Best Disney World Resort Hotels for Adults in 2024

Going to Walt Disney World with your kids is one of the best vacation experiences any parent could have, but sometimes you just want to get a break and go away without them. Or perhaps you don’t have kids but are looking for a nice quiet hotel for adults.

In this post, we are going to share our list of the Best Disney World Resorts for Adults and rank them from best to worst. Everyone has a different budget to spend, so we’ve separated the resorts into 3 different categories (Value, Moderate, and Deluxe). This way you can make a choice no matter how much you are looking to spend.

If you’re looking for the most well-rounded Disney World Resort for you, as an adult, I have you covered in this article. I will explain to you exactly what the best way to pick your resort is. How to get the luxury, tranquility, and adults-only amenities that you’re likely looking for!

Believe it or not, some of the Disney Resort hotels are downright bad if you are looking to relax. These tend to be the ones full of families with very few places designated for older guests, or that are more catered to kids’ activities. These are the WORST hotels for adults and should probably be avoided in your situation.

Even though you are going to Walt Disney World, that doesn’t mean you are limited to the hotels physically located on property. There are a number of amazing hotel options for adults just outside Disney, and in some cases, they are an even better choice if you are looking for a quiet, relaxing trip.

Lastly, we’ve created separate lists of the best resorts according to your interests. Topics we cover include the most romantic, the most luxurious, the best spas, the best dining, and the hotels with the best nightlife.

And if you haven’t had the chance to read them yet, here are some of our other best posts on Disney World Resorts:

• Best Disney World Resort Hotels Ranked
• Complete List of Disney World Hotels
• Best Disney Resorts for Kids & Families
• Best Hotels Near Disney World
• Cheapest Disney World Resorts

Before we get started, don’t forget to sign up for our FREE Weekly E-Mail Newsletter. There we will update you with the latest Disney World Resorts updates, and share the latest vacation planning tips. You can sign up here: Join our E-Mail Newsletter!

Adult Hotels Overview

Having been to the Walt Disney World Resort both as a child, an adult, and as a married couple, I have had a good amount of experience when it comes to considering and looking at the different options available for a Disney World Resort as an adult. 

There are so many factors to consider when planning a trip without kids, but it’s worthwhile if you do the legwork ahead of time. Many view Disney World as a “Families Only” destination, and we are here to tell you that is flat-out wrong. Some of my all-time favorite Disney World Vacations have been as an adult and with no kids in the group.

The Disney World Resorts have a ton to offer adults such as relaxing spas, awesome pools, exquisite dining, a lively nightlife, and a bunch of amenities such as golf, boating, fishing, running, and more.

Whether you’re coming as a couple, as a single person, or in a friend group, in this article we have you covered. We will give you our top picks for adults that are visiting Walt Disney World!

What Area of Disney World is Best for Adults?

To make your vacation at Disney World really special, you really need to pick a resort in the most ideal location for an adult. There are several “areas” within Disney World and some of them are more catered to kids while others are more catered to adults.

Here is an overview of the 4 main areas:

Staying in the Magic Kingdom area is typically the most popular area for kids. You’ll have the Monorail Resort Hotels here such as Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, Disney’s Contemporary Resort, and Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. You’ll also have Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground and the Wilderness Lodge Resort here as well. 

These resorts are great for convenient access to the Magic Kingdom, but can also be crowded.

Another popular area is the EPCOT-area resorts. Some of the resorts found here consist of Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Resorts and Disney’s Boardwalk Inn. These resorts are incredibly convenient to the Disney Skyliner and both EPCOT and Hollywood Studios.

Then you have the Disney Springs area resorts. These hotels are on the eastern side of the Disney Property and give ideal access to Disney Springs with its award-winning dining options and entertainment options. Hotels that are found here at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa, Old Key West, and the Port Orleans Resorts. 

And finally, you have the Animal Kingdom resorts, which give easy and convenient access to Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park but are quite far from the rest of the Disney action. The Disney Resorts found here are Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, Coronado Springs Resort, and all three of the All-Star Resorts. 

Based on the areas individually, the overall best area for adults is the EPCOT-area resorts. Having easy access to EPCOT, Hollywood Studios, and the Disney Boardwalk gives a significant number of advantages for dining and drinking, two things many adults enjoy doing!

Is there an Adults Only Hotel in Disney World?

Unfortunately not. There is no “Adults-Only” hotel in Disney World at this time, and there probably never will be.  

Disney World is most concerned with making the entire “World” family-friendly for every member of the family and there is no chance you’ll be able to avoid children or kids on a Disney Vacation. 

If you thought that was possible, you’ve come to the wrong place! However, that certainly doesn’t mean adults can’t still have an amazing time! 

The good news is that some Disney World Resorts cater to kids a lot more than others. However, the ones that don’t will have a lot fewer kids throughout the resort grounds. If being on a quieter and less kid-dominant vacation is important to you, there are certain resorts we recommend you stay at over others!

Best Disney World Hotels for Adults (Ranked)

Certain Disney World Hotels are practically built for adults with the sheer number of amenities, restaurant options, and entertainment offerings! In this section, we are going to rank the very best Disney World Resorts for adults. 

What makes them stand out? What separates them from the other Disney World Resorts? Whether you’re coming in a large group of adults, or whether you’re traveling with a spouse or solo, we will touch on all those elements. 

But first, let’s get into the criteria for ranking our Disney Resorts.

Our Ranking Factors

When considering our rankings of the Best Disney World Hotels for Adults, we’ve factored in all the most important components of a positive resort experience for adults. Each of these things can be ‘make or break’ for an adult vacation! 

Here are the most important ranking factors and why they are important:

• Location: Is the location of this resort in a central location to other Disney attractions, such as the Disney Parks or Disney Springs? Or is it removed and far away? 
• Transportation Options: Will you be limited to Disney Buses when staying at this resort? Or are there additional options for getting into the parks? 
• Price: Some Disney Resorts can be incredibly pricey, and while for some that’s not a key factor, for others traveling they want to make the vacation as cheap as possible. 
• Adult Amenities: Will there be additional perks for adults at this resort that are particularly appealing? Things such as an on-site spa, adult activities, etc…
• Atmosphere: Some adults would prefer a resort that would be quieter and less conducive to families with small children, giving them a more relaxing and serene resort atmosphere. 
• On-Site Dining: Many Disney World Resorts don’t have ANY table-service restaurants on-site. For adults that want to enjoy a few nice meals together in a more relaxed atmosphere, this could be a deciding factor. 
• Rooms: The size of Disney World Resort rooms can fluctuate greatly depending on the resort you choose to stay at.

Which Disney Resort Class is Best for Me?

For those that are unfamiliar, Disney World has (4) resort classes of hotels. The four are value, moderate, deluxe, and deluxe villas. What’s the difference? Which resort class is best for you? 

• Value Resorts – Disney’s Value Resorts are the most affordable and budget-friendly hotels in Disney World. These hotels have mostly all of the perks of staying within a Disney World Resort, but with a significant reduction in amenities and luxury. These hotels are built more like outdoor-room access motels with huge properties and massive buildings.
  
  They are particularly catered to families with small children and have giant over-the-top Disney theming scattered throughout. In general, they are not the best for adults visiting Disney World.
  
• Moderate Resorts – These are a step up from the Value Resorts in terms of luxury and amenities. Moderate resorts aren’t particularly fancy, but they generally are more convenient to the Disney Parks and have a number of advantages over the Value Resorts.
  
  Almost all of the Moderate Resorts have at least one table service sit-down restaurant and they also have larger rooms. They’re slightly more subtle in theming and not as “DIsney-like,” perhaps having a little more appeal to older families and adults.
  
• Deluxe Resorts – Deluxe Resorts are the cream of the crop in terms of luxury, amenities, and sophistication. These hotels are the most expensive, but also the best located, have the best dining options, larger rooms, and just more extensive theming (and not tacky either).
  
  They cost a pretty penny, but adults staying here will get the ultimate in terms of quality, service, and overall Disney experience.
  
• Deluxe Villas – The Deluxe Villas are Disney Vacation Club (DVC) properties that are located on Deluxe Resorts property. Many of them are just separate wings of the Deluxe Hotel. Guests staying at the Villas get all of the perks of staying in a Deluxe Resort but have more “home-like” room setups.
  
  These rooms typically feature kitchens or kitchenettes, refrigerators, living areas, and washers/dryers. Many of the Deluxe Villas Resorts have 2 and 3-bedroom rooms allowing for up to 12 adults in a room. They are usually geared for families, but they can be great for adults since they sit on Deluxe Resort properties with all the amenities.

We rank the various classes of Walt Disney World Resort hotels in this order for adults:

1. Deluxe Resorts
2. Deluxe Villas
3. Moderate Resorts
4. Value Resorts

Best Disney Deluxe Resorts for Adults

Staying at a Deluxe Disney Resort is the best way for adults to get the most exclusive Disney World experience. While it will cost you on the financial end, guests that stay at Deluxe Resorts typically don’t go back to the moderate or value resorts. With the Deluxe Resorts, you’ll get treated like royalty while you lapse into the lifestyle of luxury and convenience. 

