Any adults-only experiences at the resorts?

[DisneyWishes14]

Please remember, Walt conjured up Disneyland as a place where children and parents/adults could play together as he sat alone on a bench watching his daughters ride on a merry-go-round in Griffith Park. Disney parks were never imagined as places where children or adults would have fun, independent of each other. I'm guessing that's, perhaps, why the suggestion of adults-only places is ruffling feathers and why you won't find a lot of adults-only offerings to begin with.

I thought of a few other spots if you happen to tour the Boardwalk, particularly in the afternoon. The wedding areas at both BWI and YC are typically very quiet if they aren't in use. There isn't any seating, but it's a nice view (at least from BWI). The afternoon, I've found, is also the best time to go to Ample Hills (if you like ice cream) as there typically isn't much of a line then.

Quite honestly, in all of our trips to WDW (and there have been over 30), I've probably seen equal parts annoying, loud adults and annoying, loud children and, the silly thing is, my DS8 can't stand them either! As a PP noted, not all children act this way. Disney is a crowded place with many overstimulated, tired people in general. I actually think it's great that you are anticipating your group's needs and planning accordingly. Again, you won't be able to avoid kids altogether (or annoying adults!), but there are some quieter places to explore.

 

[Leelo]

You may also want to head over to the "Disney for Adults and Solo Travelers" forum. There will be a lot of people there who will understand your needs or be in a similar situation. I have found several threads there that gave me great ideas!

 

[Micca]

I'm thinking the resort lounges are going to be fairly quiet during the day time. Not that children aren't allowed in, but most kids are going to be at the parks during the day. With respect to not wanting to be rude by hanging out in a lounge for a long period of time, I don't think it's a problem if the place isn't packed with people and/or people waiting to get in. I would definitely order something though--even if it's just a soft drink. One that's especially nice is the Territory Lounge at WL. Trader Sams is awesome, but even with zero kids after 8pm, there are antics with guest participation, it's not a low-key affair.

 

[KonaKaiTom]

We've done some of the special tours, such as the Dolphins In Depth and Wild Africa Trek - -although these adventures were within Epcot and Animal Kingdom, we had a lot of just adult time as we were in non-public park areas. Next trip we are doing the Backstage Magic tour. These tours do cost an extra amount, which probably is prohibitive to families with youngsters as they would be bored, but we find them quite the adventures.

Tom

 

[Scott MC]

Bars are going to be pretty much it. You are at Disney.

And here's the rub on that one...
I can't tell you how many times we've been denied a seat at a bar at WDW because there are children sitting at bars slurping Shirley Temples.

We've seen this at...

Narcoossee's (more than once)
California Grill
Mizner's Lounge
Trader Sam's
Martha's Vineyard Lounge
Ale and Compass Lounge

..to name a few.

It's a huge pet peeve of ours.

 

[busymommy2pink]

And here's the rub on that one...
I can't tell you how many times we've been denied a seat at a bar at WDW because there are children sitting at bars slurping Shirley Temples.

We've seen this at...

Narcoossee's (more than once)
California Grill
Mizner's Lounge
Trader Sam's
Martha's Vineyard Lounge
Ale and Compass Lounge

..to name a few.

It's a huge pet peeve of ours.

This bugs me too. I wouldn't want my kids sitting at a bar, it's not the place for them at all. I do wish Disney could be exempt from the no kids in bar areas of Orlando. Restaurants should be able to be separated, adults and families. I see nothing wrong with that. And it would be nice to see after 8pm in the signature restaurants be kid free. Because frankly i would like to drop my snowflakes off at the kids centers and enjoy a moment before the next day of parks again.

 

[smidgy]

I just read today on the disney springs timeguide from our last trip that the 2nd floor of Splitsville is adults after a certain time (the bowing alley) they have food and live entertainment

 

[AngiTN]

I think the catch 22 is the OP is looking for quiet, relaxing AND kid free. Kid free can be had but not sure how quiet and relaxing any of the kid free venues are. Pretty sure the bowling alley at Splitsville wouldn't be very quiet.

Other than the suggestions to rent a watercraft or go to a spa treatment. Both of those can be kid free, at least during your specific experience.

 

[smidgy]

yeah, I guess bowling alleys aren't very quiet! silly me

 

[smidgy]

ok thinking resorts now. I know at all star music, way back in the country faire section there are some picnic tables that are nice to sit at and chat. and in the broadway section there is a little area meant to represent a park in NYC.
at pop century and art of animation, there are benches all along the the lake.
at coronado springs, if you walk THROUGH the casitas cetion (not just alng the promenade) there are reflecting ponds, fountains, etc. hubby and I like making a drink in our mugs and strolling around there.

at port orleans riverside, in the mansion section there are fountains in the courtyards, with benches and hardly anyone there.

 

[smidgy]

your group should rent DVC points to stay at a bungalow at the poly you would have your onw little deck, with your own little "cooling off" mini pool!

 

[Cubbiecakes]

Thank you for all of the excellent tips, everyone! There's a lot more than I ever expected to hear about... and Splitsville actually sounds like a fun evening, and something "different"!

Thanks again!