Is WDW for ADULT COUPLES??? Serious wake-up call here...

[joecavalier]

WOW, I didn't expect such wonderful responses!! This has put everything back into that magical perspective, and I almost shed a tear... almost .

But I think I may be a victim of WDW overstressed-itis.

What I will do is go back and look at the itinerary (for the 999th time ) and come up with a more laid back plan. I will stick with mornings filled with rides and park events, maybe by noon take a boat to a resort for lunch, go back to hotel for a swim (maybe nap), then do a more relaxing evening either park or resort hopping. I won't stress rides as much as really trying to take it all in... Wow, I feel relaxed already

I will definitely PM some of you to get some ideas and I see that there's a chance of even meeting up with one or two folks. BTW, if anyone wants to share a cruise May 19th - 22nd, let me know!

This has truly been therapeutic for me and I'm sure it will be for others... thanks again!!

 

[PirateMel]

WOW, I didn't expect such wonderful responses!! This has put everything back into that magical perspective, and I almost shed a tear... almost .

But I think I may be a victim of WDW overstressed-itis.

What I will do is go back and look at the itinerary (for the 999th time ) and come up with a more laid back plan. I will stick with mornings filled with rides and park events, maybe by noon take a boat to a resort for lunch, go back to hotel for a swim (maybe nap), then do a more relaxing evening either park or resort hopping. I won't stress rides as much as really trying to take it all in... Wow, I feel relaxed already

I will definitely PM some of you to get some ideas and I see that there's a chance of even meeting up with one or two folks. BTW, if anyone wants to share a cruise May 19th - 22nd, let me know!

This has truly been therapeutic for me and I'm sure it will be for others... thanks again!!

Have a magical trip!
PS. don't forget to slow down and smell the flowers

 

[Wasre]

Good for you! It sounds like you have a working plan that can change as you feel like it. Like everyone else has said, let the magic flow and it will happen.

Don't worry too much about rides that are "too kiddie" like. As far as I've been concerned with anything Disney, there's really no such thing. I was just down in WDW, my second trip there, but I'm a fairly frequent traveler to DL in California since it's closer for me. I normally go solo to the parks, however, this last trip, I met up with some folks from DISBoards and found a whole new level of enjoyment for some of the rides.

For example, "The Voyage of the Little Mermaid" in DHS, I would never have even thought about going to see that as a solo, but the group I was with suggested going to see it and it was fantastic! The Tea Cups and Dumbo in MK. I always hated those rides as a kid, mostly because I always got stuck riding with my older brother who didn't want to fly or spin so it was boring to me. I rode those during EMH with this group and it was sooooooooooo much fun.

I don't think it can be said enough. You might find rides that you'll leave it and think, that was ok for this time, but I doubt I'll do that again, others you'll find yourself saying I wanna do that again! Whichever you find, be your own judge. Take a day in one of the parks to just walk around and if you find something that looks interesting go for it.

Enjoy your trip! I just got back, but I'm ready to go again now, but the next planned trip isn't until December.

 

[Figment_Fan]

Don't worry about the negative joecavalier. I took my GF, at the time, to WDW in the early part of our relationship. We had a blast. Nobody knows what will trigger magic, one ride for some, other rides for others. Maybe no ride, but a show, or sight, or smell. The whole experience matters. That GF became, and is still, my DW. We have taken the kids since they were young, and will continue to do so. We look forward to going again without kids, but that can wait a while longer. We want to give the kids the memory of the magic so that they can make magic for their future trips.

Besides, its a vacation, how can you go wrong?

 

[OregonGirl]

Hi Joe -

I just wanted to chime in because I glanced at that thread (which I've never stumbled across myself), and wanted to say that even IF some of the rides mentioned aren't a cool as others in WDW - there are literally thousands of rides/experiences/tours/restaurants/shops to patron while in WDW and, frankly, you probably won't get to do everything you want to do in 4.5 days, much less 2.