What you pay in cost you’ll more than make up for in terms of quality and never-ending memories. If you decide to stay in a Disney Deluxe Resort, you’ll get the very best of transportation, amenities, and close proximity to the Disney Parks. 

In this section, we’ve ranked our Favorite Deluxe Resorts for adults from 9th to 1st place. We will include the Deluxe Villas in this list as well since they are considered ‘Deluxe’ as well. The only difference is the location of the rooms and the layout of the rooms essentially.

9. Disney’s Boardwalk Inn

• Location: EPCOT Resort Area
• Theme: Turn of the Century New Jersey Boardwalk 

Our 9th favorite option when it comes to Disney Deluxe Resorts for Adults is Disney’s Boardwalk Inn. This beautiful EPCOT Resort is conveniently located on the Disney Boardwalk, within walking distance of both EPCOT and Hollywood Studios. 

It’s a stylish resort themed to Early 20th Turn of the Century NJ Boardwalks and has a fun feel for adults, including walkable waterside docks. Guests enjoy this resort and it’s got a fun atmosphere! 

While we think the Boardwalk Inn is a great resort for adults, it also does appeal to kids and its proximity to the Disney Boardwalk Inn can make it a noisier option hence the reason we don’t have it ranked higher.

Why Is It Perfect for Adults?

The Boardwalk Inn has several things that separate it when it comes to adults, including terrific entertainment and dining options. Due to its location directly on the Disney Boardwalk, you’ll find loads of fun entertainment and places to grab excellent food. You’ll also find great spots to grab cocktails and drinks, making for a perfect stroll on an evening. 

And if you want to visit one of the Disney Parks, you’ll be ideally situated to be able to take the Disney Skyliner to Hollywood Studios, take a 15-minute walk, or take one of the Friendship Ferry Boats. To get to EPCOT, you’ll have a short 5-minute walk to the back entrance of the World Showcase.

Dining Options

• Flying Fish
• Trattoria al Forno
• Big River Grille & Brewing Works
• BoardWalk Deli 
• Cake Bake Shop (Coming Soon) 
• Carousel Coffee
• AbracadaBar
• Leaping Horse Libations
• BoardWalk Joe’s Marvelous Margaritas
• Belle Vue Lounge
• Funnel Cake Cart

Dining at the Boardwalk Inn is a pleasurable experience for adults and couples. With the new additions of the Carousel Coffee Shop, the soon-to-be-opened Cake Bake Shop, and the revamped BoardWalk Deli, the Disney Boardwalk Inn has great and varied options for adults! 

Our two absolute favorites for adults are the Belle Vue Lounge and the Flying Fish Restaurant, both must be experienced if staying here!

READ: Best Restaurants on the Disney Boardwalk

Can’t Miss

One of our favorite things about a stay at Disney’s Boardwalk Inn is visiting the JellyRolls Dueling Piano Bar! It’s a great time in the evenings for guests that love a fun atmosphere where they can grab a drink and listen to their favorite songs. 

The performers here are excellent and it’s a great way to spend a late night with friends or your spouse.

8. Disney’s Beach Club Resort

• Location: EPCOT Resort Area
• Theme: New England-Style Beach Club 

Our 8th best Disney World Deluxe Resort for adults is Disney’s Beach Club Resort. Also found on the Disney Boardwalk, the Beach Club is a beautifully themed New England-Style Beach Club that will immediately transport you the second you walk through the lobby with its smells of aloe and cucumber. The light and airy blue colors throughout the resort present one of the most relaxing atmospheres for adults on our list. 

With convenient access to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios, staying at Beach Club not only gives you easy park access but you’ll have all of the amenities that come with being on the Disney Boardwalk. 

While sharing the grounds with the Yacht Club, guests of both resorts will be able to enjoy our favorite pool in all of Disney World, Stormalong Bay. If you like the sun and water, you’ll be spending a ton of time here, trust me!

Even though it’s one of my favorite overall Disney World Resorts, I don’t have it ranked any higher on this list for adults due to its over-popularity for families with small children that want to use the pool. The pool will frequently be backed up with small kids and it certainly isn’t great if you want to escape from the noise of young children.

Why Is It Perfect for Adults?

Disney’s Beach Club Resort has arguably one of the coziest atmospheres, and if you’re an adult that plans to spend a significant amount of time by the pool or the pool bar, this is the place you’ll want to be! 

We love the Beach Club’s proximity to EPCOT, it’s actually the closest resort to the back entrance of the World Showcase, allowing you to easily take our ‘Snack Around the World Showcase’ and ‘Drink Around the World’ challenges over in EPCOT. 

You’ll also get the many perks and amenities of being on the Disney Boardwalk with access to all of the nighttime entertainment and dining options. 

Lastly, you also have multiple great dining options right on site, between the Yacht and Beach Club Resorts, allowing you to find more than enough self-sufficiency, never having to leave the resort if you don’t want to.

Dining Options

• Cape May Cafe
• Beaches & Cream Soda Shop
• Beach Club Marketplace
• Martha’s Vineyard
• Hurricane Hanna’s Waterside Bar and Grill. 

You’ll also have easy access to all of the options at both the Yacht Club Resort and the Disney Boardwalk Inn. While the options at the Beach Club are just OK overall, having the Disney Boardwalk choices and even the EPCOT World Showcase within a short walk away, the dining options are truly plentiful. 

If you just want to stay on-site, Beaches & Cream can be a fun and enjoyable place to enjoy lunch or dinner while transporting you back in time to the 1950s!

Can’t Miss

Whether you’re young or young at heart, you’ll never be too old to take a ride on the Stormalong Bay Water Slide! It’s one of our favorite water slides in all of Disney World, especially for a Resort Hotel. 

It’s a 230-foot-long water slide that stretches out over the Disney Boardwalk and plunges all the way into the sand-bottomed pool of Stormalong Bay. Trust me you’ll want to ride this over and over again, whether you are all grown up or not!

7. Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort

• Location: Magic Kingdom Resort Area
• Theme: Celebrates the spirit of the South Pacific 

At 7th on our list of favorite Disney Resorts for Adults and Couples is Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort. This is one of our all-time favorite Disney World Resorts, and it brings a fun islandly theme throughout the property, allowing adults to feel disconnected and relaxed from the moment they step foot on the property. 

Being one of the Disney Monorail Resorts, staying at the Polynesian allows you easily to access Magic Kingdom and EPCOT through the Disney Monorail, giving you a fun ride along the way! You’ll also get some beautiful and stunning views of the Seven Seas Lagoon and the Magic Kingdom fireworks along the way. 

The Monorail Resorts typically have the highest number of kids due to their closeness to Magic Kingdom. This certainly isn’t a resort that will allow you to escape from kids if that’s what you’re looking for as an adult. 

It also is VERY expensive and is typically one of the most costly resorts in all of Disney World, hence the reason we don’t have it ranked higher, though it’s still very nice.

Why Is It Perfect for Adults?

We think the Polynesian is great for anyone, whether young or old. When it comes to adults, we love the Poly’s lounge options! As a perfect 1st stop on a Monorail Pub Crawl, you can easily enjoy cocktails at either one of the Trader Sam’s lounges or the Tambu Lounge. Both have fun tiki drinks that can be a great way to spend an evening!

We also love that the resort has the Seven Seas Marina on-site which allows you to rent motorized boats or even take your own personal cruise on the Seven Seas Lagoon! With a number of adult amenities, a great location, and amazing drinks, it’s hard not to love the Poly as a choice for adults.

Dining Options

• Barefoot Pool Bar
• Captain Cook’s
• Pineapple Lanai
• Kona Cafe
• Tambu Lounge
• ‘Ohana
• Oasis Bar & Grill
• Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto
• Trader Sam’s Tiki Terrace
• Kona Island 

Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort has some of the best lounge options in all of Disney. For couples that love tiki drinks and some of the most fun and uniquely Disney concoctions, it’s hard to top the offerings at the Polynesian. 

For a truly one-of-a-kind experience, visit Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto! Get there early it fills up quickly, and not only is it a great experience but they have tasty snack offerings as well. 

You also can’t go wrong with dinner at ‘Ohana, and while it’s a family-type restaurant, adults will surely enjoy the tasty food options here, especially the famous ‘Ohana Noodles!

Can’t Miss

Visit Pineapple Lanai and get your choice of a number of different Dole Whip flavors. The Polynesian Village Resort & Spa is the ONLY Disney World Resort that has its own Dole Whip stand on-site. Don’t miss out on it!

6. Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort

• Location: Disney Springs Resort Area 
• Theme: Inspired by a historic New York retreat that was famous for horse racing

At 6th on our list of the Best Disney Resorts for Adults and Couples in 2024 is Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort. 

