Walt Disney World has been a destination for families since the Magic Kingdom threw open its gates back in 1971. But over the years, Disney magic has drawn in people of all ages, and today it’s completely common to see grown-ups enjoying the parks with out kids.
We thought it’d be fun to gather some ideas on how to make the most of a girls’ weekend at Walt Disney World — from tips on where to stay, what to do, and (of course!) where to eat!
Cinderella Castle in Magic Kingdom
Where To Stay For Your Girls’ Weekend in Disney World
Deciding where to stay during an adults-only trip can be a tough call, and there are a few different approaches you might want to take.
If you’re looking to enjoy your vacation without breaking the bank, think about Disney World’s Value Resorts. Want to avoid the noise and crowds often associated with these massive resorts? Request a room far from the main building and pools — even on the backside of a building where you’re less likely to have noise from passersby.
See Donald and friends at the All Star Movies Resort
But if you and your crew prefer to live the sweet life, consider booking a Deluxe Resort room — which is often a decent deal when you split it 2, 3, 0r 4 ways! These rooms offer more space and higher-end finishes. Plus some of the Deluxe Resorts have added perks — like great dining options and entertainment.
For these reasons, we love the BoardWalk Inn and Villas. Tons of dining options, plus nighttime entertainment. The best part — there’s easy access to both Hollywood Studios and Epcot, which are within walking distance — perfect for you and the gals! For these reasons, the Yacht and Beach Club Resorts and the Swan and Dolphin Hotels are also great choices!
BoardWalk Inn and Villas is a mecca of food and nighttime entertainment!
What To Do On Your Girls’ Trip to Disney World
When you’re deciding what to do on your girls’ weekend, you’ll want to think about the vibe of your trip. Is this a Dumbo or Die situation? Or are you looking to relax and unwind? Do you want to indulge your culinary desires? (If so, we get it!) Depending on which approach your group wants to take, there’s an abundance of stuff to do!
Cinderella Castle
Park commandos will want to plan carefully — including snagging any Fastpass+ reservations you’ll need to make sure you hit every attraction! Consider park hours and whether or not you’ll want to park hop. Want to plus-up your nighttime park experience? Consider a dessert party — like the Happily Ever After After-Fireworks Party where you watch the fireworks and projection show from a VIP viewing area and then dig into some tasty desserts!
One Sweet Plate at the Happily Ever After After-Fireworks Party!
Prefer to take it easy for the weekend? There’s a spa for that! 😉 Make reservations at Senses — A Disney Spa at the Grand Floridian Resort and Spa, and you’ll all leave feeling as zen as is possible at a theme park. Follow up your morning at the spa with afternoon tea at the Garden View Lounge, also located at the Grand Floridian.
Fancy sandwiches at the Grand Floridian tea
If you’d like to take advantage of the great outdoors during your girls’ trip, reserve a horseback riding experience at Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground or the private Wanyama Safari at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge (which comes complete with a meal at Jiko!)!
A private safari tour AND a meal at Jiko? Sign me up!
Where To Eat On Your Girls’ Trip To Disney World
Want to spend your girls’ time with great food? There are tons of fun (and delicious!) dining experiences at Walt Disney World that cover all the culinary bases! For a meal with a view, make an Advance Dining Reservation at much-beloved California Grill at Disney’s Contemporary Resort, and enjoy a unique view of the Magic Kingdom fireworks!
View of Fireworks from the Contemporary
Prefer a little show with your meal? Book the Spirit of Aloha Luau at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, or eat late at The Edison in Disney Springs, where entertainment is definitely of the grown-up variety!
©The Edison
Of course, if you’re just looking to try some of the best eats at Walt Disney World, we can help you find those! For atmosphere and eats, we love Morimoto Asia in Disney Springs. This fairly new restaurant is fabulous from start to finish, and you and the girls will definitely appreciate the upscale style and dynamite bites (and beverages!)!
Dining Area at Morimoto Asia
For the ultimate in fine dining, make an ADR at Victoria & Albert’s at the Grand Floridian. This seven- or ten-course meal is the most upscale dining you’ll find in the World. Opt for the Chef’s Table if your group is full of foodies!
Victoria Room at Victoria & Albert’s
Want to indulge in some of our favorite Walt Disney World desserts? You’ll want to join your ‘cousin’ at ‘Ohana, and save room for the ‘Ohana Bread Pudding!
‘Ohana Bread Pudding
Check out this DFB YouTube video on the Disney Desserts You MUST Experience!
Walt Disney World is a fantastic place to get away with your girls — whether you’re looking to hit the parks or just hang out. With entertainment of all types condensed into one World, it’s really got something for everyone! (Don’t believe us? Check out these 36 Things You Didn’t Know You Could Do at Walt Disney World!!) So what are you waiting for? Call up the women in your life (or text them — they’re busy ruling the world, you know!), and get your Disney girls’ weekend penciled in!
What’s your favorite thing to do at Walt Disney World without kiddos? Let us know in the comments!
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OK, as I guy, I hope the following suggestions don’t seem too stereotypical. I’m just trying to remember what my wife and her friends have enjoyed or mentioned wanting to try.
-Buy special ears off Etsy before you go (the selection is unbelievable)
-Plan on Disney Bound-ing your fav character, or pay someone to do it to you with a Character Couture package offered at various resort salons
-Wine tasting at Jiko (and a free Boma or Jiko culinary tour while you’re there)
-Wine around the world at the International Pavilions in Epcot
-(or perhaps a self-guided margarita crawl through Epcot or Animal Kingdom)
-Rent a cabana at one of the water parks.
-The new 3-hour behind-the-scenes Taste of Magic Kingdom VIP tour
-Amorette’s Cake Decorating Experience
-Disney Springs shopping, dining and catch a performance by Cirque Du Soleil (the visiting Luzia this spring, or the new permanent Disney animation inspired one once it’s done later in the year)
@JP, not sterotypical at all and all of those things sound awesome! Also, ANY group of adults should book a cabana for their water park day at Typhoon Lagoon (idk if Blizzard Beach has this option). My family did it for my birthday last year, and it was awesome. A roped off, dedicated area for your cabana, a cooler full of towels and ice cold water, a reusable cup (that I still have and still use for iced coffee), and a dedicated Cast Member to bring you food, treats, towels, etc. Our Cast Member was the sweetest lady ever, and we LOVED having a secure, dedicated space to crash between waterslide runs.
Wow! Thanks ladies ! These are great ideas – some I didn’t even think of….
I went this past year to Epcot Food & Wine with 3 of my girlfriends and we had a blast!
Definitely a great weekend girls getaway – so much to do for everyone’s tastes!