First Solo Trip

[Jaycoon]

So I've just started planning my first trip back to Disney after my last trip with my family back when I was in high school, which was... some time ago. I've decided to make this trip solo, seeing as I'm unmarried, have no kids, and it can be really hard to organize my friends to do things together for anything more than a day or two. Besides that, I'm an introvert, and I do very much enjoy people watching. I'm planning something of a longer trip, since I want to go for my birthday and have only ever been to the Magic Kingdom proper, never any of the other parks.

I'm working with a very nice travel agent on the trip itself, but I was wondering if anyone had any tips, pointers, suggestions on favorite attractions, food recs, etc that they could share? This isn't my first time to Disney at all, but it's been long enough that I don't have many solid memories.

(Also, any recommendations on favorite gluten free offerings in the park would be totally welcome as well. I've read that it's super easy for people dealing with dietary restrictions like me to eat at the park these days, but I love to hear what other people have to suggest!)

 

[larryz]

Timing is everything. So when are you planning on going? How long is "longer"? Are you driving or flying? Big-time budget or budgeting big-time?

 

[Jaycoon]

Timing is everything. So when are you planning on going? How long is "longer"? Are you driving or flying? Big-time budget or budgeting big-time?

During a time of year I do know is gonna probably be busier, since it's right before Thanksgiving and all. This is a long time dream birthday trip, and that's November 18th (though hey, at least this year was the 90th and not next year), so the plan is to fly in on the 15th and fly back on the 20th. Flying I've got down pat, since I have travel points to use and my airline doesn't have blackout dates. I also don't know if that even counts as long? It's been a long time since I've gone at all!

Budget-wise, my tickets to the parks and lodging will all be dealt with in advance with money saved specifically for that purpose, so my personal self budget while I'm there is modest but not super tight. I have flex room.

 

[JohnD]

During a time of year I do know is gonna probably be busier, since it's right before Thanksgiving and all. This is a long time dream birthday trip, and that's November 18th (though hey, at least this year was the 90th and not next year), so the plan is to fly in on the 15th and fly back on the 20th. Flying I've got down pat, since I have travel points to use and my airline doesn't have blackout dates. I also don't know if that even counts as long? It's been a long time since I've gone at all!

Budget-wise, my tickets to the parks and lodging will all be dealt with in advance with money saved specifically for that purpose, so my personal self budget while I'm there is modest but not super tight. I have flex room.

So Nov. 2019 then. A lot to cover but here are some bullet points:

• Allot MK 2 days, Epcot 2 days, AK 1 day and HS 1 or a half day (SW:GE is supposed to open “late fall 2019” but as of yet no one knows the specific date)
• Make time to see the Christmas trees in the resorts
• Go to MVMCP (approx $100) and Candlelight Processional (VIP dining ticket. Find a lower priced restaurant)
• BTW, you’ll be seeing Epcot Forever over WS lagoon. Illuminations will have ended by then.
• I think you’ll be able to figure out the big ticket attractions you’ll want to FP
• Do your own thing. Maybe a monorail crawl and visit the lounges at each monorail resort.
• So many restaurants. Don’t know where to start. Good breakfasts at Kona Cafe, Boma, and Garden Grill (characters but low key).

I’m going solo 12/9-13 this year so I’m doing a similar trip to yours.

 

[JIMINYCR]

Solo trips are different because you arent sharing your excitement with family or friends. But its alowing you to accomplish a lot more because its all about you. No waiting for anyone else, no deferring wants for someone else. Check out the single rider lines. They are only available in certain rides but they can save you time waiting in lines. When Ive gone solo I did a lot of interactions with the CM's. You may be hesitant being introverted , I was too, but the CM's love to converse and are extermely friendly. Ive been given some magic when they learned I was going solo. Youll find yourself opening up and having fun conversing with others in line as well.
Go online and check out all the restaurant menus to get an idea of whats available so you can make more informed ADR choices.
Check out www.glutenfreedairyfreewdw.com/menus or www.disneyfoodblog.com/eating-gluten-free-at-disney-world There are other sites you can find online for help.
A good guide book can give you a better look at the new attractions since you were there last. The unofficial guide is IMHO the most extensive one for info. You can also look on youtube for ride through videos to see what interests you. When planning think about all the special things you want and dont hesitate to add some special extras in there for yourself, this is a great time to pamper yourself before you have expenses with family life. Enjoy to the fullest.

 

[larryz]

This is a long time dream birthday trip, and that's November 18th (though hey, at least this year was the 90th and not next year), so the plan is to fly in on the 15th and fly back on the 20th.

Don't breathe a sigh of relief just yet -- next late fall is the projected opening for Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge in Disney's Hollywood Studios. That may make it next to impossible to get into that park, and will likely affect lodging and food venue availability, traffic in and around WDW, and crowds at other park -- and none of those favorably.

 

[Disneyfreak Jen]

You and I are exactly alike. You will love Disney going solo. (I’m going on my 5th solo in just a few days.)

Don’t hestitate to make ADR’s, I read how some people “don’t want to feel or look awkward “, but honestly no one around is paying attention to you or cares if you’re dining alone. You deserve to eat where you want.

Take advantage of single rider lines. Test track is a good one. Often on Soarin they’ll go down the line and ask for a single rider. I’ve taken the opportunity every time it’s offered and a lot of waitytime is saved.

Get pictures with the characters!

Check out Touring Plans website you’re not already on there. Even though I know Disney in my sleep I still use the site to plan my days.

Don’t forget to register for Magical Express, and complete online check in. Put your Magic Band in your carry on along with your Magical Express paperwork, then when you get to your hotel you can drop your bags with the bellhops and go right to the parks.

Put a pair of shorts in your carry on so you can change at the airport. Also bring a few locks so you can lock your carry on bag while it’s at the bellhop station.

Disney gift cards are a great way to budget, and then you don’t have a credit card bill once you get home. I buy one for either $25 or $50 every paycheck and by the time I’m getting ready to go I have money for meals and souvenirs. You will need some cash though, .mousekeeping, airport transfer tips, restaurant tips, etc.

 

[Simba’s Mom]

If you enjoy people-watching, this may sound crazy, but consider doing a character breakfast. I am also an introvert who loves people watching, and I loved my CB at Cape May Cafe. Minnie and the other characters seemed to sense that I didn't want any interaction, so they just waved as they went by and occasionally blew me a kiss. However, I had so much fun just sitting back and watching the other families, especially the children, interact with the characters. However, at first, the thought of going to a character meal solo-no way! But when I finally went, the time just flew by!

 

[JohnD]

If you enjoy people-watching, this may sound crazy, but consider doing a character breakfast. I am also an introvert who loves people watching, and I loved my CB at Cape May Cafe. Minnie and the other characters seemed to sense that I didn't want any interaction, so they just waved as they went by and occasionally blew me a kiss. However, I had so much fun just sitting back and watching the other families, especially the children, interact with the characters. However, at first, the thought of going to a character meal solo-no way! But when I finally went, the time just flew by!

Two that I recommend are Garden Grill in Epcot (low key, rotating restaurant, breakfast served family style and visited by Farmer Mickey, Pluto, Chip and Dale) and Tusker House in AK (buffet almost as good as Boma, visited by Donald, Daisy, Goofy, and Minnie). I've done Chef Mickey's just because. The buffet is pretty good but its utter chaos.