How to avoid kids

[JenSop]

We don't have kids but love going to Disney!

I'd say avoid Magic Kingdom during the busy parts of the day. This last trip, we did two late night MK EMH's. We stuck it out all the way to the end (3am one night and 2am the other) and during the last few hours there weren't alot of kids at all.

I'd also avoid staying at the value resorts. We did that once (before we bought DVC) and I said NEVER again! Also, if you stick to some of the signature restaurants, you won't have tons of kids to deal with either.

I know some parents get touchy about this subject, but there are some of us who just aren't crazy about kids - at least not in large groups everywhere. There are ways to do Disney and not feel swarmed.

 

[sydneysmom]

I would also agree that if you want to avoid kids, I'd avoid Disney World. Disney is geared towards families and kids so I think it's really unavoidable. You could stay off property and maybe go to the parks later on at night when maybe kids are asleep, but I don't think you'll get around seeing kids.

We're going the end of Sept when it's supposed to be quieter, but we're bringing our DD4. Once school is back in session, I don't think you see the "swarms" of kids.

 

[PrincessTiffany]

Just pick a time when kids are normally in school, September to June. But certain times of the year there are events and or trips that bring kids into the park.

I would say the best no kids time would be September. All the schools are back in session and no parent is going going to pull there kids out of school for a trip right at the start of school.

Also I don't know all he dates but there are things like Jersey Week where all (?) the schools in New Jersey have days off for state wide teacher conferences.

Many schools in the southeast and midwest go back to school around the first of August. We have taken our kids out of school 3 times in September and so have THOUSANDS of other people.

As other posters have said, it's Disney World, if the parks are open there are going to be children there - children of all ages. If you want to avoid children, avoid the parks.

 

[solpo]

Definitely go in the off season (if it's cheap, kids are probably in school). Avoid value resorts. Here's a weird one.... We stayed at POFQ in July 2007 and were surprised at how few kids there were--my theory is that its not-so-amazing pool kept some families away.

Most important... It's Disney. Kids'll be there. Just use them as a Cliff's Notes version of how to ACT like a kid. I know I still need some tips!

 

[skiingfast]

Try dining at more TS places. Parents tend to take thier kids to simple places to eat. Counter Service and buffets tend to be better young crowd pleasers. Places that are more refined and have more ethnic foods steer parents with kids away.

 

[rbdiaz]

ALthough we have traveled many times with kids, we went to WDW (just wife and I) for my 40th several years ago. Did some non-park events (e.g., parasailing at Contemporary) -- but interestingly, since we were without kids ourselves, the overall stress level for us in the parks was a lot less. We were able to relax and wander at our leisure without having to shepherd and monitor ours. We really didn't notice other kids as much as normal.

 

[skiingfast]

Espcically in the early morning you will see the young families out. If you want to sleep in a little and miss the rope drops stay up late.

The worst part of this is you may find a few small groups of teens running around.

 

[logimech]

Great tips! I've already chosen the Contemporary for this reason... hopefully it will all be okay!

 

[pdxJolene]

I'm really confused as to why this is a touchy subject for some. I highly doubt the OP was asking how to not see a single child on their whole vacation, but tips on what areas/times of the day/events/etc... Are less frequented by kids. I don't see anything wrong with this... Disney world is for EVERYONE.

OP; Thanks for asking this. DBF and I are going to be at the World for the first time in Feb. and was I was wondering the same thing! We planned a lot of TS restaurants (DXDP!) and plan to take the parks at a more relaxed pace. Lots of FP's & late nights.


I'd love to hear any more experiences of adults only trips!

 

[PrincessTiffany]

I'm really confused as to why this is a touchy subject for some. I highly doubt the OP was asking how to not see a single child on their whole vacation, but tips on what areas/times of the day/events/etc... Are less frequented by kids. I don't see anything wrong with this... Disney world is for EVERYONE.

OP; Thanks for asking this. DBF and I are going to be at the World for the first time in Feb. and was I was wondering the same thing! We planned a lot of TS restaurants (DXDP!) and plan to take the parks at a more relaxed pace. Lots of FP's & late nights.


I'd love to hear any more experiences of adults only trips!

I wouldn't say it's touchy per se, but a bit silly. It's like asking, "How can I go to the beach and avoid the sand?" Answer: You can't.

