It’s that time again. After all the hustle and bustle of the holidays, it’s time to think about your future vacation plans. Will it be a couple’s getaway? Will it be for your immediate family? Or perhaps a big family reunion? Whichever you decide, Disney is the answer.
You might think, “Disney, really?”
Yes, Disney.
It has something for everyone, including adults, and that’s going to be our focus right now: Adult Time with Disney.
We all know what makes Disney great for families, especially children, but there is so much to see and do for adults, too. Whether it be a quick or long trip, birthday or anniversary, Disney has something for everybody. The company’s attention to detail, quality and service are legendary. Plus, it has tailored some great experiences with adults in mind. Here are just a few.
Adventures by Disney — The best way to Travel the World. That’s right, you can experience France, Italy, China, Costa Rica, Australia more with Disney.
With Adventures by Disney you are an adventurer, not a tourist. They provide immersive activities, such as making pasta in Italy and painting lessons at Monet’s home in France. And since you are a VIP, there is no waiting in line for attractions.
It’s hassle-free travel, which includes:
• Hotel accommodations
• Transfers and luggage service
• Rental cars, cabs and trains
• Admission tickets
• Most meals and snacks
• Adventure Guides and local experts
• Special events and entertainment
• VIP service
• Jr. Adventure Program
• Surprises, gifts and more
Where to Adventure? With over 30 Adventures in 23 countries, the only problem you will face is deciding where to go. Wake up to the beauty of the Austrian Alps. Go wine tasting in the warmth of Tuscany. Or, step back in time to Athens to see a landscape dominated by 5th Century landmarks.
North America has no shortage of wonders to encounter, with nine different awe-inspiring Adventures. Check out a Broadway show or gaze at the majesty of a glacier in Alberta, Canada. See the true wild west of Wyoming or wind your way through the untamed wilderness of Alaska. All of these adventures have terrific things to do and places to see; each is professionally crafted to give you a memory of a lifetime. Disney crafted these adventures with families in mind; however, every destination offers a few adult-only excursions.
Aulani – Disney’s Resort and Spa in Hawaii is about a 35-minute drive from Honolulu airport. Aulani is a breathtaking resort with activities for all ages. You can do as much or as little as you would like — learn to hula, go snorkeling or attend Fireside Storytelling with Uncle. Many activities are included in the cost; however there is an excursion desk for creating extra special adventures. Don’t forget the World Class Spa, offering more than 100 treatments.
Disney Cruise Line – Regardless of the ship or the destination, Disney Cruises offer something for your whole crew.
The ships’ public spaces are made up of about 1/3 family spaces, 1/3 kid-only spaces and 1/3 adult-only spaces. Let’s talk about the spaces for adults.
Let loose in the uniquely-themed lounges and clubs. Unwind at the coffee bar or splash in the adult-exclusive pool. There is a World Class Spa that offers a range of services, as well as a fully stocked exercise room. Plus, enjoy an exquisite meal with adult-exclusive dining locations. PALO, classic Northern Italian cooking with a modern twist, is a feast for the senses. REMY (aboard the Dream and Fantasy only) offers the most luxurious dining onboard, serving the finest French fare. If your ship makes a stop at Castaway Cay, Disney’s private island, you’ll delight in Serenity Bay, an adult-exclusive beach.
Walt Disney World — There are so many different options for adults at Disney World. Are you a ride person? A foodie? People watcher? Shopper? Or do you just want to go at your own pace? Then you are going to love Disney World.
Consider getting the Deluxe Dining plan and enjoy a sit down breakfast and a Signature Dining experience every night. Do your shopping, sun and pool during the day and enjoy all of the parks at night during Extra Magic Hours. Most of the families have cleared out and the rides have little to no wait. This also is the time when you can enjoy all those special details that Disney provides.
Experience Victoria & Albert’s, the only 5-Star restaurant in Florida, rated #2 in the United States by Trip Advisor, at Disney’s beautiful Grand Floridian.
There’s also the newly renovated Disney Springs, a center filled with shopping, music, restaurants and experiences. Shops like Alex & Ani, Columbia, Kate Spade, Lilly Pulitzer and UGG, just to name a few, join many dining locations, including Celebrity restaurants, Art Smith Homecoming, Rick Bayless – Frontera Cocina and Morimoto Asia.
Anytime is a good time to visit Disney World, but consider the following special times. Epcot’s International Food & Wine Festival includes 30+ different countries that are represented with signature small dishes and drinks. These “small dishes” can be purchased with a Snack Credit. You can eat and drink your way around the world. Epcot’s Flower & Garden Festival is bursting with dazzling gardens, fresh flavors and rocking entertainment. This event has become a Mini Food & Wine event. Mickey’s Not So Scary and Mickey’s Very Merry are always a good time, too.
Here are some special extras you may not even know existed at Disney World: golfing, individual speed boats, jet skis, fishing, miniature golf, dance hall, Illuminations Cruise, Firework Cruise, horseback riding, carriage rides, park tours, Splitsville (bowling), Characters in Flight (hot air balloon), massages, facials…and much more.
Disneyland in California — Disneyland offers a very similar experience to Disney World. Pretty much everything is there, but on a smaller scale. A big plus for Disneyland is there are no buses needed to go from attraction to attraction, as everything is right there. This includes three hotels, Downtown Disney and two Parks: Disneyland and California Adventure. This is a better choice for guests with mobility issues, as it offers more Magic per square foot.
Wow, who knew right? All that’s left is to reach out to a travel professional, as there are still lots of details that can be added to your trip.
— By Tricia Scott, owner of Visit Mickey, a travel agency that specializes in Disney vacations, and VMVtravel for all your other travel needs, including a department that offers assistance to families with special needs. For information, go to visitmickey.com/quote-neoparent.html