Build your own droid or lightsaber

Image: Disney

You may have noticed some Star Wars merchandise that is much more geared for adult guests. The more expensive, collectable or limited edition products may not be meant for kids, but there are some other kid-friendly souvenirs that you may have never given a second thought to. In Tatooine Traders at the Star Wars attraction (and select merchandise locations like Merchant of Venus in Tomorrowland or Mouse Gear in Epcot) you can actually built your own droid or lightsaber.

This seemingly kid-centric souvenir can actually be a more immersive and creative experience for adults, as chances are more thought will go into the design of each piece. As far as souvenirs from Disney gift shops go, both the droids and lightsabers are also not nearly as expensive as some alternative Star Wars items that you may be tempted to buy. And the lightsabers especially can provide hours of entertainment (for adults too) as they come complete with authentic sounds and light up effects

Enjoy a character dining experience

Image: Brittany DiCologero

Do not pass up character dining experiences just because you are visiting the parks without the kids! Meeting the characters can provide wonderful memories regardless of your age, and if meeting them is a priority doing so during a character meal can help save you some time on your next Disney vacation. Rather than spending time in the theme parks waiting in line to meet the characters, you can spend about the same amount of time you would spend at a table service meal anyways and meet the characters are the same time.

Of course, character dining is often more expensive, especially as many of these experiences are buffets or all-you-care-to-enjoy family style dining. They can cost you two credits if you are using the Disney Dining Plan, so you may want to consider whether or not the greater value is in your time spent waiting for characters or the money you could spend to save time at a character meal.

Visit the attractions you usually skip

Image: Disney

If you visit the parks with the mindset that your day will revolve around hitting all the big thrill rides, you may be missing out on some of the best attractions that Walt Disney World has to offer. Some of the tamer attractions, like those in Fantasyland or the spinner-style rides like Dumbo the Flying Elephant, the Magic Carpets of Aladdin, and TriceraTop Spin, can be surprisingly fun. In some instances (but certainly not all as evidenced by Peter Pan’s Flight) these attractions can have shorter wait times than the thrill rides you may be more accustomed to riding. Under the Sea: Journey of the Little Mermaid or Journey Into Imagination with Figment for instance, rarely have substantial wait times, and can help fill the void in the middle of the day when the more “popular” attractions have the longest waits.

How to you embrace being a kid at heart at Walt Disney World? Did your favorite activity make this list? Let us know in the comments!