A Quick Getaway | Adults-Only Style
Let’s face it - sometimes you just need to escape.
And while Walt Disney World is often thought of as a family destination, it absolutely offers something for adults looking to unplug, indulge, and have a little fun. Jessica and I want to share two must-dos that are always top of mind for anyone planning a quick, adults-only weekend getaway to Walt Disney World.
Monorail leaving Magic Kingdom for Contemporary Resort.
Guests staying at other Disney resorts can take a bus to Magic Kingdom, then either walk to Disney’s Contemporary Resort or board the Monorail directly.
The Monorail Crawl
The Walt Disney World Resort is massive, with more than 25 Disney-operated and partner hotels to choose from—including the iconic Monorail resorts. Opening in 1971, the Walt Disney World Monorail System runs along the scenic Seven Seas Lagoon, stopping at Magic Kingdom Park and three deluxe resorts: Disney’s Contemporary Resort, Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, and Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa.
The Monorail Crawl makes for a fantastic evening out, where guests can enjoy several bars, lounges, and dining options. Depending on where you plan to stop, reservations may be required - or at the very least, you should expect a wait during busier times. Jessica and I have three lounges we consider must-stops; Steakhouse 71, Tambu Lounge, and the Enchanted Rose.
Each has its own personality, unique vibes, food options, and cocktails. Don’t worry, if signature cocktails aren’t your thing, you can order your favorite concoction from the full bar.
Lavender Fog at the Enchanted Rose
Nolet’s Silver Dry Gin, Rothman & Winter Crème de Violette, Twinings® English Breakfast Tea, Vanilla, and Cream
Out of the three, my personal favorite is Tambu Lounge, only because it feels more laid back than the other two - especially the upscale Enchanted Rose. At Tambu Lounge, you can easily walk-in with an over the top colorful Hawaiian shirt, or dress more formally for a night out. Just note, Tambu Lounge is the smallest of the three, and the line to get in can move slowly. Most times, people eating and drinking at the lounge are cognizant that others are waiting, but once in a while you get a group that has clearly made themselves comfortable for the evening.
If you happen to exit the Monorail at the Polynesian and see guests power walking, or even running, as they enter the lobby - run faster. Feel free to knock them over if you must (please don’t actually do this). They are likely racing to get in line at the Tambu Lounge.
In contrast, the Enchanted Rose Lounge is the largest of the three and offers a much more classic vibe - perfect for a “night on the town.” It’s easily one of Jessica’s top picks, thanks to the wide selection of exceptional signature cocktails and her go-to favorite, the charcuterie boards. That said, don’t worry if you didn’t pack your finest cocktail attire. You’re still on Disney property, and plenty of guests enjoy the Enchanted Rose Lounge dressed comfortably and casually.
Charcuterie at the Enchanted Rose
Duck Rillettes, Bresaola, Serrano Ham, Sopressata, Tomato Jam, Cornichons, Citrus Mustard, Pickled Carrots, Olive Crostini, Grissini
One important note: this is not an inexpensive bar crawl. If you’re not paying attention, those bar tabs can add up very quickly.
Want to know more about each lounge, please visit Disney’s website further information:
Steakhouse 71 Lounge at Disney’s Contemporary Resort is a stylish, retro-inspired bar offering creative cocktails and elevated small plates. Expect classic and signature drinks with modern twists, alongside bar bites like loaded mac and cheese, lump crab cakes, chicken wings, and other savory snacks.
Tambu Lounge at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort is a laid-back, tropical hideaway tucked inside the Great Ceremonial House. The menu features colorful specialty cocktails, rum swizzles, mojitos, and other island-inspired libations, paired with Hawaiian-style appetizers like pot stickers, noodles, peel-and-eat shrimp, honey-coriander wings, and BBQ pork ribs.
Enchanted Rose Lounge at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa is an elegant, Beauty and the Beast-inspired lounge just off the grand lobby. The cocktail menu includes handcrafted drinks, martinis, wine, and champagne. Signature offerings include the Island Rose and the Lavender Fog (Jeremy’s personal favorite), alongside upscale small plates like artisanal cheeses, charcuterie, flatbreads, truffle fries, and croquettes.
