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Six Reasons to do Disney without kids

July 8, 2017 by Jill 20 Comments

Disney is the happiest place on earth. It’s a land of pixie dusted perfection where you see a child with an expression of absolute wonderment around every corner. We eagerly plan our kids’ first trips to Disney and dread the day when they tell you they’re too old or too cool for Disney. But, have you ever considered doing Disney without kids?

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  • Six Reasons to do Disney without kids
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Six Reasons to do Disney without kids

Everything about a trip to Disney is centered around our kids, right? Planning the trip, how you’ll get there, where you’ll lay your head, which park you’ll visit in which order, and how long you’ll stay at each, which character dining experiences you’ll sign up for and so on. We all know that Disney isn’t your average vacation and that your research and planning will be rewarded when your family vacation goes off without a hitch.

At least you hope so.

6 Reasons to to Disney without kids|Ripped Jeans and Bifocals

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But let me tell you a secret: Disney can be the happiest place on earth when you don’t have your kids in tow. It’s true!

6 Reasons to to Disney without kids|Ripped Jeans and Bifocals

Let me tell you another secret: I went to Disney World on my honeymoon. Disney World is actually one of the world’s most popular honeymoon destinations and I’m absolutely unashamed to call refer to it as “my Disneymoon.”

Six reasons to do Disney without kids

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I recently traveled to Orlando for a blog conference and found myself with a day to kill and in the company of four of my awesome girlfriends. Naturally, we chose to hang out at Disney’s Animal Kingdom all afternoon and evening and we had an absolute blast. My kids have no idea that I went to Disney without them and getting the opportunity to do an adult’s only Disney trip probably won’t present itself any time soon.

6 Reasons to to Disney without kids|Ripped Jeans and Bifocals

Pandora – The World of Avatar opened in May and it is truly stunning.

But.

If you get the chance to do Disney (or really, any major theme park) without kids, here are a few reasons why it’s awesome:

  1. You don’t have to carry around a giant backpack of gear

When you take your kids to Disney, you have to tote water bottles, snacks, sunscreen, a gallon of hand sanitizers, wet wipes, the mouse ears your kid is too tired to wear, autograph books, pens, rain ponchos for everyone, the glow sticks you brought from home because you’re too cheap to pay the sky-high prices for the light-up trinkets they sell in the park at dusk, a gazillion plastic baggies, extra clothes in case someone gets wet on the water rides and cries about it and all the portable chargers.

When you go to Disney without kids, you can get by with a small crossbody bag or some cargo shorts. Throw in a stick of sunscreen, your debit card and your favorite sunnies and you’re good to go. Exploring Disney when you’re not a human pack mule is something every mom should experience at least once.

6 Reasons to to Disney without kids|Ripped Jeans and Bifocals

  1. You can eat real food…

…AKA something besides chicken nuggets. Disney has some world-class dining experiences, which, frankly might be wasted on small humans who refuse to eat anything but chicken nuggets, grapes, and Cool Ranch Doritos. My friends and I ate at Tiffin’s. It’s a very cool, travel-themed restaurant with lots of things to look at and very friendly, attentive servers. I mean, duh…it’s Disney.

6 Reasons to to Disney without kids|Ripped Jeans and Bifocals

Photo Credit: Sarah Honey of Thank You Honey Blog

It was a very trendy, sit down meal experience which I totally enjoyed and my kids would have hated. I’m not saying Tiffin’s isn’t kid-friendly or that your kids wouldn’t like it but Disney dining for my family means the quick service meals or character dining. This was a whole new level of magic.

Succulent chicken with sweet potato puree and an amazing salad? Yes! Sipping a tall, refreshing cocktail with an edible flower? You bet! Do either of those things go with a short person I’m related to is crying about his juice box? All the nopes in Nopeville.

6 Reasons to to Disney without kids|Ripped Jeans and Bifocals

Photo Credit: Sarah Honey of Thank You Honey Blog

  1. Cocktails

Need I say more? Yes, you can imbibe when you’re visiting Disney with your kids. You might feel you need to…no judgement from me on that one. But. Disney without kids offers you a guilt-free cocktail. Or two. Grown-up Disney drinking is a different situation than having someone give you the side-eye because you’re drinking some wine during your Yak & Yeti lunch with your kids.

https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining/animal-kingdom/satuli-canteen/

Photo Credit: Monica of Happy and Blessed Home

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The new Satu’li Canteen in Pandora: The World of Avatar has some fun adult beverages. I didn’t get to try them on this last visit, but I always like to leave something to look forward to for next time.

