DOING DISNEY WITH YOUNG ADULTS
When my kids were growing up, we took a number of trips to Disneyworld and Disneyland. Those Disney trips were full of character meals, pin trading, autographs, and searching for Hidden Mickeys. Now that my children are young adults, they still enjoy visiting the theme parks. Although they aren’t eager to wait in line for pictures with princesses, Disney parks have a whole new list of activities for them to enjoy.
1. Enjoy the Parks at Night
As the mom of young kids, I made sure that we were up and out of the hotel early and at the parks before rope drop in order to enjoy the shorter lines early in the day. Teens and young adults are less likely to cooperate with this strategy; however, you can take advantage of all the parks have to offer at night. Disney parks look even more magical at night with the glow of lights. The castle looks even more regal, and the different lands become even more enchanting. Favorite rides offer an amazing view of the parks at night – from Expedition Everest to Splash Mountain, you can see the parks from an all-new perspective. On our last trip, we managed to ride Big Thunder Mountain just as fireworks were going off over the castle – such a perfect way to end the day. Lines also become shorter as night falls. With young adults, you can take advantage of low wait times as the clock gets closer to striking midnight.
2. Participate in a Festival or Event
A favorite of adults is the Epcot International Food and Wine Festival. This event, which runs for several months each fall, allows park goers to enjoy specialty food and drink items from countries all around the world. This has become a huge event, with groups visiting in matching tshirts and sampling a little something from every country as they tour the World Showcase. This year’s event runs from August 30 through November 12. In the spring, the Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival displays amazing Disney topiaries. Guests can also take advantage of unique food and drink items from the countries in the World Showcase. This takes place in the spring, and the schedule for 2019 has not yet been released. If your young adults are athletes, schedule a visit to coincide with one of the Walt Disney World marathons. The Wine and Dine Half Marathon is being held the first weekend in November this year. The Disney Princess Half Marathon is the last weekend in February of 2019.
3. Enjoy Disney Resorts and Restaurants
Take a break from the parks and enjoy fishing, parasailing, or water-skiing in Disney’s Contemporary Resort Marina. Take time for pampering and book spa services at one of the resort hotels on property. The Grand Floridian, Yacht Club, and Saratoga Springs resorts are a few of the Disney hotels that have spas. Pay a visit to Disney Springs for a wide variety of shopping experiences and great entertainment. Enjoy wonderful food and amazing theming at Disney restaurants. California Grill at the Contemporary Resort not only has delicious food but provides incredible views of Seven Seas Lagoon and the Magic Kingdom. Boma – Flavors of Africa at the Animal Kingdom Lodge serves vibrant African food under a thatched roof. Try Pan-Asian cuisine from Iron Chef Morimoto at Morimoto Asia in Disney Springs, one of the most exciting new restaurants in the Orlando area.
4. Take a Tour
Go behind the magic and learn more about the Disney parks. Disney tours , many which are geared to adults, will give you a glimpse into the magic. Keys to the Kingdom tour is for teens and older and allows you access to the famous utilidors underneath the park as you learn the fascinating history of Walt Disney World. You can learn more about how plants are grown in The Land Pavilion on the Behind the Seeds Tour. Climb aboard a steam train to understand its importance at Disney parks on the Magic Behind our Steam Trains tour. A paid reservation is required for these tours.
5. Try Different Character Experiences and Photo Opportunities
Some of the Disney characters are experts at engaging with young adults. Visit Chewbacca in Hollywood Studios or flirt with Gaston in Fantasyland. A more recent trend is to take photos in front of distinct walls, like the purple wall outside of Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor in Tomorrowland or the bubble gum wall near Spaceship Earth at Epcot.
6. Relive Your Childhood
Kids aren’t the only ones who experience magic at the Happiest Place on Earth. Your young adults will be reminded of all their wonderful memories of Disney trips of the past. As they ride Peter Pan or enjoy a Mickey bar, they will think fondly back to the days when they hoped to be tall enough to ride Space Mountain. They may even want to recreate a favorite Disney photo! Regardless, your young adults will be reminded of the kids they once were and that they’re never too old to experience the magic of Disney.
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