If you still think Disney World is just for kids, congratulations – you haven’t lived. Walt Disney World is one of the best places to take an adults-only vacation, and half the magic is picking the right resort where you can kick off your shoes, grab a drink, and pretend real life doesn’t exist for a few days.
In this guide, we’re covering:
- The best Disney resorts for adults (and why they’re actually good)
- Tips for choosing the vibe you want (romantic getaway? chaotic friend trip?)
- A little brutal honesty about which ones are worth the splurge
No kids required. Let’s go.
Planning your Adults-Only trip? Be sure to check out our Epcot Guide for Adults for tips and strategies on how to tackle your time in our favorite park. And don’t forget to check out our Disney Bucket List for Adults to see how many you can cross off the list on your next trip. Still deciding which park deserves your time (and bar tab)? Don’t miss our full comparison of every Disney World park for adults, ranked by booze, vibes, and thrills.
What Actually Matters When You’re an Adult at Disney
When you’re planning an adult Disney trip, you stop worrying as much about character breakfasts and start worrying about how strong the pool bar drinks are.
Here’s what actually matters:
- Vibes (Are you going for chill romance or dive bar energy?)
- Transportation (Skyliner, Monorail, or walking = essential for a good crawl)
- Dining (Can you get a decent steak without booking 6 months out?)
- Pool Scene (Big difference between “relaxing” and “screaming Marco Polo tournament”)
- Hidden Perks (Bars, spa treatments, savanna views… the stuff kids don’t notice)
Pick your priorities and the rest falls into place. Going solo? Here’s a full solo Disney guide to planning it right.
How Much Does it Cost?
As you can imagine, the more amenities and the closer you are to the parks, the higher the cost. Womp womp.
Disney divides its resorts into 4 different price categories:
- Value Resorts
- Fun, colorful, and budget-friendly options for a lively stay.
- Moderate Resorts
- Balance of affordability and upgraded amenities.
- Deluxe Resorts
- Best for luxury, dining, and proximity.
- Deluxe Villas
- Studio to multi-room vacation home setups with either kitchenettes or full kitchens.
Value Resorts will be the least expensive options, while a Grand Villa at one of Disney’s Deluxe Villa resorts will be the most expensive.
If you have the budget for a Deluxe or Deluxe Villa resort, they’ll generally feel more upscale and adult-friendly (though, yes, there will still be kids around). But if those aren’t in the budget, don’t worry! We’ve got some budget-friendly options below that are just as much fun.
Best Disney Resort for Adults
Best Disney Resorts for Romance
These resorts offer the most intimate and romantic settings, perfect for couples looking for a Disney getaway:
Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter (Moderate)
- Quiet, shady, and just slightly tipsy New Orleans vibes
- Boat rides to Disney Springs because nothing says romance like cocktails + shopping
- Tiny footprint = no 20-minute walks back to your room after drinking too many hurricanes
Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa (Deluxe)
- Victorian elegance if you’re feeling your Bridgerton fantasy
- Spa days, fine dining, and fireworks views without the sweaty crowds
- Perfect for pretending you’re way classier than you actually are
Disney’s Wilderness Lodge (Deluxe)
- Cozy mountain lodge vibes without the bear attacks
- Geyser Point Bar & Grill is peak lakeside chill with a bourbon in hand
- Also very good for the “we ran away to a cabin” fake backstory we love to imagine
Disney’s Riviera Resort (Deluxe)
- Boutique hotel energy with rooftop dining and bougie cocktails
- Skyliner access = easy trips to EPCOT when you suddenly crave French fries and champagne
- Feels fancy without feeling stuffy
Best Disney Resorts for Friend Trips
These resorts offer great social atmospheres, fun lounges, and some even have options for slightly more space:
Disney’s Pop Century Resort (Value)
- Cheap, cheerful, and right on the Skyliner for easy crawls
- Feels like a giant, slightly hungover college reunion, in a good way
- Great for “we’ll be at the park all day anyway” game plans
Disney’s Art of Animation Resort (Value)
- Suites that fit 5-6 people (and two bathrooms because we’re adults, not animals)
- Skyliner access for post-margarita rescues
- Bright, chaotic theming that low-key slaps after your third cocktail
Disney’s BoardWalk Inn (Deluxe)
- The only resort where you can stumble home from a dueling piano bar
- Walking distance to EPCOT = dangerous but amazing
- Nightlife on the BoardWalk if you’re not ready for bed at 9 PM like the amateurs
Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort -Gran Destino Tower (Moderate)
- Affordable luxury with a rooftop bar that looks way more expensive than it is
- Cocktails at Dahlia Lounge are the move
- Also the best Moderate resort if you like the idea of feeling slightly fancy without crying over your credit card bill
Best Disney Resorts for Relaxation
For those looking for a more refined, relaxing atmosphere:
Disney’s Yacht Club Resort (Deluxe)
- Feels like an upscale coastal vacation minus the sand in your shoes
- Best pool at Disney (seriously, Stormalong Bay is a full-on water park)
- Walk to EPCOT after your 2 PM nap like a Disney adult pro
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge (Deluxe)
- Where else are you sipping wine while giraffes walk past your balcony?