  1. You can take advantage of the naptime wall

Most families with young kids go to the park early, leave for a snooze or pool break during the afternoon and return in the early evening to check out the fireworks and parades. And, if you’re visiting Disney with younger kids, that is exactly what you should do.

6 Reasons to to Disney without kids|Ripped Jeans and Bifocals

Photo Credit: Melissa of Serendipity & Spice Blog

If you’re visiting Disney without kids, the best time to go is at about 2 p.m. when the hardcore rope droppers (AKA the folks who line up to get in the park immediately after it opens) are leaving. They’re leaving because their kids are melting down, because they’re tired and hangry or because they’re out of snacks and wet wipes.

6 Reasons to to Disney without kids|Ripped Jeans and Bifocals

No matter. They’re out, you’re in. Enter the park at 2 p.m. and head for the ride with the longest line, which is currently Avatar Flight of Passage. Since that’s Animal Kingdom’s newest ride (see also the coolest ride ever) the line will be long no matter what, but we had good luck around 2:30 p.m. and others have reported the same. With no kids whining about the wait time or telling you they need to pee when you’re smack in the middle of the line, the wait is bearable. Plus, waiting in line while you’re having adult conversation can’t compare to waiting in line with people who ask you “how much longer” every 43 seconds.

  1. No ride bargaining or ride drama

You don’t have to deal with the conflict of one kid wanting to ride thrill rides and one kid crying that you’ll ruin his life if you force him to ride Space Mountain.

You don’t have to deal with the disappointment of a child who is just a smidge too short for the roller coaster she desperately wants to ride.

You don’t have to deal with shuffling, child swapping and splitting up your group in the name of family unity. Visiting Disney without kids takes away all the ride drama and leaves you more time to enjoy yourself.

  1. Look, no kids!

You won’t have to hold anyone else’s stuff or eat chicken nuggets unless you want to. No one will expect you to figure out where to dispose of their trash. You probably won’t have the urge to wipe your companion’s nose with the hem of your shirt or tell them to “just try to go to the potty.” And, it’s a safe bet that no one will whine because you’re not buying them souvenirs. When you go to Disney with other adults, they generally bring their own money and can wipe their own behinds. Winning.

6 Reasons to to Disney without kids|Ripped Jeans and Bifocals

I’m currently planning my next Disney adventure with my kids. We’ll have a great time. I might sigh a little wistfully when we’re in a long line and my kid asks me for the umpteenth time “how much longer.” But, I’ll happily eat chicken nuggets, referee family disputes over rides and ask everyone if they’ve remembered to wash their hands – because after all, it’s Disney!

6 Reasons to to Disney without kids|Ripped Jeans and Bifocals

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I received a complimentary media ticket to Walt Disney World. All opinions are my own. 

If you’d like to check out the blogs of the ladies I enjoyed my kid-free day at Disney with, here they are:

Gym, Craft, Laundry

Thank You Honey

Serendipty and Spice

Happy and Blessed Home

You might also like:

The grown-up’s guide to Epcot


20 Comments

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Comments

  1. Alli Smith says

    July 10, 2017 at 6:58 am

    These days we always have the kids, and now, the grandkids in tow when we visit Disney. I did go to Disney with my BFF for New Year’s Eve when I was 18 and single. We had a blast!

    Reply
  2. Jeanette says

    July 10, 2017 at 8:43 am

    I would love to explore Disney. I have not been to Disney since I was a kid and I’m hoping at some point soon I’ll be able to go. I loved your reasoning for not bringing the kids alone. You’re right it would be nice to be able to go to a restaurant and not have to worry about the pallet of a five-year-old.

    Reply
  3. Christy Maurer says

    July 10, 2017 at 9:46 am

    My kids aren’t kids anymore, but I still have to pay for their stuff lol. They’re still at home and in college. It will be fun when I can go with friends and just pay for myself 🙂 It looks like you did some really fun things! We’ve been 3 times, and no matter how old they’ve been, they get tired and crabby. But so do I lol.

