My husband and I have been going on dates to Disney World for almost a decade. Here are our favorite kid-free activities.

• My husband and I have been going on dates at Walt Disney World for almost a decade.
• Visiting Disney theme parks without kids is much less stressful and gives us a chance to reconnect.

It's been about 10 years since my husband and I first visited Walt Disney World Resort with our two kids. At the time, we were the parents of preschoolers, and none of us had ever visited Disney before. The trip was hectic and stressful — and before I discovered the importance of taking an afternoon nap when visiting Walt Disney World.

Toward the end of our trip, we spent an evening at EPCOT for the first time. I felt way more relaxed than I had earlier in the week. Maybe it's because EPCOT feels uniquely adult-focused, from its World Showcase featuring alcoholic beverages to the festivals Disney hosts there throughout the year.

Seven years ago, we decided to move from Maryland to Florida and now live within driving distance of Walt Disney World. Today, as both a Disney lover and a journalist who covers theme parks, I've learned that EPCOT is not the only place at Disney where adults can take a deep breath and feel a bit of their own magic. My husband and I frequently visit Walt Disney World for date nights without our teenagers.

While we're there, we're never short on ideas for amazing, kid-free date-night activities. These are some of our favorite things to do when we get a night without our kids.

Visit a bar with stunning views and a quieter vibe

While there are definitely bars at Walt Disney World where kids fit into the chaos, some of the locations feel uniquely upscale, offering incredible views and a much quieter atmosphere. One of our favorites, the Dahlia Lounge at Disney's Coronado Springs Resort, boasts an impressive cocktail menu and some really delicious small plates. There's also a rooftop with an outdoor seating area and beautiful views of the property.

Watch nighttime fireworks with a lot less hassle

Let's be honest: The logistics of watching nighttime fireworks at Walt Disney World with small kids can be a nightmare. Between kids being exhausted after a day in the parks and struggling to find a viewing spot large enough for a stroller, catching shows like Happily Ever After at Magic Kingdom Park can be a lot. When you're strolling through the park kid-free, it's a lot easier to find a peaceful spot to watch the show.

Learn something new together in a private class

Disney offers plenty of private classes that couples can take together. Some of my favorites include Sangria University at Disney's Coronado Springs Resort and wine-tasting classes at Wine Bar George at Disney Springs. Most of these classes are adults-only, which makes it a good way to ensure a quiet evening.

Walk around one of EPCOT's annual festivals

EPCOT holds four festivals a year, from the International Festival of the Arts to the iconic International Food and Wine Festival, so there's a pretty good chance there will be one happening during your visit. Walking around an EPCOT festival and trying different food and beverages from around the world is a fun way to spend a date night.

Take in a Cirque du Soleil performance at Disney Springs

One of the newer and more unique entertainment offerings at Walt Disney World is "Drawn to Life," a Disney-animation-themed acrobatic circus show performed by Cirque du Soleil. The show may not hold the interest of younger kids, so it's perfect for an evening featuring dinner and a show.

Spend an evening exploring your resort hotel

It's no secret that Walt Disney World hotels are known for their stunning level of detail. If you're staying on a Disney property during your visit, you can make an entire evening of exploring the resorts alone. At Disney's Polynesian Village Resort, for example, there's a famous tiki bar, a stand that sells Dole Whip, several restaurants and shops, as well as walkways with lakeside views and beautiful greenery.

Splurge on a meal with an unbeatable view

With its $90-an-adult price tag, California Grill is one of the costlier restaurants at Walt Disney World. Still, it's one of our favorites for its delicious menu, incredible views of Magic Kingdom, and nighttime fireworks display. California Grill also boasts an impressive wine list, making it a great place to enjoy a romantic dinner complete with views of the Happily Ever After show.

Enjoy some friendly competition

It's always fun to ride attractions with our kids, but there's something extra exciting about having a bit of friendly competition by going on rides that track your score, including Toy Story Mania at Disney's Hollywood Studios. You can challenge one another to a battle and make the winner buy the next drink or sweet treat.

Spend the evening in a poolside cabana

Many resorts offer cabana rentals, such as Four Seasons Orlando and Disney's Yacht Club Resort. Most cabana rentals last right up until the pools close. A night of dinner and drinks poolside is a perfect date-night option.

Prioritize the rides you most enjoy by splurging on Individual Lightning Lanes

Disney has faced criticism for its Genie Plus and Lightning Lane systems, which replaced the FastPass method of reserving attractions in 2021 and can get expensive for large families. Whenever my husband and I visit a Disney park alone, we splurge on Individual Lightning Lanes for the rides we most want to go on, since buying the pricey passes for two instead of four fits our budget a bit better.