Sell me on idea of Disney with no kids

[marius97]

I was just thinking...since I'm at least 14 years from WDW with no kids in tow...what is the enjoyment in doing Disney with no kids? I've fallen hard for WDW since my first trip last year with my DW and three kids as well as a subsequent trip. I loved going on rides with the kids and watching their faces light up with joy. I felt special because I could provide for them such a magical experience. But I guess that I don't see the adult only magic. Short of the fireworks displays, I don't see anything really pulling me in as an adult. Nice restaurants are great, but I don't see planning a vacation around them. If I wanted thrill rides, I'd go to Cedar Point (Don't flame me too hard for that one) I don't get into the themeing of the thrill rides as an adult. Maybe I just can't relax and enjoy it enough. I feel like a failure as a new Disney addict. Somebody please save me.

 

[Disneydonnam]

My husband and I are going alone to Disney in Sept. We will enjoy signature restaurants,massages,not feeling guilty being at the pool instead of at the parks. We will enjoy the parks without all the rushing.

 

[prophotogal]

All my trips have been w/out kids (and I count the time I was there as a Teen (16)). I'm a huge Disney Fan and I don't have kids (but hope someday take my niece & nephew w/out their parents with me). You can still be a kid if ya want and not go for the dining or themeing. You can do what you want when you want and not have to worry about what the Kids want to do. You can buy a balloon for yourself or make a little magic for a random kid walking by and give the balloon to them. You can still see the Joy in other kids faces.

To me: I love just to admire all the work it took to create one of my "Happy Places". It just amazes me how much detail there is. How much little nuances there are (like the sounds of the Family in Morocco in the apartment, the smell of fresh baked cookies on Main Street) to make the magic what it is. Then there is a dining. So many choices! I can be a kid at a character meal for breakfast/lunch then turn around and eat at the California Grill or Citricos or Victoria & Albert's for Dinner as an adult.

 

[PrincessTrisha]

Things that appeal to me as an adult:

• Great dining
• Themed hotels like AKL, Polynesian, WL
• Fantastic shows and movies - festival of the Lion King, Beauty and the Beast, Philharmagic, Carousel of Progress, etc
• Themed rides (not thrill rides) - Toy Story Mania, Buzz Lightyear, Soarin, Haunted Mansion, Star Tours, Great Movie Ride

There are also tours you can take to show you "behind the scenes" stuff. There are great pools (and pool bars), golf courses, spas, Afternoon tea, and just about every activity you can think of (except gambling).

To me WDW is the "everything and anything" vacation. Whatever I want to do (except play the slots) is located in one convenient location (WDW property).

 

[wheezy19]

To me: I love just to admire all the work it took to create one of my "Happy Places". It just amazes me how much detail there is. How much little nuances there are (like the sounds of the Family in Morocco in the apartment, the smell of fresh baked cookies on Main Street) to make the magic what it is.

I echo this sentiment completely. My first trip to WDW was when I was 10 years old, and I've been back every few years since then (I'm now 27). Sure, I can't wait to have kids and bring them there and see their reactions. But in the meantime, I can still enjoy the details and the effort that has obviously gone into creating such a place. Every time I go it transports me back to how I felt the first time. It's hard to explain, but it's just familiar and happy, and as soon as I set foot on Disney property I feel like I'm home. (Heck, as soon as I get off the plane in Orlando, even!)

I will say that I think it's something you either feel or you don't. My husband and I went to Disney World last year for his first trip, and, while he liked it and LOVED the dining and drinking options , he didn't fall in love with all of it like I'd hoped. I know it took my dad (who visited the first time at 37 years old) a couple of trips to get hooked, so I'm holding onto hope that DH will get there eventually! I tend to think though that he will be more like you, and into it for the sake of our kids.