    Reply
  4. Carol Speake says

    July 10, 2017 at 10:43 am

    Great post. I love the ideas for things to do when there are no kids along. MY husband and I Have gone several times just the two of us.

    Reply
  5. lisa says

    July 10, 2017 at 12:31 pm

    I didn’t need 6 reasons, I would love to go without my kids! I think there is so much to do and see there for adults that I would love to go with my husband.

    Reply
  6. valmg @ Mom Knows It All says

    July 10, 2017 at 1:03 pm

    We love Disney World. Even though I can’t get there as often as I’d like, it’s one of my favorite places to go. And it’s perfect for people of all ages.

    Reply
  7. Sarah Bailey says

    July 10, 2017 at 4:46 pm

    I really want to go to Disney and it would be just me and the other half, or with friends as well. I think it has so much to offer all ages.

    Reply
  8. Debra J Hawkins says

    July 10, 2017 at 5:20 pm

    I LOVE Disney without kids! The last time we were without our kids at Disney was our honeymoon. We needs to fix that ASAP!

    Reply
  9. Catvills says

    July 10, 2017 at 7:01 pm

    I would love to go to Disney without the kids, but I would sure miss them! I mean, isn’t that the whole point of going to Disney is to take the kids? I won’t mind lugging around a heavy backpack as long as I gave my kids a memory they’ll treasure for a long time.

    Reply
  10. Eileen | yesmissy.com says

    July 10, 2017 at 7:34 pm

    I don’t have kids yet, so I do Disney it’ll definitely be without kids. lol But you’re totally right, experiencing Disneyland without kids is something adults should do too!

    Reply
  11. candy says

    July 10, 2017 at 11:37 pm

    Who said you have to have kids to enjoy Disney. Disney is a magical place for all ages and we have a blast when it is just us grown ups acting like big kids.

    Reply
  12. Sheri says

    July 11, 2017 at 1:01 am

    I love Disney and have only ever been without kids and I had so much fun because I am a child at heart. IN the future we will take our little one though, but to EuroDisney.

    Reply
  13. maurene Cab says

    July 11, 2017 at 2:42 am

    I totally agree! Disney is not just place for the kids. Adults can still enjoy it. Disney is also a great place for honeymoon.

    Reply
  14. Sandy N Vyjay says

    July 11, 2017 at 8:54 am

    Loved your post! The reasons to go to Disney with Kids that you have put are quite interesting! I completely agree with the fact that when you go with kids you need to carry some extra things for them and also all your focus is on your kids and there is hardly any ‘me’ time to enjoy! I must show this post to my sis! 🙂

    Reply
  15. Kimberly @ Berly's Kitchen says

    July 11, 2017 at 10:51 am

    You are speaking my language with this post! We live in Florida and absolutely love Disney. Some of our best family trips have been going to the parks. However, one of the most memorable was when my husband and I went alone. Can’t wait until we do it again!

    Reply
  16. Chubskulit Rose says

    July 11, 2017 at 11:04 am

    I don’t know, if it wasn’t for my kids, I wouldn’t go to Disney lol. Then again, going there with =friends will be fun too.

    Reply
  17. Jenny says

    July 11, 2017 at 5:33 pm

    Disney without kids sounds like a great time. I’m all for not packing extra stuff around! Lol

    Reply

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All About Jill

I'm a digital content creator and essayist who copes with parenting and most other situations with humor and snark. Just so you know, if this weren't the internet, I'd be smiling awkwardly and answering simple questions like "How are you today" with gems like "I like pockets."

I really do love pockets, though.

I spent 26 years in the USAF, which went by really, really fast. I'm very proud of my service but I'm loving my second act even more. Writing gives me the opportunity to flex my creative muscles and that's what makes me happy. Welcome.

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Jill Robbins
"Intelligence + Character. That is the goal of tru "Intelligence + Character. That is the goal of true education." Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

I saw a lot of posts about Martin Luther King yesterday when I was doing my scrolls through social media...on a day where I wasn't supposed to be ON social media, ahem. We hear and see a lot of Dr. King's words and quotes one day a year. So, instead of apologizing for posting this "a day late" I'll share that I'm challenging myself to remember some of these important words more than one day a year.

