My husband and I have been going on dates to Disney World for almost a decade. Here are our favorite kid-free activities.

29.08.2023 - 13:19 / insider.com / Disney World

It's been about 10 years since my husband and I first visited Walt Disney World Resort with our two kids. At the time, we were the parents of preschoolers, and none of us had ever visited Disney before. The trip was hectic and stressful — and before I discovered the importance of taking an afternoon nap when visiting Walt Disney World. 

Toward the end of our trip, we spent an evening at EPCOT for the first time. I felt way more relaxed than I had earlier in the week. Maybe it's because EPCOT feels uniquely adult-focused, from its World Showcase featuring alcoholic beverages to the festivals Disney hosts there throughout the year.

Seven years ago, we decided to move from Maryland to Florida and now live within driving distance of Walt Disney World. Today, as both a Disney lover and a journalist who covers theme parks, I've learned that EPCOT is not the only place at Disney where adults can take a deep breath and feel a bit of their own magic. My husband and I frequently visit Walt Disney World for date nights without our teenagers.  

While we're there, we're never short on ideas for amazing, kid-free date-night activities. These are some of our favorite things to do when we get a night without our kids.

While there are definitely bars at Walt Disney World where kids fit into the chaos, some of the locations feel uniquely upscale, offering incredible views and a much quieter atmosphere. One of our favorites, the Dahlia Lounge at Disney's Coronado Springs Resort, boasts an impressive cocktail menu and some really delicious small plates. There's also a rooftop with an outdoor seating area and beautiful views of the property.

Let's be honest: The logistics of watching nighttime fireworks at Walt Disney World with small kids can be a nightmare. Between kids being exhausted after a day in the parks and struggling to find a viewing spot large enough for a stroller, catching shows like Happily Ever After at Magic Kingdom Park can be a lot. When you're strolling through the park kid-free, it's a lot easier to find a peaceful spot to watch the show.

Disney offers plenty of private classes that couples can take together. Some of my favorites include Sangria University at Disney's Coronado Springs Resort and wine-tasting classes at Wine Bar George at Disney Springs. Most of these classes are adults-only, which makes it a good way to ensure a quiet evening.

EPCOT holds four festivals a year, from the International Festival of the Arts to the iconic International Food and Wine Festival, so there's a pretty good chance there will be one happening during your visit. Walking around an EPCOT festival and trying different food and beverages from around the world is a fun way to spend a date night.

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