I’m heading to WDW next week for my sister’s 50th birthday. It’s an adults only trip, there are 4 of us, park days Fri to Mon. I’m creating a little notebook with a 50 for 50 things to do on our trip. I want to highlight things that we might not be able to do if the kids were with us. [or things we’d avoid bc kids might complain it’s boring… ]
It’ll be during the Arts festival at Epcot. Do they have a map search and find like during Wine & Dine?
Thanks for sharing your fun & favorite spots! Here’s the start of my list
I did a girls trip for our 50th. They had been to Disney once with their families and had no idea some of these things existed until I took them. Here are some highlights.
Get a glass of REAL champagne at Les Vins de Chef de France–Veuve Clicquot, Tattinger, Bollinger
See the mosaics outside of Riviera resort
Take all forms of transportation–bus, boat. skyliner, monorail
Beignets at POFQ
Monorail crawl–order a drink, split snacks/drinks. We started at Steakhouse 71 lounge, then went to Tambu Lounge at Poly, and ended with Enchanted Rose
These are all great suggestions, thank you so much! And yes, to La Cava Margaritas. Normally we wouldn’t wait in line (bc kids), but without them we will.
I did some googling about Lorcana, I couldn’t quite follow it. Is this something you enjoy? If we pick up the pack at Epcot, would we be able to learn it quickly?
I have never played. I have friends that enjoy it, so I’m being sent on a mission for park exclusive cards when I’m down there. From what I’m understand - the basics are pretty easy, but it can get very strategic like Magic the Gathering/Pokemon?
Flag retreat at MK at 5 pm. Maybe be sure everyone’s got a tissue. This is always emotional for me
Several of the Disney resorts have a 2 hour free painting class. The one at Coronado Springs was packed - some 2 dozen folks. We did one at AKL that was just me and my sister. The next day we did one at Saratoga Springs, again just we two. Nicely low key. I’d never done the painting class thing tho my sister does frequently.
There’s a link at this page to download the resort’s activities schedule. The painting class is Wednesday at 1 in the Jiko restaurant. We forgot to call to reserve. We just showed up.
(Apparently everyone’s clogging the Disney bandwidth att)
The other resorts should have similar pages and links.
Finally, we love to mini golf. WinterSummerland has some fun sight gags. There are two courses here. Sometimes we’ve done both in one afternoon and other times we’ve only done one.
I did this (a couple’s trip) in December 2024 and it was amazing! I hope you have the best time.
I’m usually more precise in suggestions, but it’s been a day so I’m going to hand wave a few things and can follow up with details as needed.
Are you leaving on the 19th? If not:
MK after hours - watch Enchantment from outside the park (any of the Bay Lake hotels etc). It will be late, but no kids!
AK:
They might show Tree of Life Awakenings on 1/17 when AK closes at 7 (plus Pandora after dark of course)? I love seeing that then going to a late dinner at Jiko at AKL (or Victoria Lounge for a burger is on my upcoming list). See the AKL lobby at night / find the flamingos / check out the animal outlook. Take back gluten free Zebra Domes (ask for them at The Mara).
Do both of the animal trails and go out to Conservation Station. The Play Disney Parks trail walkthroughs are fun. Ask the CM at the train if any vet activities will be happening (mostly in the mornings?).
Hang out in Africa and watch the drummers with snacks and drinks.
Watch the parrot show (the one at the front of the park)
the chocolate mousse at Sa’tuli (the purple one) is really good
Epcot:
Look at all the art booths without being bugged to go on rides.
If the World Showcase art booths are setup in the mornings, I loved taking the Skyliner from Hollywood Studios to the International Gateway - it was a really pleasant way to start the day, and WS probably is most chill in the morning during weekends? Not sure where you are staying (we were onsite in the area so the bus to HS was pretty quick). Bonus: stop in Riviera to see the mosaics and get Le Petit Cafe’s cold brew with housemade whipped cream (and Primo Piatto’s signature cookies).
“Slow wander around WS where it is totally relaxing. It’s a completely different trip when it’s just adults.” — Mr WF
I did Kidcot card collection as an adult and have no regrets. It’s quicker when the kids aren’t begging to color at the same time.
DuckTales Adventures also recommended. I have not done them all but really like Japan and Germany…
Favorite snacks: yogurt parfait at Les Halles; caramel ice cream / caramel sauce brioche at Artisans des Glaces; pretzel bread pudding in Germany; something at Karamel Kuche. Food booths.
Shopping around the world is much less stressful without kids. You’re not there super long, but those shops restock on almost a daily basis (we went back for a different shirt size in Japan).
Future World (yep! ): Journey of Water after dark. The Spaceship Earth light show may be my favorite nighttime event - relax in the hub area and enjoy for a while (with some Beverly!). I think they may do something special at the end of the night too?
MK:
see HEA without worrying as much about kid sightlines (I’m short, so I still worry / stand behind trash cans)
Wander through Tomorrowland at night.
Look up where the hidden speakers and other subtle things are on Main Street
Shop in Crystal Arts with less stress
[DHS is my least favorite park, so I leave that to others. ]
Not Parks:
Trader Sam’s 100%. I lined up for opening (it’s a little different now) because I wanted to catch as many effects as possible. Just to say that I think you could go before 8 and it would be great too.
I like to see different resorts, so we had brunch at Olivia’s at OKW and then took the boat to Disney Springs. Alternative might be beignets etc at Port Orleans FQ.
Monorail crawl, plus I love the Electrical Water Pageant. I have to ride the monorail every trip (non-negotiable).
There are some nice signature restaurants where you can see the Pageant and MK fireworks (eg Narcoosee’s, or even Geyser Point), which is really special.
Whoops, hit enter too soon. We are staying at the Poly, watching Enchantment might just work out. Looks like it’s at 11pm, which is when Epcot closes. We won’t ride Guardians (makes my sis ill), not sure what else is open in extended evening hours for deluxe hotel. So aiming to get back for the fireworks is a great goal. And it’s our last night. I think there might be a porch/patio area to watch fireworks from the tower. Will try to found out, or watch from the beach.
I love “off the beaten track” trips and will look forward to hearing about yours. I am already frantically scheming when and how I can squeeze in one of these with my mom.
Mocha Kona muffin from Kona Island in the morning (also did Kona Cafe To Go for macadamia nut pancakes in the room, and they were good. Not sure what the tower has for breakfast)
one of the less expensive tours - elephants, rhinos or the land
ride the big Ferris Wheel (outside the park)
identify all the uses of the items in the queue for Millenium Falcoln
]
It’s quicker when the kids aren’t begging to color at the same time.