 

[mgilmer]

I absolutely love going without our child. To be able to take a slow quiet walk around the lake, have a drink with DW and sit and watch the world go by on the Boardwalk, to take our time just window shopping and looking in Epcot, it is all priceless. With kids it seems you are always on the run somewhere. With just us, we can relax and take it slow and easy. At my age, that is what vacationing is all about.

 

[marius97]

I really hope that I can get into Disney for adults. As a family of five, we haven't even been exposed to the resorts since we stay off site. I may just need to broaden my horizons a bit. I've got about 14 years to get into it though. I guess in my eyes when I think WDW, I see Small World and Dumbo. Those are what I enjoy watching my kids enjoy. Once the kids are gone, I'll have to make a trip just to test things out.

 

[rflorek]

My trip as a solo adult couple this year will be extra magical (I hope!). I've finally convinced my DBF - who's never been to Florida, let alone WDW - that he should go!! I can't wait to see his reactions - I'm hoping it will be a little childlike, especially when he sees Goofy the first time (his favorite character).

I'm taking him to all of the parks, plus we've made quite a few ADRs, and we'll be attending the F&WF, so I think it will be great!

Robyn

 

[feistygalkmc]

I don't have any kids so I have yet to experience that side of wdw but I can tell you that as an adult it is amazing. My favorite place is epcot I love to spend time visiting each country and looking around the shops. That's something that a kid would see as boring. Also just relaxing by the pool or at the pool bar is nice. A good dinner and a night out at jellyrolls is another good reason. You don't have to spend all your time at the parks, for me it's about relaxation and having a great time with friends.

 

[Disneydonnam]

I don't have any kids so I have yet to experience that side of wdw but I can tell you that as an adult it is amazing. My favorite place is epcot I love to spend time visiting each country and looking around the shops. That's something that a kid would see as boring. Also just relaxing by the pool or at the pool bar is nice. A good dinner and a night out at jellyrolls is another good reason. You don't have to spend all your time at the parks, for me it's about relaxation and having a great time with friends.

You just described the perfect vacation in Disney.

 

[PSU]

We have been to disney with and without kids....without kids...no fighting/whining/meltdowns/less scheduling....with kids - nothing compares to the joy of a kids first visit and the magic in their eyes....Both are lovely -

 

[mskayjay]

Oh my goodness....seriously????

We are going again this October by ourselves. Our 'kids" are now 21 and 25. This marks trip number 3 without them. We did our 15th and 25th anniversaries there.

What is so special about it without the kids? WE get to be kids again! WE get to be goofy without having to worry if the kids are alright or *gasp* if we're embarassing them! lol It is a very different experience when you dont' need to tend to the happiness of a child and can address your own need for touching that inner child again. When I took my kids, I would walk under the train station and be clicking photos of them as they saw the Kingdom and then would tend to their every desire to make the trip special for them. Now? I walk under the station, come out on Main St and just stand there and cry tears of joy while I soak it all in and see the things I missed while I was caring for my kids.

Epcot....to really experience the countries, food, and adult beverages and not hear "I HATE Epcot! There's nothing to DO here!!!!!!" Ummmm okay...... I love taking my time and going through the countries, sampling the foods and yes, the drinks and knowing that if I choose to have a few, I don't have to worry about my kids or driving because the bus is taking me home (and no, I am not talking *drunk*....I said a few! lol).

Being able to go to a nice Table Service dining experience with someone who enjoys and appreciates it and doesn't just woof down the food like its aPB&J! lol I'm sooo sure my kids would love Cali Grill like we do! And seriously, I wish folks would not bring their kids there especially late in the evening.....9PM is too late for wee ones to be having their dinner and they do not want nor need to be in a place like CG at that time of the day! Oh and being able to eat when you want! Not on the whims of each child and the fighting over where/what to eat too!

Add in the feeling of freedom in not having to look out for where they are at all times.