This Disney Vacation Club Villas Resort isn’t a typical hotel and only comes in villa-style rooms, giving you additional spacing and home-like amenities. This sprawling resort is built around a golf course and includes easy walking access to Disney Springs. 

While we love this resort for adults, its theming doesn’t “wow” you, it has fewer dining options, and it’s further away from the Disney Parks. That’s why we can’t rank it higher on our list.

Why Is It Perfect for Adults?

With theming that caters to adults and few amenities in a way that can be attractive to kids, Disney’s Saratoga Springs appeals to a more mature crowd.

It also has the best access to Disney Springs anywhere on Disney World property. Adults love grabbing food or drinks at the premier foodie spot in all of Disney World, and they can do this with a convenient and short walk.

With an on-site golf course and one of the only full-service spas in Disney World, the amenities at Saratoga Springs really cater to a more “adult-ish” crowd. This results in fewer kids running around, and quieter grounds. 

For adults that would enjoy a more serene atmosphere, it’s hard to beat Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa.

Dining Options

• The Turf Club Bar and Grill
• The Artist’s Palette
• The Paddock Grill
• The Turf Club Lounge
• On the Rock Bar
• Backstretch Pool Bar
• Chip ‘n Dale’s Cafe

While the food offerings for adults and couples at Saratoga Springs Resort aren’t anything special, the nearby proximity to Disney Springs will give you arguably the best location to the MOST amount of quality food places. 

Dining at Disney Springs will give you access to world-class dining and the best Disney has to offer. Walk, take the boat or bus over to Disney Springs, and visit either The Boathouse, Homecomin’, Morimotos, or Jaleo, and you’ll have a tremendous experience!

Can’t Miss

This resort is massive and can be considerably stretched out! That’s why we love renting bikes at Horsing Around Rentals. You’ll be able to explore all the different areas of the resort and get some good exercise along the way!

5. Disney’s Wilderness Lodge Resort

• Location: Magic Kingdom Resort Area
• Theme: A tribute to America’s Great Northwest and National Parks 

At 5th on our list of the Best Disney Deluxe Resorts for Adults & Couples in 2024 is Disney’s Wilderness Lodge Resort. This beautifully themed resort is a great relaxing ‘mountain lodge’ that feels far away from the hustle and bustle of the Disney World Parks. The nice thing is you’ll only be a short boat ride away from Magic Kingdom, giving you the best of both worlds. 

This resort is romantic for adults and truly transports you to the most beautiful rustic lodge you’ve ever been to! It’s an outdoorsy person’s paradise and it’s also one of the more reasonably priced Deluxe Resorts on our list. 

It’s not further up our list due to the fact that it feels removed from the Disney Parks, other than Magic Kingdom, requiring you to almost rely solely on Disney Buses to get everywhere else. 

The standard rooms found here are also smaller here and only fit a max of 4 guests, unlike most of the other Deluxe Resorts which have space for 5 guests.

Why Is It Perfect for Adults?

We love the Wilderness Lodge Resort as a hotel for adults for a number of reasons! First off, it’s quiet and serene, feeling far removed from the craziness of Magic Kingdom. The common areas of this resort tend to stay quiet, never feeling overly packed or frantic with noise or action. 

We love the ability for adults to take beautiful walks around the resort with several nature trails on site. They also feature one of our favorite lounges in all of Disney World, Geyser Point Bar & Grill. The beautiful open-aired lounge has terrific food and great cocktails, especially if you’re a whiskey lover. 

If you want a unique and rustic resort that’s both beautifully themed and quiet, the Wilderness Lodge is a great option.

Dining Options

• Story Book Dining at Artist Point
• Whispering Canyon Cafe
• Geyser Point Bar & Grill
• Roaring Fork
• Territory Lounge

The restaurants at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge are highly focused on families, but two fun and under-the-radar options are the Territory Lounge and Geyser Point Bar & Grill. Both of these lounges have great full-service drink menus as well as a ton of tasty food offerings. 

Geyser Point Bar & Grill is a stunning open-air lounge that is beautifully themed with excellent food, and it’s one of our favorite lounges in all of Disney World, both for its food offerings and its marvelous setting. 

The Territory Lounge is an under-the-radar option found inside the resort that has some tasty and unique food options as well. You likely won’t find many kids at the Territory Lounge, so it’s great for a quiet drink and snack.

Can’t Miss

Enjoy the always fun Whispering Canyon Cafe! Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner this fun Old-West-themed eatery serves up fun and tasty all-you-can-eat skillets! How can you beat that? This is one of the truly fun and terrific all-around dining experiences anywhere in Disney World.

4. Disney’s Yacht Club Resort

• Location: EPCOT Resort Area
• Theme: A New England-style Yacht Club

At 4th on our list of the Best Deluxe Resorts for Adults is Disney’s Yacht Club Resort. The sister of the Beach Club Resort, these two resorts share a property but are vastly different when it comes to theming. 

The Yacht Club is a New-England-themed resort that feels much more catered to a mature crowd, lacking the family-like theming of the Beach Club. This makes it a perfect adult hotel! 

The darker and more muted tones of this resort will beautifully transform you to a fancy yacht club, full of sailing and boat themes throughout. While it does attract some families, due to Stormalong Bay, it doesn’t appear to have the same levels of appeal to families with small kids that the Beach Club has. 

We LOVE this resort for adults and think it’s perfect for a more refined Disney World Experience.

Why Is It Perfect for Adults?

With significant amounts of dining and entertainment offerings, it’s hard to top the location of the Yacht Club Resort. Sharing dining options with the Beach Club and the Disney Boardwalk, adults will find more than enough options when it comes to lounges, restaurants, and recreation. 

Situated directly next to the Disney Skyliner, guests can easily take a relaxing ride back and forth to the other Disney World Resorts found on the Skyliner or visit Hollywood Studios in a matter of minutes! And if you’re looking to travel to EPCOT, you’ll have a simple 5-minute walk to the back entrance of the World Showcase. 

Or if you’d prefer a relaxing boat ride, you can easily do that to both EPCOT and Hollywood Studios as well if you really don’t feel like walking. If you are feeling romantic, you can take a scenic boat ride on the beautiful Crescent Lake. 

With adult-like theming, great dining options, and easy access to a significant amount of Disney offerings, the Yacht Club is a top-notch option for adults.

Dining Options

• Ale & Compass
• Ale & Compass Lounge
• The Market at Ale & Compass
• Cape May Cafe
• Beaches & Cream Soda Shop
• Beach Club Marketplace
• Martha’s Vineyard
• Hurricane Hanna’s Waterside Bar and Grill
• Yachtsman Steakhouse
• Crew’s Cup Lounge

The Yacht Club Resort has fantastic options both at the resort itself and within easy walking distance. With better options than its sister restaurant, the Beach Club, the Yacht Club has more satisfactory options for adults and couples within the resort itself. 

One place we LOVE for breakfast and enjoy for dinner as well is Ale & Compass. We prefer the breakfast here, and if you want to avoid the nearby Cape May Cafe with its vast amount of kids (Character Breakfast), you’ll get a more adult-centric restaurant that will enable you to get a tasty meal.

Can’t Miss

If you truly want to splurge, there’s possibly no other steakhouse that equals the quality of the Yachtsman Steakhouse. With terrific cuts of meat cooked to perfection, this table-service dress code restaurant is a great way to spend a date night.

We also love late-night walks around Crescent Lake. The lights and music on the Boardwalk are perfect for a romantic stroll or just to get some exercise.

3. Disney’s Riviera Resort

• Location: EPCOT Resort Area
• Theme: Walt’s love of the French and Italian Riviera 

The newest Disney World Resort, Disney’s Riviera Resort just opened in December 2019 and is one of the best resorts in Disney for adults. The Riviera is a DVC property and its rooms are all villas-style rooms, giving extra comfort and amenities for couples and families. 

This European-style hotel feels incredibly high-end with both charm and sophistication through every walkway of this resort with its beautiful architecture and stylish marble finishings. Its theming certainly features Disney but in a much more nuanced and subtle kind of way. 

While the resort feels more catered towards adults, the ever-popular Topolinos Character Breakfast does attract families with kids. It’s also one of the most expensive Disney World Resorts, but the food quality is excellent for breakfast, and the characters are great to see.

Why Is It Perfect for Adults?

Situated right on the Disney Skyliner, the Riviera Resort gives couples and adults incredibly easy access to EPCOT (1 stop away) and Hollywood Studios. This allows adults not to be reliant on Disney Buses for getting to at least two of the parks. 

This resort is also FULL of beautifully-themed Disney Mosaic art pieces throughout the common areas and the rooms, allowing adults to truly cherish the attention to detail. 

I love the resort’s nods to its European theming with fun outdoor game areas on the lawn, including Bocce Ball and Chess. And adults will particularly fall in love with one of our favorite rooftop dining experiences in all of Disney World, Topolino’s Terrace. With incredible food for breakfast and dinner, adults will cherish the overall experience here.

