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

[verlee]

As someone who has gone with my kids and also just me and DH, I hate to say it, but the trip that was just me and DH was WONDERFUL!!!!! I would do it every year if I could with just the two of us. Our style of touring was so much different without the kids. We could just leisurely take in the parks rather than rushing to rides. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy the trips with my kids and those have their own special memories.

As for rides geared towards kids, aren't we all kids at heart? I love going on them all!! (I love Fantasyland, especially Pooh)

This!!! DH and I went for my birthday earlier this yr. Everyone (even ppl on the DIS)thought I was crazy for going w/o the kids.I second guessed going up to the day we left. I can honestly say we had a blast! It was so fun. Now don't get me wrong I had fun with the kids but w/o the kids was really fun in a whole new way. Disney World is most definately for adults.

 

[janiejake]

Haven't read anyone else's response yet, but your question grabbed me. Of course you should still go, and for as many days as you can! Don't cut it short by a minute. Now that our kids have gotten older, we've been lucky enough to go as a couple for a week to 10 days, and that is not enough(for us)... Do what you can. Stop and smell the roses. People watch, and do which ever rides you can...be sure to use FastPass when it makes sense (which is most of the time). There is NOTHING that you need children for here(except kidstops and babycare centers, lol)...pack your own sense of wonder and enjoyment and just have FUN!

 

[Missytara]

I recommend The Adventurer's Club at Downtown Disney for a few drinks some evening.
Enjoy.

Actually, sadly, the Adventurer's Club in Pleasure Island closed in 2008.

There is a new place there called Paradisio 37, which is a south american restaurant. Also Raglan Road, which is an Irish Pub that has entertainment. Both are very cool.

 

[Shih-Tzu]

Hmmmm - there's attractions and rides people may call lame, but to me, each one is somehow part of Disney culture...and there's always something that makes it fun...or we notice things we didn't see before. Some of the OPs here have excellent ideas...

My DH and I are in late 50s/early 60s and last September, we went on almost everything...we had been on some of them before on our first visit (with kids) but after all, it IS WDW!!!! Now I'm sure there were a few raised eyebrows when we went on Dumbo last September (with grey hair shining in the sun and laughing like two 6-year olds), and there's amusement parks and county fairs everywhere all summer long with something similar, but this is the ride that was on the opening "trailer" for the Disney show that we grew up with and longed to be able to go to someday....(and I'll be on it again, God willing - in December!!!).

There's something about Disney that makes us drop every bit of dignity that we have into the first garbage bin that we see on our way into the gates (note I said dignity - not manners or common sense)...I suspect it's just because it's supposed to be a fun place...and if I am on the Dumbo ride, or the Mad Hatter's Tea Cups having a whale of a time, what's the chances of someone I know seeing me that's from the stuffy corporate headquarters a thousand miles away???

We find Disney an escape from "reality" which is probably why we enjoy it and are returning again (one of those things we CAN do now that the kids and associated college bills and tuitions are behind us)- and we now go at our own pace...no more setting the alarm clock to get to rope drop, no more running to get to the next attraction (probably couldn't if we wanted to ) but there are other things to enjoy....we have taken delight and pleasure in many things that different boards and threads have said were lame, boring, etc...Just don't over plan (the mistake of our 1st trip) and stop to admire and enjoy the whole experience.

THE ONLY THING THAT SHUTS OUT ANY DISNEY FUN OR GREAT EXPERIENCE IS A CLOSED MIND That's the motto I have for my trips

 

[iheartpluto]

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

This is exactly what DH and I did on our honeymoon! It's really great to just take a break in the middle of the day and have some down time by the pool (and yes, it is possible to nap while at WDW!) La Nouba is FABULOUS! So amazing. I highly recommend taking a stroll along the beach from the Polynesian to the Grand Floridian (or vice versa) especially while the Electrical Water Pageant goes by... DH and I are going back for our first anniversary, and this trip has a lot less ADR's, and a lot less activities, and I think it will be even more relaxed and more fun! You're great to surprise your GF with a trip like this and I know you will have a magical time. Enjoy!

 

[Vivianne]

We are a childless couple who have been going to Disney at least 2 times a year. since 1986. We have a great time every time. Initially, we did every park commando for a least 5 years. Now, we just go to 2 parks Epcot and MK. Then we rent a private pool home for some down time.

I never believe in making comparisons because it all depends on
1) Time when you're going. Events during that time.
2) Weather
3) Resorts you're staying at and even then it luck of the draw.
4) People

We always do EMH evenings at both MK and Epcot. We were there just last April/early May and have still found that the later you do EMH, with a plan, you won't encounter large crowds. Especially in rainy weather, people just leave. Take a midday break and you'll be well-rested for those late night hours. Just do the attractions/rides you know won't be open during EMH and then take your time doing the rest later.

We've been going for years and still enjoy the parks thoroughly. you're definitely going to enjoy the park experience together. Have fun. Don't worry about the rest...no trip is perfect.

Now if you're a beach person, the beach will always be waiting on a future trip.

We also dined at Paradiso 37 at DTD, Kona, UK at Epcot and enjoyed ourselves. The great thing about Disney is you can try something different everytime. Different people like different things..don't feel down because you read about someone else's failed expectation.

Enjoy your trip! You may have to go back for more.

 

[deerhart]

Okay, so I'm planning this birthday surprise for my DGF (37) who has always dreamed of going to WDW. I myself (40) havent been to WDW since I was 8 yrs old, so I will be like a newbie myself (I was a fan of Mr. Toad's Wild Ride )

Over the last month I have poured myself into these boards trying to make sure I have the best plan in place for a truly WONDERFUL 4 1/2 day vacation/anniversay/birthday surprise (May 18th - May 22nd). I have my itinerary set, ADRs are pretty much in place, La Nouba and SOA are my only enetertainment ressies as of now, and I've invested in touringplans.com and Ridemax to make sure I'm doing this all with some direction.

So I log in today and my heart sunk when I saw this thread. It seems that a lot of the major rides I am busting my **** to plan around are simply not worth it for adults... but very enjoyable if you have children to share their excitement with.

To each their own. DH and I love just about every ride at Disney. Yes even the more cheesy ones like the Mexican ride (loved Maelstrom as well). We like rides that our kids hate! (BTW we honeymooned at Disney as well. DH wanted to take me because I had always wanted to go there). I am the person that the first time at MK rode ITSW 3 times and took over 50 pictures!

Should I plan a more subdued vacation instead of focusing on trying to "get it all done" in our short time there? Are there events/activities that I should be investing my energy (and money) in that I am not aware about? Should I just shorten my trip for a 2 day WDW excursion and head to the beach? Are there specific itineraries for adults that would allow has to have a more adult oriented vacation (ie. not spending too much time in lines for rides that are for kids when we can be focusing our energies elsewhere?)

I can honestly say that my motivation has taken a hit, but I am still hoping for the best. I mean, I never would've planned this vacation for myself, but to see the excitement on my DGF's face when we make that turn off of I-4 instead of going to the beach will be priceless. I just want to make sure that by the end of the week we are reminiscing about our wonderful, magical filled vacation... rather than be exhausted and disappointed from rushing around a mammoth theme park waiting in lines to rides that were never meant for us

I could use a pep talk, and if you are regular WDW vacationing couple (without kids) I could certainly use some pointers.

TYSMIA!!

It is entirely up to you. How do YOU like to spend your vacation time. Me, I would last about 3 hours on the beach and that was ONLY if I brought my kindle to read a book during those three hours!! I want to be out doing something (museums, rides, heck even shopping would be preferable).

Now my kids are a little older (10 and 7.5) and we started taking them to Disney two years ago but it has always had a mixture of adult versus kids versus family. Hence why we ALWAYS do at least 1 sit down a day and why this year all the boys are being dragged to a princess meal (just for me!!). But DH and I are just as content to let them head to bed, sit out on the hallway/balcony/ etc from our room with a bottle of wine and relax!

If it was me, I would do what you want to do, skip things that you don't want to do, eat nice dinners, get some wine from Epcot and have a good time! The worst thing that would happen is that you ride Snow white, hate it, and don't ride it again. But then YOU have made a decision based on your likes and thoughts versus someone elses. As adults, you could simply hit all the shows and have an enjoyable time without ever going on a ride (I WILL make it to Beauty and the Beast this year if I have to tie my kids up and gag them!!!)

Disney is a very magical place for many people. For some of us, its a spot to relax and well tap into our inner child that we don't get to express all that often. There are a huge amount of things that I wish we had done while we went just the two of us that we have now done with our kids (like the character meets, we only did Mickey). Each time we go, we get an entirely different vacation because its based on our mood when we go. Honeymoon, trying to hit all the major rides, same with 1st visit with kids, last year much more laid back more shows more shopping, this year probably even more laid back, taking in resorts and more atmosphere.

So, if riding dumbo is going to bring a smile to your face, then who cares if it's geared towards kids. The point of it is to enjoy yourself and to gather as much magic as you can!

 

[SouthernExplorer]

Pick up the Unofficial Guide to WDW by Bob Sehlinger. The guidebook has age-specific ratings for the attractions, shows, and rides. It also has park touring plans catered to different age groups, and families.

I too was once a fan of Mr. Toad's Wild Ride, and then I rode it I should have taken the guidebook's advice and skipped it. If you are interested in the NASA space programs then I would strongly advise going to the Kennedy Space Center.

 

[qohweddings]

My DP and I are DVC members and go to WDW, DL or DCL about two times a year....

WE definately have our favorites, some we do occassionally to be nostalgic, and a few that we've done, enjoyed, but don't rush to back...too many other fun options.

Two years ago we took two friends - she's a California girl, raised on DL and had never been to WDW, he hadn't been to WDW since '82....


It was like having two little kids with us - eyes up / jaw down....all the "kiddie" rides...

We had fun just watching them....all the fun of going with little kids, but no naps, no meltdown, could be left on thier own, stay up late and ild enough to have a beer!

I'm sure you and you DGF will have an AMAZING time!

 

[divacat80]

My first post on the boards!
I was asked this question a few days ago and i just had to reply to this thread... though there's nothing i can say that hasn't been said before

Of COURSE WDW is for adult couples!!! i have only been to disneyland paris with my husband (though i've been to both WDW and DL before) and we had fun even at the "kiddy" rides. If we found the attraction too childish for us there was no problem, we would pretend we were kids and letting the inner child come out (until we got off the ride at least) and we would have fun with each other's comments and laughter.

I know we probably won't be going to snow white or pinocchio again but we enjoyed going on those rides we would have liked to ride when we were kids

Enjoy your plan, and don't be afraid to make last-minute "on-site" changes if you feel you have to but don't be afraid to go on the caroussel or dumbo if you want to
besides, there are sooo many options for adults there

leave the "adult you" at the park entrance and you'll have the time of your life

(sorry for my English! )

 

[Footnotegirl]

Eh.
In my opinion, people who say that a ride is 'just for kids' or 'only fun with kids' are saying that because they don't have any kid left in 'em.
I however, am going to stay immature for my whole life!

Seriously though, my husband and I have gone to Disney World twice now, and three Disney cruises. We are not dyed in the wool Disney people (or weren't when we started) but we absolutely love it. We basically take two kinds of trips, Adventure Travel types, where he and I go someplace we've never been before with very little plans and just go (example: England and Scotland with reservations only in London and a rental car set up for a week and a half to travel Scotland however we wanted). Or Relaxing Travel, where we go someplace easy where everything is taken care of.. which would be the Disney trips or visiting his mom in San Diego.

Disney is great for adults because adults notice the little things. The small imagineering touches, the street theater, etc. etc. Go, have fun, try any ride that sounds interesting to you, and forget about what anyone else says. Their vacations are different from yours, and what they enjoy is different from what you will enjoy.

 

[Missytara]

Pick up the Unofficial Guide to WDW by Bob Sehlinger. The guidebook has age-specific ratings for the attractions, shows, and rides. It also has park touring plans catered to different age groups, and families.

I too was once a fan of Mr. Toad's Wild Ride, and then I rode it I should have taken the guidebook's advice and skipped it. If you are interested in the NASA space programs then I would strongly advise going to the Kennedy Space Center.

You should try everything at least once.....that's why I would not read a book that someone else wrote based on their opinion that I am too old to ride it?????

