The 6 Best Disney Theme Parks for Adults

On the surface, a Disney vacation may seem like the ultimate family trip; however, it's important to know that Disney can be a magical place for adults, too. Whether you're seeking thrills, classic attractions or simply some unique theme park food, our guide will tell you everything you need to know about planning a more mature getaway to the Most Magical Place on Earth.

Below, we detail the six best Disney parks for adults who are looking for child-free fun.

Courtesy of Walt Disney World Resort

Located in Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida, the EPCOT experience is predominantly defined by the World Showcase, which gives visitors an opportunity to travel from one pavilion to the next, sampling the food, flavor, culture and history of 11 different countries along the way.

The rides at EPCOT are immersive and inviting, giving you a sensory experience that is unlike anything found at any other theme park. Take Remy's Ratatouille Adventure, for instance. This trackless 3D dark ride transforms you into a mouse-sized creature, allowing you to zoom through the kitchen of a French restaurant in an experience that ignites the senses, leaving you craving a French meal when you disembark.

When it comes to theme park dining, there is nothing quite like the restaurants at EPCOT. Adult diners will find it difficult to choose from the international cuisine that can be found throughout the park, with Le Cellier Steakhouse in the Canada pavilion and Spice Road Table in the Morocco pavilion being particularly popular options.

For those who want to sample bite-sized meals and beverages from countries around the world, the best time to visit is during the EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival. This annual culinary experience takes place from late August through mid-November each year, and has become a favorite among Disney adults.

Alexf / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA

Adults who are searching for those classic theme park thrills mixed with the glamour of Old Hollywood will love Hollywood Studios, which is always high on the list of the top Disney theme parks for adults. As another of the four theme parks at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida, Hollywood Studios is seen as more action-oriented with its lineup of attractions.

The park is home to some of the most recent additions to the Disney parks, and adults appreciate the fact that this park offers a balance of fast-paced attractions and immersive shows. When it comes to thrill rides, there's nothing else in Disney quite like the death-defying Tower of Terror drop or the high-pulse speeds of Rock 'n' Roller Coaster. And if you need a break from the rides, you can connect with your inner bad guy at the Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After show, one of the newest additions to the Hollywood Studios line-up and a worthwhile stop during your day.

This theme park is also home to Galaxy's Edge, a Star Wars-themed land that is so immersive, you will truly feel as if you have left Central Florida and stepped onto the planet of Batuu. Rise of the Resistance, an 18-minute-long hyper-detailed and immersive attraction acts the highlight of the land, with plenty more to see and do beyond that. No adult trip to Galaxy's Edge would be complete without a refreshing beverage at Oga's Cantina, a lively bar that is known for its galactic libations.

The Disney magic lives around every corner in Hollywood Studios, and adults will find that the fun-loving thrills combined with the detailed theming is perfect for their next Disney trip.

Bernard Spragg. NZ / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA

Smaller than its counterparts in Orlando, Disney's California Adventure provides Disney adults with a more intimate and, at times, more relaxed experience. The park itself opened in 2001 as a part of the Disneyland resort in Anaheim, California, making it one of the newer Disney parks to visit, but recent revitalization efforts have transformed it into a haven for adults who want to enjoy a fun-loving theme park vacation.

There is no shortage of thrills at California Adventure, where adult riders will love the rush of the Incredicoaster and the electric energy of the Guardians of the Galaxy — Mission: Breakout ride. In addition, there are peaceful and relaxing rides to enjoy, such as Soarin' Around California, which takes you on a hang-gliding adventure over the Golden State.

While Disney adults have long been familiar with the time-honored tradition of drinking around the world in EPCOT, there's a similar experience to enjoy in California Adventure. Throughout this park, you will find a wide range of restaurants and quick-service stations that offer flavorful brews and refreshing cocktails. Consider grabbing the Sea Monster Smash cocktail at the Lamplight Lounge, which is a popular eatery on Pixar Pier.

Dave G. Houser / Getty Images / CC BY-SA

Located just 45 minutes outside the heart of Paris, Disneyland Paris brings in cultured travelers from around the world who want to add a dose of Disney magic to their time in the City of Love. Fortunately, this park is the perfect place for Disney adults, as it offers both thrilling rides and an invigorating nightlife scene.

Some of the top thrill rides for adults in Disneyland Paris include Crush's Coaster, which is a spinning coaster that takes you on an aquatic adventure throughout the world of Finding Nemo, and Avenger's Assemble: Flight Force, a high-speed indoor coaster that catapults you into the Marvel Universe.

Throughout Disneyland Paris, adults will find a plethora of restaurants and bars that offer unbeatable atmospheres and exciting entertainment options. Live music is common in this park, giving guests the opportunity to relax and unwind to the sounds of their favorite tunes after a memorable day at the park.

Jedi94 / Getty Images / CC BY-SA

There is no other Disney park quite like Animal Kingdom, which is why it is often considered to be a top Disney park for adults. The lush, tree-lined pathways feel like a natural escape from the stimulating sights and sounds of the other parks in Walt Disney World, making it a peaceful place to be for any Disney adult.

While a sense of calm seems to permeate the air in Animal Kingdom, there are still plenty of exciting attractions and shows to enjoy. Pandora, the land inspired by the movie Avatar, is a favorite among adult travelers, thanks to the invigorating Flight of Passage ride that allows guests to enjoy a simulated experience on board a Banshee and the peaceful Na'vi River Journey that gives visitors an immersive look at the Na'vi way of life. For flavorful bites that are perfect for foodies, consider a stop at Satu'li Canteen, where you can enjoy the infamous cheeseburger steamed pods.

For theater lovers, Animal Kingdom is home to a surprisingly engaging musical theater experience. Finding Nemo: The Big Blue and Beyond is a 30-minute-long performance that blends catchy, powerful songs with incredible puppet choreography, and for some reason, it's still one of the best-kept secrets in the park. It's a must-do if you are planning an adults-only day at Animal Kingdom.

Ivan Curra / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA

Unlike the other parks that dominate the lists of the best Disney theme parks for adults, Blizzard Beach is a water park rather than a traditional amusement park. One of the most common misconceptions about water parks is that they are places for parents to take their kids to let them refresh themselves and enjoy some fun in the waves. At Blizzard Beach, however, there is plenty of fun to be had for all ages — even adults who still enjoy the thrill of careening down a water slide.

When you first arrive at Blizzard Beach, you will find the snow-themed decor to be in direct contrast to the blazing hot Florida sun. It's a refreshing juxtaposition and will likely have you wanting to relax in a lounge chair as you soak up those crisp mountain views. Once you are ready to dip into the cool water, you will find towering slides waiting for you. Summit Plummet is easily the most famous slide in the park, giving the bravest visitors the chance to enjoy a near-vertical drop nearly 12 stories down through a tunnel, where they eventually launch into a sparkling pool of water.

If you are hoping to embrace your inner child and enjoy a day at the water park, then Blizzard Beach is the Disney park for adults that you will want to visit.

Join the over a million people who are AAA members and start planning your trip to Disney today. Dream up the perfect trip with our Trip Canvas research tool and use your membership to get the best discounts on hotels, rental cars and entertainment tickets.