Possible Solo Trip Questions/Suggestions

[DimpledDevil18]

The last time I've been to Disney was in Aug of 08 and I am beginning to get that itch again, but it is not looking like my family will be able to afford another trip for another few years. I am a 27 year old single female who has recently moved from NY to NC for employment reasons and now that I finally moved out of my parents house and am getting a steady paycheck, I am considering a trip to WDW. Problem is that my family is out, my friends are all broke and/or not willing to make the investment, and yea... I'm single. So, it looks like it may have to be a solo trip. I am a bit nervous about this, for safety reasons (although I am sure WDW is a lot safer than many places for a young, single, woman) and the fact that I am a little afraid that it may get a tad bit depressing and lonely.

I've browsed a few older threads and read some of the experiences of solo travelers and I am strongly considering it. I think it may be a good experience for me and take me a bit out of my comfort zone. Coming from a family of 6 who only gets to experience the world every 3-5 years, it would be relaxing to be able to work at my own pace and experience the parks at my leisure. I just have a few questions for those of you who have done solo trips before:

1) Where to stay? I've stayed at pretty much all the values plus Port Orleans Riverside when it was Dixie Landings. I'm kind of trying to do as cheaply as possible, but it might be cool if I can to splurge on a resort I've never been. I've also heard that the Swan and Dolphin resorts give discounts to teachers? Is this a worthwhile savings?

2)When to go? I'm not super flexible with dates being that I am a teacher. Usually my family goes mid to late August, but now I start school around the 25th. I'm looking at either the week before Christmas, March/April (whenever Spring Break is) or maybe mid June right after school lets out. How crowded are these times?

3) How long to go for? Typically my family does ten days, but we include Universal, IOA, SeaWorld, and Busch Gardens. I'd just be doing Disney. I figured 4 or 5 days (one day for each park, then an extra for water parks or to catch up on anything) Would that be enough?

I'm sure there's more, but I'll ask later if anything pops into my head. I'd also love to hear any other suggestions, tips, or ideas. Thanks a lot!

 

[Zummi Gummi]

Hey! I visit 4 times a year, 3 of them are solo trips (my boyfriend just does not share my Disney obsession lol).

I'll try to answer your questions based on my experiences. Let me know if you have more!

Whenever I go on a solo trip, I always stay at a Value resort. I'm alone, I'm not trying to impress anyone, and I spend barely any time there, so why spend all that extra money? What I typically do is take that money and use it for other things. One of my favorite things to do on a solo trip is take one of the tours. They're a great way to chat with other Disney fans (because the average guest just doesn't sign up for them) and meet new people. I made a good friend on my last tour that I took in the summer. This February, I'm going on the new new Safari excursion at AK. The Dolphin/Swan do give discounts to teachers. The last time I inquired about them (boyfriend is a teacher), it was $149 a night. Pretty good, but we ultimately decided against it. Remember, at the Dolphin and Swan, you can't use DME, so you need to get your transportation to and from the airport.

Our together trip is always late June, as soon as he finishes with school. It's definitely busy, but it's not horrendous, and if you know how to work fastpass and EMH, you can do just fine. The parks are definitely manageable. Spring break, from my past experiences, is to be avoided at all costs. Lots and lots of families, plus lots of (often drunk) college kids.

I've done solo trips as long as a week and never been bored. I just relax and do things at a slower pace.

 

[wannabeBelle]

Hey there Devil, I know what you are feeling. I have done quite a few solo trips at Disney and you are correct. For a single young lady it really is one of the safest vacation destinations in the world. As to your questions:
1) Where do you want to stay?? Not to sound nasty at all, if anything it is exactly the opposite. When I am traveling with others I may have to factor in other's budgets and time constraints. Solo trips are all about me!!! Where do I want to stay, what do I want to do? Usually I choose a Moderate when flying solo as it is a nice mix of pricing and amenities. For a more grown up feel, I would suggest the Coronado Springs resort. There are a lot of things to do right on the resort's grounds, plus some very beautiful recreation areas, be sure to check out the main pool area!!! Also pop on over to Rix's lounge at night for a nightclub right there at your hotel!!
2) See answer to question one. Id price out a few comparable stays at each of the times you had mentioned and see which one works best for you. Also another thought is to go when a specific event is going on so you may attend that such as Star Wars Weekends, Flower & Garden Fest, Food & Wine Fest, Other unofficial gatherings of Disney fans you might hear about on this site so you have some people to meet up with for some of the time you are there.
3) See answer to questions one!!! LOL LOL Seriously though I would think that 5 days should be good for a completely solo trip. If you are planning on meeting up with people Id add at least a day or three onto that as you wont feel lonely after a few days.
I hope these answers are helpful!!! Have a great night!! Marie

 

[zurgandfriend]

I'm an older (late 50's) male. My work brings me to Orlando from time to time without my family, when that happens I usually manage to stay on property.

