing based on the time of day. It never disappoints, and you really do feel like you’ve been transported to the Serengeti.

The resort itself is great, but if you’re going to stay there, you definitely want a savannah-facing room. Half the fun is coming back to your room after a day at the parks and just relaxing while you watch the animals roam.

The rooms themselves are nice and the resort also has some great restaurant options. We’ve tried Sanaa and it was delicious – it also has great views of the savanna, although we went for dinner in January and it was dark already! The property also has viewing areas for the animals which are fun and educational, especially since they always have an animal expert stationed out there to talk and answer questions.  

Our family highly recommends this spot to anyone. The animals aren’t just for the kids – the grown ups love them too!

WDW Park Planners Tip:

The one “con” of this property is that it’s a bit farther away from most of the parks. It’s a short bus ride to Animal Kingdom which is convenient, but our family usually only spends one day at that park (maybe two now with Pandora). One of our family trips was split between the Animal Kingdom Lodge and the Beach Club, which was a great way to do it. A few nights at AKL was perfect, and then we resort hopped to a better location for the other WDW parks!