Solo Trip

[Sans Souci]

I've never really been to WDW without my family. My husband doesn't like dealing with MDX/Magic Bands, but I'd still like to go. I am leaning towards Swan/Dolphin for accommodations. I am thinking this will be an entirely new experience for me, so does anyone have any good WDW solo tips?

Thanks.

 

[zurgandfriend]

I have made several business trips to Orlando which turned into solo trips. The best thing about a solo trip to me is doing what I want without worrying about others, e.g. if I want to go to CoP I don’t hear “Again!” or if I want to skip Space Mountain I won’t hear “oh come on it’s fun, we’re all doing it” I usually try to eat QS, the ESPN club, or attempt one of the resort restaurants. I can also shop for things that I want, such as ties, shirts, and watches without comment. Enjoy!

 

[jaklgreen]

I go solo every year in Oct for the food and wine fest. I stay between 10-14 days. My hubby stays home with the kids. I love WDW and refuse to stop going just because my hubby does not like to go as much as I do. I usually stay at POFQ. Love the small resort feel and the central location. I have never stayed at the Swan or Dolphin but would not be against staying there. The best thing about a solo trip is being able to do whatever you want when you want. Sleep in, spend the day reading a book at the pool, ride people mover 5 times in a row, eat at Boma every day LOL. It is very freeing to just be on your own. Disney is also very safe for solo female travelers. I have never felt unsafe or freaked out walking around after dark. I actually like the magic bands. It is very convenient to have it right there on your wrist. Not having to pull out your wallet for every transaction is awesome. I use it to charge back to my room also so I do not need to carry a bunch of cash or a credit card. Have a great trip!

 

[Tinkerbell 8]

I went on a solo trip in November 2014 and LOVED it, so much so that I planned another one, but somehow my aunt invited herself on that upcoming trip . As others have said, its great to be able to do whatever you want when you want. I also got to talk to a lot of great people on my solo trip (cast members as well as other guests) that made my trip even more magical. I even kept in touch with the one family and we met up again on my last trip. Also, getting on rides is a lot easier as a solo rider and you will be able to get a lot more done in a shorter amount of time.

 

[RonAnnArbor]

I love going solo -- and in fact most of my trips are almost always solo these days. I also stay at POFQ as long as it is available. Being in a position where I can pick up and fly down there anytime I want, I go a few times a year and love not having to be hassled by any other people, to do whatever I want, to go to whatever parks/attractions I want, to eat wherever I want. And most importantly to do it on whatever schedule I want. Have fun!!!!

 

[Figgy1]

Have fun you deserve it after the year you've had! Last time I went solo was many many moons ago but it was fun doing what I wanted when I wanted

 

[ajrwdwgirl]

My first solo trip was last March. I didn't really know what to expect, but (not trying to be arrogant) I enjoy my own company so I knew that I would have fun. And don't get me wrong I love going with my husband but it was really nice to do what I wanted like take a zillion pictures of something and not feel like I was holding anyone up. My husband never complains about my picture taking but sometimes I see him sigh when the camera is pulled out of my purse again for the umpteenth time!

I would recommend having some sort of plan just like if you were going with others, and if you want to do table service book that. I only did quick service but that is because it was a short trip. I did miss sharing food with someone though, as there is a lot of good food to try and as one person I can only eat so much!

 

[glvsav37]

I miss going solo—don't get me wrong, love going with my family and we have a blast—but I use to work with Disney in publishing that let me be in Orlando and Anaheim often for "business."

I'm also someone who has no issue being alone and making friends anywhere.

My advice, take the chance to slow down and look and feel all the things you normally would miss when going with a group. Its inevitable, you'll be talking and walking, watching kids, whatever....this time, take a moment to:
• look at the windows on Main St
• relax on a rocking chair or bench and absorb the atmosphere.
• explore the countries at world showcase and take the time to talk to the host CMs
• Take a behind the scenes tour.

also, even if you are not 'artistic' look into trying some photography and look for unique and different angles of the attractions or buildings to photograph. Take the chance to kneel and crawl around things to get the shot instead of "snapping and going" like when you are on a schedule or with others.

you may already be doing some of these things, but there are so many nooks and crannies to discover and appreciate that many people miss while their face was behind a park map.

Enjoy!!!!

 

[MinnieM123]

Going solo is a lot of fun. It's a different experience from going with others. I'm not saying one is better than the other--each experience is unique. When you travel with others, you get wrapped up with the company you are with, and have a great time. When you go solo, I find that people come up to you, and start up conversations (CMs, in particular). Solo trips can be filled with special moments like that.