In other words, stick to your original day plans (although I find as an adult with no kids slowing down and enjoying the entire experience over a bunch of rides is a nice perk) and trust that there will be more available to you that you can possibility accomplish (a good thing), and that you'll likely reach the end of your vacation thinking about how next time you'll need more days.

Since you and your GF are older with no kids, here are some adult only suggestions that may help put things in perspective:

1) Walk around the World Showcase and sample all the different beers, or all the different desserts.
2) Watch all the movies offered at the various world showcase countries, especially the ones AFTER the rides.
3) Ride the monorail from the transportation and ticket center to EPCOT AND BACK, just because you can and because you get a great bird's eye view of EPCOT that way.
4) Ride Expedition Everest 4 times in a row using the single rider line. You and your GF will get to be together all the way up until the actual ride, and then it doesn't really matter.
5) Ride the MK train all the way around the park.
6) Treat your GF to a Grand Floridian SPA while you hang out at their beach or listen to the piano player in the lounge.
7) Get a Victoria and Albert's ressie.
8) Sleep in and stay out till 2 AM
9) Check out the Boardwalk at night.
10) Take your time through the two forest trails at AK.

Some total plus's (in my opinion) of NOT having kids:

1) You don't have to stand in those God awful long lines just to get character signatures.
2) You can skip fantasyland completely if you want and not really miss much.
3) You can quickly weave through crowds and strollers cause you won't have some kid's hand to hold.
4) No tantrums.
5) No diapers.
6) No bathroom breaks every 10 minutes.
7) All your shopping can be spent on YOU.
8) Pretty much all the carnival type rides can be bypassed (tomorrowland speedway, astro orbiter, Dumbo, heck even Nemo, etc...) they're fun, but trust me there are plenty of WAY COOLER rides in WDW.
9) You're not responsible for someone else.
10) You can change your plans whenever you want, you can do whatever you want, you can go where ever you want.

DISCLAIMER BECAUSE I DON'T WANT TO START ANY FIGHTS:

1) I am not against kids. I plan to have one someday.
2) I realize some adults might really like Dumbo, or the speedway, and that's totally cool.
3) I realize not all kids wear diapers.
4) I have nothing against characters.
5) I realize adults can throw tantrums too.
6) I realize that my suggestions aren't strictly *adult ONLY* except for maybe the alcohol part.
7) I realize that kids aren't just total tantrum throwing, potty going, stroller needing, character obsessed monsters - I'm sure its a whole different, albeit still equally enjoyable experience going to WDW with kids and I'm am totally down with that.

But this is the adults/singles forum, right?...

Ok, I have written WAY too long of a reply. Have fun Joe and GF!

 

[joecavalier]

Hi Joe -

I just wanted to chime in because I glanced at that thread (which I've never stumbled across myself), and wanted to say that even IF some of the rides mentioned aren't a cool as others in WDW - there are literally thousands of rides/experiences/tours/restaurants/shops to patron while in WDW and, frankly, you probably won't get to do everything you want to do in 4.5 days, much less 2.

In other words, stick to your original day plans (although I find as an adult with no kids slowing down and enjoying the entire experience over a bunch of rides is a nice perk) and trust that there will be more available to you that you can possibility accomplish (a good thing), and that you'll likely reach the end of your vacation thinking about how next time you'll need more days.

Since you and your GF are older with no kids, here are some adult only suggestions that may help put things in perspective:

1) Walk around the World Showcase and sample all the different beers, or all the different desserts.
2) Watch all the movies offered at the various world showcase countries, especially the ones AFTER the rides.
3) Ride the monorail from the transportation and ticket center to EPCOT AND BACK, just because you can and because you get a great bird's eye view of EPCOT that way.
4) Ride Expedition Everest 4 times in a row using the single rider line. You and your GF will get to be together all the way up until the actual ride, and then it doesn't really matter.
5) Ride the MK train all the way around the park.
6) Treat your GF to a Grand Floridian SPA while you hang out at their beach or listen to the piano player in the lounge.
7) Get a Victoria and Albert's ressie.
8) Sleep in and stay out till 2 AM
9) Check out the Boardwalk at night.
10) Take your time through the two forest trails at AK.

