Which is Better for Adults Disneyland or Disney World?
Disney parks are a great vacation for everyone. While many view Disney vacations as a family or kid-focused trip, Disney for adults can be equally or more fun.
I grew up visiting Disneyland every few years. I have fond memories of the Disney “magic,” stuffing my face with junk food and collecting signatures from my favorite characters.
As an adult, I have visited both WDW and Disneyland with my boyfriend and adult family. These trips have been focused on thrill rides, great food, and cocktail sampling.
Either way, Disney is a must-take vacation for everyone.
While Disney-loving adults have be coined “Disney adults” in a not-so-loving connotation, people of all ages can enjoy the parks.
This guide to Disney for adults will explain how to visit Disneyland or Disney World without kids. Learn the best rides for adults, where to eat, where to stay and much more.
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Which is Better for Adults Disneyland or Disney World?
If you are planning a kids-free Disney vacation and wondering which park to visit, the short answer is both are great.
At Disneyland California, the best park for adults is California Adventure. It has larger thrill rides such as Guardians of the Galaxy Mission Breakout or the Incredicoaster.
There are also a ton of restaurants and quick-service stands that serve beer, wine, and cocktails.
At Walt Disney World Orlando, the best park for adults is EPCOT. EPCOT is famous for the world showcase, where you can eat and drink around the world.
While I just called out two of the best parks for adults, there are honestly rides, foods, and experiences in every Disney park that adults can enjoy.
So, if you are wondering if Disneyland or Disney World is better for adults, the answer is both!
General Tips for Disney for Adults
In general, adults in Disney prefer to avoid kids, seek bigger rides, and enjoy tasting new food and drinks. The below tips help adults achieve those things without losing any Disney magic.
1. Visit Disney When School is in Session: When kids are in school, they are not in the parks. Avoid visiting during school breaks, summer, or long weekends to have a (more) kid-free experience.
2. Stay in the Parks Late: Many families, especially with young kids, will return to their hotels around dinner time for bed. Use these late hours to your advantage to hit the rides with smaller crowds.
3. Use Single Rider Line: As an adult, you can use the single rider line to bypass the long standby line.
4. Extend your Trip: For a full vacation experience, extend your trip with non-Disney activities. This could be beach time, hitting a nearby city, or a complete east coast road trip.
5. Visit the Spa: The luxury of being kid-less on vacation means you can take advantage of relaxation but hitting the spa or adults only pool. There is nothing worse than returning to work and feeling like you already need another vacation because you forgot to relax.
Best Disney Parks for Adults
As mentioned above, Disney is a great trip for all ages. This is true for every Disney Park. However, if you are short on time, certain parks have more adult-focused rides and refreshments.
In Disneyland, California Adventure is great for adults because it has more rides and boozy beverages. Pixar Pier and Avengers campus are great areas for height-restricted rides that will get your adrenaline pumping.
DCA offers alcoholic beverages at many restaurants and food stands, allow for some adult libations throughout the day.
For decades, Disneyland was an alcohol-free park. Recently, Disneyland began serving alcohol in select locations, so be sure to check those out as well.
Check out my guide to Disneyland for a complete guide and itinerary for the parks.
In Walt Disney World, EPCOT is great for drinking around the world and Hollywood Studios is full of adventure rides. At EPCOT, you can take the famous challenge to “drink around the world” or simply sample food and beverages from different country pavilions.
At Hollywood Studios, find thrill rides that may scare younger kids, but are great for grown-ups.
Best Disney Rides for Adults
Adults can enjoy all rides in Disney, I sure do. However, some of the more elaborate, adrenaline-inducing rides can be appealing to adults.
If you have kids, their height or fears may keep you from riding the below rides. Take advantage of your adult-only Disney trip to catch some thrills.
As a general rule, any ride with a height limit will be more thrilling. The below rides are my favorite “adult rides” in each park.
Disneyland: Any of the “mountains”- Splash, Space, Big Thunder
California Adventure: Incredicoaster, Mission Breakout
Magic Kingdom Park: Any of the “mountains”- Splash, Space, Big Thunder
EPCOT: Soarin’ Around the World, Test Track
Animal Kingdom: Flight of Passage, Expedition Everest
Hollywood Studios: Rock’n Roller Coaster, Rise of the Resistance
Alcoholic Drinks in Disney for Adults
One of my favorite parts of Disney for adults is enjoying the boozy drinks in the parks. I will typically have an afternoon “happy hour” drink to cool off and a drink with meals. The below cocktails are my favorite in each Disney location.
