7 reasons Orlando is actually awesome for adults

Thanks to Disney, Orlando has long been considered a kid’s paradise. But it’s also an adult wonderland, filled with speakeasies, fabulous museums and Instagram walls that have nothing to do with our friend, the mouse. Here are 7 reasons adults will love Orlando.

Wine Bar George

Wine Bar George

Wine by the ounce? Check. The Sunshine State’s only master sommelier-led wine bar? Check. A candlelight atmosphere perfect for date night? This one checks all our boxes. Wine Bar George is a Disney Springs bar that’s actually affordable, thanks to its ingenious option of offering more than 140 top wines by the ounce. We couldn’t love this place more.

The Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art

Photo | Courtesy of the Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art, Winter Park, FL

Who knew that Florida boasts the largest collection of Tiffany works and how much do we love a museum with a $6 entrance fee? Maybe if the city stopped bragging so much about their rides (perhaps justifiably), they’d have time to talk about this museum, which is outrageously good. It’s in Winter Park, about a 30-minute drive from Orlando, and it’s totally worth a day trip. In addition to this museum, Winter Park has the most adorable collection of boutique shops and restos. Get caffeinated at Barnie’s Coffee & Tea Co., where they draw the totally Instagrammable heart on your latte, and then head to the farmers market (if you’re visiting on a Saturday). Then, wander the walkable streets, which are perfectly lovely.

Wall Crawl

Wall Crawl Orlando

It’s time for something Instagrammable, and Orlando has created the perfect backdrop. Opened summer 2019 in the Parramore neighborhood on Church Street, Wall Crawl ($25 for 60 minutes) is an indoor spot that has more than 20 walls filled with those fabulous Instagram walls. They’re colorful, there are props—including a very cute unicorn—and backdrops ranging from beach scenes to a chic living room. Not so confident in your own photo skills? They will provide professional photogs, and you can purchase those pics starting at $6.

Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek

We love the Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek resort because it’s surrounded by Walt Disney World and has a free shuttle to the parks, but it’s not one of those super Disney-focused spots. In fact, if you never left the hotel you wouldn’t know you were in Disney World. Plus, with rooms going for less than $200/night most nights, it’s much less expensive than other Disney properties. Another reason we’re obsessed with it? It shares its amenities with neighboring Waldorf Astoria, so you can use their fancy hotel, fancy bar, fancy everything without spending extra.

Epcot

Yes, it’s packed with kids. But it’s also got drinks from around the world, and that’s why we love it for adults. Try the avocado margarita at La Cava del Tequila in Mexico (trust us), the wine and cheese tasting in Germany and the bellini with raspberry puree and limoncello in Italy. If you love wine, try the Wine Walk: $20 for six 2-ounce pours in Germany, Italy and France.

Daytona International Speedway

Race day

This is where legends are made, and you can walk or ride in their footsteps behind the scenes. It’s about an hour away from Orlando, and it’s open year-round. If you’re there in the off-season, take a tour (starting at $19), which will bring you right onto the track. Or get tickets to the actual race.

Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition

Titanic is a 20,000 sq. ft interactive museum that contains the second largest piece of the Titanic ever recovered, plus 300 recovered artifacts and costumed interpreters. It also recreates a cabin, a cafe and the grand staircase. It’s almost mandatory to do the Kate and Jack pose here.