Some total plus's (in my opinion) of NOT having kids:

1) You don't have to stand in those God awful long lines just to get character signatures.
2) You can skip fantasyland completely if you want and not really miss much.
3) You can quickly weave through crowds and strollers cause you won't have some kid's hand to hold.
4) No tantrums.
5) No diapers.
6) No bathroom breaks every 10 minutes.
7) All your shopping can be spent on YOU.
8) Pretty much all the carnival type rides can be bypassed (tomorrowland speedway, astro orbiter, Dumbo, heck even Nemo, etc...) they're fun, but trust me there are plenty of WAY COOLER rides in WDW.
9) You're not responsible for someone else.
10) You can change your plans whenever you want, you can do whatever you want, you can go where ever you want.

DISCLAIMER BECAUSE I DON'T WANT TO START ANY FIGHTS:

1) I am not against kids. I plan to have one someday.
2) I realize some adults might really like Dumbo, or the speedway, and that's totally cool.
3) I realize not all kids wear diapers.
4) I have nothing against characters.
5) I realize adults can throw tantrums too.
6) I realize that my suggestions aren't strictly *adult ONLY* except for maybe the alcohol part.
7) I realize that kids aren't just total tantrum throwing, potty going, stroller needing, character obsessed monsters - I'm sure its a whole different, albeit still equally enjoyable experience going to WDW with kids and I'm am totally down with that.

But this is the adults/singles forum, right?...

Ok, I have written WAY too long of a reply. Have fun Joe and GF!

this is ABSOLUTE GOLD... Thanks OregonGirl!!

 

[crisi]

Many attractions are "charming" or "kitchy" or "sentimental." Others are "educational" - a few are "thrilling."

Let each attraction please you for what it is. But also, know yourself. You don't have to do everything and if you don't like roller coasters, space mountain isn't going to be a lot of fun. If you don't enjoy educational things "Livin with the Land" is going to be a long line for a boat ride that talks about agriculture. If you aren't big on charming and sentimental, Small World is going to be overly sweet and cloying.

 

[Missytara]

WOW, I didn't expect such wonderful responses!! This has put everything back into that magical perspective, and I almost shed a tear... almost .

But I think I may be a victim of WDW overstressed-itis.

What I will do is go back and look at the itinerary (for the 999th time ) and come up with a more laid back plan. I will stick with mornings filled with rides and park events, maybe by noon take a boat to a resort for lunch, go back to hotel for a swim (maybe nap), then do a more relaxing evening either park or resort hopping. I won't stress rides as much as really trying to take it all in... Wow, I feel relaxed already

I will definitely PM some of you to get some ideas and I see that there's a chance of even meeting up with one or two folks. BTW, if anyone wants to share a cruise May 19th - 22nd, let me know!

This has truly been therapeutic for me and I'm sure it will be for others... thanks again!!

It is so nice to get responses back from people, that the Disboards have made a difference.

What you mentioned is exactly what I do; get there early and get through the parks, get back around mid-afternoon and get some pool time in and then do a wonderful dinner and come back to the resort and sit in the lounge and drink and watch a football game.

Have a wonderful time!

 

[Missytara]

DISCLAIMER BECAUSE I DON'T WANT TO START ANY FIGHTS:

5) I realize adults can throw tantrums too.

I had one of those last year, but I prefer to call it a "meltdown."

I took two college aged girls that work in the local watering hole I eat at - and one of them was constantly "fighting" with her boyfriend via texting the entire time. I finally had enough, when she looked at her friend and said, "Why do I have to deal with while I am down here."

I went off - I said, seriously, why do you?

I apologized and she apologized as well. She did finally realize it was really ruining things and we had a good time after that.

 

[OregonGirl]

Joe - Happy to help. I also agree with Tara and yourself about the AM parks, mid afternoon nap, pool time, dinner, evening parks idea. It works out well.

Tara - We all have our little meltdowns. Because I am from Oregon, I admit that I have had one or two while at WDW and they are usually associated with the actual temperature because I consider any above 70degrees HOT!!!

 

[Goofy4]

Do the single-rider thing on Test Track as well!

And if you head over to the Boardwalk area, you must wander in to Beaches & Cream at the YC/BC.

Be prepared for the photo op at SOA after you check in. They will stop by your table during the show to give you an opportunity to purchase the photo(s), or just ask someone to snap some pictures using your camera.

 

[duffy]

My husband and I are going for our first adults-only trip this November.

I read that thread, and was amused by a lot of the posts. You have to go in with a happy, ready to be amused attitude. Just relax.

But, back to that thread: for the first post, the one where they dis Maelstrom, the first thing I thought of was the beginning of the ride, when the narrator says, "Yew are not the furrrst...", in a very heavy Norwegian accent.

Man, we love that quote! For hours after riding it, we keep telling each other things like: "yeewww arrrre not the fuurrrrrrst to want a driiinnnnk." So, even though the ride is a bit dull, it's just a part of the whole Norway experience. And remember, yeewwww arrrre not the fuurrrrst person to be underwhelmed by it.

What it's about for us, is taking a break and resting our feet a while after having stood for the China film-if we are touring counter-clockwise. The same goes for the Mexican boat ride: it's a silly ride, but it's just a nice way to rest a bit.

 

[daisax]

I don't think it can be said enough. You might find rides that you'll leave it and think, that was ok for this time, but I doubt I'll do that again, others you'll find yourself saying I wanna do that again!

Very, very true. I can't say there are any really BAD rides (well, except maybe Mexico!), but some are heavy on charm and low on spine tingling excitment.

The thing is, you never know what's going to strike your fancy. A lot has to do with mood. If you're strolling through the park, having fun, you never know how a ride will strike you. Sometimes the silliest kiddie ones will give you a little thrill. I don't bother with Dumbo when it's broad daylight and the line is long in the hot sun, but in the evening when it's a walk on, it just makes me start giggling as soon as I'm in it. There's nothing more to it than what you see from the ground, but maybe it just reminds me of being little, or it's just dorky enough that I feel like it's as far away from my work life as I've felt in ages, and that's liberating.

There's something about the kiddie rides (especially at night) that makes me feel like I'm playing hookie from real life and all its responsibilites, I guess.

We don't drop our guards enough in life -- in WDW we do. Don't get too caught up in your itinerary. Leave some room to just say "let's do that again right now!"

 

[joecavalier]

Very, very true. I can't say there are any really BAD rides (well, except maybe Mexico!), but some are heavy on charm and low on spine tingling excitment.

The thing is, you never know what's going to strike your fancy. A lot has to do with mood. If you're strolling through the park, having fun, you never know how a ride will strike you. Sometimes the silliest kiddie ones will give you a little thrill. I don't bother with Dumbo when it's broad daylight and the line is long in the hot sun, but in the evening when it's a walk on, it just makes me start giggling as soon as I'm in it. There's nothing more to it than what you see from the ground, but maybe it just reminds me of being little, or it's just dorky enough that I feel like it's as far away from my work life as I've felt in ages, and that's liberating.

There's something about the kiddie rides (especially at night) that makes me feel like I'm playing hookie from real life and all its responsibilites, I guess.

We don't drop our guards enough in life -- in WDW we do. Don't get too caught up in your itinerary. Leave some room to just say "let's do that again right now!"

Now this is some "magical" advice

 

[ronnmel]

Last we went with FI's daughter. We loved that trip, but right now we are planning our honeymoon just the two of us for next year!

Like you, we plan on doing lots of rides in the morning, a break at the resort, DTD, or doing something slow in the park for the afternoon, then hopping to a different park at night and just stroll around more leisurely.

Things we want to do that we couldn't do with his daughter:
- Tower of Terror (She's scared of it)
- Bigger water slides (scared of them as well)
- Drink around the world
- Try out more "adult" rides that she probably would have found boring, like Carousel of Progress
- Be sitting together on every ride
- Watch Wishes from the Poly beach
- Stroll through Animal Kingdom in the dark during evening EMH
- Not worry about if she's too tired, or bored, or hungry, or...

(yes, I do realize we could have done some of the above with her, but it would not have had the same *romantic* feeling)

I wish I could afford La Nouba, that is such a great event you have planned for the two of you.

 

[kehlyrsmom]

My husband and I are leaving in 3 days for our anniversary trip and have 6 days planned at the parks. My husbands first trip was on our honeymoon, I had been a couple of times as a kid. We have taken our children ages 10 & 9 every year since 06 and have a tripped planned with them this September.

We have been counting down the days until our adult only trip. There are alot of things that we have not done with the kids along. I usually plan the park we are going to for the day and the ADR other then that I do not plan anything else. So keep your current plans I am sure your GF will have a great time. I'm sure we will do it's a small world, and Peter Pan's flight and many others.

 

[sunshine74]

My DH and I went to WDW 10 years ago, soon after we were married, and had an absolute blast. It really created our love for WDW. Since our DD was born 6 years ago, we have made at least 6 trips, always with the kids in tow. Each time we go, we remember the freedom and different kind of fun we had in the parks without kids.

Now, finally, 10 years later we are going back 2 days from now for an adults only long weekend. I could not be more excited!!! Don't get me wrong, I love to experience the parks, the characters, the magic through the eyes of a 5 and 2 year old. But, boy am I looking forward to a trip that does not at all focus on proximity to a bathroom, how to get from park to park with strollers in tow, or scheduling meals to see every character!

Enjoy your trip, and I hope that the magic captures you and your DGF's hearts as well. Soon you'll be like the rest of us, trying to figure out how quickly you can make a trip back!

 

[disney_mommy]

I also contributed to the other thread about the ride I was disappointed in. But that was just my opinion; you may have the complete opposite reaction. I say, try everything you want and form your own opinions. You may not like something, but at least you can say you tried it at least once!

I did a solo trip a few months ago and had a blast. WDW is definitely not a place just for kids.

Have an amazing time. Also, I think you should win the boyfriend of the year award!

 

[Gladys Kravitz]

My DH and I don't have children and we love WDW.
Of course when I insisted he go on IASW, it broke down-boy do we laugh about that now all these years later ; and he refuses to ever ride it again.
I recommend The Adventurer's Club at Downtown Disney for a few drinks some evening.
Enjoy.

 

[sleepydog25]

The last post reminded me that some of my best memories come from less than wonderful experiences. . .at that time. lol A ride-which-shall-remain-nameless was wonderful the first day of my last trip, so on my last evening during EMH, I went back to it and was caught in the suffocating heat of a bazillion bodies and no way out except to climb over people, railings, and walls. I consider it one of the funnier episodes in my Disney Historical Archive (conviently located deep in the inner membrane of my noggin). We can make great memories with the greatest aggravations.

Let me add a few of my own adult things you can do:
1) Not only stroll the grounds at WL, but take the sandy trail that leads out from behind the bike shop there. It follows along the lake for a few minutes, then you can hang a right on an offshoot trail that leads to the paved path between FW and WL or just keep going along the lake. You won't pass many, if any, people.
2) The beach chairs at WL beach are a fun way to catch Wishes (albeit only the high shooting elements) and the EWP. And you might have most of the beach to yourself.
3) Visit other resorts just to look around. Check out the theming, the decor, and maybe some food.
4) Ride RnR single rider. . .at least three times in a row.
5) Pick a resort, any resort, and have a drink at the pool bar. . .or two. . .or three. . .
6) Sneak out to a hot tub after midnight.
7) If it's going to be a warm evening, chill a nice white then find a quiet spot at your resort and drink it while reflecting on the day(s). Better yet, take chocolate with you, too.
8) Order room service your last morning.
9) During an evening EMH, buy a Mickey Bar (yeah, sharing is where it's at), and find a relaxing place to watch the magic going on around you. For every hurried couple or family, you'll see twice that many enjoying the fun and laughing enough to make it contagious.

The surprise of taking the turn off I-4 will, indeed, be worth countless memories in the future. Enjoy it and the trip.