What is the Best Disney World Park for Adults? Here’s the Ultimate Guide to the Perfect Grown-Up Experience!
Question of the week: How to choose the Best Disney World Park for adults?
Is there even such a thing as Disney for adults?
It surprises me how so many of us still believe that Disney theme parks are only for kids.
Thank god it isn’t true! *insert nervous laughter*
Being grown up doesn’t mean you have to stop having fun!
Imagine not being able to ride on Disney attractions, explore its adventurous parks, and marvel at its spectacular fireworks.
Even thinking about it hurts me just a bit.
I have spenta good chunk of my life in Orlando, Florida.Disney is like my very own playground, which I have frequented oh so often.
It makes up many of my happiest memories.
Although many of us may be older now,our love for Disney (for adults or not) has not diminished even a bit.
Since you are looking for the best Disney park for adults, you too are willing to take a chance and experience the magic as someone who’s 18+.
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To help you plan the best adult Disney trip, I have listed below all Walt Disney World parks in descending order (lowest adult-friendly to most adult-friendly).
- #4 Hollywood Studios
- #3 Magic Kingdom
- #2 Animal Kingdom
- #1 Epcot
As you can see, Epcot is the BEST Disney World park for adults, but I will discuss the ins-and-outs of visiting these Disney Parks. So, let’s dive in!
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#4 Hollywood Studios
Limited rides, great shows, galactic character lineup, and a decent dining scene. IsHollywood Studiosworth a trip? Let’s find out.
A Disney Adult’s Take on Hollywood Studios Rides
Withlimited rides,this Orlando Disney park ismore geared towards kids and tweens.
A string of cartoony rides likeMickey & Minnie’s Runaway RailwayandAlien Swirling SaucersmakesDisney Hollywood Studiosa little less interesting for adults.
As a stand-alone, the park does pretty well for itself as an attraction for grown-ups. There are rides likeStar Wars: Rise of the Resistance,Tower of TerrorandRock ‘N’ Roller Coaster(changing soon) that aregreat for adults.
However, when compared to other Walt Disney World (WDW) parks,Hollywood Studiosdoes not boast the best assortment ofDisney World rides for adults.
But what about the newHollywood Studios Star Wars Land?Yes, but that’s the closest you’ll come to a truly adult thrill at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
SO, SHOULD YOU JUST STRIKE DISNEY’S HOLLYWOOD STUDIOS OFF YOUR ADULT DISNEY TRIP CHECKLIST?Nope.
A Disney Adult’s Take on Daytime Entertainment and Shows at Hollywood Studios
Hollywood Studios entertainment makes up for itslimited rideswitha lineup of shows.
There are somefantastic stage performanceslikeBeauty and the Beast Live on Stageand theIndiana Jones Stunt Spectacular.
Many like to skip theFrozen Sing-Along, believing it to be too childish for an adult.
But I recommend you watch this show. You will be surprised by thenumber of grown-up jokesand references it has.
Of all the entertaining shows inHollywood Studios, the only one I’ll a complete no-go for grown ups is the Dance Party.
However, if you are on a clock, you could alsoskip Mickey Shorts Theater show.
WATCH:13 Beginner Tips for Going to Disney World This Year!
A Disney Adult’s Take on Nighttime Shows at Hollywood Studios
If you have the option, you muststay past the sundownto checkout the fan-favorite show,Fantasmic!
A Disney Adult’s Take on Dining and Drinking Scene at Hollywood Studios
Hollywood Studios diningscene boasts a cool restaurant called Sci-Fi that you must check out.
Apart from theHollywood Brown Derbyor theSci-Fi Dine-in Theater,none of theHollywood Studios restaurantscould rival those dotting parks likeEpcot and Animal Kingdom.
Thequick-service eaterieshere servea range of street-side nibbles. You will find pizzas, burgers, and Mexican, which all taste pretty good. But that’s about it.
For quick bites, the dining options includeDocking Bay 7 Food & CargoinsideStar Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.
Wind up your trip with delicious margaritas, martini flights, old wines, or chilled beer atHollywood Brown Derby Lounge.
Don’t forget to check out some of thestrongest drinks in the galaxy at Oga’s Cantina.
Final Verdict – Is Hollywood Studios Worth It for Adults?
Hollywood Studios is a big no-no if this is your firstDisney trip as an adult,you are ride-enthusiast, or a gourmet excited to sample Disney foods.
However, if the idea is to spend a laid-back trip in Florida with kids in a Disney park thatbalances adult-kid attractions, then Disney’s Hollywood Studios may just be the park for you.