Mousekeeping
Before we go any further, a little mousekeeping is in order. Without a hotel or dining reservation, you may not be able to park at these resorts. Even rideshare services can be turned away at resort entrances during peak seasons. While mildly inconvenient, these restrictions help prevent guests from using resorts as a workaround for Magic Kingdom parking - and in all honestly, we get it.
If you must drive, park at the Magic Kingdom Transportation and Ticket Center (TTC). Guests staying at any Disney resort can park for free, and Annual Passholders also receive complimentary standard parking, even when not staying on property. Rideshare services can also drop you at the TTC. From there, if the weather is nice, you can walk to Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort to start your crawl - or simply hop on the Monorail at the TTC station. Guests staying at other Disney resorts can take a bus to Magic Kingdom, then either walk to Disney’s Contemporary Resort or board the Monorail directly.
The Upscale Resort / World Showcase Combo
Jessica and I lounging poolside at Disney’s Riviera Resort.
A few years ago, Jessica and I decided we needed a true weekend escape. Luckily, we had a handful of “use-it-or-lose-it” Disney Vacation Club points and booked a short stay in a deluxe studio at Disney’s Riviera Resort. What made this trip especially memorable was learning upon arrival that our deluxe studio was unavailable and we had been upgraded to a two-bedroom villa for the weekend.
If you haven’t read our first blog post, you may not yet be familiar with the concept of pixie-dusting. When it happens, it elevates your Disney experience in a big way, and this was a perfect example.
For those unfamiliar, Disney’s Riviera Resort is an upscale retreat inspired by Europe’s Mediterranean coast. Located near EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios, with direct access to the Skyliner, Riviera blends elegant design, sophisticated touches, and Disney magic. The resort offers refined dining, chic lounges, and excellent pool areas. One of our favorite restaurants on Disney World property - Topolino’s Terrace - is also located here.
Topolino’s Terrace is a signature rooftop restaurant and lounge offering stunning views and European-inspired cuisine. Breakfast features the popular Breakfast à la Art character dining experience, complete with a shared pastry basket and creative entrées like quiche, sour cream waffles, and wood-fired steak and eggs. Dinner highlights include handmade pastas, fresh seafood, elevated meat dishes, and decadent desserts.
That Saturday, we spent the early afternoon relaxing by the pool, sipping ice-cold Provence Frosé (vodka and rosé wine) from Bar Riva. Knowing the resort’s proximity to EPCOT - and fully aware that I can only lounge poolside for so long - Jessica grabbed us one-day EPCOT tickets. When it was time for a change, we hopped on the Skyliner for a gondola ride straight to EPCOT.
Disney Skyliner station at EPCOT.
Guests staying Disney’s Riviera Resort can hop directly onto the Disney Skyliner for a gondola ride straight to EPCOT.
Once there, we took full advantage of the World Showcase, “eating and drinking our way around the world.”
Just because it’s an adults-only getaway doesn’t mean you can’t act like a kid too. EPCOT offers a variety of attractions - some educational and others thrilling, like Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind. That said, I’ll proudly admit my personal favorite remains Living with the Land - a gentle boat ride through greenhouses and indoor farms highlighting innovative agriculture and sustainable food practices. I still get a kick out of learning that those three little shrimp feed countless guests across the resort.
By late evening, we were back at Disney’s Riviera Resort, enjoying cocktails poolside and watching fireworks above the trees.
If Riviera isn’t available—or simply not your style—there are several excellent resorts within walking distance of EPCOT worth considering:
Disney’s Boardwalk Inn – A lively, turn-of-the-century seaside hotel with a charming promenade full of dining, entertainment, and nightlife.
Disney’s Beach Club Resort – A relaxed, nautical-themed resort featuring airy rooms and one of the best pools on property, including the only hotel lazy river on property. Fun fact: Stormalong Bay was originally designed to include a snorkeling lagoon with live fish.
Disney’s Yacht Club Resort – An upscale, New England-inspired resort offering refined coastal style, elegant dining, and shared access to Stormalong Bay.
Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin – A distinctive resort complex with unique architecture, upscale rooms, extensive dining options, multiple pools, and spa amenities.
Whether it’s sipping cocktails while circling the Seven Seas Lagoon or pairing a deluxe resort stay with a hop, skip, and jump to EPCOT’s World Showcase, both of these options make for a perfect adults-only weekend getaway to Walt Disney World.
