The Ultimate Disney World Bucket List for Adults

Disney without kids? Yes, and it’s awesome. From amazing cocktails to fine dining to behind-the-scenes experiences, here are the must-dos for the 21+ crowd.

By: Deanne Revel

Related To:

Shop This Look

Photo By: Walt Disney World

Photo By: The Void

Photo By: Walt Disney World

Photo By: The Four Seasons Orlando

Photo By: Walt Disney World

Attend Epcot's Famous Festivals

Epcot has long been touted as the best park for adults because you can drink around the world at the World Showcase. For more magic, plan your visit during one of Epcot’s annual festivals. The Epcot International Food and Wine Festival features dozens of extra countries and cuisine in addition to the park’s 11 permanent country pavilions. Other can’t-miss events include the Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival that features Disney character topiaries and the Epcot International Festival of the Arts that features DIY workshops with Disney artists and designers.

Enter The Void

If the animatronic boat rides aren’t doing it for you, head to The Void at Disney Springs. But be warned: it is not for the faint of heart. The "hyper-reality experience" is totally immersive with interactive sets, incredibly-real virtual reality technology and sensory features such as heat you can actually feel. In the current experience "Star Wars: Secrets of the Empire," you have to work together with your team to find Imperial information for the Rebels. Outfitted with headsets and weighted vests that sync to the action, you’ll forget you’re in a story because it feels so real.

Have Drinks at Jock Lindsey's Hangar Bar

Indiana Jones fans will appreciate the details at Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar. Step into a 1940s airplane hangar stuffed with rustic decor, airplane parts and "the spoils of Jock’s many expeditions." Diehard fans will enjoy the movie puns and references throughout the menu such as the "Wrong Island!" cocktail or the Sankara Stones (cheese curds).

Enjoy an Adults-Only Oasis

The Four Seasons Orlando is perfect if you want the convenience of staying close to the parks but want to splurge on a luxury room. Tucked away in a quiet, part of Walt Disney World Resort, the FS Orlando has panoramic views of Epcot, Hollywood Studios and Magic Kingdom. And, yes, you can see the fireworks from each park at night. As the resort is on Disney property, guests can enjoy the same extra magic hours in the parks as those staying at Disney hotels. Plus, the resort features the only adults-only pool on Disney property. That’s the real magic.

Savor Fine Dining

It’s not just Mickey waffles and turkey legs. Walt Disney World has tons of fine dining options, from the upscale restaurants at Epcot to authentic African cuisine at Animal Kingdom to the elegant Victoria and Albert’s at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort. But one of the best, worth-every-penny dinners at Disney is Morimoto Asia. Created by "Iron Chef America" star Chef Masaharu Morimoto, the Pan-Asian restaurant features authentic yet creative offerings from sushi to dim sum to Peking duck. Yes, you want a carafe of the sake sangria for the table. And if you’re not drinking, the lychee spritzer is quite tasty.

Discover Bourbon at Disney Springs

If you love bourbon, Disney Springs is the place to be this Spring. The Discover Bourbon event is like a bourbon trail throughout the resort where you can try 18 unique bourbon cocktail and food pairings at popular restaurants and stores. Signature drinks include an Instagram-worthy sangria with peach liqueur at Paddlefish and a bourbon mojito at Bongos Cuban Cafe. Beat the Florida heat with a strawberry sour slushie at YeSake.

Sample African Culture

Perhaps the most magical of all the Disney World hotels, the Animal Kingdom Lodge is worth a visit even if you can’t stay overnight. The resort sits on a 43-acre wildlife savanna with more than 30 different species of animals and indigenous African plants. Many guest rooms have porches overlooking the preserve and the sights are incredibly close. You just might wake up to a giraffe outside your window. The resort also houses one of the largest collections of African art in the world, from ceremonial masks to traditional textiles. You can also eat your way through Africa at the resort restaurants, from a buffet inspired by an African market at Boma to a South African wine tasting at Jiko.

Go Behind the Scenes

Want to see how the magic happens? Disney World offers several behind the scenes experiences for every adventure level. For the active traveler, you can venture out into the wild at Animal Kingdom on a guided expedition for an even closer look at the park’s wildlife. Or go off-roading on a Segway at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Lodge. For foodies, take the Behind the Seeds tour at Epcot’s The Land to see how Disney farmers create Mickey-shaped produce. And history buffs will love the Keys to the Kingdom Tour. This five-hour walking tour goes behind the design of the Magic Kingdom and includes tons of little-known Disney trivia.

Have Drinks at Trader Sam's Grog Grotto

If you love tiki bars, you’ll love Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto. The family-friendly tropical lounge at Disney’s Polynesian Resort becomes an adults-only tiki bar at 8 p.m. You can’t go wrong with any of the 16 signature cocktails, but order with care as certain drinks trigger magic from performances by bartenders to the bar’s interactive decor. If you order the Krakatoa Punch, the skies darken inside and volcanoes erupt.

Geek Out on Star Wars

A Star Wars land is coming to Hollywood Studios in 2019, but there’s plenty to geek out on in the park now. Star Wars Launch Bay features exhibits with original costumes, props and concept art from Lucasfilm as well as a photo op with Chewbacca. No visit to Hollywood Studios is complete without riding Star Tours. Diehard fans can party the night away at the annual "Star Wars: Galactic Nights" for even more character encounters, film panels and galactic-inspired gourmet treats.

Have Drinks at The Edison

Love industrial style? The Edison, one of the newest 21+ editions at Disney Springs, is designed to look like a 1920s electric company with gothic-style decor and cabaret acts, including a contortionist and aerialist. Each visit is different since the giant bar contains several themed areas such as The Ember Parlor or The Tesla Lounge.

Shows

Hosts

Trending

Top Videos

Digital Exclusives

From Our Shows

Trending

Top Domestic

Top International

Trending

Explore By Region

Trending

Top Interests

By Trip

By Traveler

Travel Tips

Trending

The Ultimate Disney World Bucket List for Adults

Related To:

Shop This Look

Attend Epcot's Famous Festivals

Enter The Void

Have Drinks at Jock Lindsey's Hangar Bar

Enjoy an Adults-Only Oasis

Savor Fine Dining

Discover Bourbon at Disney Springs

Sample African Culture

Go Behind the Scenes

Have Drinks at Trader Sam's Grog Grotto

Geek Out on Star Wars

Have Drinks at The Edison

We Recommend

Disney for Adults

Strategic Tips for Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom

10 Best New Restaurants at Walt Disney World 10 Photos

Disney World Magic Guide Review

10 Millennial Pink Treats at Walt Disney World 10 Photos

What to Do at Walt Disney World During the Holidays 10 Photos

More From Travel