Walt Disney World for Adults

“Grownups without kids in tow are indeed a big part of our business,” says long-time Disney World spokesman, Rick Sylvain.

Those who do their homework will find many insider ideas fit for adults, while still being flexible enough to stop for a cold drink at a hot new bar.

“Planning and organizing are essential to a successful Walt Disney World vacation,” says Bob Sehlinger, author and executive publisher of The Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World. But, Sehlinger adds that too much planning can lead to a lack of spontaneity when it comes to hundreds of places to sleep, eat, drink, and be very Disney.

Here are eight A+ tips for doing Disney for adults:

1. Timing is Everything. Insider adults know to visit during the cooler months and to stay away during the peak periods of family vacationing—June, July, and August, around major holidays, and during spring break from late-February through April.

2. Sleep with Mickey and Minnie. “From an African game lodge to a seashore hotel to everything in between, our resort hotels with their rich themes can be truly transporting” says Sylvain. It’s not just Mickey Mouse propaganda—staying in a Walt Disney World resort has many advantages, including: complimentary baggage service and transportation from Orlando International; easy transportation access; and “Extra Magic Hours” in rotating parks. We’ve scored surprisingly cheap rooms at the convenient Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotel during off-peak times.

3. Skip the Line and Get Extra Park Hours. Standing in line too long may make even the most patient adult whine. I’m a huge fan and habitual user of Disney’s free FASTPASS system that lets those in-the-know avoid long waits at popular attractions. If the posted wait time for an attraction is too long for me (yes, there are lines at Disney), I use my park admission ticket to get a FASTPASS with an assigned return time for little or no waiting. I also find crowds are smaller during “Extra Magic Hours,” which provides free access to certain parks before and after normal operating hours. It’s only available to those who stay in Walt Disney World-designated resorts.

4. Go Fish or Go Fast. Many visitors don’t know that Walt Disney World offers world-class fishing. Guides tell me guests routinely catch bass weighing two to eight pounds. For those with a need for speed, the Disney’s outpost of the nationwide Richard Petty Driving Experience lets participants get behind the wheel of a NASCAR race car.

5. Fore! Walt Disney World is consistently ranked one of the world’s great golf destinations. Disney’s famed Osprey Ridge Golf Course was crafted by Tom Fazio, while Joe Lee designed a trio of layouts. Golfers sleeping with Mickey and Minnie get preferred tee times and free transportation.

6. Spa. Park hopping can be stressful at times and that’s why Walt Disney World features world-class spas for a bit of Disney decadence. Senses—A Disney Spa at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort recently reopened after major enhancements. The Mandara Spa at the Dolphin radiates Balinese tranquility and eastern-leaning treatments. My wife and I love spa offerings we can enjoy together, including the blissful 75-minute “Couples Escape” ($375) that includes a back sugar scrub and our choice of massages.

7. Green Thumbs Galore. All of Walt Disney World’s flowers and gardens are colorful, but Epcot especially comes alive from March to mid-May every year. That’s when the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival takes place, including interactive gardening seminars, demonstrations, a butterfly garden, and Disney character topiaries.

8. Eat, Drink, and Be Very Disney. Having eaten dozens of Disney meals (see “Eat”), I know there’s so much more than “Happy Meals” on the menu. Those of a certain age can also enjoy adult beverages at hotspots like: The Wave at Contemporary Resort (where all wines are in screwtop bottles and organic beers are big); dance-crazy Rix Lounge; tiny La Cava del Tequila, with more than 100 tequilas and a tapas-style menu; and Irish-everything at Raglan Road Irish Pub & Restaurant. Plus, adults say cheers to more than a dozen very Disney tours that make them feel like friends of rock stars with backstage passes. Unofficial Guide’s Sehlinger says the behind-the-scenes “Backstage Magic” tour (only for ages 16 and up; $229 per person) doesn’t require park admission, lasts seven hours, includes lunch, and provides an insider’s look at creating Disney’s magic for kids—and kids at heart.

If you go

Sleep

Top choices for adults include: Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa (from $460); Animal Kingdom Lodge (from $265); and the hip Michael Graves-designed Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotel (from $179).

Eat

Adults staying at or visiting Animal Kingdom Lodge will want to enjoy Africa-inspired cuisine (and South African wines) at Jiko—The Cooking Place (entrées from $28). Other eating options where kids are few include: brand-new Monsieur Paul Restaurant (son Jerome’s homage to his legendary father, Paul; oh-so-French entrees from $38); Todd English’s seafood-driven bluezoo in the Dolphin (entrees from $29); Grand Floridian Resort & Spa’s Victoria & Albert’s ($135 for the renowned multi-course menu), and the six-course “Chef’s Tasting Wine Dinner” at Flying Fish Café at Disney’s BoardWalk ($149).

Shop

Tren-D carries chic sundresses, handbags, and more with oh-so-subtle Disney designs. Hoypoloi features fine art and jewelry pieces. There are also adults-only temptations at Sosa Family Cigars and the huge Orlando Harley-Davidson Store. Veteran Disney shoppers know to delay their spending sprees until later in the day to save schlepping hassles—and that certain merchandise even can be delivered directly to their Disney resort free of charge.

Visitor Info

Walt Disney World, P.O. Box 10400, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830-0400. 407-939-7675, www.disneyworld.com