Dining Options

• Bar Riva
• Topolino’s Terrace
• Le Petit Cafè
• Primo Piatto 

The dining options at Disney’s Riviera Resort are highly catered to adults and besides the character breakfast at Topolino’s Terrace, the rest of the options don’t particularly appeal to families with small children. 

One of our absolute favorites in all of Disney World is Topolino’s Terrace Restaurant for dinner. It’s at the very top of the resort and features stunning views outside the restaurant in addition to top-notch dining. If you want homemade Italian dishes that will compete with the very best Disney has to offer, you can NOT go wrong with Topolino’s Terrace.

Can’t Miss

Every single one of the dining options at Riviera is stellar. But if you’re a coffee lover you will especially appreciate Le Petit Cafe. Our favorite place to get coffee in all of Disney World, this authentic Parisian-style cafe serves up stellar coffee no matter what kind you enjoy and gets your day started right.

2. Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa

• Location: Magic Kingdom Resort Area
• Theme: A Victorian-style hotel that evokes the golden era of Palm Beach 

Our 2nd favorite Disney World Deluxe Resort for adults is Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. This elegant-themed Victorian-style hotel is inspired by the famous Hotel del Coronado and is especially appreciated by adults through its class and sophistication. 

Also since it’s situated on the Disney Monorail, the Grand Floridian presents incredibly easy access to Magic Kingdom with an all-new walking trail OR taking a brief ride on the Monorail.

While that’s a benefit when it comes to visiting, it also causes this resort to be incredibly popular with families with children to enable them to be close to the magic. This can sometimes make the common areas of this resort loud and anything but peaceful. 

The only reasons we can’t rate it 1st are noise and cost. The Grand Floridian is typically the most expensive resort to stay in for guests, making it inaccessible for many couples and adults.

Why Is It Perfect for Adults?

I’ve said it many times but I’ll say it again, Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa has the BEST restaurant and dining options out of any Disney World Resort. 

With 3-signature dining experiences and 2 additional sit-down dining experiences, this resort can be a one-stop-shop for couples and groups that don’t want to stray far from their resort. 

It also features one of the BEST Disney World Spas on property, The Grand Floridian Spa, which is a full-service spa featuring a soothing confection of unique therapies and services. Super relaxing, especially if you are going to be spending some time in the parks.

With additional boating experiences, amenities, and luxury, it’s hard for ANYTHING to beat the Grand Floridian when it comes to class and refinement.

Dining Options

• Citricos
• Narcoossee’s
• Grand Floridian Cafe
• Enchanted Rose
• Gasparilla Island Grill
• Beaches Pool Bar & Grill
• Courtyard Pool Bar
• 1900 Park Fare (temporarily closed)
• Citricos Lounge
• Garden View Tea Room
• Victoria & Albert’s 

The dining options as a whole here are fantastic and our favorite in all of Disney. If you want upscale, you have the premier dining experience in all of Disney World with Victoria & Albert’s. If you want a more relaxed setting that is underrated and reasonably priced, a meal at Grand Floridian Cafe surely won’t let you down! 

Besides the amazing restaurants at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa, you are also just a short ride away from the other Disney Monorail Resorts which means lots of great dining options.

Can’t Miss

One of the best dining experiences in Disney World is going to Narcoossee’s around the time of night when the Magic Kingdom Fireworks are happening. 

Not only is it a terrific restaurant, but the restaurant is situated right on the Seven Seas Lagoon giving you a great view of the Magic Kingdom Fireworks with the music of the show even pumped in. 

If you don’t feel like dinner, you can book a fireworks cruise and have your own personal charter around the Seven Seas Lagoon while enjoying the show.

1. Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge

• Location: Animal Kingdom Resort Area 
• Theme: African-themed lodge in an African Savannah 

Our number one Deluxe Resort for Adults and Couples is Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge. This unbeatable-themed resort will transport you to a beautiful African lodge that is situated directly in the middle of an African Savannah. 

There’s nothing like it anywhere outside of Africa, and for guests that want the very best of Disney Imagineering, it’s VERY hard to top this! While we don’t love that it’s further away from some of the other Disney World Resorts, it’s an almost perfect resort for adults! 

That’s not to say it isn’t a great family or kids’ resort too because it is, especially with kids typically loving the nature and animal element of this resort. But adults can especially appreciate it here for its peace and tranquility.

Why Is It Perfect for Adults?

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge is far from the hustle and bustle of the Disney Theme Parks. You can view that as a bad thing, but in the case of adults, it can be a great thing! This means you’ll have a peaceful and relaxed feeling on your trip! 

It features arguably the best shopping out of any Disney World Resort, two terrific pool areas, and stellar table-service restaurants. All three table-service restaurants are tremendous but they can be unappealing to families with small children due to the rounded palate offerings, with influences of Africa, India, and Europe. 

The Lodge also does a terrific job of making all guests feel comfortable with a continued fluctuation of daily events and activities. And what makes the Animal Kingdom Lodge stand out from the others is it’s often the most affordable Deluxe Disney World Resort, allowing couples and groups accessibility to staying here more readily.

It’s really hard to be the combination of affordable pricing, amenities, and tranquility the Animal Kingdom Lodge provides.

Dining Options

• Jiko
• Boma
• The Mara
• Cape Town Lounge and Wine Bar
• Victoria Falls Lounge
• Uzima Springs Pool Bar
• Sanaa
• Sanaa Lounge
• Maji Pool Bar

Dining at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge is a terrific way for adults to enjoy the distinctive tastes of Africa while giving adults some of the most unique offerings anywhere in Disney World. 

We LOVE all three of the table-service meals here, Jiko, Boma, and Sanaa. All three are vastly different with completely unique offerings, we highly recommend you try all 3. You can’t go wrong with any of them!

Can’t Miss

Visit The Mara quick-service location to get two of our favorite snacks in all of Walt Disney World! Try Zebra Domes (Coffee Flavored Chocolate Bites) and a Nyala Brownie (Chocolate Peanut Butter Brownie). Both are completely unique sweet offerings that will surely quell anyone’s sweet tooth!

Best Disney Moderate Resorts for Adults

If the cost of staying in a Deluxe Disney World Resort is unattainable for your budget, a stay at a Disney World Moderate Resort can be a healthy compromise. While not quite as luxurious, these Moderate Resorts can still be an incredibly enjoyable vacation while giving you additional bells and whistles that the value resorts simply cannot. 

While there are 5 total Disney World Moderate Resorts, we will focus on our favorite 3 for adults.

3. Disney’s Port Orleans French Quarter

• Location: Disney Springs Resort Area 
• Theme: The French Quarter in New Orleans

Our 3rd favorite Disney World Moderate Resort for Adults is Disney’s Port Orleans French Quarter. The smallest resort in all of Walt Disney World, the French Quarter slightly edges out its sister resort Port Orleans Riverside Resort, which didn’t make our list. 

This serene resort takes you to the French Quarter in New Orleans with its fun and playful style. It has great charm and its walkable pathways along the Sassagoula River make for an enjoyable and relaxing stay for adults and couples. 

What holds French Quarter back from being higher up our list is its lack of a table-service restaurant. It’s the only Moderate Resort without one, even though you can easily access the nearby Boatwright’s Restaurant at Port Orleans Riverside which is just a short walk away.

Why Is It Perfect for Adults?

For adults that want the ultimate in seclusion and intimacy, there is nothing that tops Port Orleans French Quarter Resort. This is a quiet gem of a resort and it’s jam-packed with great charm at every corner of the resort. 

There is a level of romance at this resort with the ability to take a romantic horse-drawn carriage ride along the beautiful pathways. 

Despite not having a table-service restaurant, there are a number of great food options for adults here. It’s got a great lounge Scat Cat’s Club, where you can enjoy a true New Orleans-style jazz club with live music, appetizers, and cocktails! 

I also love the Sassagoula Floatworks and Food Factory quick-service option, which has a number of tasty Mardi Gras-inspired foods!

Dining Options

• Sassagoula Floatworks and Food Factory
• Scat Cat’s Club Lounge
• Scat Cat’s Club Cafe
• Mardi Grogs 

While it is disappointing that Disney’s Port Orleans French Quarter doesn’t have a table-service dining option, the quick-service choices here are terrific. 

With a real New Orleans flair, Scat Cat’s, Mardi Grogs, and the Sassagoula Floatworks and Food Factory will all give you a number of different offerings that will appeal to more varied palettes that are willing to try some of the best French Quarter cuisine.

Can’t Miss

Try the tasty and famous Mickey Beignets at Scat Cat’s Club Cafe! These Mickey-shaped pieces of heaven are fresh and hot each time, cooked right for YOU. If you want the ultimate experience, ask for them to be filled with booze!

2. The Cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort

• Location: Magic Kingdom Resort Area
• Theme: The timeless beauty of the American Frontier.