 

[JACH1976]

As a family with young children, we usually hang out at EPCOT and Magic Kingdom- although we've done AK in the past, the kids were kind of passive about it, and we've never done DHS with them. Also, we tend to go first thing in the morning, and then head back to the resort around 1 PM or so for quiet time and naps. We avoid the signature restaurants, preferring buffets and family-style dining choices. However, we also prefer the off-season (first few weeks of Dec. in our case), because the lines are shorter, and have found that other preschool families prefer the same. Hope this helps!

 

[klacey1]

I think you're taking the wrong kind of vacation if you want to avoid kids!
DHS is probably the most "adult" park. Avoid Fantasyland. Stick to the quiet pools.
Those are probably your best bets!

 

[DisneyWitch]

I'm really confused as to why this is a touchy subject for some. I highly doubt the OP was asking how to not see a single child on their whole vacation, but tips on what areas/times of the day/events/etc... Are less frequented by kids. I don't see anything wrong with this... Disney world is for EVERYONE.

This is what I understood as well. I and my guy are going to WDW for the first time ever in May 2011 - and we are childless as well. I sympathize with the OP as well. We love kids, they are awesome and we love being around them. Sometimes it's not the kids we have an issue with - it's the parents.

But please understand that we are a couple and want to enjoy each other's company as well. We chose a time of year that we felt fit our own schedules and kept the overabundance of kids to a manageable level. We pay to go to WDW as anyone else does, all we want is to be able to enjoy it the same way.

To me, it's hurtful when I see threads from people who are going to WDW alone (read: without children) and responses from others which essentially say, "If you don't have kids, you don't belong here." I do believe, if my research is accurate, Mr. Disney intended his parks to be a haven for both little AND big kids. As one of the latter, I hope to have a great time next year.

Just my take on the situation.

 

[Penelope2000]

We choose to vacation in Disney because we like the magic. My Dh and I are young at heart, and while we have very much enjoyed the two vacations we have taken to Disney (and one in 4 days!) with our children, we spent our 15th wedding anniversary there. We had a great time - especially at 8Trax, which is sadly now gone. Disney is not just for kids. If it was, they wouldn't serve alcohol. Nor would they have spas. Disney goes out of its way to make all feel welcome, which is one of the things I treasure about it.

I can't afford a "tour Europe" vacation, but I can afford Epcot. We really enjoy seeing the Star Wars and Indiana Jones areas in HS. While we also enjoy seeing the children, and the characters, I can totally understand the OP asking his question. Last time my entire family was at MK, we enjoyed it most when we visited late during the EMH - not the throngs of (impossible to move through,) crowds of strollers that were near Tom Sawyer Island at about 1:00 that afternoon. Even though we walked with the crowd, we were constantly hit in our shins with the strollers. We left to rest then. I like seeing the little ones, but I also like avoiding the Witching Hour (been there, done that, glad I did, but I like my teenagers.)

Lots of posters talk about tween drama and obnoxious teens. I'll take my pretty well behaved teens any day over some of those adults banging my shins with the strollers.

 

[KAA1972]

I would also recommend choosing dining reservations at restaurants that don't have kids menus. i.e. Victoria and Albert's, Bistro (in France Pavillion) Flying Fish in the Boardwalk area. Most of these are signature restaurants and are pricey but you will definitely see less kids.

Also, you could do a "behind the scenes tour" of WDW. Most of these tours have an age restriction.

 

[LoveKermit]

ALthough we have traveled many times with kids, we went to WDW (just wife and I) for my 40th several years ago. Did some non-park events (e.g., parasailing at Contemporary) -- but interestingly, since we were without kids ourselves, the overall stress level for us in the parks was a lot less. We were able to relax and wander at our leisure without having to shepherd and monitor ours. We really didn't notice other kids as much as normal.

Before DD, DH and I were there probably 4 or 5 different times. One great stay was at WL--spring break. We even had a character meal (gasp!). We just asked the characters to move along (though there is more to the story).

I think if you don't have kids with you, you won't notice the kids--unless there's a major meltdown happening. But we've been to the mall, grocery store (let's see, where else can meltdowns happen)..... kids are part of people's lives. But you can easily enjoy WDW without kids.

Many people have given the OP great ideas. Bluezoo at the Dolphin is very adult, as are many other restaurants. Even before DD, we were parks early--swim/nap/relax--back to parks at night people. We go to bed earlier on vacations than we ever do at home (WDW and other vacations).

 

[LoveKermit]

Ooh ooh--thought of something else.....

JellyRolls at the Boardwalk is SO fun and 21 & over. We accidentally found it when I was at the Dolphin for a conference. I had to force myself out at midnight since I had an early morning session I wanted to attend.

That's pretty adult.

 

[dansyr2514]

So glad you didn't get flamed....
I think I understand also. We are an adult couple without children and love Disney. I think your best bet is avoiding the times when most kids are off school.
Also, rent a car if you can afford it. Most of the kid and parent meltdowns we witnessed were on busses or waiting for busses.
The signature restaurants for the most part tend to have less children and especially if you eat later.
Avoid fantasyland if possible. That is where most of the children's rides are.

All in all...I love kids and I love to witness the amazement and joy in their eyes at WDW. I also think WDW can be one of the most romantic places around. So for those who may take offense to the poster's question. WDW is a place for everyone. I'm sure families don't want their kids to deal with adults acting inappropriately as adult vacationers may not want children to be doing cannonballs into the hot tub.
I don't think anyone expects to go into the parks and avoid children completely and I think most of us wouldn't want that anyway. However I think it is fair to expect to be able to enjoy some adult time also.
So please don't flame when people without children ask the question of when is the best time to go when there is the least amount of children. And remember Disney is not just for children. It's for everyone to enjoy.

 

[Mommy2Jameson]

I would say the best no kids time would be September. All the schools are back in session and no parent is going going to pull there kids out of school for a trip right at the start of school.

I wouldn't say NO parents My kids go back at the end of August, but I'm pulling them out for 2 1/2 weeks in Sept. for our first trip

Also, my son goes year round and they get a 3 week fall break that starts in September and goes into October, so some kids are out in September!

 

[smidgy]

I'm really confused as to why this is a touchy subject for some. I highly doubt the OP was asking how to not see a single child on their whole vacation, but tips on what areas/times of the day/events/etc... Are less frequented by kids. I don't see anything wrong with this... Disney world is for EVERYONE.

OP; Thanks for asking this. DBF and I are going to be at the World for the first time in Feb. and was I was wondering the same thing! We planned a lot of TS restaurants (DXDP!) and plan to take the parks at a more relaxed pace. Lots of FP's & late nights.


I'd love to hear any more experiences of adults only trips!

I wouldn't say it's touchy per se, but a bit silly. It's like asking, "How can I go to the beach and avoid the sand?" Answer: You can't.

NOT SILLY AT ALL!

the OP was not asking how to avoid kids all together. but, she knows that Disney is a vacation get away for honey mooners, adult, etc. she JUST wanted to know the best way t enjoy an adult getaway at DIsney... nothing wrong with that. disney advertises as a honeymoo getaway, anniersary getaway. there is nothing wrong with adults without children enjoying everything disney has to offer, and sharing the same with other childless couples.

This is what I understood as well. I and my guy are going to WDW for the first time ever in May 2011 - and we are childless as well. I sympathize with the OP as well. We love kids, they are awesome and we love being around them. Sometimes it's not the kids we have an issue with - it's the parents.

But please understand that we are a couple and want to enjoy each other's company as well. We chose a time of year that we felt fit our own schedules and kept the overabundance of kids to a manageable level. We pay to go to WDW as anyone else does, all we want is to be able to enjoy it the same way.

To me, it's hurtful when I see threads from people who are going to WDW alone (read: without children) and responses from others which essentially say, "If you don't have kids, you don't belong here." I do believe, if my research is accurate, Mr. Disney intended his parks to be a haven for both little AND big kids. As one of the latter, I hope to have a great time next year.

Just my take on the situation.

your take is correct. you paid your money. this is YOUR vacation too.
may I suggest Jelly rolls at boardwalk (no kids allowed) or karaokee at the swan.
ps, if you have staked out a spot for illuminations, or the spectro parade for an hour, you do NOT have to let Johnny come latelys ahead of you 5 minutes ahead of time9I let the kids in front of me, just not the parents)