Think about DisneyWorld and you might conjure up images of kids squealing on rides. Squeals of happiness, but squeals nonetheless. So whether you can escape for a couple of hours, or even a few days without the kids, DisneyWorld has some great things to do that are best experienced, more serenely, kid-free. There are definite benefits to not having to stop to wipe noses, break up sibling fights and schedule those unscheduled washroom breaks (‘We’re at the front of the line!’). And just think of it – strolling the parks without having to worry whether Junior’s Pull Up can possible take one more spin on the Mad Hatter tea cups. So whether you’re traveling entirely without children and looking for some adult alone time while you’re in Orlando with them, here are our top five picks for adult fun that don’t require buckling in and bickering out:
1) Downtown Disney’s West Side boasts world-class restaurants, a 24-screen AMC Pleasure Island movie theater (which has new concessions, complete with full bar), and boutique shopping. In addition, you can also see the Cirque du Soleil La Nouba live entertainment show. Pleasure Island lights up a night with an Irish pub, as well as nightclubs and restaurants geared for the over 21 crowd. “Personally, I love the table service options at DTD, like Raglan Road, Fultons, House of Blues, Wolfgang Pucks…” says Suzannah Di Marzio, blogger at www.zannaland.com and a member of the Walt Disney World Moms Panel, who has visited Downtown Disney hundreds of times.
2) Epcot Restaurants: There are exceptional culinary offerings from around the world at Epcot, but you don’t need to have a formal sit down meal to enjoy some terrific adult alone time. Grabbing a pastry from the authentic patisserie, some wine from Vin de Franc, and a seat by the water and enjoying your own “La Belle Epoque”, is the perfect way to unwind after a day of rides and wrangling kids.
3) Disney’s Keys to the Kingdom Tour: This 4+hour tour is open ONLY to those 16 years and older, and will take guests through a walking history of the Magic Kingdom. The biggest highlight is the opportunity to go below into the “Utilidors” service tunnels. The “above ground” Magic Kingdom is actually the second story, as the underground allows Cast Members to receive deliveries, transport garbage, even change into a character outfit or two. The stories about Walt Disney and the true innovations he made are inspiring. And told in grown up words.
4) Lazy River at Typhoon Lagoon: While the word “typhoon” doesn’t conjure up a relaxing atmosphere, on a sunny day you can expect the tubes on the Lazy River to be just as filled with adults as with children, as you slowly wend your way down a relaxing stream of water…before heading for the pool bar, of course. What’s that noise? Ahhhh.
5) Disney Dream Skyline Lounge: "Disney Cruise Line has something for everyone -- with or without kids", says Marlie Morrison, Managing Director, Marketing and Sales, Disney Parks (Canada). With the launch of Disney’s largest ship, the Disney Dream (which will sail from Port Canaveral, about an hour from DisneyWorld), adults have been kept as firmly in mind as the children. Located in The District (an adult only portion of the ship), the Skyline Lounge features a changing cityscape skyline of some of the world’s most famous cities, which move from day to night in real time. Did I mention it’s a lounge? Feel free to let out a squeal of your own.