Our 2nd favorite Disney Moderate Resort for Adults and Couples is The Cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort. This unique one-of-a-kind experience can be the perfect outdoorsy camping-style experience for couples and groups. 

The cabins are perfect for larger groups, fitting up to 6 adults in each one. 

And while they aren’t a luxurious experience, they are packed with amenities and fun things to do! With the ability to feel far removed from the Disney Parks (despite being only a few minute boat ride from Magic Kingdom), The Cabins are a great option for adults.

Why Is It Perfect for Adults?

The Cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort are a fun and unique way to experience the Walt Disney World Resort. Adults love the ability here to cook here, with each of the cabinets having full kitchens and outdoor grill areas. 

This can be an incredible way to have a little bit more of a camping-style experience while also being close enough to the Disney parks that you can easily access them. 

The list of amenities at Fort Wilderness is never-ending, featuring more entertainment and things to do than arguably anywhere else on Disney World property. From horseback riding to fishing to archery to kayaking! There’s something to do at Fort Wilderness for every kind of adult out there.

Dining Options

• P & J’s Southern Takeout
• Meadow Snack Bar
• Crockett’s Tavern
• The Chuck Wagon
• Trail’s End Restaurant
• Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue

The dining options for adults at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort are just OK overall. If you want the most amount of quiet, opt to cook within the confines of your cabin and enjoy the most serene experience overall. 

However, if you have to dine somewhere, you’ll be limited to Hoop-Dee-Doo as your only truly table service sit-down dinner experience. Otherwise you’ll need to head to Magic Kingdom or one of the nearby Magic Kingdom Resorts.

Can’t Miss

Experience one of our very favorite shows in all of Walt Disney World, the Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue! This dinner and show is a fantastic time for families and couples alike. Adults in particular will love the endless beer, wine, and sangria offerings for all guests and the lively atmosphere.

1. Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort

• Location: Animal Kingdom Resort Area 
• Theme: Celebrates the blend of Spanish, Mexican, and Southwest American culture.

Disney’s Coronado Springs tops the list as our favorite Disney Moderate Resort for Adults and Couples! With the beautiful new upscale Gran Destino Tower recently being added to the resort, Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort feels almost ‘Deluxe’ in terms of luxury rather than moderate. 

This resort is catered to adults unlike any other moderate resort and is a terrific choice while also being budget-friendly. 

While it’s not perfect, and it’s certainly not ideal in terms of location or in transportation options to the Disney Parks, it’s still a clear-cut choice for the best Moderate Resort for Adults.

Why Is It Perfect for Adults?

Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort lacks the appeal for kids, feeling ‘less Disney’ in nature than some of its Moderate Resort competitors, making it ideal for adults. 

Also, being one of the ‘Convention Hotels’ on Disney property, Coronado Springs appeals to older and business crowds, and guests with children often avoid staying here. That means less noise and chaos.

We particularly love it because of the exclusive nature of the resort, with its terrific dining options, including tremendous rooftop and waterfront restaurants. The food here at Coronado Springs is expansive with innumerable options for adults, including both great table service restaurants and impressive grab-and-go quick-service options. 

We love Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort, and with its re-done rooms and the Gran Destino Tower addition, it’s a clear-cut choice for us for the best Moderate Resort for Adults.

Dining Options

• Toledo – Tapas, Steaks & Seafood
• Three Bridges Bar & Grill
• Rix Sports Bar & Grill
• Dahlia Lounge
• Barcelona Lounge
• Siestas Cantina
• Maya Grill
• Cafe Rix 
• El Mercado de Coronado
• Laguna Bar

You can’t go wrong as an adult dining at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort. With practically every restaurant and lounge appealing to business travelers, couples will never feel out of place at any of the above-mentioned options. 

If you want to enjoy the best meal at the resort, opt for Toledo. This rooftop restaurant features Spanish-style tapas cuisine that will allow you to enjoy truly terrific meals that will enable you to enhance your palate. We’ve loved every meal we’ve had at Toledo!

Can’t Miss

If you AT ALL enjoy sangria, the very best sangria in all of Disney World is found at Three Bridges Bar & Grill. One of the most underrated and beautifully-themed dining options in Disney World, the multiple flavors of sangria found here are incredible and made right on-site daily. 

In fact, they even teach a sangria class during the day to guests that are interested. 

We also really love the quiet atmosphere when walking around the lake. Make sure to spend some time here at night, it’s quite beautiful.

Best Disney Value Resorts for Adults

And lastly, we have the best Disney Value Resorts for Adults. While the Value Resorts specifically are catered towards families and families, particularly with young kids, in this section we will focus on adults. 

Unfortunately, there is really only ONE Disney World Value Resort that has an adult element to it. So we will talk about our one and only favorite Disney Value Resort for Adults.

1. Disney’s Pop Century Resort

• Location: EPCOT Resort Area 
• Theme: A nod to the unforgettable fads of the 1950s through the 1990s 

Disney’s Pop Century Resort is really the only Disney Value Resort we can recommend for adults since the others are much better suited for families. This Skyliner Resort is perfectly situated in the very center of Disney World property, giving it easy accessibility to the other Skyliner Resorts and Hollywood Studios, and EPCOT. 

While this resort is by no means luxurious or fancy, it brings the most amount of budget-friendliness to adults and couples that don’t want to spend a great deal of money on a Disney World Vacation. It can be a great place to stay for adults that plan on spending more time in the parks than at their resort (especially Hollywood Studios and EPCOT).

Why Is It Perfect for Adults?

In addition to being on the Disney Skyliner and having great accessibility and transportation options for adults, Disney’s Pop Century also has the most appealing theme for adults.

 With references that only adults can likely understand, this resort’s buildings are each themed on different generations from the 1950s to the 1990s with nods to the unforgettable fads during this generation. Not many kids today even know half the games or references shown.

It’s also a great option for groups that want additional bedding, and is the only Value Resort with two full queen-sized beds, giving a little more comfort to groups traveling with up to 4 guests. 

The other nice thing about Disney’s Pop Century is you won’t have to share bus transportation with other resorts, unlike the All-Star Resorts which makes it far simpler to get back and forth to the Disney Parks. 

All of these reasons make it our favorite Disney Value Resort for Adults.

Dining Options

• Everything POP Food Court
• Petals Pool Bar

With modest dining options as a whole, Disney’s Pop Century has virtually nowhere to enjoy a meal undisturbed. You’ll be packed with families and small children everywhere on-site, and if you want to enjoy a little bit of quiet, opt for the Petals Pool Bar and grab a tasty poolside cocktail with a snack. That’s your only option here. 

Otherwise, I’d recommend you take the Disney Skyliner over and visit the nearby Riviera Resort or the Disney Boardwalk. You’ll have loads more options there!

Can’t Miss

One unique offering at Disney’s Pop Century Resort is their unique cupcakes! Over at the Everything POP Food Court, they make exclusive resort-only cupcakes! They change them regularly but they can be a nice and tasty treat for guests desiring something sweet.

Best Non-Disney Hotels for Adults

With well over 300 hundred different hotels in the Orlando area, there are a significant number of additional options that are catered and tailored to adults outside of the ‘Disney Bubble,’ but it can be almost impossible to choose between them all. We’ve narrowed it down to our 7 favorites.

Here are our Top-7 picks for the best Non-Disney Hotels for Adults.

7. Wyndham Grand Orlando Bonnet Creek Resort

Situated in the lovely and adult-oriented Bonnet Creek area, the Wyndham Grand Orlando Bonnet Creek Resort is a beautifully-themed Mediterranean-inspired hotel. 

Located only a few minutes from the Disney World parks, the Wyndham is a versatile resort that features 4 on-site restaurants, a full-service spa, and 5 different pools!

6. JW Marriott Orlando Bonnet Creek Resort & Spa

Also located in the Bonnet Creek area and ideally situated near the Disney World campus, the JW Marriott Orlando Bonnet Creek Resort & Spa features a spectacular amount of elegance at mostly reasonable rates per night. 

Its rooftop terrace allows you to enjoy and watch Disney fireworks night in addition to having a terrific full-service spa, the JW Marriott Orlando Bonnet Creek is a great option for adults that prefer being off-site.

5. Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress

A personal favorite hotel of mine in Orlando, the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress is a stunning and beautifully themed resort that is just minutes from Disney Springs. 

It has one of the best pool areas of any Orlando hotel, even comparable to Stormalong Bay at the Yacht and Beach Club. The Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress also has a number of high-end activities and amenities for couples and adults. 

From a full-service spa to an 18-hole golf course, this hotel is a reasonable and convenient option for guests.

4. Waldorf Astoria Orlando

Also located in the Bonnet Creek area, the Waldorf Astoria Orlando is an incredibly luxurious option for guests that are willing to splurge a bit to get the highest amounts of opulence and sophistication. 

It has amenities such as a 3-acre lazy river and waterslide, a championship-level 18-hole golf course, a beautiful full-service spa, and easy proximity to Disney Springs. If you are looking to really be pampered, it also has some of the best hotel suites in Disney World.