I like my comfort and usually stay at a moderate when solo Vs a deluxe with the family. I think that a moderate although more expensive than a value is quieter.

IMHO there is nowhere safer in Orlando than on property.

Being solo means you can go where you want and do what you want without a "committee" deciding the days events. Also you get to dine where you want.

Some of the things I really enjoy solo is exploring the world showcase at my own pace, and seeing the various live shows around the parks something my family isn't interested in.

I have done Late August, both solo and with my family, before school in the Northeast starts it's hot but fun.

IMHO do it! you won't regret it. Enjoy.

 

[Tiggerfanatic]

I am a 53 year old female, and did a solo trip last December, and would highly recommend it. I went the last full week before Christmas (have gone that week for the lat 3 years) and find it to be a perfect time to go. Weather is bearably, and crowds are manageable. Plus you get to see all the decorations and the Christmas Party!

I stayed at POR - beautiful resort - the only downside is that is the only moderate resort that sleeps 5, so a lot of families stay there and the bus lines at the end of the night were the longest of any. Check out the bar!Do the moderate if you can afford it.

As others have said, take your time, book a tour, explore areas and other resorts - stuff you can't very well do in a group. 5 days should be plenty.

 

[mtomkins]

DO IT!
Best trip ever.

As for were to stay, I've been alone at value resorts. I never felt unsafe at all, however I would have personally preferred being in a hotel with an interior hallway because I took advantage of the late EMH.

As an above poster said, a solo trip is about YOU. I like the value resorts because I'm not in my room a lot, but at the same time, a moderate or deluxe [esp if you get a deal] is nice because it's a little more quiet and a little more "relaxing" opportunities. So, since you seem like you have a bit of time to plan ahead, maybe save up for one of those if you are interested?

I love going with family & friends, but being by myself was fantastic. No one to ask what they wanted to do, I could sit and relax and people watch if I wanted, I could eat where I wanted ..

I did do nighttime table service reservations .. I was fine at all of them. The only ones I would steer clear of are family style. I did one of those and it wasn't bad, it was just most definitely a little weird for me since it was filled to the brim with families.

I met and talked to a ton of people and had a blast.

DO IT!

 

[MickeyPeace]

Hey! I visit 4 times a year, 3 of them are solo trips (my boyfriend just does not share my Disney obsession lol).

Hey Nick, I'm single and have a Disney obsession too. I want someone to do the new safari trek with... think about it. Let's meet.

Anyway to answer the question-Go Solo!
I've done it three times and will do it again. I've stayed at Pop Century once and the Dolphin twice. Given the choice, I would go with Dolphin. Walking distance to Epcot and Hollywood, better restaurants, awesome pools and the most comfortable bed you will ever sleep in. I love the Dolphin, I've stayed there four times in total. However, there is no free shuttle to and from airport.
Pop Century is good if you plan on being out all day. I did that as well. It was fine. The Dolphin really enhanced my experience though.
So take the leap and do it. The entire Walt Disney World will be your personal playground. You may have moments of loneliness or awkwardness but the good will definately outweigh the bad. I'm sure you will be hooked on going solo.

 

[Phonedave]

I am a 40 y/o male, so safety never really enters the equation for me - sorry can't help you there.

I used to end up in Orlando on business quite a bit (untill this economy slashed travel budgets). I would always spend a few days at WDW.

If I was staying on DVC points it would be at a DVC unit. If on cash, usually a moderate. I like mods and deluxe, but if there are no discounts available, paying for a deluxe is a bit pricey for solo travel. I agree with Belle though, when I go solo I don't have to worry about what other people can afford, and I am not paying for my 2 kids as well, so it's an "all about me" type trip.

In fact I will be down for marathon weekend as a solo, staying on cash, at PO:R. I still have not booked dinners yet. Most of the time I do a few solo dining nights. I can still get CP the night of the marathon. While it's not quite as nice a place as say California Grill, I have the feeling a buffet is what I am going to be needing after running 26.2 miles in the AM.

There is plenty to do as a solo traveler, but if I may suggest, take one day to do have nothing planned. When you slow down and have the opportunity to look at what interestest you at that very moment, without having to worry about the rest of your group, you will be suprised at what sort of things you can find.

-dave

 

[fosse76]

I always go solo. In fact, I'm so used to it, I don't think I could ever travel with someone else again!

