There’s no such thing as being too old for Disney. After all, Walt Disney himself once said, “Adults are only kids grown up, anyway.”
For young adults in particular, there is no shortage of incredible experiences both in and out of the parks at Walt Disney World Resort. “It’s great that you can come to a park and spend the whole day there, but what’s also wonderful is having those nighttime opportunities,” Ali Manion, 2022-2023 Walt Disney World Ambassador, has told HELLO!.
From resort bars and lounges to thrilling attractions and a new event geared towards the YA crowd, here are over five things young adults can enjoy at Walt Disney World….
Thrill Rides
While rides like Dumbo and Peter Pan's Flight are cherished classics, Disney has debuted thrilling new attractions in recent years. Save the galaxy on one of the largest enclosed roller coasters in the world–Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind in EPCOT–or enter the grid with TRON Lightcycle / Run over in the Magic Kingdom.
Disney Springs
Disney Springs is “an amazing destination” for young adults, according to Manion—and it’s easy to see why with the open-air complex’s bars and restaurants like The Boathouse and The Edison, not to mention entertainment and stores. Those with a sweet tooth will want to swing by The Ganachery or Gideon's Bakehouse for a treat. “Whether you’re looking to go shopping or enjoy some great delicious food or just a night out with friends, Disney Springs is the place to be,” Manion said.
Resort hop for activities and drinks
The resorts aren’t just for resting your head after a long day at the parks. Apart from recreational activities at different hotels, including boat rentals and horseback riding, young adults (over 21, of course) can grab a drink at bars or lounges located at Disney World resorts. Guests can even do a monorail crawl visiting spots like Trader Sam's Grog Grotto at Disney's Polynesian Village Resort, the Enchanted Rose Lounge at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa and the Contemporary Resort.
Check out a festival
EPCOT is home to different festivals throughout the year, including the International Festival of the Arts, International Flower & Garden Festival, International Food & Wine Festival and International Festival of the Holidays. Eat and drink your way around the world as you explore World Showcase during the seasonal celebrations.
“Festivals are pretty much the DNA of Epcot, right?” Rick DeCicco, proprietor and business relations manager of EPCOT Food and Beverage and Festivals, told HELLO!. “Our guests love to come out and experience each of them. We have four festivals now… And there's really something for everyone, young adults and everyone else.”
Fine and unique dining
The theme parks offer plenty of dining options for different budgets. But, if you want a break from chicken fingers and fries, then the California Grill at Disney's Contemporary Resort is an upscale option, boasting incredible views of the Magic Kingdom, as is Tiffins Restaurant in Animal Kingdom and Jiko - The Cooking Place at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge. Parkgoers will also find an out-of-this-world menu and cocktails at Space 220 in EPCOT, and unique eateries at Hollywood Studios like Roundup Rodeo BBQ and the Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant.
A jolly new event for young adults
In 2023, Disney announced a new glitzy nighttime party—Disney Jollywood Nights— taking place at Hollywood Studios on select nights starting Nov. 11, 2023. While Magic Kingdom’s holiday event, Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, is “geared more to families,” Tom Vazzana, creative director for Disney Parks Live Entertainment, told HELLO that what they want to do with Jollywood Nights “is tap into the young adult crowd, who really want to go out.”
“Of course everyone is welcome to come to this party. It's for everybody because we have everything from characters to fine dining to fun, but it's really a date night,” Vazzana said. “I think it'd be a great night for you to go out with your friends, your family, but enjoy being an adult.”