Grown-Up Fun in the Walt Disney World Parks

Disney World isn’t just for kids – it’s also the ultimate playground for grown-ups! From behind-the-scenes tours and thrilling rides to fine dining and unforgettable entertainment, the parks are packed with experiences perfect for adults. Whether you’re celebrating something special or just craving a fun and carefree escape, an adults-only Disney trip is a great way to reconnect, relax, and create magical memories – all with a little dose of pixie dust! Here’s a look at some of the best grown-up fun inside the Disney World theme parks.

Wine and Dine at EPCOT

It’s no secret that EPCOT’s World Showcase feels like it was designed with adults in mind. And with 11 beautifully themed pavilions representing different countries, you could easily spend an entire afternoon or evening here, sipping and snacking your way around the world.

Whether it’s a glass of wine in France, a classic margarita in Mexico, a pint of beer in Germany, or sake in Japan, each pavilion offers unique beverages to try. World Showcase also delivers in a big way for all the foodies! From sweet, custard-filled School Bread at Norway’s Kringla Bakeri Og Kafe and assorted caramel-covered desserts at Germany’s Karamell-Kuche to savory Chinese dishes at Lotus Blossum Cafe and barbecue favorites smoked to perfection at the Regal Eagle Smokehouse, there is no shortage of tasting opportunities at every turn. While you snack, or in between bites, do some souvenir shopping or catch one of the many live performances scattered throughout the pavilions.

For a more elevated experience, consider making a reservation at one of the park’s table-service restaurants. Some standout picks for a sophisticated meal include Le Cellier Steakhouse in Canada, Takumi-Tei in Japan, or Chefs de France, where you can enjoy a delicious French meal in a charming setting amidst the World Showcase promenade. Pair your dinner with an evening stroll and the fireworks show afterwards, and you’ve got the perfect date night or friends’ night out!

Fireworks Dining Packages at EPCOT

Rose & Crown Dining Room is a lovely restaurant tucked into the United Kingdom Pavilion at EPCOT’s World Showcase. It’s easy to stroll right past, but if you’re looking for a relaxing dinner with a view, it’s absolutely worth a reservation. This authentic British pub serves hearty favorites like fish and chips, bangers and mash, and sticky toffee pudding, and also offers a fireworks dining package. With the dining package, you’ll enjoy a full three-course meal that includes one appetizer, one entrée, and one dessert per person, along with unlimited beverages (including alcohol for guests 21 and older). Best of all, you’re guaranteed a patio seat with prime views of the “Luminous Symphony of Us” fireworks display over World Showcase Lagoon.

Another great option is Spice Road Table, located in the Morocco Pavilion. This World Showcase restaurant also offers a fireworks dining package and a menu featuring Mediterranean-inspired cuisine. This incredible waterfront spot serves shareable portions of Mediterranean favorites like spiced lamb kefta, spicy shrimp, and hummus fries. With the dining package, you’ll enjoy two small plates, a shared tagine, a dessert platter, and unlimited beverages (including alcohol for guests 21 and older). Spice Road Table is a great choice for adults looking to dine and take in the fireworks in style.

Theme Park Lounges

With so much incredible storytelling and detail created by Disney Imagineers, it’s worth taking time to slow down and soak it all in – and the lounges inside Disney World’s theme parks make that easy to do. These inviting spots are perfect for adults looking to relax with a drink or some appetizers, enjoy immersive theming, and take a well-earned break from the hustle and bustle.

It’s easy to walk right past Nomad Lounge – but trust me, this hidden gem at Disney’s Animal Kingdom is one you won’t want to miss. Tucked beside Tiffins Restaurant on Discovery Island, Nomad Lounge is a favorite for many parkgoers, and for very good reason! This peaceful spot celebrates the spirit of travel and adventure, offering cozy indoor seating and a shaded outdoor patio with lovely views of the river. The menu features delicious small plates, as well as alcoholic and non-alcoholic refreshments. Nomad Lounge is truly an oasis that allows you to relax and recharge without ever having to leave the park!

