This post brought to you by Christina Wood of Pixie Vacations, the preferred Disney vacation travel planner of The Disney Blog.
Planning an adult-only trip to the World? Some may scoff at the location for grown up guests, but Disney World is actually the number one honeymoon destination in the country, and with good reason: Gorgeous hotels, plenty of activities in the parks and the surrounding areas, and amazing food for every palate. For adults who like a vacation that mixes the ability to relax and indulge with just plain old-fashioned fun, Disney World is ideal. But what about the resorts? Some resorts just scream “kid-friendly” but others cater more to adult tastes. Here’s my top five.
5. Port Orleans French Quarter.
Ask a Disney travel agent what her go-to resort is and she’ll probably tell you French Quarter and for good reason: It’s small enough that you can get around easily, so you don’t have to book a preferred room to ensure you’re close to dining and the buses, and it’s got plenty for kids to do, but it looks like a grown up resort. Couple that with affordability and you have a budget-friendly , grown up choice.
4. The Polynesian.
When the rooms at the Poly were refurbished last year, my opinion of this resort changed completely. I always loved the grounds, the pools, the beach, and romantic lighting at night, but the rooms left a lot to be desired. In fact, they looked like something the Brady Bunch would have stayed in circa 1972. The refurb changed all that. Now the rooms are brighter and more elegant, with a more modern take on the Hawaiian theme. Unfortunately, there’s a lot of construction going on here for the next year so I can’t recommend that you travel there for the next year or so, but I think it’s going to be amazing when it’s compete. If you still want a little bit of that Polynesian romance, stop by for a drink–the lapu lapu comes in a pineapple–at night and go down to the beach and watch the fireworks.
3. Animal Kingdom Lodge/Wilderness Lodge.
The lighting, the animals, the dining: this is simply a beautifully themed resort. In fact, I would say it’s the most well-themed resort on property. Make sure you check out the large fire pit out on the savanna viewing area at Jambo House or eat at Jiko, one of Disney’s best signature restaurants. One thing that sets this resort apart from others is the landscaping around the pools. Most Disney resorts are a bit short on poolside foliage, but Animal Kingdom lodge is green and shady. The result is that you’ll find quiet places to read and nap, away from the hustle and bustle of families enjoying their day at the pool.
Prefer something a little more North American rustic? Try the Wilderness Lodge. It was designed by the same architect and offers terrific dining choices like Artist Point, a fun lounge serving made to order donuts, and honeymoon suites. The boat ride to the Magic Kingdom is an added bonus.
2. Yacht Club.
I’m not a huge fan of this resort, with it’s staid theming and sedate atmosphere, although it does share the best pool on property with Beach Club. Still, I’m not sure a lazy river is enough to get me to stay at this swanky business resort. However, if you like a resort that is mainly for adults and lots of peace and quiet–this is your resort. It’s also a fifteen minute walk to Epcot with boat service to that park as well as Hollywood Studios. Yachtsman Steakhouse, one of my favorite restaurants on property, rounds out this hotel’s amenities.
1. The Grand Floridian.
The Grand Floridian is Disney’s first choice for honeymooners for good reason: The grounds are simply stunning, the cast members are top notch, and the food is excellent. Walk along the beach and enjoy the fireworks at night, enjoy a meal at one of two signature restaurants, or listen to the band at Mizner’s Lounge. This resort, while great for kids, is a treat for adults.
What’s your favorite adult-friendly resort? I’d love to hear about it in the comments.
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