3 Best Disney Parks for Adults

Spoiler alert: Disney isn’t just for children. Whether it’s millennials raised during the Disney Renaissance or avid fans who live near the parks, adults choose to visit Disney for many reasons.

Each Disney theme park features different theming and attractions, some better suited for children than adults. Let’s look at the three best Disney parks for adults, why we chose them and what they have going for them.

Factors we considered when choosing a Disney park

Picking out a Disney park for adults is different from choosing one most suitable for children. Here are the factors we considered when picking the best parks:

• Location. There are Disney theme parks all over the world, but how convenient are they to access?

• Price. The cost of visiting a Disney park will vary depending on its location. 

• Adult amenities. Is the park alcohol-free? Does it serve affordable drinks? Are all the rides meant for those 52" and under?

• Other activities. What else does the park offer for adults to do?

» Learn more: The best Disney resort for adults

1. Epcot (Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida)

When we considered all the factors, one Disney park jumped out above the rest. If you’ve ever visited Walt Disney World, you likely already know that Epcot is a haven for adults. Although conveniently located on the monorail line, Epcot feels worlds away from Disney’s other parks.

This is thanks to the design of its park, which is massive, as well as the theming and attractions inside. Unlike the Magic Kingdom, which sports fantasy-like buildings and the iconic Disney castle, Epcot is centered more on international culture and futuristic design.

For instance, on the Test Track, the concept car racetrack, guests can design their own vehicles before testing them out in a high-speed race.

In the World Showcase, 11 pavilions show off different countries' cultures with food, drinks and plenty of shopping. This attraction takes up most of Epcot, and each of the pavilions offers authentic food, imported merchandise and local alcohol.

Disney has added more rides to the World Showcase recently, including Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure in the France pavilion, but the main activities still revolve around exploring the pavilions.

Epcot is also home to several festivals throughout the year, which are essentially expanded versions of the World Showcase. The International Food and Wine Festival is especially popular, as are the International Festival of the Holidays, the International Flower and Garden Festival, and the International Festival of the Arts. During each of these festivals, pop-up pavilions appear throughout the park, offering limited-time meals, drinks and merchandise.

Epcot is within walking distance from Disney’s BoardWalk, which is full of nightlife options and hotels. It’s also linked to other properties by the Skyliner aerial gondola system and the monorail.

All of which is to say that if you’ve had an adult beverage — or two — there’s no need to drive anywhere.

Walt Disney World is located in Orlando, Florida, which is a tourist hot spot. This means flights and accommodations are relatively affordable, as long as you’re not traveling during peak season. As far as park tickets go, Epcot is the second-cheapest park to visit, with one-day tickets starting at $114.

» Learn more: How to save on your first — or next — Disney vacation

2. Disney California Adventure (Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, California)

Disney California Adventure is our second-best on this list because it features similar amenities to Epcot. Located in Anaheim, California, Disney California Adventure operates some of Disney’s most thrilling rides. These include the Incredicoaster (a massive roller coaster) and Guardians of the Galaxy - Mission: Breakout!, a themed drop tower.

Like Epcot, Disney California Adventure is home to multiple festivals throughout the year, such as the Food and Wine Festival, Lunar New Year and Festival of Holidays.

Nearby airports include Los Angeles (LAX), Long Beach (LGB) and John Wayne Airport (SNA), so it’s easy to fly in. However, this part of California is more expensive than Orlando, so expect to pay more for accommodations. Prices for a one-day ticket to Disney California Adventure start at $104.

3. Disney's Hollywood Studios (Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida)

Last on this list is Disney’s Hollywood Studios, also located in Orlando, Florida. Although you’ll find more children here than in Epcot, thanks in part to Toy Story Land, plenty still exists to entertain adults. A prime example is Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, an attraction every Star Wars fan needs to visit.

Disney’s Hollywood Studios also has its own high-speed roller coaster (Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith) and drop tower (The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror), both of which are more than a little thrilling.

And although it’s not on the monorail line, Hollywood Studios is linked to the Skyliner and has water taxi transportation to many of Disney’s resorts.

The park also features two of the few dedicated bars within the Walt Disney World Resort. The Tune-In Lounge, located inside 50's Prime Time Cafe near the park entrance, features a full bar setup amid retro decorations.

Oga’s Cantina, meanwhile, is located inside Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge and is themed after the original cantina in the Star Wars movies.

Disney’s Hollywood Studios is slightly more expensive than Epcot, with tickets starting at $124 per day.

» Learn more: How to stay at Disney hotels for cheap (or free)

Consider Disney vacations that aren't a theme park

While theme parks are great for kids and adults alike, there's plenty to do for the so-called Disney Adults looking for something different. Whether you want a Disney experience that's not as chaotic as a theme park, or you've simply been to the Disney parks so many times that you seek something new, consider planning a vacation to one of these vacation spots for Disney fans that aren't Orlando or Anaheim.

If you’re looking for the best Disney park for adults

There’s no reason for adults not to enjoy Disney theme parks. Whether you’re looking to travel in a group or with your family, Disney’s parks offer plenty of activities for adults.

Epcot tops the list of best Disney parks for adults because of its large rides, frequent festivals and unique cultural experiences. Disney California Adventure hits high marks for big rides, and Disney’s Hollywood Studios earns its spot thanks to must-do adventures from Star Wars.

(Top photo courtesy of Walt Disney World)