Since Walt Disney World’s opening in 1971, my wife and I have spent about thirty of the fifty-plus years we have visited WDW, we drive from Tampa without kids. Kid-less vacation trips to WDW whether you are old or young provide different choices. Sadly, the cheapest resorts and food usually cater to families with kids.

Where to Stay?    Our Picks

ANIMAL KINGDOM LODGE ($$$$) for a different Florida vacation

Arriving by automobile eliminates the biggest negative of AK: long bus trips to the parks. Ask for a second or third floor room facing the plains filled with grazing animals. Boma is the best buffet at WDW and Jiko is a Top Ten Restaurant. Go outside on the fenced trail and talk to the African animal specialists.

WILDERNESS LODGE CASCADE CABINS ($$$$) Waterfront peaceful

The villas at Polynesian Village cost more than a trip to Tahiti so I choose the seclude Cascade villas (8001-8012) which give you a forested view with boats going past. Boat to Magic Kingdom or boat/monorail to Epcot & Disney Studios. Fun meals at Whispering Canyon Café and lakeside relaxing at Geyser Point Bar & Grill.  Sail over to nearby Fort Wilderness campground for nighttime carriage rides or go horseback riding.

BEACH CLUB VILLAS ($$$$) The Great Food Arena Centerpiece

Staying at any of the Epcot resorts (even the non-Disney Dolphin & Swan) gives you boat access to Epcot and Disney Studios, the entertainment complex at Boardwalk resort, and more quality restaurants and bars than anywhere else. I choose the villas that are a short walk into Epcot and the gondola trip to Disney Studios. The Beach has the best WDW pool complex: the sand bottomed Stormalong Bay lazy river with pool bar. Good seafood buffet.

WALDOLF ASTORIA BONNET CREEK ($$$$) Golf at your backdoor

This non-Disney classic has bus service to parks, but you step outside to a top-notch golf course. Since you can use the facilities of the connecting Hilton, you get a large lazy river, and the #1 (La Luca) and #2 (Bull and Bear) restaurants in Orlando.  This Waldorf, the first built from scratch, has the original lobby and bar from the New York Waldorf.  Super service for your needs. Bonnet Creek is surrounded by Disney property – Walt could not get the Asian owner to sell!

PORT ORLEANS RIVERSIDE ($$$)  Hidden Mid-Price Charms

Although you bus to all the parks, this two-resort complex has great tropical scenery, a pool on an island in the middle of a river, and a boat ride to Disney Springs with its mass of nightspots and restaurants.  You can take a nighttime ride along the river in a horse-pulled carriage.  I prefer the secluded rooms along the bayou over the New Orleans style townhouses of this resort. The New Orleans area has a jazz bar.  

Where To Eat?

CALIFORNIA GRILL  ($$$$) Contemporary   (Magic Kingdom Fireworks)

Despite some menu and policy changes, booking a window-size table to watch the nightly fireworks at the Magic Kingdom. The food, service, and ambiance of the CG has remained high since it was a nightclub Top of the World in 1971. (I was there.)

NARCOOSSEES  ($$$$) Grand Floridian   (Waterview & Seafood)

The best of several adult-oriented restaurants at the most sophisticated of WDW’s luxury resorts.  Expensive but good seafood. You probably have to go out on the porch to see the MK fireworks.    

BROWN DERBY  ($$$$) Disney Hollywood Studios   (Classic)

This authentic reproduction of the now-gone California celebrity showplace has captured the historic menu including the Cobb salad. TIP: If you can’t book arrive at 11:30 am if the weather is good and eat in the outdoor patio (Cobb Salad, sliders, drinks).

TOPOLINO’S TERRACE  ($$$$)  Riviera  (Rooftop Wonder)

The new, expensive Riviera has some small but intimate rooms, but it also has a great restaurant with a rooftop terrace that can see the fireworks at Epcot and Disney Hollywood Studios. 

TUSKER HOUSE ($$$)  Animal Kingdom  (Character Buffet)

Disney’s character buffets are over-priced kiddie shows which most couples should avoid, but this Donald Duck hosted spot has a more diverse menu, an excellent layout, and an atmosphere that is more adult and couple friendly.

CHEFS OF FRANCE   ($$$)  Epcot    (Busy Brasserie)

Crowded like a Parisian brasserie, this restaurant may not have an automated Ratatouille (he’s in a ride behind the place), but you can easily pretend you are in Paris.  Big wine menu and a classic French menu.

BOMA  ($$$) Animal Kingdom Lodge   (Buffet)

People come from every hotel at WDW to have breakfast at Boma, with its African theme and wide assortment of different dishes. And you get to wander the outside trails.

ENZO’S HIDEAWAY  ($$)  Disney Springs   (Hidden Gem)

This funky speakeasy with a tunnel bar and clandestine settings is a very good Italian restaurant and bar that seems miles from the noise and crowds of Disney Springs.

WINE BAR GEORGE  ($$)   Disney Springs  (Room With A View)

This new restaurant and bar features 140 different wines and excellent food.  Its second floor location is a wall of glass overlooking a huge patio of people.

Where To Drink:

The BOATHOUSE DOCK BAR  Disney Springs

I usually order food from the inside menu as well as drinks on this boat dock, surrounded by a collection of antique boats.  The Aqua boats go right past this spot.  Best at night, of course.

TRADER SAM’s GROG GROTTO  Polynesian Resort

You have to have a wild tiki bar at a resort that tries to duplicate the tropics of the Pacific.  After eight the bar often plays fun games and gets everyone happy.

TUTTO GUSTO   Epcot

At the Italian Pavilion between the main restaurant and the popular pizza spot is this sedate and rustic bar and light food place. You can tell this place is seriously an escape from the Disney crowds.

NOMAD LOUNGE at Tiffins   Animal Kingdom

Hidden along the riverfront behind this expensive restaurant is a porch turned bar and refuge.  Across the river is Pandora.

OGA’S CANTINA   Disney Hollywood Studios

Of course this Star War’s watering hole has weird, overpriced drinks and colorful design.  It may not be as good as the next door restaurant, but you probably don’t visit BaTuu too often.  “May the drink be within you.”