Disneyland for Adults – Is it-Adult Friendly? – 5 Reasons Why It Is

DISNEYLAND FOR ADULTS

Is Disneyland for adults too?

disneyland for adults

The short answer: Disneyland is suitable for both children and adults, offering experiences that are enjoyable for all ages. 

After growing up visiting Disneyland Paris and Walt Disney World Resort, I recently visited Disneyland for the first time – as an adult.

So, most of the things I’m speaking about today, I actually learned first hand during that trip.

So, if you’re considering taking an adults-only Disneyland trip, here are 5 reasons why you should plan your visit!

This post is all about the reasons why taking a trip to Disneyland for adults is a great idea!

 

Disneyland for Adults

 

Can adults go to Disneyland?

Yes, adults can go to Disneyland. Luckily, there is no age limit on who can visit!

 

5 Reasons Why Disneyland is Not Just for Kids

 

1) There are adult-friendly attractions at Disneyland

Thrill Rides Worth Trying

Here’s a list of top thrill rides that can be appreciated by many adults:

  • Space Mountain at Disneyland Park: A timeless classic that combines roller coaster movements with a dark, outer space setting. (Sometimes there is a Star Wars overlay on this attraction).
  • Indiana Jones Adventure at Disneyland Park: Step into the world of Indiana Jones with daring twists, turns, and unforgettable special effects. Not only does this ride thrill, but its intricate story makes you feel like you’re starring in the action movie.
  • Matterhorn Bobsleds at Disneyland Park: This iconic roller coaster introduces you to a Yeti whilst you speed through the mountain. When it opened in 1959, the Matterhorn Bobsleds made history as the first roller coaster with a tubular steel track—a groundbreaking design at the time. Fair warning: the ride can be pretty rough, especially if you’re sitting in the back. If you’re prone to feeling every bump and jolt, you might want to keep this in mind before hopping on.
  • Radiator Springs Racers at Disney California Adventure: This ride is part scenic tour, part high-speed race, making it an exciting pick for any adult with even a remote interest in cars or Pixar’s Cars.
  • Incredicoaster at Disney California Adventure: The Incredicoaster is the only roller coaster at Disneyland Resort with inversions!

If you’ve visited Walt Disney World Resort or Universal Studios Orlando before, some of these roller coasters will feel more tame and definitely slower in comparison.

But they’re still solid, enjoyable and iconic attractions worth your time.

 

Shows and Parades Not to Miss

When it comes to shows and parades, Disneyland truly outdoes itself.

Anecdotally, I think these shows may be more impressive to adults, as you can fully appreciate how much goes into them to make them so awesome!

  • Fantasmic! at Disneyland Park: More than just a show, Fantasmic is a combination fireworks, water projections, live performers, and beloved Disney characters. Mickey Mouse battles villains in this multi-sensory experience. This show can also be found at Hollywood Studios at Disney World, but the Disneyland version is widely regarded to be the better version.
  • World of Color at Disney California Adventure: Imagine fountains, music, and iconic movie scenes beautifully married into one production. World of Color – Season of Light takes place during the holiday season (scheduled to return to DCA November 14th, 2025 – January 7th, 2026).
  • Fireworks at Disneyland Park at Disneyland Park: Disneyland has different fireworks depending on the season. I visited during Christmas and thoroughly enjoyed the show. It wasn’t as iconic as Happily Ever After at Magic Kingdom, but these shows are supposed to be different. And they are both amazing.

Be aware that the nighttime shows aren’t necessarily on every night. Check the Disneyland site or app for this information.

 

2) Dining Options for Adults

There is no shortage of amazing dining options for adults at Disneyland.

There are a few main dining categories:

  • Table Service / Buffets – This is the most expensive option. Some may be character meals, whereas others will be your typical sit-down meals. One or two more expensive meals can be nice on an adults-only Disneyland trip. However, there are cheaper options (that can be as good, if not better when it comes to food quality).
  • Bars / Lounges – These are usually a bit more expensive than quick service locations, but they tend to be cheaper than table service restaurants.
  • Quick Service Locations – Here, you can find cheaper meals and snacks.

Even if you’re not that interested in the rides and attractions, eating at Disneyland is an amazing experience in itself.