Last trip we were concierge level at WL via an upgrade and all I can say is "pamper me baby". I've done my share! lol

Now I am the one who said months ago that I thought WDW should do an Adult Only hotel (and BTW the reservation specialists I talked to today, yesterday, and the day before all said they are getting a lot of requests for one!!!! yeah!!!!) and allow those of us traveling without kids the opp to be grown-up kids. I got hammered on that but still stand behind it. That being said, I love love love love kids and can't wait to be a Grandma (note to my kids: could you please get into at least thinking about this!!!!). And when we are grands we'll take the kids but for now....this is quite simply....divine!

 

[5stljayhawks]

I am now planning our bi-annual p's only trip. The wife is headed down for a conference, and I am going to. I fly for free on sky miles, Visit a few customers one day. Then fish in the morning (BYOPole) Golf in the afternoon (BYOClubs) have a few beers along the way and meet the wife for dinner.

The last time we spent an eveing at epcot and it was one of the best date nights we every had. Like I said, I would show her the world....

 

[Ln42]

I just went on my first trip without kids. Just me and another mom for a couple of days away. I was wondering if I would be able to enjoy myself....we totally did! We, of course, watched other families but chuckled about how we didn't have to deal with the little issues they were having. We marvelled at how fast we could get on rides in the single rider line, we embarrassed ourselves by going on the kiddie rides our kids would not do - just so we could say we did it!
We loved dining out, having the time all to ourselves, having longer conversations with other interesting people we met. We enjoyed the more adult center activities at Epcot, and had time to enjoy a beer or two! We toured other properties and enjoyed their theming and planned future trips. Since we had a rental, we also got to explore other entertainment in the area as well.
We would go again in a heartbeat!

 

[snowbound78]

After 11 trips with our DD and sometimes other friends and family members, we're FINALLY going on our own. At first DH and I couldn't really think of going without her, but then we kept remembering all the things that we had to deal with as she grew up...only the food of the month, enforcing the afternoon rest because we knew better than to try without, NO time alone together....etc. Our January trip is partly to break up the great northern winter, partly to celebrate my 50th birthday (actually in a couple weeks, but we NEED it in the winter), and the long awaited empty nest celebration. I wanted to do this for our 25th anniversary, but the world didn't allow it that year. This was DH's gift to me this year, and I am trying to find all the things we just wouldn't do with DD in tow. I think that anything you would look for in a relaxing vacation with the bonus of Disney fun is easily found~great restaurants, fireworks, entertainment, exotic animals, great lounges, music, rides~and all without even needing to get in a car!

 

[Poohbear5]

We've had 3 trips over our 25 year marriage with our kids and loved every minute. We just had our first trip alone to celebrate our 25th. What a blast!
Disney was a very romantic getaway!

 

[feistygalkmc]

You just described the perfect vacation in Disney.

Thanks! I plan on having another one in a short 43 ish (more like 42) days

 

[BELLE1109]

Disney is wonderful for adults!
Its a great place to just have fun and it can be amazingly romantic!

 

[babybaja2]

I was just thinking...since I'm at least 14 years from WDW with no kids in tow...what is the enjoyment in doing Disney with no kids? I loved going on rides with the kids and watching their faces light up with joy. I felt special because I could provide for them such a magical experience.

It sounds like your kids are still kids... wait until they are all three full-blown teenagers! Then you will really get the Disney without them idea...

 

[nurse.darcy]

No need to sell, your kids are quite small still. Although I will say that my best friend has enjoyed WDW 2 times now without her kids and they are 8, 6 and 3. HOWEVER, she has APs for Disneyland Resort and takes them there many times a year. I would say that you just need to try it once, maybe for a long weekend away with the wife to understand. You won't need to do it again till the kids are older but you will understand. My son is 16 and loves to WDW and Disneyland with mom. He took a friend to WDW this past July/August and called me the other day to tell me he wishes he would not have brought this friend. Even though he had a great time, he still wishes he would have just gone with me. We have fun together, go on rides together, take funny pictures together, laugh at silly things together.

Its great to have that connection between us. We look forward to it more and more as our time apart grows due to school, job and commitments.