Jennifer Baker, Contributing Writer
The standard vacation for a single young woman in her mid-20s typically revolves around one enchanted destination: Las Vegas! And while a trip to Vegas with girlfriends may seem like the perfect way to let loose and enjoy some much-needed R&R, twentysomethings should consider a trip to Florida's Walt Disney World for their vacation “hot spot.”
As a city girl in her 20s myself, I always get an odd look from people when I tell them that I'm planning a trip to Disney World (yes, I was there less than a year ago, and yes, I intend on going again as soon as possible). I admittedly would rather take a trip to Disney World than pretty much anywhere else—I know I am guaranteed to have a fantastic time.
Let's examine the major components of a Las Vegas getaway that draw in a young adult crowd—entertainment, dining, hotels, and the like—and see how they compare to the same at Walt Disney World:
Entertainment
Las Vegas is thought of by many as the undisputed entertainment capital of America. Vegas offers any type of show you'd like to see—comedy, acrobatics, solo singers, musicals. But tickets to many of the headlining acts in Vegas show can set you back $200, and even the smaller shows still charge you for a ticket.
When it comes to Walt Disney World, however, I'd argue that you get far more entertainment value for your dollar for the price of your park admission—Comedy show? Monster's Inc. Laugh Floor. Acrobatics? Jeweled Dragon Acrobats in the China pavilion and The Festival of the Lion King. Solo singers? The American Idol Experience. Musicals? “Beauty and the Beast” on Stage and The Voyage of the Little Mermaid.
Although both Las Vegas and Walt Disney World offer entertainment around every corner, the true way Disney trumps Vegas in this category? It's all included in your park admission. Rather than having to decide which show to spend your money on, you can see every show in the Walt Disney World theme parks for nothing more than your park entry. For those in their 20s who are likely on a budget, this is important. And like Vegas, Disney offers a wide variety of entertainment forms and styles from which to choose. If you like the Beatles, you can see British Revolution in Epcot. Enjoy bagpipe music with a performance by Canada's Off Kilter.
You have to admit—no girl is ever too old to want to be Belle! Photo by Jennifer Baker.
Dining
From inexpensive buffets to some of the the highest-rated restaurants in the world, Las Vegas is famous for its endless dining options, which keep visitors of all budgets full and satisfied. But did you know that Walt Disney World is also a great travel destination for foodies? Disney offers dining locations of all varieties that satisfy both palate and pocketbook.
If you think that only Vegas offers specialty dining at popular restaurants such as Le Cirque or Tao, I'd argue that California Grill and Le Cellier offer just as distinctive experiences and delicious food. And how about the Vegas standard-buffets? Walt Disney World's buffet and family-style restaurants such as Crystal Palace, Boma and Whispering Canyon offer delicious food to feed your whole party.
However, one difference makes Disney stand apart from Vegas: Dining is an event. More than simply a meal, dining at Walt Disney World places you in the middle of a fairy tale or takes you to a far away land, transforming dinner into an unforgettable experience. Disney also offers interactive experiences you likely won't find in Vegas. You'll be hard-pressed to find a comparable Vegas experience with your server if you dine at 50's Prime Time Cafe or Whispering Canyon.
And how about the Epcot Food and Wine Festival? This event is the highlight of all dining options, especially for the those in their 20s—it's a great place to try new food at a low price and meet up with other like-minded adults. For those of us looking to get the most value for the dollar, Disney offers a substantial number of options.
Food and wine? Sign me up! Photo by Jennifer Baker.
Hotels
With their grand themes and opulence, you could easily spend a whole trip to Vegas hopping from hotel to hotel. With resorts such as the Bellagio, New York New York, and Paris, a unique escape is just around the corner.
However, the theming at Walt Disney World resorts is one area where it easily trumps Vegas. Disney does not relying solely on the over-the-top wow factor, but instead focuses on the details and the story. For example, it's hard not to be impressed by the lobby of the Wilderness Lodge, with its massive log structure. But beyond its substantial entry, it has a story: The Wilderness was inspired by national park lodges in the Pacific Northwest and the adventures of Colonel Ezekiel Moreland. Every part of the lodge from Artist's Point to the pool is inspired by an elaborate backstory, giving meaning to the resort. Young adults—who may be starting their first experiences in adult responsibilities like full-time jobs and rent payments—might really appreciate visiting a place that brings them the fun and whimsy of a childhood summer vacation.
And while no Walt Disney World resort boasts gondola rides on a mini Grand Canal (you'd have to go to Tokyo Disney Sea for that) or a colossal casino, the resorts' entertainment factor is supreme. All WDW resorts boast one-of-a-kind activities such as roasting s'mores on the beach at the Yacht and Beach Club, spotting gazelles and giraffes that roam freely at Animal Kingdom Lodge, or taking a relaxing carriage ride through a Southern plantation at Port Orleans. No matter how opulent or ordinary, once you sit at a blackjack table or slot machine, casinos are pretty much the same anywhere in the world; Walt Disney World's activities are different, bringing you closer to your vacation cohorts and creating a truly memorable vacation. Are you going to have lasting memories with that blackjack table? I think not.
And the swimming pools? Vegas may be known for its popular pool scene, but no hotel pool can hold a candle to the Yacht and Beach Club's Stormalong Bay, the Polynesian's volcanic rock pool, or the Pop Century's bowling pin pool. Yet again, these reign supreme thanks to the distinctive Imagineer touch on the Walt Disney World resorts.
Late-Night Amusements
Las Vegas is a town that never sleeps. But what may not be as widely known is that Walt Disney World's late night activities rival those of Vegas. A trip to WDW during busy season all but guarantees that the Magic Kingdom is open for Extra Magic Hours until 2:00 or 3:00 in the morning. If you have a lot of resilience and stamina, and stay on-property, it's possible to take advantage of a 20+ hour day in the theme park. You may even find yourself staying up later in WDW than you would on a Vegas vacation to ensure you hit all of the most popular rides and attractions.
And once you've conquered the parks, there's Downtown Disney, with its movie theaters, restaurants, and clubs open until late in the evening. There's also Jelly Rolls and the Atlantic Dance Company on the Boardwalk to entertain with singing, dancing and even a few adult beverages until the wee hours of the morning. And the best part? A safe and reliable free bus system is there to take you back to your comfortable Walt Disney World resort once the fun is over.
The Boardwalk in all of its daytime glory—yes, it looks even more like The Strip at night! Photo by Jennifer Baker.
Is there a true difference between Vegas and WDW? After all, both offer great entertainment, dining, hotels, and late-night entertainment. But with Disney, there's no way to describe it other than its magic. While it may not be “cool” for me to say, I would take a Walt Disney World vacation over a Las Vegas getaway any day. Sure, you can enjoy a great vacation anywhere in the world, but where other than the World can you have a uniquely memorable getaway and where fun and entertainment truly reign supreme? What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas. But what happens in Walt Disney World, stays with you! Sorry, Vegas, but my bet's on Disney.
From the first time she heard Belle sing in 'Beauty and the Beast', Jennifer fell in love with the magic and wonder of all things Disney. This adoration only grew over the years through numerous family trips to Walt Disney World as well as exciting Magic Kingdom performances with her choir groups. Jennifer is now an advertising manager based in downtown Chicago and holds a degree in communications from Miami University (Ohio). When she's not on one of her many yearly trips to the World, she's eagerly planning her next Disney adventure itinerary with her fellow Disney enthusiasts—mom Christine, dad Christopher, sister Beth, and brother Jeff.