It’sshows and nighttime attractionsare perfect for the holiday-makers who have just 1 day to enjoy a bit of Disney.
Read Next:Your Best Hollywood Studios Itinerary for One-Day (Complete Guide to Doing the Park in Only ONE DAY)
#3 Magic Kingdom
I love theMagic Kingdomand undoubtedly, it is one of thebest amusement parks in the world.
But is it best for grown-ups? Let’s find out.
A Disney Adult’s Take on Magic Kingdom Rides
The park is magical withmore than double the rides in Hollywood Studios.But it stilldoesn’t flaunt the most thrilling roller coastersin the Disney universe.
Also, because of the immersive animation-like experience – with characters, cast, and the iconic Cinderella Castle – it is often written off as being for kids.
Still,there are a few coasters that are worth ridingin the park.
You will findSpace Mountain,Big Thunder Mountain Railroad,andSeven Dwarfs Mine Trainsto be quite hair-raising even for a grownup. Skip the short Barnstormer coaster.
There are also the classic Disney rides; must-seeattractions in Magic Kingdomfor all guests. These rides include:
- “it’s a small world”
- Haunted Mansion
- Jungle Cruise
- Pirates of the Caribbean
- BIG Thunder Mountain Railroad
- Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover
- Walt Disney World Railroad
- Tron Lightcycle Run
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A Disney Adult’s Take on Daytime Entertainment and Shows at the Magic Kingdom
The Magic Kingdomnon-ride attractions include aerial carousels, dance parties, and shows likeMany Adventures of Winnie the Pooh,Peter Pan’s Flight,and more.
They’re strongly geared toward children. Indoor animatronic shows such asHall of Presidents andCarousel of Progressare worth a watch, but also skippable.
TheMagic Kingdom showsI’d highly recommend my fellow grown-ups to watch are Festival of Fantasy Parade and Disney Happily Ever After Fireworks (once they return to the park).
Worried about meeting theDisney characters on your trip?Don’t be!
The professional Cast Members makes even an awkward adult-to-adult encounter fun. But toparticipate in meet-n-greetor not is your choice.
A Disney Adult’s Take on Nighttime Shows at the Magic Kingdom
The Magic Kingdommay be third in the overall list, but it definitelyexcels at nighttime shows. Several of thebest nighttime shows at Disney Worldare in this park.
BIG Thunder Mountain Railroadbecomes wilder and Jungle Cruise gets a bit creepier and adventurous past sundown.
Of course, taking the spotlight is theDisney Happily Ever After fireworks show(which you CANNOT miss when it comes back).
A Disney Adult’s Take on Dining and Drinking Scene at the Magic Kingdom
The Magic Kingdom diningscene boasts tons of snacks, limited-time dishes, and inviting restaurants with a view of firework or parade.
Perhaps, thedrinking scene of the park is lacking. You can only get alcoholic beverages inside thetable service restaurantsor in the bars at theresorts near the Magic Kingdom.
Final Verdict – Is Magic Kingdom Worth It for Adults?
Despite ranking 3rd,Magic Kingdom is worth visiting.It may be written off as childish by many, but it has the true,nostalgic essence of Disney.
Will you like it as an adult or not? You wouldn’t know unless you set foot in its fantasy world.
Read NEXT:Magic Kingdom for Adults the Complete Guide
#2 Animal Kingdom
The Animal Kingdomis the newest addition to the Walt Disney World theme park lineup and yet it ranks second in the list.
It is a pleasant mix of a lively zoo and anexciting amusement park.Read on to know more about it.
A Disney Adult’s Take on Animal Kingdom Rides
Disney’s Animal Kingdom may be running low on the ride count, buteach one of these rides is worth it for grown-ups.
Overall, the carefree and chill vibe of the park just takes your mind off the Disney-kid dilemma.
You are likely toenjoy every moment in the parkwithout a second of self-consciousness.
Thebest rides at Animal Kingdomare theAvatar Flight of Passage,Kilimanjaro Safari,DINOSAUR(closing soon) andExpedition Everest.
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A Disney Adult’s Take on Daytime Entertainment and Shows
Disney Animal Kingdomalso compensates for the limited rides by offering bulk of enjoyment with its in-between entertainment that sprawl across7 themed areas.
There areinteresting stage showslikeFestival of the Lion King and Finding Nemo: The Musical.
You will also findentertaininginteractive spaceslike Bollywood Beat dance, Kora Tinga Tinga, andTam Tam Drummers of Harambe.
