Is Disney "Adults Without Kids" Friendly?

posted by Kathy Holmes on Feb 23, 2007 5:43:54 PM
One of the draws to Disney World for us back in the 1990s was their promotion of the idea that Disney wasn't just for families with kids, but it was also a great place for adults without kids. And I recall that when Epcot opened in 1982, it definitely was a draw for adults. But I've seen a change over the years that more and more adult activities, attractions, and dining venues at Disney are being replaced with a more kid-friendly focus.

And while the Disney Cruise Line has several "adult-only" venues, the article on Disney to Add 2 New Ships to Fleet states, "With fierce competition among cruise lines, Disney is hoping to position itself as the ultimate getaway for families." And while there's some discussion about what the word "family" means - can a couple be a family or must it include kids - it's a no-brainer that Disney focuses their prime marketing efforts on families with kids.

Even the city of Orlando's new motto: "Built for Families, Made for Memories" caters to the family unit with kids. They've received a lot of criticism for that motto, comparing it to the cooler and hipper, "What Happens in Vegas, Stays in Vegas" slogan of their nemesis, Las Vegas.

So as Disney and the city of Orlando focus more and more on families with kids, they shouldn't be surprised that they're in fierce competition with Las Vegas - a decidedly more adult without kids venue - for tourist dollars. Although it appears that Disney is trying their best shot at competing with Vegas weddings with the latest announcement of the Princess Wedding Dress collection. I don't think Vegas has anything to worry about.