1) Where to stay is entirely up to you. Staying on site pretty much guarantees a clean, safe environment (compared to off-site locations). So it really is just a matter of amenities. I myself am very low maintenance, so the Values are perfect for me. Ignoring the false-security of the resorts with interior hallways, it really depends on what you want from your hotel. Does the swimming pool experience matter to you? Do you need to have access to an on-site Table Service restaurant? Does themeing matter? It's all about you and your budget/tastes.

2) Since it's probably going to be crowded no matter what, June would prabably be the best of the three options. If Easter doesn't fall within your Spring Break, I would choose Spring Break for the nicer weather. And of course, if you want to be there for the holiday decorations, you need to go around Christmas. I hope that helped!

3) You'll be surprised how quickly you can get through one park by yourself. Because you'll be alone, you will be changing your "itinerary" constantly. Crowd levels will have less of an impact on you than if you were travelling with others. One park a day is about right, and that includes multiple re-rides on your favorite attractions.

 

[travelgip]

I am also a mid 40's female and considering a Disney trip solo. I have been solo once before, but only for a day before my brother & his family came down.

I love the responses here because you are all encouraging me to go ahead and plan a good 5 day trip solo.

I was wondering myself should I go value, mod or deluxe. I LOVE the GF but it is too pricey for just me and to not be there that often. I have not enjoyed CB and actually switched to WL because it was just not what I wanted (and I'm spoiled, see GF preference)

Thanks for posting and thank you to all of the above responses.

 

[DimpledDevil18]

Thanks for all the help guys! I was talking to my best friend last night and trying to convince her to come with me since she hasn't been to Disney in like ten years and has never stayed on property, so there is a lot I can show her. She is thinking about it, but I'm not holding my breath. In the meantime I guess the next step would be to crunch some numbers for different times of the year and see where my best value is. I'd love it if I could find myself some kind of deal or promotion. I'd love to go for Food and Wine, but unfortunately, October is just not an option for me

I think I will look at prices for Pop since I'm content at a Value and I enjoyed my stay there on my last trip. Kids don't bother me too much. (If they did, I'd be in the wrong profession lol) If I can find a good deal maybe I will swing for a Moderate, but I probably will not spend a great bit of deal at the resort anyway.

 

[Jon_in_NC]

Yes, go!

Hi there fellow NC resident! If you are looking to see the cheaper times of the year to go as far as room rates go, definitely check out Mousesavers.com for the rate calendars. They have been an immense help to me in the past when planning my solo trips. Luckily I have freedom in travel dates and can take advantage of the off/value seasons and really save some money.

http://www.mousesavers.com/roomrates2011.html

Also, check Disney World's site for the current room-only discounts. There are some nice savings on them and you can still add on tickets and Magical Express. But that changes the cancellation terms, so be sure to have a good idea of your travel dates.

 

[lilclerk]

I was worried about safety on my solo trip this past August (I'm 25) so I splurged to stay at WL as I wanted a hotel with indoor corridors. That was difficult for me as I'm pretty cheap :lol: But I'm so glad I did, the hotel is fantastic.
However, I never once felt nervous or unsafe, so I would go back to Pop next time. I stayed for 5 days and was getting kind of lonely by the end of the trip. I personally wouldn't go longer. Also, keep in mind that when you're by yourself you'll get a LOT more done.
I went in mid-August and the crowds were dying down. I'm not sure how much time you want at home before you go back to school, but if you can go around the middle of August, I'd recommend it.

I absolutely loved going by myself, I'd do it again in a heartbeat!

 

[Gee70]

Hey! I visit 4 times a year, 3 of them are solo trips (my boyfriend just does not share my Disney obsession lol).

Hey Nick, I'm single and have a Disney obsession too. I want someone to do the new safari trek with...

Offtopic: did you get to do the safari trek??? saw it this last february and had try everyday to book it prior to trip but no luck! prices are gonna go up to $249 by May

I am also a mid 40's female and considering a Disney trip solo. I have been solo once before, but only for a day before my brother & his family came down.

I love the responses here because you are all encouraging me to go ahead and plan a good 5 day trip solo.

I was wondering myself should I go value, mod or deluxe. I LOVE the GF but it is too pricey for just me and to not be there that often. I have not enjoyed CB and actually switched to WL because it was just not what I wanted (and I'm spoiled, see GF preference)

I have done Solo from Value to Deluxe to DVC... and so far each and every trip has been enjoyable! After going solo for awhile you get familiar with CM and now its like just visiting friends...

also maybe try to connect with other solo travelers for park buddy... that way you can have your solo days and an occasional pal to share the Park :wave:

Do it !!! :sohappy: