Never Too Old for Disney World: Top Attractions for the “Big Kids”

Disney World is highly regarded as one of the most magical places for children. Who says it can’t be one of the most magical places for adults as well?

Picking a great hotel is one of the most important aspects of your adult Disney World stay. Try to opt for hotels specifically catered toward adults rather than families with young children. Be sure to look for key words such as full spa and free shuttle while researching options.

It is possible to plan an exciting trip without venturing to the four different parks; however, if you are brave enough to face the crowd — which you should — try these top activities catered more toward adults and older children.

Italian Pavilion at Epcot, Disney. Photo: Jeff Whyte | Dreamstime

Naturally, one of the most exclusive and popular adult activities is drinking around the word in Epcot. Epcot features 11 different countries and many 21-year-olds challenge themselves to indulge in a drink from all of them. Start in Mexico and end in Canada, grabbing churros, croissants and bratwurst along the way to ensure you make it to the finish line.

Alcohol is usually not served until mid-morning in the park, but you should still get there early to take advantage of popular rides including Mission: Space, Soarin’ and Test Track. Channel your inner child as you imitate an astronaut, hang glide around the globe and run through the same test procedures as General Motors.

Animal Kingdom. Photo: Paul Brewster | Dreamstime

You can’t go to Animal Kingdom without going on the Kilimanjaro Safari, no matter your age. There will be tons of younger children taking pictures of the native animals of East, but, as an adult, bring your smartphone or professional camera to get pristine shots of the animals and wildlife.

Take advantage of the park’s extended hours and check to see if Animal Kingdom opens early so you can get a good seat without waiting a decade in line, or research ahead of time to see when each animal is active during the day. This way you can schedule your Animal Kingdom excursions around the animals themselves.

Animal Kingdom’s newest attraction, Pandora – The World of Avatar, offers “otherworldly aerial adventures” fit for kids, tweens, teens and adults. Some of the rides have a significant fear factor and are worth checking out.

Cinderella’s Castley, Disney World. Photo: Derejeb | Dreamstime

Be sure to visit all three mountains during your outing to Magic Kingdom: Space Mountain, Splash Mountain and Big Thunder Mountain. Although there will be children on the rides, they are still fun for adults. Besides the rides, you can spend some time shopping on Main Street U.S.A. and observing the magnificent fireworks show at night. In addition, a few of the restaurants in Magic Kingdom sell alcohol and are even open after dark.

Two things come to mind when you hear the words Hollywood Studios: The Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster and The Tower of Terror. Although there are rumors of the latter closing in Disney World to copy Disneyland, the popular ride is currently open and attracting thrillseekers. In addition, the Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster featuring Aerosmith, which some view as the only legitimate roller coaster in the park, is as popular as ever.

Disney World offers fun for families of all ages. After all, everyone is a kid at heart.