- Two of Disney’s best restaurants: Jiko and Boma
- Zero chaos. 100% chill.
Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa (Deluxe)
- Golf course views, spa vibes, and a boat ride to Disney Springs
- Ideal for “we need a real vacation but we still want to ride Guardians” energy
- Nobody here is stressed. Including you.
Closest Disney World Resorts to the Theme Parks
For those who want to minimize travel time and maximize park access:
Disney’s Pop Century Resort (Value)
- Skyliner access for easy travel to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios. It gets you from hungover to Harmonious in 20 minutes.
Disney’s Art of Animation Resort (Value)
- Skyliner access to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios.
- Themed family suites available for extra space.
Disney’s Contemporary Resort (Deluxe)
- You can literally walk to Magic Kingdom. We respect that. Plus, easy Monorail access to EPCOT.
Disney’s BoardWalk Inn (Deluxe)
- Short walk to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios.
Disney’s Beach Club Resort (Deluxe)
- Closest resort to EPCOT with Skyliner access. It is so close you could almost throw a baguette from France Pavilion to your room (we haven’t tested this…yet).
Best Themed Disney World Resorts
For those looking for a stay that offers something truly special:
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge (Deluxe)
- You’re basically on safari without having to wake up at 4 AM
Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground (Moderate or Deluxe Villa)
- Rent a golf cart and live your rustic Florida dreams
- Where else can you drink moonshine and see horses before 10 AM?
- You can also rent travel trailers if you really want to rough it
Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort (Deluxe)
- Island time. Dole Whip in one hand, tiki drink in the other.
- Monorail access for those nights when you accidentally start a second bar crawl
Staying Off-Site: Is it Worth It? (Pros and Cons)
While staying at a Disney resort has its perks, it may make sense sometimes to stay offsite.
Here’s what to consider when deciding if an off-site hotel or vacation rental is right for you.
Pros of Staying Off-Site
- Lower Costs – Off-site hotels and vacation rentals are often more budget-friendly than Disney resorts.
- Travel Rewards – Many major hotel chains allow you to use travel reward points, making your stay even cheaper.
- Larger Accommodations – You can often find bigger rooms, suites, or entire vacation homes for the same price as a smaller Disney hotel room.
- More Dining & Shopping Options – Off-site locations often have access to a variety of restaurants, grocery stores, and shopping centers.
Cons of Staying Off-Site
- Limited Disney Perks – You won’t get Early Theme Park Entry, or Extended Evening Hours at the parks.
- Transportation Challenges – Most off-site hotels don’t offer Disney’s free transportation, meaning you’ll need to drive, take an Uber/Lyft, or rely on hotel shuttles (which may not run as frequently). This can be challenging if you plan to Drink Around the World and you’ll need someone else to do the driving.
- Added Costs – Parking fees at Disney parks and potential resort fees at off-site hotels can add up.
- Less Theming & Disney Magic – While some off-site hotels have fun theming, you won’t get the immersive Disney experience that on-site resorts provide.
TL;DR: If you’re drinking around Disney (EPCOT, Monorail, Springs), stay on property.
Final Thoughts: Adult Disney Trips Are Elite
There’s nothing better than living your best life at Disney World with no stroller to push, no character breakfast to survive, and no guilt about drinking a margarita before noon.
Pick the right resort, plan a few Disney World bar crawls, and make questionable snack decisions. It’s the true Disney adult dream.
Got a favorite resort or a hot take? Drop it in the comments! (Especially if it’s about where to find the strongest margarita. We’re always taking notes.)