It’s easy to see why adults LOVE this resort, and we agree 100%.

3. The Ritz-Carlton Orlando Grande Lakes

Located about 15 minutes away in the Grande Lakes area, just east of the Disney World Campus, The Ritz-Carlton Orlando Grande Lakes is a luxurious 5-star resort that appeals to adults and couples that want the highest of amenities. 

Beautifully themed and inspired by the Grand Palazzos of Italy, the Ritz has 11 on-site restaurants, an 18-hole golf course, and an immaculate 40,000-square-foot spa. 

They also have a number of outdoor nature options for guests that want to do more outdoorsy things such as bike trails, rent kayaks, rent a boat, or playing tennis.

2. The Swan, Dolphin, and Swan Reserve Resorts

Even though the Walt Disney World Swan, Dolphin, and Swan Reserve Resorts are technically three separate hotels, we are going to group all three of them into one for simplicity’s sake.

They are all terrific adult resorts, and from our experience, they appeal mostly to business travelers. They are incredibly located right on the Disney Boardwalk and within walking distance of EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios. 

Not only do they feature tremendous dining options, but they have a terrific pool area and a great full-service Mandara Spa, so if you are feeling stressed, you know where to go.

1. Four Seasons Resort Orlando

It’s no surprise that the Four Seasons lands at #1 on our list of the Best Non-Disney Resorts for Adults.

Featuring the best of everything, the Four Seasons Resort Orlando is not only situated ON Disney World property, just outside of Magic Kingdom, but it features the gold standard when it comes to everything luxury and opulence.

Bringing about the natural beauty of Florida with the best in man-made luxury, including tremendous amenities (full-service spa, golf course, etc), incredible dining, and a lush landscape surrounding the resort. There’s also an adults-only section of the resort making it even more enticing for adults and couples. 

When comparing prices, it will likely be the most expensive resort in all of the Disney World proximity, but if you have the budget, it’s worth it. 

If you haven’t decided whether to stay on-site or off-site, we recommend reading our article Benefits of Staying at Disney World where we break down all the pros and cons to consider. If you have decided to stay off-site, make sure to read our Guide to the Best Hotels Near Disney World.

Best Overall Hotel for Adults at Disney World

When considering both ON and OFF-site hotels in the Walt Disney World bubble and if not factoring in budget, the clear-cut choice for OFF-site has to be the Four Seasons Resort Orlando. It gives you the best of being on-site in Disney with easy and complimentary access to all of the Disney World Parks while also giving you the luxury of a Four Seasons Resort.

It’s one of the only hotels in the Disney Bubble that actually features an adults-only section of the resort, specifically catering to adults. It will give you the quiet you desire while also allowing you to indulge in a little extra opulence. 

Although it’s incredibly expensive with prices starting at well over $1,000 a night, if adults want a true splurge it’s hard to top the Four Seasons Resort Orlando.

If you prefer a Disney Resort Hotel, our choice without hesitation would be Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge. It has the best combination of serenity, reasonable pricing, and dining options! 

Couples and adults will love the lounge options here in addition to the escapist feel that this resort provides that no other Disney Resort can come close to matching.

Worst Disney World Hotels for Adults

While there are plenty of amazing hotel options for adults visiting Disney World, there are some you definitely want to avoid. Naturally, most of these make it high on our ranking of the best Disney Resorts for families.

Here are our picks for the WORST hotels in Disney World for Adults…

Disney’s All-Star Resorts

The All-Star Resorts are great options for guests that really want to be able to stay on-site in Disney World for cheap without having to deal with the hassles of staying off-site. The only problem is, these resorts are PACKED and filled with kids. 

The theming is specifically catered to young kids with over-the-top Disney characters and almost cheesy ‘motel-style’ accommodations. 

That’s not to say we don’t like them at all. There is a place for these resorts but adults looking for classier accommodations and actual table-service restaurants, hot tubs, or spas, certainly won’t find them at the All-Star Resorts.

Disney’s Art of Animation Resort

While we do love the Art of Animation Resort as a whole, when it comes to appealing to couples and adults, the Art of Animation and its Disney-fied theming can be a little too much. 

With rooms themed to Cars, The Incredibles, The Lion King, and The Little Mermaid, I’m not exactly sure that’s the definition of a romantic or adult-like vacation. 

Similar to the All-Star Resorts, guests staying at the Art of Animation won’t find any table-service sit-down restaurants so adults will be reliant on eating at food courts during their entire stay, which can get quite tiresome and old after a while.

We recommend families to stay at Art of Animation, adults only if they HAVE to, and instead save it for when you bring the whole family.

Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort

While not necessarily a bad option for adults, Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort is typically the Moderate Resort that appeals to families the most. 

Kids love the Fuentes del Morro pool area where they can feel like a pirate, and it’s often packed with young kids. It’s also the largest resort grounds on property with over 200 acres, making it FAR from one side of the resort to the other. This can be frustrating for couples or adults that have limitations in walking long stretches at a time. 

The dining options at Caribbean Beach are just OK, and it’s not on the same level as some of the other Disney Moderate Resorts. While it’s not a bad hotel for adults, it’s a better family option and it’s arguably the best family option for a moderate resort.

Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside Resort

Disney’s Port Orleans French Quarter and Riverside both have many positives and many negatives. We find that the French Quarter is more catered to adults and is quieter whereas Riverside and its vast amount of rooms and pools tend to get far more crowded with families and kids. 

With newly refurbished Tiana rooms, this resort can get very popular with families desiring to get into the new rooms. However, we do like that Riverside has the table-service restaurant on-site whereas French Quarter doesn’t, and it’s not expensive either.

It’s a close toss-up between the two Port Orleans Resorts, but we think French Quarter is slightly better due to its quieter and more relaxed setting that adults will like.

Disney’s Contemporary Resort

We love Disney’s Contemporary Resort as a whole, but being a Disney Monorail Resort and adding in the fact that they have the newest Incredibles-themed rooms, this resort is PACKED with families. 

Families already want to be on the monorail due to being directly near to Magic Kingdom, and the Contemporary has the prestige of being the closest resort to the Magic Kingdom with only a 5-minute walk. 

It’s also the cheapest of the 3 Monorail Resorts allowing families to afford to stay here whereas they might not be able to afford Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa and Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort. 

The Contemporary is also home to one of the most family-favorite restaurants in all of Disney World, Chef Mickey’s. This resort is awesome but it’s packed all the time and LOUD. 

If you do end up staying here, make a reservation at the California Grill restaurant on the top of the resort. The food and the views are incredible, and it offers a unique view of the Magic Kingdom fireworks.

Disney’s Old Key West Resort

A DVC Resort, Disney’s Old Key West Resort is a comfortable and relaxed Key West-themed resort that brings about a relaxed and family atmosphere. The original DVC property in Walt Disney World, Old Key West is known for its massive rooms and spacious settings. It’s also a massive property and includes long walks to practically everywhere on the property. 

It’s not a bad adult resort but it’s more desirable for families with its theming and ambiance. It’s also fairly limited in terms of dining options for adults, other than Olivia’s which means you’ll have to go out either to some of the Disney Springs restaurants, or to the restaurants at the other Disney World resorts.

Most Romantic Hotels in Disney World

Sometimes you want a romantic getaway with your significant other, so when trying to pick the most romantic hotel in Disney World it can be hard to choose. There are just so many options. 

These can be very person-to-person with completely different viewpoints, but here are my Top-5 Romantic Hotels in Disney World. Each of these resorts would be IDEAL to spend a honeymoon, an anniversary trip, or just a romantic getaway.

5. Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge

What’s more romantic than enjoying a nice cup of coffee together while looking outside your balcony and watching wild animals on an African Savannah? Probably not much! 

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge has a certain appeal between its remote far-removed location, table-service dining locations, and wonderful activities.

4. Disney’s Wilderness Lodge Resort 

Walking the grounds of Disney’s Wilderness Lodge Resort brings about the rustic feel of the great outdoors with stylish and beautiful mountain-lodge-like romantic accommodations. 

This resort brings about a cozy and intimate feel from the beautiful fireplaces to the pine-forested nature trails to explore with your partner.

3. Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort

With the addition of the Gran Destino Tower, Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort is incredibly charming for couples. 

A room in the tower will bring you modern and stylish conveniences while also positioning you perfectly for brilliant rooftop dining and waterfront open-aired dining along the Lago Dorado. It’s definitely an under-the-radar gem that is incredible for couples.

2. Disney’s Riviera Resort

From the refined elegance of the Italian and French Riviera to the intricate mosaics of Disney movies scattered throughout the resort, Disney’s Riviera Resort brings about the perfect amount of ‘Disney’ to this stunning resort. 

Featuring one of the best and most romantic rooftop restaurants in all of Disney, the Riviera Resort will surely get couples to be WOWed in terms of brilliance, not to mention an adults-only pool area.

1. Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa

Our favorite Romantic Disney World Resort has to be none other than Disney’s Grand Floridian & Spa. Get transported to another era and be completely swept off your feet in terms of elegance, the entire grounds and staff of Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort are on another level! 

From the beautiful outside walkways down to the Seven Seas Lagoon to the jaw-dropping extravagance of the hotel lobby, the Grand Floridian is the best of the best when it comes to luxury. And I haven’t even talked about the world-class spa or the UNBELIEVABLE restaurants that are perfect for a date night.

Most Luxurious Disney World Resorts

While Walt Disney World isn’t necessarily the capital of luxury hotels compared with other vacation destinations, there are still a few of them that fit the bill just nicely. What are the best picks for the most luxurious Disney World Resorts? 

Here are our Top-3 picks that really stand out…

3. Disney’s Riviera Resort

Not just romantic, Disney’s newest resort, the Riviera, is on another level when it comes to luxury. With more of a boutique feel than most traditional Disney World Resorts, the Riviera feels incredibly classy with beautiful and immaculate grounds throughout the resort and intricate marble details throughout the resort.

2. Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa

Few things can evoke luxury and amenities as the Grand Floridian Resort can. This resort feels luxurious in an old-world kind of feeling, emanating from the richness and old money of the Victorian era. 

You’ll be taken back in time with the stylish and richness of a different generation while enjoying all of the modern conveniences and amenities of a modern resort.

1. Four Seasons Resort Orlando

The best when it comes to luxury in Walt Disney World is the Four Seasons Orlando. Although technically “not Disney”, the Four Seasons Resort Orlando is found on Disney soil and is located right next to the Magic Kingdom park. 

It’s an incredible AAA Five Diamond Resort that is built on a lakeside paradise featuring a luxurious spa and salon and 6 terrific restaurants. Frankly, if we are talking straight luxury, the Disney resorts can’t hold a candle to the Four Seasons. You won’t find more “luxury” than this 5-Star Resort.

Best Spas at Disney World

There are a number of different spas throughout the Disney World property, all of which are perfect for winding down after long days in the theme parks.

We’ve come up with a list of the best spas at Disney World, here are our favorites:

1. Saratoga Springs Spa – This multi-leveled spa is more spacious than the Grand Floridian and has a stylish beach-themed waiting room. It includes locker rooms, a sauna, and a fitness center on the 1st floor. 
2. Mandara Spa – Found at the Walt Disney World Dolphin, this Asian-themed spa is inspired by the mystery of the East and the science of the West. It’s a perfect place to unwind and be pampered as it’s filled with rustic stonework. 
3. The Grand Floridian Spa – Located at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort, the Grand Floridian Spa is a full-service Victorian-style spa that offers a wide array of therapies and services. It’s the original spa in Disney and the facilities are small. 
4. La Vida Health Club – Located in Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort, this simpler spa doesn’t contain some of the higher-end spa treatments that the others have, but they have more budget-friendly prices. 
5. Zahanati Massage & Fitness Center – Found in Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, the Zahanati Massage & Fitness Center offers a number of excellent spa services including great views of the Savanna while listening to the sounds of Africa. They are most well-known for their relaxing sauna and steam room. 

*Keep in mind that not all of the spas are currently open to the public. As of this writing, the ones that are, include The Grand Floridian Spa and the Mandara Spa (not technically Disney).

Best Disney World Resorts for Restaurants

A trip to Walt Disney World isn’t a trip without great food offerings, and it’s even better when you can walk from your hotel room to get them. Call us spoiled, but if we’ve been at the parks all day, the last thing we want to do is go far for dinner.

If you’re the type of person that cares first and foremost about restaurant options, at your resort (like me), here are my Top-5 Disney World Resorts for Restaurants.

5. Disney’s Yacht Club Resort

Disney’s Yacht Club Resort has some delicious offerings when it comes to restaurants, making a stay here an even better idea! With Ale & Compass, you’ll get a tasty dinner and a terrific breakfast, with a number of different options. You’ll also find one of, if not, our favorite steakhouses in all of Disney World, Yachtsman Steakhouse. 

You’ll also have access to the options next door at the Beach Club, including the all-you-can-eat buffet Cape May Cafe and the terrific 50s-themed eatery Beaches and Cream. 

These are versatile options that can please all members of your family, and if you need even more options, you can simply walk out the back door of the hotel and walk along the Disney Boardwalk and you’ll have a load more options!

4. Disney’s Contemporary Resort

Our 4th favorite dining resort, Disney’s Contemporary Resort has a number of terrific options. With the addition of Steakhouse 71, the Contemporary Resort now has 3 excellent table-service restaurants.

One is included among the most famous rooftop dining restaurants in Walt Disney World, California Grill. Here you’ll be able to get terrific nighttime views of the Magic Kingdom fireworks, overlooking Cinderella’s Castle. 

You’ll also have the ever-popular Chef Mickey’s buffet located here, offering all-you-can-eat breakfast and dinner. And they also feature a superb under-the-radar quick service restaurant called Contempo Cafe which has some great options!

3. Disney’s Riviera Resort

Although limited as far as options, everything Disney’s Riviera Resort has is too good to leave off the list! That’s saying something! Whether it’s coffee at Le Petit Cafe or the cocktails and appetizers at Bar Riva or the breakfast or lunch at Primo Piatto, it’s all fantastic! 

They also feature arguably our favorite all-around restaurant in all of Disney World now, Topolino’s Terrace! Both the breakfast and the dinner are fantastic, and the views are even better. Take a picture along the top of the Riviera Resort with all of Walt Disney World Resort in the background for an unforgettable meal.

2. Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge

The 2nd best Disney World Resort for restaurants is Animal Kingdom Lodge. We love all three of the table-service offerings here: Sanaa, Boma, and Jiko. And while we understand that some fussier eaters might not be as inclined to go out of their way to taste Indian or African-inspired dishes, we are confident if you do, you’ll like them! 

Even the lounges and quick-service options at Animal Kingdom Lodge are good, with a number of our favorite snack options in Disney World, including the famous Nyala Brownies and Zebra Domes. It’s hard to go wrong with the food options at Animal Kingdom Lodge.

1. Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa

And the clear-cut favorite for the best Disney World Dining Resort is…Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. This has one of my favorite dining experiences of all-time in Victoria and Albert’s, and two of our family’s favorite signature restaurants in Narcoossee’s and Citricos. 

Even the Gasparilla Island Grill quick-service location has some good dishes, including the incredible macaroni and cheese! And the other two table service restaurants, Grand Floridian Cafe and 1900 Park Fare are both reasonably priced and vastly underrated. 

You can’t go wrong with Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort for dining, and you likely won’t run out of places to go even if you eat here every night of your vacation.

READ MORE: Best Disney World Resort Restaurants (Rankings)

Best Disney World Hotels with Nightlife for Adults

If we are prioritizing nightlife and want to be at a hotel that has LOADS of things to do at all times, there are a few Disney World Resorts that stand out above the rest. 

Here are our Top-5 Hotels with the Best Nightlife…

5. Disney’s Old Key West

Located just a short boat ride away from Disney Springs, guests staying at Old Key West can easily go over to the Springs and easily access all of the fun nightlife that Disney Springs has. 

There is live music and entertainment everywhere in Disney Springs, and on a beautiful night, grab a drink somewhere or go watch a band perform at any number of places.

4. Disney’s Yacht & Beach Club

For a more relaxed night, you can go to either Martha’s Vineyard or Crew’s Cup to grab a cocktail and watch the game or chat.

However, if you want a more entertaining night, go walk over to the other side of the Disney Boardwalk and enjoy some dancing at the Atlantic Dance Hall or go to JellyRolls and listen to the dueling piano players sing your favorite tunes!

3. Disney’s Port Orleans Resorts

With both the Scat Cat’s Club Lounge and the River Roost Lounge, you’ll have two terrific nighttime places to catch live music and enjoy a drink! Scat Cats is found at French Quarter and the River Roost is found at Riverside.

Both have entirely different styles, and both have fun and entertaining vibes and atmosphere. If you’re staying at either resort, go to both of them on different nights and see which you prefer.

2. Disney’s Saratoga Springs

If getting to Disney’s premier nighttime spot (Disney Springs) is in the cards, a stay at Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa might be the best option for you! 

It’s the closest Disney World resort to Disney Springs, and just a simple walk away from the Marketplace section of Disney Springs. This allows you to easily enjoy any of the number of offerings that Disney Springs has while being close enough back to your resort at the end of your night (a great option if you plan on drinking so no cars are needed).

1. Disney’s Boardwalk Inn

And finally, we have the host hotel of the Disney Boardwalk, Disney’s Boardwalk Inn! This resort couldn’t be situated any better for people that want to be entertained, and it’s hard to top being right on Disney’s Boardwalk. 