 

[EvilQueenT]

i'm a disney fanatic and can go from park open to end of emh (8a-3a in the summers). my husband doesn't like crowds and thought disney was just for kids until we took our first trip with just the two of us in july of 2007 for our anniversary. we stayed at the gf club level and had adrs for lunches and dinners. i made sure we were in the parks early (cooler temps) and around 2-3pm came back to the room to chill etc... and be cleaned up to go out for dinner and hit the parks again at night until end of emh (again cooler temps then). we approached it like a honeymoon and now he's hooked and can't believe it when people don't think disney is for adults...we've been back just the two of us several times since then. it's just a totally different experience depending on what type of group you go with. i wouldn't change your plans especially if your girlfriend loves disney... it will pay off for you in the long run lol.

 

[jessd_ct]

My boyfriend and I went together to Disney for the first time last September just us. We spent the whole time running around like crazy trying to see everything and while it was the best vacation I've ever been on I definitely suggest not trying to see everything. Remember you can always come back again.
We had such a good time that we had this year's trip booked before we even checked out of our hotel. I guarantee you no matter how you plan this or what you decide to do you will have the time of your lives and won't want to leave!

 

[Miriade]

We're going to WDW in September 2010. And it's a "just 2 of us" trip, as we don't have kids.
It'll be our very first time in WDW.
We'd plan to do all the 4 majos parks, the water parks in a very slow pace and we do want to try the 'kid's attractions' b/c neither of us have ever been there and it's all new and magic.
I promised myself I will turn down all the 'grown-up' instincts and enjoy the place like a child, the only care I will need to have it's not getting sun-burned and do not blow away my credit card

 

[Tawnya1112]

This is my first post on here as well I just had to respond to this. My DH(24) and I(22) went to WDW for the first time last year we do not have kids. DH was unsure about the whole thing but went along with it because I was so excited about it. After our week there we were both completely hooked we want to go as much as possible (hopefully every year) we will be going back in September. There are some rides that may be more geared to "kids" but we rode most of them and had a wonderful time. There is plenty to do as a couple and its a great experience to go somewhere and both just let loose and be kids again. One of the most romantic things we did was have dinner at California Grill and watch the fire works after at the top it was breath taking. I'm sure you and your DGF will have a wonderful trip!

 

[SamiL]

I was 28 my first trip. DH had been when he was 3 but didn't remember much (other than crying on the Tea Cups).

That first trip we arrived a little late, but still had some time to go to the Magic Kingdom before it closed for the night. We had just enough time to fit in two or three rides. We did Small World first. Then we saw something called "Stich's Great Escape." I remember I kept waiting for the ride to start. These harness things came down, so I thought at some point something had to happen--we'd spin or something. I don't know. There was no ride. The lights went out, Stich escaped (not really a surprise, given the name of the attraction) and the harnesses kind of bounced up and down, like he was jumping on them, then he burped and an Dorito-type fragrances filled the room. It was so lame. I remember telling my husband "I could have stayed home and had my brother burp in my face for free!"

But here's the thing--I LOVE that memory. I love laughing about it with my husband. It's part of our little adventure story together. When we're in our 80's and we're taking our hundredth trip to WDW we'll still laugh about that. We'll also laugh about what we call the "Solid Gold Aztec Dancers" that used to be on the Mexico ride in Epcot and the time the Honey Pots in the Winnie the Pooh ride kept stopping every few feet (We'd hear Tigger saying "I'd rather be hoppin' than stoppin'!).

We'll also remember the awesome rides we love. Splash Mountain, Everest, Soarin', Tower of Terror, etc. There are lots more that we love. But we just love to laugh about a few.

We really didn't do a ton of planning for that first trip. I bought the "Unofficial Guide" the night before we left and read over it on the drive down. We picked out several rides at each park for our "must do" list. Then we explored and tried random rides.

As we approached the end of the trip we knew we'd be back. So we chilled out and left some things for the next trip.

We just took our first family trip (with DS3) a few days into that trip we knew we'd be using our APs for an adult trip in September. It's a lot of fun to take your kid, but it's a totally different type of trip. When you go as an adult it's about you--being a kid again. Only with money and a later bedtime.

I predict you'll have a great time. Make flexible plans. Remember it will all (well most of it) still be there when you're ready to go again.

Let us know how it goes!