The Animal Kingdom also boaststons of non-ride attractionslikeGorilla Falls Exploration, Maharajah Jungle Trek, The Oasis Exhibits,Rafiki’s Planet Watchand more.
To put it simply, there is no end to the fun here.
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A Disney Adult’s Take on Nighttime Shows
Animal Kingdomrecently got a nighttime makeover and it is splendid. The show adds a mystic charm to the entire park when it gets washed in the majestic lights.
Among all its post-sunset attractions,the best onesare Pandora at Nightand Tree of Life. Making it one of the best Disney World parks for adults.
Kilimanjaro Safariis an exception. It is best enjoyed just before the sun begins to go down so you could get gorgeous views of the sunset.
A Disney Adult’s Take on Dining and Drinking Scene
Animal Kingdom diningscene is diverse at best. Foodies with a knack to tryavariety of cuisineswill find their haven in Asia and Africa.
Those who crave home-style flavors will be pleased with themenu selections in America.
Perhaps, thefreedom to get and enjoy alcoholic beveragesis winning here. You can getrum-filled refreshmentsat Tamu-Tamu.
Vegans,vegetarians, and those withallergieswill find meals of their preference at the Smiling Crocodile and Terra Treats.
Final Verdict – Is Animal Kingdom Worth It?
YES! Without a question, it is 🙂
Read NEXT:Disney Animal Kingdom for Adults: The Definitive Guide for Your Trip
#1 Epcot
If there’s a tailor-made Disney park of grown-ups, it is Epcot. Learn what makesEpcot the best Disney World park for adultsbelow.
An Adult’s Take on Epcot Rides
There’s a slew ofEpcot ridesappealing to grown-ups. They have a more mature collection compared to rides in any otherOrlando Disney park.
The crème a la crème in the list ofbest ridesis the massive, indoor hang glider simulator calledSoarin’ Around the World.
It lifts you in the air and rotates in front of a 180-degree, 80-ft concave screen, above famous monuments around the globe.
Other similarscream-inducing ridesincludeMission Space,Spaceship Earth,andTest Track.
A Disney Adult’s Take on Daytime Entertainment and Shows
Outside of rides,Epcot entertainmententails attention-grabbing animatronic stage show like the American Adventure, a saltwater aquarium, screening of World’s Showcase’s films in360-degree Circle-Vision,and lots more.
These are shows rank high in terms of quality, creativity, as well as representation. Thus, making Epcot thebest Disney World park for adults.
A Disney Adult’s Take on Nighttime Shows
Epcot nighttime show is all about fireworks, music, colorful spectacles, and lasers.
It is a magical Disney fireworks show that you must watch.
Hipster Power Tip: Get a reservation at the Spice Road Table restaurant in the Morocco Pavilion for a great view of the show and great food and drinks.
A Disney Adult’s Take on Dining and Drinking Scene
In Epcot, you can goDrinking Around the Worldand samplingworld cuisinesin specialty restaurants likeTakumi Tei,Space 220,Chefs de France, andTutto Gusto Wine Cellar.
You’ll love it here becauseit’s a foodie’s paradise.
WATCH NEXT:Best Restaurants at EPCOT You MUST Visit on Your Disney Vacation!
Final Verdict – Is Epcot Worth It?
Are you still going to ask this question? YESSS.
Read NEXT:Your Passport to Drinking Around the World in EPCOT (Definitive Guide)
What to Know for Your Adult Trip to Disney World
Before we end this guide, let’s go through a few frequently asked questions.
Can I explore two Disney parks at a time?
You can now experience thePark Hopper options at Walt Disney World.So, you should be able tosqueeze Animal Kingdom and Hollywood Studios in one day.
How long will it to see all of Walt Disney World?
I recommendplanning to spend at least 5 days at Disney.However, if you’re short on time, you can learnhow to do Walt Disney World in just 3 days here!
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Let’s Wrap It Up!
Phew! So, that was a detailed guide to finding thebest Disney World park for adults.
Whether you are 20 or 60+, a vacationer,or a roller coaster enthusiast, this guide should help you plan the rightadult Disney trip.
Have fun, take lots of photos, and don’t forget to do something impulsive (like taking a childish ride and revive childhood memories).
What’s your favorite adult thing to do at Disney? Let me know in the comments section below!
Until next time, Happy Park Hopping Hipsters!
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(Original Article Date: September 17, 2020/Updated on July 7, 2025)
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