Must- Try Cocktails in Walt Disney World
- Drinking “around the world” in EPCOT
- Spiked Blue Milk- Hollywood Studios, Milk Stand
- Martini Flight- Hollywood Studios, Hollywood Brown Derby
- Fuzzy Tauntaun- Hollywood Studios, Oga’s Cantina
- Spiked Dole Whip- Animal Kingdom, Tamu Tamu Refreshments
- Snow Leopard Salvation- Animal Kingdom, Nomad Lounge
Best Cocktails in Disneyland
- Hippopotomai-tai- Disneyland Hotel, Trader Sams
- Carthay Martini- California Adventure, Carthay Circle
- Frozen Margarita- California Adventure, Ritas
- Beer Flight- California Adventure, Bayside Brews
Eating in Disney as an Adult
One of the best perks of Disney for adults is being able to enjoy a meal or snacks without ansty kids. Make reservations at nicer restaurants to enjoy a fancy meal with grown-up company.
The below restaurants are some of my favorites for a special occasion or splurge.
Carthay Circle– Fancy American cuisine is a swanky environment. While a bit pricey, Carthay circle is one of the best table service restaurants in California Adventure.
Blue Bayou– Blue Bayou serves fantastic creole cuisine and has an unbeatable atmosphere. There is something special about enjoying a meal with the smells of pirates and chatter of guests on the attraction.
California Grill– This restaurant at the contemporary is often rated one of the best at Walt Disney World Resort. Stay late for a fantastic view of the fireworks.
Wine Bar George– While less expensive than others on this list, wine bar George is great for an adults-only meal with tasty wine and small bites in Disney springs.
Le Cellier– The best steak in WDW is at Le Cellier in epcot. Although a bit pricey, hit this spot for a special occasion without kids.
For more food recommendations, check out my guides to what to eat in Disney World, Disneyland, and California Adventure.
A Disney vacation is not complete without eating at least a few foods shaped like Mickey’s head.
Luxury Stays Near Disney
The below hotels are my favorites for a luxury adults trip to Disney. Since you aren’t paying for your kids to join, spend a bit more on yourself.
Plus, you don’t have to worry about your crazy kids messing up the nice room! (kidding, a bit)
Grand Floridian Resort– The Grand Floridian is the most classic luxury hotel on Disney World property. This resort is perfect for the quintessential Disney feel, within proximity to Magic Kingdom.
Polynesian Village Resort– The Polynesian village resort is my favorite deluxe resort in Disney World because of the location and fun theme. For the ultimate splurge experience, book one of their overwater bungalows.
Grand Californian Resort– At Disneyland, no hotel can top the Grand Californian. This luxury hotel is large, grand, and right next to both park’s entrances.
Adult Disney Packing List
You do not need to be a kid to dress up for Disney. I love pairing a simple dress or romper with mickey ears for a festive, but mature Disney look.
Another great Disney outfit for adults is a graphic t shirt with denim or leggings. The below items are some of my favorite things to wear to Disney as an adult. Find the links to shop in the caption.
For more outfit ideas, check out my guide to what to Wear to Disney world for each park or what to wear to Disneyland.
Summary of Visiting Disney as an Adult
Overall, visiting Disney as an adult can be as fun or more fun than visiting with kids. Spend time in any of the theme parks focusing on thrilling rides, tasty food, and cocktails.
Carve out personal time to relax by the pool, visit the spa or explore the surrounding area.
Related Posts:
- What to Wear to Disneyland in the Summer: Cute Outfit Ideas
- How To Visit Disney World In Two Days
- What To Wear To Disney World – Cute Outfit Ideas For Each Park
- What To Wear To Disney World In December: Winter Outfit Ideas
- Outfit Ideas For Disney World For Men – Complete Guide To What To Wear
- 10 Best Snacks At Disney World | All The Foods You Need To Try
- One Day EPCOT Itinerary & Guide To EPCOT Attractions And Food
- Hollywood Studios One Day Itinerary And Guide
- One Day In Magic Kingdom Itinerary And Guide
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