Over at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Oga’s Cantina is a must-do for any Star Wars fan. This vibrant and upbeat bar inside Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge serves a creative lineup of expertly themed alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, like the Jedi Mind Trick, Carbon Freeze, and Fuzzy Tauntaun. Guests can also expect live DJ entertainment daily, thanks to DJ R-3X, a quirky former Starspeeder 3000 pilot. It’s a fun, energetic atmosphere that even non–Star Wars fans will enjoy!

At EPCOT, Space 220 Lounge is an out-of-this-world experience from the moment you arrive. Your visit begins with a simulated journey 220 miles above Earth, where you’ll dock at the Centauri Space Station and step into a sleek, futuristic dining area with sweeping views of Earth from orbit. The lounge offers a menu of cleverly themed drinks and light bites, including Starry Calamari, Blue Moon Cauliflower, and the Black Hole Fashioned. If you prefer a full meal, you’ll also have the option to order from the restaurant’s prix fixe menu.

Other lounges inside the parks worth adding to your itinerary include:

• Dawa Bar (Animal Kingdom): This outdoor bar, near Kilimanjaro Safaris, serves South African wines, African beers, and specialty cocktails. Relax with a drink while enjoying live music and entertainment, available throughout the day.
• La Cava del Tequila (EPCOT – Mexico Pavilion): This cozy, tucked-away spot is beloved for its extensive tequila selection. There are over 200 varieties of tequila to sample, as well as Mexican beer and wine. For a private tasting led by a certified Tequila Ambassador, consider booking the La Cava Experience.
• Rose & Crown Pub (EPCOT – UK Pavilion): Have a pint of your favorite ale, lager, or stout at this traditional British pub.
• Spice Road Table Bar (EPCOT – Morocco Pavilion): This relaxing spot offers Mediterranean-inspired snacks and drinks with scenic views of World Showcase Lagoon.
• Tutto Gusto Wine Cellar (EPCOT – Italy Pavilion): This intimate Italian wine bar features a wide selection of wines and classic Italian small plates.
• BaseLine Tap House (Hollywood Studios): This laid-back bar features California craft beers and wines and small bites, great for a quick break from the thrill rides.
• The Hollywood Brown Derby Lounge (Hollywood Studios): Enjoy a classic cocktail or a glass of wine while relaxing at this elegant outdoor area adjacent to its namesake restaurant. An extensive menu of appetizers and entrées is also available, including the famous Cobb salad.
• Tune-In Lounge (Hollywood Studios): Connected to 50’s Prime Time Café, enjoy watching clips of popular 50’s sitcoms at this retro lounge while sipping on wine, beer, or a specialty cocktail.

Disney World recently upped its lounge game with the introduction of the brand new GEO-82 inside EPCOT’s Spaceship Earth. This ultramodern spot, exclusively for guests 21 and older, serves a selection of specialty cocktails, beer, wine, and appetizers. A separate GEO-82 Fireworks Experience is also available, featuring champagne, small bites, desserts, and prime views of Luminous The Symphony of Us.

And there’s more magic on the horizon! Magic Kingdom will also soon be welcoming its first lounge, The Beak & Barrel. This new venue in Adventureland will feature Pirates of the Caribbean theming and is sure to become an incredibly popular spot!

Behind-the-Scenes Tours

For an insider’s look at the magic, consider booking one of the guided park tours from the Enchanting Extras Collection. They are a fantastic way to experience Disney World from a whole new perspective while getting exclusive access to the Disney magic you already know and love, plus plenty of behind-the-scenes surprises. They are perfect for adults looking for a slower pace on their Disney vacation, great insider knowledge, and one-of-a-kind memories that go beyond the attractions.