 

3) After-Hours Events and Disneyland Tours

  • VIP Tours: Imagine having a dedicated guide who whisks you around the park with minimal wait times. Disneyland’s VIP tours provide just that. Perfect for adults short on time or looking for an stress-free experience, these tours are like a magic carpet ride through your must-see attractions, with behind-the-scenes insights thrown in. However, these tours are CRAZY expensive – at $500 – $800 per hour for a minimum of 7 hours, and up to 10 hours. This is for a maximum of 10 guests.
  • Disneyland After Dark Events: Disneyland hosts a variety of ticketed after-hours events throughout the year, where you can experience the park without large crowds. From Halloween to Valentine’s theming and more, there’s plenty to choose from! You can not attend these events with standard Disneyland tickets. So, how much do tickets cost for these events? Tickets cost between $149 and $179 + tax for these events.
  • Behind-The-Scenes Tours: Want to see areas of Disneyland that most guests don’t see? I took the Walt’s Main Street Story Tour, where I got to view Walt Disney’s real apartment, where he stayed in the 1950s-60s. This tour cost $160 + tax for a 90-minute tour. Check out the other Disneyland tours here.

Do any of these make your grown-up Disney bucket list?

They’re perfect ways to experience the park in a way that feels exclusive and they’re just perfect for adults.

 

4) Seasonal and Holiday Offerings

The holidays at Disneyland are as much for adults as they are for kids. 

Some notable seasons at Disneyland include

  • Halloween Time (Late-ish August–October): Think carved pumpkins on Main Street, spooky overlays like the Haunted Mansion Holiday, and the special ticketed event, Oogie Boogie Bash at Disney California Adventure. In 2025, the Halloween season is scheduled for August 22nd – October 31st.
  • Holidays at Disneyland (November–January): When Disneyland transforms into a winter wonderland, it’s packed with seasonal treats, themed attractions, and stunning dĂŠcor. Head over for It’s a Small World Holiday or enjoy the holiday-themed parades. The Christmas season is scheduled to return between November 14th, 2025 – January 7th, 2026.
  • Food Festivals at Disney California Adventure: Seasonal festivals, such as the Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival or the Lunar New Year Celebration, take food and drink to a new level. You can get snack-sized foods and beverages around Disney California Adventure. From savoury to sweet, there’s a lot to choose from.

 

5) Visiting Disneyland During the Less Busy Times

One of the best things you can do for yourself is to plan your visit during off-peak times.

  • Shorter Wait Times: Let’s face it, standing in line for what feels like forever is not exactly fun. During quieter seasons, such as mid-January to early March or after back-to-school season in September, wait times can become more manageable. So you can get to enjoy more attractions in less time.
  • A Calmer Environment: Disneyland during peak times can sometimes feel overwhelming. Visiting when the park is less chaotic gives you breathing room to soak in the details, like the incredible artistry on Main Street, U.S.A., or the immersive ambiance of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.
  • Seasonal Offerings Without Crowds: Off-peak visits also mean you can enjoy seasonal events or limited-time holiday decorations without the stress of constantly walking through crowds.

 

Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Disneyland for Adults

Is it worth going to Disneyland as an adult?

If the attractions listed earlier in this blog post sound interesting to you, I’d say yes!

 

Which Disneyland Park is more for adults?

Wondering ‘which Disneyland Park is better for adults’?

If you’re visiting during a festival, Disney California Adventure is a great choice.

But if you’re looking for a park with history and more attractions, Disneyland Park is a great choice.

The answer to this question will vary person to person, so if you haven’t visited Disneyland before, do your research, if you’re planning to visit 1 of the 2 Disneyland parks.

 

How many days at Disneyland for adults?

If you’re planning to visit both parks, at least two days is ideal to explore Disneyland.

Disneyland tickets can be purchased for 1 – 5 days.

 

How much are Disneyland tickets for adults?

1 park per day tickets range from $104-$206 + tax for ages 10+ for one day tickets to $511 + tax for 5 day, 1 park per day tickets.

Want to park hop? A 1 day park hopper ticket for ages 10 + is $169 – $281 + tax to $616 for a 5-day park hopper ticket.

It’s always worth searching for discounted Disneyland tickets from authorized third-party sellers, like Undercover Tourist (where I saved over $100 on my 5-day park hopper tickets with Lightning Lane Multipass – not sponsored or affiliated. Just my personal experience 🙂).

 

Can adults dress up at Disneyland?

There are guidelines on what adults can wear to Disneyland when dressing similarly to characters.

Please be aware that you can’t wear costumes if you’re over the age of 14.

It’s worth reading the dress code guidelines before your visit.

 

Ta Ta For Now

Have you taken an adults-only Disneyland trip? Do you have any tips for taking the best Disneyland trip for adults?

Please share in the comments 🙂

This post was all about the reasons why taking a trip to Disneyland for adults is a great idea!

 

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