 

[TheFairestOfThemAll]

Just us girls in the family (my mom, my sister, my daughter, and myself) went to WDW last september. I just told my boyfriend that him and I need to go by ourselves! We have a lot of things going on in our lives right now and when it settles down a bit I think we need a "magical vacation" where we can just enjoy it and be young again! please keep posting suggestions because I LOVE the ideas you guys are sharing!!!

 

[EJKorvette]

My girlfriend and I vacation at only two places, Disney World and Vegas. We have been up to Disney World more times than I can remember. Neither of us have kids so it is always "Adults Only".

And we always have a great time. You don't need children to enjoy WDW. Granted we tend to do adult things like spend the first afternoon after we drive up drinking tropical drinks at the Polynesian bar, and have liquid lunches at England and Germany in Epcot. But we also enjoy more child-friendly things like Small World, and Stormalong Bay.

In fact our favorite resorts is/are The Beach/Yacht Club. I am not a character person per se, but I still enjoy it when Chip and Dale say hello at breakfast. Of course we appreciate the adults-only moments such as having drinks at the little bar next to the Yachtsman Steakhouse.

Someone mentioned this already, but we can appreciate the little things that add to the Disney magic, such as the landscaping, the decor of Minnie's kitchen in Toontown, and the chocolate-dipped Rice Krispie Treat Mickeys.

As for the rides, even a "lame" ride at Disney is worth doing (if the wait isn't too long).

Where else can just sitting and relaxing and drinking in the ambiance be so much rewarding?

Evan

 

[JenSop]

Disney is ABSOLUTELY for adults!!!

I've been going regularly since I was 8 years old, so some of the rides I love as an adult and some I love for the nostalgia.

You are spot on when you mentioned doing the parks in the AM, breaking after lunch, then heading out after dinner. My grandparents got us on that regular Disney routine when I was a kid, and I still do it to this day.

I loved the other poster who said that as an adult, you notice the little details so much more. So true! You can really appreciate the creativity that goes into every single thing you see.

Some of my advice:
*Magic Kingdom is it's most magical at night. That's when the pixie dust is definitely in the air! I highly recommend evening EMH at MK - stick it out till most of the people have called it a night. It's so awesome!

*At MK, don't miss Splash Mountain, Space Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain, Haunted Mansion, and Pirates. I can't understand how anyone could not love Pirates?!?!? (From that other thread.) Jungle Cruise is all about the bad puns. With the right CM, it's hilarious. The other rides in MK are more nostalgia for me, and I don't always ride them, but they're still fun when I do.

*Dining (and drinking!) at Disney are part of the fun for us! Head to the Polynesian and get some Lapu Lapu's. Man, I love those! (Strong alchoholic drink served in a carved out pineapple.)

*Really take in all of World Showcase. (I love practicing my German with the German CM's!) Learn about the countries! Drink their wonderful beverages!

*Take your time walking through the jungle treks at Animal Kingdom. I LOVE animals, and I enjoy this so, so much. At Animal Kingdom, the rides to hit first are Expedition Everest, Kilimanjaro Safari, and Dinosaur. Then just relax!

*Overall, know that you will NOT see everything. Disney is huge! If you go in knowing that, you can relax more. Disney will still be there on your next trip! (You know you'll be back!)

*Don't miss Soarin'. It's great. When we took my parents and grandmother two years ago, my dad could not stop talking about it. He talked about it for a straight year after that trip...

*When people ask me what I love so much about Disney, I often tell them that I love it for two primary reasons:

My childhood nostalgia - I have so many wonderful memories from those childhood trips. My grandparents always let me help in the planning and it made me feel so special. When I'm on a ride in Magic Kingdom, for example, I really feel like I'm that little girl again, and all is right with the world. My grandfather's been passed away for 14 years now, but when I'm in Disney, I always feel like he's there with me.

I work in music/theatre/opera, etc. I so appreciate Disney's element of theatre - all around you at all times. You are completely immersed in a total experience during your whole trip. A ride is not just a ride - it has a storyline, and props, and scenery. Who else does that stuff?!?! You are no longer in the real world - you are in Disney!

Enjoy your trip. You will have such an amazing time! And you know we're all gonna want to hear about it when you get back!