First time without kids - What do you do differently?

[TheIncredibles]

The kids high school and college schedules will make them a bit hit or miss for a few years....but we're still good to go! We might need some help resetting our game-plan. So what activities do you do differently on an adult only trip?

 

[imthatgirl]

We leave in 10 days for our first no kids trip (since having kids).

We have a KTTK tour scheduled. We are also planning on slowing down a lot and just taking in the atmosphere.

I just can't wait!!! My kids are still young, so there is nothing relaxing about life. I hope that we can slow down enough to really relish in that.

 

[BayouMickey]

eat and drink ALOT! lol I found myself mostly siteseeing alot more than riding. Honestly I spent more time at EPCOT than the other parks which is a total reverse for when I bring the kids.

 

[pepe of ohio]

WDW is completely different without children.....we're more relaxed, tour nonchalantly, and come and go as we please.....we hit the park early, leave early and enjoy the resort pool with a bunch of dirinks....got back late evening for a few more hours. We spend very little time in Fantasyland but more in Frontierland and Tomorrowland.....going into shops is alot less hectic too....no more, "I want, I need".....it's a great feeling but a sad one too....they children made the trips but the wife and I enjoy our time together in WDW just being together and remembering all the past trips...........

 

[ChattaAlley]

I believe there would be so much more time to just take it all in. With kids its all about their schedules and what they want to do. Have fun...live it up!!

 

[MayzDisney4]

We did the KTTK tour as well, LOVED IT!

My DH and I went last May without the kids. We didn't really do much different, other than not dealing with the kids stuff (like strollers and diaper changes). But mostly because we didn't change the way we did things when we had the kids. Did we ride Dumbo without the kids? Yeah as well as all the other rides.

 

[Must C Mickey]

WDW is completely different without children.....we're more relaxed, tour nonchalantly, and come and go as we please.....we hit the park early, leave early and enjoy the resort pool with a bunch of drinks....got back late evening for a few more hours. We spend very little time in Fantasyland but more in Frontierland and Tomorrowland.....going into shops is alot less hectic too....no more, "I want, I need".....it's a great feeling but a sad one too....they children made the trips but the wife and I enjoy our time together in WDW just being together and remembering all the past trips...........

DITTO, couldn't have said it better myself!

 

[disneymom1229]

Going without the kids for our 15th anniversary trip in Sept. Reading these posts has me even more excited!!! We plan on being able to actually be at a park at opening for once...nearly impossible for us with 4 kids usually in tow. Also, we chose a couple of new restaurants to try and left out the character meals (except for CP for our farewell breakfast which has become a sort of tradition!) We are also looking forward to NO stroller parking. But I know that I will feel nostalgic walking up Main street the first time of the trip without my kids by my side. My DH tells my kids not to worry though, he knows that I am already planning our next family trip!

 

[BayouMickey]

Here's a helpful way of looking at it.. With your kids you are creating new memories for you and your children. When you are adults only, you can relive YOUR childhood memories.

 

[GBBTomorrow]

Only two things we do differently:

1. The no-bag line! How nice not to be lugging "stuff." Ticket, money and DVC card go in a lanyard around my neck, and that's all I need to carry!

2. JELLYROLLS!!!!

 

[DaniB]

For our first kid-free trip, I'm anticipating:

- carrying only a small stringbag (if that), instead of a large backpack crammed full
- trying rides/attractions for the 1st time that kids were scared of
- the Animation at DHS
- taking the time to really explore each park
- exploring gift shops & DTD without kids asking for something every 30 seconds
- enjoying, enjoying & enjoying our meals without having to get our kids settled first!
- a few yummy sounding drinks
- lunch at Le Cellier
- Fantasmic and Illuminations
- "Around the World" Segway Tour in Epcot
- TT Dessert Party
- staying up late!
- getting to "do over" our MNSSHP that didn't go so well last year
- taking the opportunity to see WWoHP and the rest of US before we take the kids another time
- enjoying a king-size bed, without a child climbing in during the middle of the night, for 1st time in 12 years

 

[meachell13]

Only two things we do differently:

1. The no-bag line! How nice not to be lugging "stuff." Ticket, money and DVC card go in a lanyard around my neck, and that's all I need to carry!

2. JELLYROLLS!!!!

What is the no bag line?

And I see a lot of people talk about Jellyrolls. I know that it is near Boardwalk but what is it?

 

[lfwhipp]

For our first kid-free trip, I'm anticipating:

- carrying only a small stringbag (if that), instead of a large backpack crammed full
- trying rides/attractions for the 1st time that kids were scared of
- the Animation at DHS
- taking the time to really explore each park
- exploring gift shops & DTD without kids asking for something every 30 seconds
- enjoying, enjoying & enjoying our meals without having to get our kids settled first!
- a few yummy sounding drinks
- lunch at Le Cellier
- Fantasmic and Illuminations
- "Around the World" Segway Tour in Epcot
- TT Dessert Party

Great List, im pasting this into my notes for my trip next month!

 

[Pakey]

My husband and I have beend doing adult only WDW vacations for about a decade now.

1. Spa treatments.
2. Cocktail hour on the balcony
3. Segway Tours
4. Jellyrolls
5. Victoria & Alberts
6. La Cava de Tequila
7. Having a Scotch Egg and a Pint at the UK Pub
8. Raw oysters and a martini in the bluezoo lounge
9. Renting a cabana at Typhoon Lagoon and spending the day lounging and reading
10. La Nouba with dinner at Wolfgang Pucks The Dining Room

 

[DaniB]

Great List, im pasting this into my notes for my trip next month!

Thanks! I added more.

As much as I'm looking forward to Disney without kids, I also know at some point I'm going to suddenly miss them and wish they were with us.

Guess they will luck out on the guilt-induced gifts brought back home to them.

 

[lborne]

What is the no bag line?

If you don't have a bag, you can bypass the security checkpoint where they rummage through to make sure you are not carrying a nuclear weapon.

 

[minnie mum]

We've reached the point where we've been to WDW before kids, with kids, and without. Our next trip in the fall will celebrate our 35th anniversary, and we're still lovin' it When we took our first child-free visit we did wonder if we could still have as much fun, but it only took a moment to realize that it wasn't the same- in many ways it was even better.

Did we miss the kids? Of course. But we also loved the chance to just be a couple again. To slow down and really enjoy the surroundings. Have a leisurely TS dinner at the end of a long day. Enjoy a beverage or 2 whenever we felt the urge.

No need for strollers, but now I need a wheelchair in the parks. I offered to use an ECV, but DH said it's the only chance he gets to push me around! Circle of life?

So go and have a wonderful time, and if the guilt becomes too much, just load up on souveniers to bring home!

 

[Mary T in PA]

Thanks for some great ideas everyone!

I am headed down in about 6 weeks to meet up with my SIL and it's just going to be us! No hubbys or kids! It's only for a long weekend, but I can't wait!

I think what I am going to enjoy is just being able to get up, and hit the parks and GO. No real schedule or worrying about things, we are just winging it.

 

[sewer]

The kids high school and college schedules will make them a bit hit or miss for a few years....but we're still good to go! We might need some help resetting our game-plan. So what activities do you do differently on an adult only trip?

Enjoy myself...

 

[Sgt Tibbs]

Not so much without kids but I get to travel to Orlando on business and get to visit the parks alone. I find that when I'm alone I travel at a much slower pace. I get to explore the world showcase and Hollywood studios alot more. I can get a snack, sit on a bench and people watch. If only my DW were with me I think it would be the same, with maybe more sitting by the pool in the afternoon.