Although I've stayed at a number of Disney hotels, I now prefer the Swan for a more reasonable price, and the location is wonderful--just a boat ride to either EPCOT or DHS. Also, I only use Disney transportation, and don't rent a car. (I do take a taxi to and from the airport, but other than that, it's all Disney transportation.)

Regardless of what park you visit, do take advantage of the "single rider" lines on some of the more popular attractions. Those can save you a lot of time. Lastly, one of my favorite tours is the Behind the Seeds tour in The Land Pavilion at EPCOT. It's about an hour tour (under $20) and they take you behind the scenes of the pavilion and their horticultural research. It's really fascinating, and I especially like walking through that massive greenhouse.

 

[Figgy1]

Going solo is a lot of fun. It's a different experience from going with others. I'm not saying one is better than the other--each experience is unique. When you travel with others, you get wrapped up with the company you are with, and have a great time. When you go solo, I find that people come up to you, and start up conversations (CMs, in particular). Solo trips can be filled with special moments like that.

Although I've stayed at a number of Disney hotels, I now prefer the Swan for a more reasonable price, and the location is wonderful--just a boat ride to either EPCOT or DHS. Also, I only use Disney transportation, and don't rent a car. (I do take a taxi to and from the airport, but other than that, it's all Disney transportation.)

Regardless of what park you visit, do take advantage of the "single rider" lines on some of the more popular attractions. Those can save you a lot of time. Lastly, one of my favorite tours is the Behind the Seeds tour in The Land Pavilion at EPCOT. It's about an hour tour (under $20) and they take you behind the scenes of the pavilion and their horticultural research. It's really fascinating, and I especially like walking through that massive greenhouse.

I agree if you find the time do Behind the Seeds and the current copy of Birnbaum's has a coupon. I also agree about the single rider lines. This may be the trip when you can pick a hotel based on what you want for a change instead of your family's needs

 

[TheDisneyTeen]

Going solo definitely is a complete different experience. Whether or not you'll prefer it, I'm not sure. I haven't personally done a full solo trip to a Disney resort, though there have been days when I was alone in the park. Cannot entirely say I didn't like it, because there are numerous upsides to going solo too.
Remember to focus on things that you truly enjoy, if you want to do country bear jamboree three times in a row, do it! .... now that you aren't with anyone else, you no longer have to "appease" other member of your party. Concentrate on the attractions or experiences you love best and really take the time to absorb the atmosphere of the parks or people watch. Have a time of your life! Don't feel awkward when you are alone in the Disney parks because many people are in the same boat as you. Being alone would also mean that you are slip into sit down shows/parades at the last minute and likely still be able to get a fairly good viewing point. Another upside is definitely being able to find tables at restaurants easier. Don't forget about the single rider lines too to make the most of your time at WDW.
The biggest downside of going solo, to me, is the feeling of not being able to share the experience with anyone else. Just when you spot a hidden mickey among the bushes, you have the urge to point it out to someone, but then.. you realise you are alone. Really hope you will enjoy your trip! Go in with an open mind and I'm sure you will love the new experience a solo trip will bring you!

 

[Gabe1]

While my DS works for Disney I have done the parks by myself for years. One year I hit Wishes when they had the dusk version for an earlier closing of the MK, caught Illuminations and went onto the Studio's all in short order to catch Fantasmic during EMHs. My family would have had me committed for hopping parks so much in short order but I was attractioned out and it was a spontaneous adventure. I love my family trips, I love going down with my DD and enjoy when my DS can arrange to be in the parks with me but solo is a different kind of adventure and it kinda keeps the parks fresh to me in a different way. Just like when we travel as a family unit we always find people to talk to. You'll likely have a very memorable trip and I recommend it highly.

My tip or advice. I do like your idea of Swan and Dolphin. Where we as a family are more attached to POR I stay generally on my own at S&D, or the FQ. And I do so because I sometimes stay real late at the parks. One time I stayed with my DD at POR and we were doing those real late nights at the park and we were staying in the Mansions. One night getting off at bus stop #4 creeped the heck out of us. Nobody around, cars everywhere as me and my then 16 year old came back through the highly landscaped bus stop. We never did that again, it was just stupid. We got off at the lobby walked well lit paths and up the front side of the Mansion and to our room. S&D is great for bus to building as is the FQ, as are many of the deluxe resorts. The moderates I'd be more careful in choosing a select building. Of course the odds are with us all as solo travelers but stuff does happen even at Disney and like anywhere when late at night be mindful of our surroundings.