From live entertainers to multiple lounges to boardwalk games and drinking stands, there are few places we’d rather spend an evening than the Boardwalk. And if you still don’t have enough to do and you’re a night owl, visit the Atlantic Dance Hall or JellyRolls for even more entertainment!

How to Choose The Right Resorts for Adults

When choosing the right Disney World Resort to stay at, you need to consider the most important factors for you and your group. The most important deciding factors for your trip are these 4 things:

• Resort Category – Do you want to spend the most amount of money for the highest quality in service, or do you want to spend the least amount of money to use your budget elsewhere? Or maybe somewhere in the middle to possibly get the best of both worlds?
• Location – Does being situated near a particular Disney Park matter to you? Would you like to have access to the Disney Skyliner or the Disney Monorail? Would you prefer being able to walk to at least one of the Disney Parks? If not, location isn’t crucial for your needs. 
• Dining – Is having good available options for table-service restaurants important to you? Or do you not mind having to travel outside your resort area to grab good food?
• Amenities – If having convenient access to a fitness center, spa, hot tubs, or water slides is important to your needs, you’ll easily be able to dismiss several resorts. These are just a few examples of amenities that you might prioritize. 

Only you can answer and decide these things. Figuring out what the priorities are for you and your group is the only way you’ll be able to figure out the best resort for your needs.

Which Disney World Park is Best for Adults?

If Magic Kingdom is the park that is most suited to kids, I’d say EPCOT is the park that is more conducive to adults. Kids won’t find it nearly as boring as they did in the past, but EPCOT is still a better choice for adults.

There are few in the way of attractions at EPCOT and the best part of EPCOT is that it has the most amount of food and drink offerings. There is something quite enjoyable about drinking and snacking your way around the World Showcase Lagoon.

Kids likely feel the same about EPCOT as adults feel about Magic Kingdom, though Disney has made an increased effort to attract young ones to EPCOT with the recent additions of Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure, and Moana: Journey of Water.

Can’t Miss Experiences for Adults at Walt Disney World

If there was a list of the ‘Must-Do Things for Adults at Walt Disney World’ here are our Top 10 things to do. There are SO many additional experiences and experiences that we couldn’t invoice but these are our favorites. 

1. Eat and Drink Your Way Around an EPCOT Festival

Many guests are surprised to know that EPCOT has 4 around-the-year festivals that are all vastly different. The EPCOT Food and Wine Festival features dozens of extra countries in addition to the park’s 11 permanent countries. This runs from late summer to late fall typically. 

The EPCOT Flower and Garden Festival runs in the springtime and features beautiful Disney character topiaries, concerts, and flower-filled gardens.

The EPCOT Festival of the Arts runs in the winter and features DIY workshops with Disney artists and designers. And lastly, the EPCOT Festival of the Holidays runs at the end of the year and features different classic holiday treats. 

Each of these is worth visiting and has entirely different snacks and drinks. They are all SO much fun for adults!

Besides these special festivals, there are a ton of other options to satisfy your tastebuds. We recommend reading our Snacking Around the World Showcase article to see your best choices to eat, and our EPCOT Drinking Around the World Showcase challenge for your best drink options.

2. Run in a runDisney Event

This is a way to experience and see the Walt Disney World Resort in a completely different way with one of these themed races that are on different weekends throughout the year. 

Even if running isn’t your thing (it’s definitely not ours), there’s something so unique and fun about these events. You don’t need to be a great runner, you can even walk if necessary and the races are anywhere between 5k’s and full marathon races.

3. Do a Behind the Scene Tour

One of our family’s favorite things we’ve been able to do is the different behind-the-scenes tours. Our personal favorite, which is reasonable, is the Keys to the Kingdom Tour at Magic Kingdom. You’ll be able to explore the underground famous Utilidor tunnels that allow you to see people and supplies that travel beneath the park unseen. 

There are a number of other great Backstage Tours as well such as Behind the Seeds at EPCOT and the Wild Africa Trek at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

4. Rent a Motorized Water Vehicle 

There are several marinas throughout the Disney World Resorts that will allow you to rent a motorized water vehicle, such as a Pontoon Boat to a Jetski. If that’s not your thing you can also rent a Kayak or a Canoe and explore some of the beautiful waterways through Disney.

5. Enjoy a Spa Treatment

Splurge at one of the 5 different spas on Disney World Property and enjoy an exhilarating treatment or massage. Although more expensive than spas back home, these spas will put you in the best of moods from the get-go and keep you ready for braving the theme parks.

6. Play Golf (Or Mini Golf) 

Play golf at one of the 4 different golf courses at Disney World! These courses can be challenging if you’re not an experienced golfer, but they are beautifully manufactured and kept up. 

If you don’t want to play real golf, you can also play mini golf at one of the 4 miniature golf courses for a more relaxing and less-stressful way to spend your day.

7. Go Bowling

Go bowling is one of the more underrated experiences in Walt Disney World, and the place to do it is Splitsville in Disney Springs. This fun bowling alley also features great food and drinks, including a massive menu of a variety of tasty foods.

8. Take the Hot Air Balloon

Take a ride on the Areophile, an exhilarating and fun 8-minute experience in the world’s largest hand-painted helium balloon! This fun and unique hot air balloon stretches out across Disney Springs and gives some beautiful views of the entire area.

9. Build a Lightsaber

Who says you have to be a kid to enjoy Star Wars? Visit Savi’s Workshop in Hollywood Studios found in Galaxy’s Edge to build your own custom lightsaber. 

These lightsabers are incredible and the experience is even better! Although costly, this can be a fun thing for adults to experience, after all, who wouldn’t want their own custom-built lightsaber?

10. Enjoy Fireworks In Style

One of our favorite things to do on a special night is book a fireworks cruise on a private boat from one of the Magic Kingdom resorts. You’ll go out into the Seven Seas Lagoon and watch from a great spot where you can see the entire show. This will be an unforgettable way to enjoy your special trip!

FAQs

Where Do Adults Stay at Disney World?

It’s certainly true that every adult has different preferences when it comes to a vacation at Walt Disney World, but there is not one specific location where adults stay more than others.

Some prefer peace and quiet, some prefer loud with considerable entertainment offerings, and some prefer certain additional amenities like a spa, a gym, tennis courts, etc.

Our list above helps guests navigate the many different choices while picking the best for THEM and only them. The person next to you could have completely different views and this doesn’t make one right and one wrong. 

We tend to like the EPCOT-area Resorts the most for adults, but any area in Walt Disney World will have suitable accommodations.

Is It Fun to Go to Walt Disney World Without Kids?

For people that imply that Walt Disney World is a kids’-only destination or just a family thing to do, they have no idea! While we’ve had a great time with kids, some of our very best Disney World trips have been without kids. 

This allows you to do what YOU want to do and not have to worry about the little ones getting tired or cranky. And if that’s eating and drinking around EPCOT, taking a Monorail Pub-Crawl, or going on “it’s a small world” 20 times, it’s perfectly acceptable because it’s based on your preferences and not trying to make the kiddos happy.

When is the Best Time to Visit Disney World?

If avoiding crowds and getting the best possible rates on Disney World Resorts, the two best times of year to visit are Mid-August until the end of September AND January after New Year’s until President’s Day Weekend. 

For a more complete comparison of all the pros and cons of the various times of the year to go, read our article “The Best Times to Visit Disney World.” We rank each month of the year with a variety of factors including price, weather, events, crowds, and more.

How to Book Your Disney Hotel

If you’ve researched and read through this article and have completely decided on THE RESORT, now it’s time to finally book your Disney Hotel. How do you do it? 

You have 1 of 2 different options. 

The Harder Way  – This involves booking yourself. If you feel confident and you don’t need any help, you can book your stay at a Walt Disney World Resort hotel directly on the Disney World website or by calling (407) 939-4357.

The Easier Way –  The easiest way is to book your vacation through a Disney vacation planner. They will help you every step of the way. They will reply to any inquiries about your requirements and help you determine which resort is best for you.

They will also assist you with dining reservations, booking special events, and more. The best part is that they are 100% FREE and it doesn’t cost you any more money to use them than it does to book directly through Disney. They will even help you save money by still looking for new deals months after booking your trip.

We highly recommend using René Cittadino at Show you the World Travel for your Disney World reservations. You can obtain a Free Quote and her wonderful team will give you the best treatment around. We use them on practically every trip and they are always super accommodating!

That wraps up our ranking of the top Disney World Resorts for Adults. We hope that we gave you some good ideas that will help you enjoy the most fun and relaxing trip ever!

If you are thinking about going to Walt Disney World in the coming future, here are some other popular articles where you will find all the info and tips you need to plan your trip.

• Disney World Vacation Planning Guide
• Disney World Crowd Calendar
• When are the Best Times to Visit Disney World?

Your Thoughts

I want to know what you think about our ranking of the best Disney World Resorts for Adults…

• What is your favorite Disney World Resort for Adults?
• Which do you think is #1?

Let us know in the comments section below!

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