The Disney Imagineers may focus on children, but the park is also chock full of activities for the over-eighteen set. If you have a grown-up Disney vacation on the horizon, here are some of the events, attractions, and destinations you won't want to miss.
Quite possibly the best golf course on the Disney property, the Palms has seen many a competitor come onto the scene since it opened in the 70's and, in spite of it all, has remained top dog. The pro-level course is home to central Florida's oldest PGA Tour Event, the "Children's Miracle Network Classic," yet remains friendly to players of all ages and abilities.
The setting is idyllic - crystal blue lakes and lagoons surround emerald greens that are surprisingly lush despite the occasionally heavy traffic. So make a tee time, grab their optional GPS and spend a sunny Florida day on the links. Just leave the metal spikes at home as the Palms doesn't allow them.
Palm Golf Course
Walt Disney World Resort
Lake Buena Vista, FL
(407) 939-4653
A short jaunt on foot from Epcot brings you to the Disney Boardwalk. Opened in the mid 90's and inspired by the seaside boardwalk towns that dominated the Eastern seaboard during the last century, the Disney version successfully captures the waterside charm of those bygone days.
The quarter-mile strip overlooks Crescent Lake, where boats from all over the Walt Disney World Resort disembark. The waterfront space shelters an amazing 9,000 square feet of shops, restaurants and clubs - enough to get lost in for an entire afternoon or evening. Whatever you do, don't miss Jellyroll's club - the piano show they put on is famous for off-the-wall requests and audience participation.
Beer lovers will want to stop by the Big River Grille & Brewing Works, Disney's only functioning brewpub. Other classics include an ESPN Club and, not surprisingly the Boardwalk Character Carnival.
Disney Boardwalk
2101 North Epcot Resorts Boulevard
Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
(407) 393-5100
The Rock N' Roll Roller Coaster is a raucous combination of music (all recorded specifically for the attraction by Aerosmith himself), kinetic energy and speed.
Strap into the stretch limo, blare the tunes and get zipped about with the force of a jet fighter. On the way you'll scream past dozens of Southern California rock stars while accelerating from 0-60 miles an hour in a heart-swallowing 2.8 seconds.
Rock N' Roll Roller Coaster staring Aerosmith
Disney's Hollywood Studios Theme Park
Sunset Boulevard
You'll want to catch Epcot's spectacular nighttime laser, light and fireworks show at least once before you leave. Dominated by the massive Earth globe at the center of Epcot's lagoon, the 30-minute narrated and music-laden show is as impressive for its visuals as it is for its storytelling, which lays out the history of the earth from its molten creation to our arrival on the planet. Who knew that education could be so romantic?
Three of the best spots to watch the show are: the Gondola Landing at Italy, the second story deck in Japan, and the Waterfront Promenade ear Germany. Stake out your spot at least 20 minutes before the show (check with park workers for show times).
IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth
Walt Disney World Resort
Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
(407) 939-1289
Looking to let off a little steam after a long day? How about burning some rubber on the race track? The Richard Petty Driving Experience, located in the shadow of the Magic Kingdom, gives anyone 16 and over with a valid driver's license (14 and over for the Drive Along Experience) the opportunity to strap on some racing gear, climb in a real NASCAR stock racing car and zoom around a track at speeds up to 120 MPH.
Prices vary and spots fill up quick so make your reservations in advance.
The Richard Petty Driving Experience
3450 World Drive
Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
(407) 939-0130
(800) BE PETTY
Housed in its own freestanding theatre at the western end of Downtown Disney, La Nouba by Cirque Du Soleil is a must. Equal parts circus, carnival and opera, the spectacle mixes it up with stunning acrobatics, over-the-top orange-and-fuschia costumes complete with orange plumage, and heart-thumping music.
Perhaps the most stunning display is the aerial ballet, in which performers twist, tumble and fly through the air held aloft and safe by mere strips of silks. Watching the performance, it's hard to believe that only six musicians and two opera trained singers are required to perform the soundtrack live every night.
La Nouba by Cirque Du Soleil
1478 East Buena Vista Drive
Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
(407) 939-7600
Long known as the most adult of the Disney theme parks, Epcot is literally a world unto itself. Featuring numerous sit down restaurants, pubs and bars, Epcot has more places to enjoy a beer, a glass wine, or even a flight of tequilas than any other Disney park. For the especially thirsty, there's a culturally themed bar hop "across the continent" which incorporates as many culturally inspired culinary dishes as it does tasty regional brews (just be sure to take advantage of Disney's on site hotels and free transportation at the end of your evening).
Annual activities are geared toward the over-21 set too, with everything from the International Flower and Garden Festival in the spring to The Sound Like Summer Concert Series and the International Food and Wine Festival in the fall.
Epcot – Walt Disney World Resort
Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
(407) 939-1289
Hidden amidst the rides, hotels and restaurants of Disney, ESPN's Wide World of Sports is a thoroughly modern sports facility where avid and casual sports fans alike can enjoy sporting events.
The events vary depending on the season (the complex has welcomed everyone from the Harlem Globe Trotters to the Disney marathon). This year the Yankees, Phillies and Mets will all come to town for some big league action and another season of the Atlanta Braves Spring Training is set to debut soon.
Sports lovers should purchase tickets as soon as they have their travel plans set as seats sell out fast.
ESPN's Wide World of Sports Complex
700 S. Victory Way
Kissimmee, FL 34747
A vacation isn't really a vacation without some true pampering, right? Almost all of the Disney hotels have a spa on property, but our favorite is the Saratoga Springs Resort and Spa. Channeling Saratoga Springs, an area that some consider to be America's first spa, the airy Niki Bryan Spa has built their entire menu of services around the philosophy that water heals and specializes in hydro-massage therapy (though regular massage treatments are also available for those who prefer the classics).
You don't need to be a guest to take advantage of the spa's services, but it certainly simplifies things if you're staying on property, plus, then you'll also be able to take advantage of the resort's other health-inspired offerings, which range from the impressive work-out center, tennis courts, golf course, and jogging paths.
Saratoga Springs Resort and Spa
Downtown Disney Area
1960 Broadway
Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
(407) 939-7675
A short jaunt by boat from anywhere in the Walt Disney World Resorts, Shula's Steakhouse, like its founder Miami Dolphin's head coach Don Shula, is a legend. Consistently rated as one of the Top Ten Steak Houses in America, the location at the Dolphin Resort is the place to finish off a fun filled day at Disney.
Try one of the signature Shula Cut steaks, including the monster 48 oz porterhouse or the perfectly portioned 12 oz filet. Perfect for a romantic dinner or business gathering, Shula's also offers foodstuffs for the non beef eater.
An experience that will have you hungering for more Shula's recommends reservations, especially during peak times.
Shula's Steak House at the Dolphin
Shula's Steak House Orlando at the Walt Disney World Dolphin Hotel
1500 Epcot Resorts Blvd
Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
(407) 934-1362
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