One of these standout experiences is the Wild Africa Trek at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. If you’ve ever dreamed of channeling your inner explorer and braving the wilds of the jungle, this is the tour for you! During this privately guided 3-hour journey, you’ll cross a rope bridge over crocodile-filled rivers, get up close and personal with some amazing wildlife, and enjoy delicious African-inspired snacks with stunning views of the savanna. A photographer is also on hand the entire time, documenting your adventures. At the end of the tour, you’ll receive all of the photos as a complimentary keepsake.

At Magic Kingdom, the Keys to the Kingdom Tour is a must for any Disney history buff. On this 5-hour walking tour, you’ll get an in-depth look at Walt Disney’s vision and the planning that brought the park to life. Along the way, you’ll hear fascinating stories about the park’s classic attractions, learn lots of new fun facts and trivia, and even get an exclusive peek inside the legendary Utilidors, the park’s underground tunnels. Lunch and a special souvenir keepsake are also included, making it a truly memorable experience.

For something a little shorter but still fascinating, check out Behind the Seeds at EPCOT. This one-hour tour takes you inside the greenhouses and fish farm at The Land Pavilion, where you’ll learn about hydroponics, aquaponics, and Disney’s innovative agriculture techniques. This backstage tour is as fun as it is informative!

Other park tours include:

• EPCOT Seas Adventure – DiveQuest: A scuba diving experience inside the saltwater aquarium at The Seas With Nemo & Friends Pavilion.
• Savor the Savanna: A private afternoon tour of the Harambe Wildlife Reserve at Animal Kingdom Park
• Caring for Giants: An up-close look at Animal Kingdom’s African elephant herd while learning about their care and Disney’s efforts to protect elephant populations worldwide.
• Up Close with Rhinos: A behind-the-scenes experience where you’ll meet the white rhinos of Animal Kingdom and discover what goes into their daily care.
• Starlight Safari: A private nighttime safari on the savannas of Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge.
• VIP Tours: A personalized, guided experience with a dedicated Cast Member that includes private transportation, priority access to attractions, and the flexibility to explore multiple parks in one day.

There’s a guided tour to match every interest, and they are a great way to create incredible new park memories!

After Hours Events

Disney After Hours events are ideal for adults looking to enjoy the theme parks with fewer crowds and shorter attraction wait times. The vibe is a little more relaxed and less chaotic without the daytime bustle of families and strollers. Plus, there’s something uniquely magical about riding attractions after dark, under the stars. These separately ticketed events take place on select nights at select parks after regular closing time. During this limited-capacity event, you’ll enjoy the dreamy ambiance of the parks at night, along with complimentary snacks like popcorn and Mickey ice cream bars, special character appearances, and shorter attraction wait times. If an After Hours event lines up with your trip, it’s definitely worth considering for a special evening in the parks!

Magic Kingdom Dessert Parties

For a truly sweet way to cap off your Magic Kingdom day, consider booking one of the Fireworks Dessert Parties. These specially ticketed experiences combine breathtaking views of the Happily Ever After fireworks show with a delicious spread of desserts and drinks, including a selection of beer and wine for guests 21 and up.

There are three party options to choose from, depending on the view and setup you prefer. At the Seats & Sweets party, you’ll enjoy your desserts while watching the fireworks from a reserved table on the Tomorrowland Terrace patio. The Pre-Party and Post-Party options include a reserved standing area in the Plaza Garden for fireworks viewing, with your desserts and drinks served either before or after the show in a designated section of Tomorrowland Terrace.

No matter which experience you choose, you won’t need to camp out for a viewing spot on Main Street, and you’ll enjoy a more relaxed (and far less crowded) way to take in the nighttime spectacular. If you’re looking to elevate your evening with a little extra pixie dust, this is one of the most magical ways to do it!

As you can see, Disney World’s theme parks are bursting with unforgettable experiences that go far beyond the kid-focused fun they’re known for. From behind-the-scenes tours and late-night events to immersive lounges and indulgent extras, there’s no shortage of ways to explore and enjoy the parks as an adult.

If you’re looking to add even more magic to your stay, don’t miss my companion post all about grown-up activities at the Disney World resorts – because the fun doesn’t stop when you leave the parks!