Our kids are watching us right now. I mean...they're always watching us but I think what they see in these times is more important than ever. Nuturing our kids' intelligence and character is more important than ever. My kids are 10 now - this picture is about four years old - and they are absorbing EVERYTHING we say, how we say it and even what we don't say. 

This mural is near the suspension bridge in downtown Waco. Waco is famous for all the Magnolia things but there's a lot there for families, too, and the park around the bridge is a great place to explore along the Brazos River. 

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Here’s something you’ve probably never seen be Here’s something you’ve probably never seen before: my bottom teeth.
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I always hide my crooked bottom teeth in pictures and I’m super self-conscious when I talk. So I did something about it.
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I wore braces as a kid and my top teeth are straight but my bottom teeth are shifting and one tooth is traveling into the back of my mouth and I have some crowding. My orthodontist said it’s very unusual to put braces on just half your mouth but my bite is still aligned so they didn’t have to put them on my top teeth - my wallet is thankful.
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Questions I’ve already been asked:
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1️⃣ At your age? Yes, at my age. I still care about my smile. 
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3️⃣ How long do you have to wear them?
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6-9 months.
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3️⃣ Do they hurt? 
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My teeth are sore and my mouth is tender but not to the Tylenol level so I guess the answer is “Not too much.”
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Other questions? Advice?
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#braceface #adultbraces
Little things can really be big - do you agree? M Little things can really be big - do you agree?

My husband gets up with our kids twice a week and does their breakfast and morning routine and takes them to school so I can sleep in. I don't laze away the morning in bed - it usually amounts to about an extra hour of sleep for me and a little more peace and quiet as I start my day. 

This probably seems like a little thing but this is huge for me. The mental benefits of not having to set my alarm on a schoolday is truly my love language. I would rather have sleep than flowers or presents. 

On those morning where my husband takes my kids to school, I will inevitably find the kitchen not "just so." There will be spills on the table or something that didn't get put away. I resist the urge to be sarcastic or to ask "Um, is there a reason we have four boxes of cereal just sitting on the counter?" or point out that it would take less than 30 seconds to wipe a tabletop or put a box back on the shelf. I resist saying stuff like "I guess if I want it done a certain way, I have to do it myself." I don't even say that to myself. 

My husband isn't "doing me a favor" by taking care of our kids. When I talked about being stressed and tired during an argument last year, he offered to take some things off my plate and giving me two mornings where I don't have to set an alarm was one of his ideas. It's part of the give and take of marriage and even though it makes me clench a little when I see spilled milk or stuff that hasn't put away, I appreciate having a partner who shares the load with me. 

My marriage definitely is not perfect and I'm in no position to give relationship advice. But for us, this one little thing is a really big deal. 

And, as I've recently discovered, a cereal box can sit on the counter for several days and the world doesn't explode. Who knew.

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2020 started out so fine. We extended our kids’ winter break to take them on a Disney Cruise- no better reason than that, amiright- and I was excited about all the Disney Cruise blog posts I was going to write. Disney Cruises are (errr...were?) one of the most searched terms on my website and how a lot of people found me.
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We got our first Raddish Kids box right before the We got our first Raddish Kids box right before the holidays and finally dug into it this weekend. Our box had a cold-weather theme which was perfect for this cold weather we're having (flurries in San Antonio can you believe it?!)

Each box contains three recipe cards, a culinary tool, an iron-on patch and Table Talk conversation starter cards. A shopping list is included and also emailed to you in advance in case you want to be ready to cook as soon as your box arrives. You buy all the groceries yourself. 

We made homemade chicken and dumplings this weekend and they turned out amazing. If you need modifications (i.e. gluten or dairy free) you can hop on to the @raddishkids website and go to the "Bonus Bites" section. You'll find modifications, food videos, extra recipes, parent info and more fun stuff. 

The price ranges from $20-$24 per box depending on what type of subscription you choose. Boxes are designed for kids 4-14+ with varying degrees of supervision needed depending on your child's skills and age. Kyle and i have done two meals from this box - we still have cookies left to make - and worked together about 50-50. It was a lot of fun. 

To order yours, here's my affiliate link https://raddish-kids-monthly-delivery.sjv.io/edoAr or read my full review (link in bio)

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