Solo Safe at Moderate?

[Amysita]

Hello fellow Solo Disney Travelers. Planning (aka over-resaerching and daydreaming) about my first ADULT solo trip back to WDW for 2010. My question is mainly for the ladies...or guys (but keep in mind if your Mom, sis, etc. were going solo).

My first concern about traveling solo is always my safety. My concern with the moderate resorts...is two-fold; the placement of the doors / hotel walkways (exterior more like a motel); and the fact that the resorts appear to be made up of quite a few buildings which concerns me should I take a bus back at midnite wandering around outside in the dark to a building in Timbuktu. In all honesty...am I safe at a moderate...or would you advise springing an extra $100 + per nite and opting for Deluxe?

[kat3668]

I've taken 4 solo trips and never felt unsafe at WDW.... I usually stay at CSR but have also stayed at POP, POFQ,POR and ASMU. Outside corridors are usually very well lit and the doors have double bolts.
I'd say stick to moderates.. they are perfectly safe and it is usally very unlikely that when you get off a park bus you will be all by yourself.
Happy planning!:goodvibes

[moray26]

I am 2 months shy of 20 years old and of the bazillion times I have traveled to Disney solo, I have always stayed at value resorts and once at a moderate. I have NEVER felt unsafe at Disney as a single female who looks like a 12-year old (or so people tell me:lmao:). You will be fine, especially getting off the busses at night...there's ALWAYS somebody else around, either a CM or other people going back to their rooms too. Personally, the indoor corridors at the deluxes actually make me feel less safe because I feel like if someone did want to harm me, I would be boxed in and have no place to run.

[Amysita]

My top-runner choice for moderate is POFQ...it looks like the least spread out of the options...and very centrally located esp., to the areas I think I'll be spending most of my time like EPCOT, DHS, DTD, and the BW, and I'd be able to afford an extra day and the dining option I wanted. Really wasn't wanting to move up to deluxe and being in WL clear far away from the things that will probably interest me most. The input was very much appreciated!

Bare with me...I'll probably drive y'all nutso with all of my questions...it's been a LOOOOOONG time since I've been there...they've added a LOT of stuff (showing my age a bit - huh?)

[black562]

I've always felt safe at any Disney Resrort. I think you would be just fine.

Have a great time at the World!!!

[disneylove69]

Just like any where else you go keep your guards up. Walk with a group of people even if you don't know them. If I feel uncomforatable I walk close to a family with fathers. You can always ask for help from them if something doesn't seem right. The values and moderates are busy even at midnight with all the people in the pools and coming back from the parks just stay in the lit areas. Don't enter your room if there is someone you don't know standing near. You can always go the front desk and ask for security escort. Lock your deadbolt. Just stay aware and you will be fine.

[aggielawyer]

I'm going solo in Sept, and think that I would feel safe just about anywhere. That being said, I'm more of a morning person, so I don't think I'll be going back to my room at midnight, but even if I was I can't imagine not feeling safe. Stay alert and aware of your surroundings, but have fun!!

[Amysita]

Off topic: Disneylove...is that a Sheeba Inu I spy in your avatar??

[Dolce27]

I've never worried. I just practice normal caution, like I do at home. In '06 I stayed at POFQ solo. At night - think midnight - I'd return from the parks and still be a little too wired to go to bed so I'd go down and walk up and down the river at midnight - 1AM. Alone. I never worried or had a problem.

This past trip I stayed at the Boardwalk Inn. I walked to both EPCOT and the Studios (don't ever care to take the ferry) and yes, I'd make that long trek back from the Studios at night and never worried. Just practice normal caution and you'll be fine. Have fun!

[disneylove69]

Off topic: Disneylove...is that a Sheeba Inu I spy in your avatar??

The vet says a cardigan corgi. This is not my dog in the avatar but looks exactly like him. The only difference is the milk bone wouldn't last on the nose long enough for a picture.:rotfl: The dog on "Mad about You" is a corgi and looks like him also.

[Simba's Mom]

Hello fellow Solo Disney Travelers. Planning (aka over-resaerching and daydreaming) about my first ADULT solo trip back to WDW for 2010. My question is mainly for the ladies...or guys (but keep in mind if your Mom, sis, etc. were going solo).

My first concern about traveling solo is always my safety. My concern with the moderate resorts...is two-fold; the placement of the doors / hotel walkways (exterior more like a motel); and the fact that the resorts appear to be made up of quite a few buildings which concerns me should I take a bus back at midnite wandering around outside in the dark to a building in Timbuktu. In all honesty...am I safe at a moderate...or would you advise springing an extra $100 + per nite and opting for Deluxe?


I'm very aware of safety, yet I've felt very safe at moderates, with the exception of one room. I was on the first floor, facing away from central areas, with lots of big bushes near my door. But when I went back to the front desk to explain my concerns and ask to be moved, she was very nice and moved me. My one big safety requirement is that I always ask for an upper floor room. And I figured that one advantage of the rooms opening outside is that if I scream as I open the door, think of all the people that will hear me!

[Amysita]

GMTA...I was thinking top floor, bldg. 4...so all I had to do was step out my door and holler over to the lobby. And I could be in full sight of the lobby & bus driver while walking to my room.

I'm a morning person too...for the most part...but I'm sure I'll stay everywhere until close...then transport time back...and if it's a nighttime extra hours nite...I could get back pretty late.

Aaaaw...even if it isn't your dog...it sure is cute!

[moray26]

My one big safety requirement is that I always ask for an upper floor room. And I figured that one advantage of the rooms opening outside is that if I scream as I open the door, think of all the people that will hear me!

This is the ONLY request I ever make when I stay at the resorts - I HAVE to have an upper floor. I have never stayed on ground floor - first, for safety and two, I feel safer from creepy crawlies on the upper floors. Plus, there's less foot traffic walking past my door. On the few occasions that I did not request an upper floor room before check-in, the CMs were always quick to accommodate me.

[JeffGoldblum]

I'd stay at PO:FQ if you want to feel totally safe. It's small and a short walk anywhere.

[dopeyrunner]

I went solo in March for the Princess 1/2 Marathon and stayed at CBR for four days. I went out late and took the bus back around midnight and walked to the bldg no problem. Security drives around in pargos during the day and night so I always felt safe running around the resort. While CBR is the largest and most spread out resort I would recomend asking for a bldg near the food court at any of the value or moderate resorts. If saftey is your issue you know there are always people and cm's near the main bldg/food court at all hours.

[GaSleepingBeautyFan]

I stayed at POR for my solo trip a couple of weeks ago. I was the only person getting off the bus at the East Depot (the last stop) 3 times at 1am.

I just stayed aware of my surroundings and kept an eye open for anything odd.

That being said - I had no issues and all was fine.
I did ask for a top floor room and got it. I felt very safe at the resort but then I didn't walk around the grounds at night either. Just to and from the bus stop late at night.

[palmtreelover08]

I've been to the World as a single Mom of a then 3 year old, and felt safe. In fact, I tell people it is the one place I feel I can go far from home as a single Mom and feel 100% comfortable. With the Dis. transportation, I don't have to worry about DD and I being broken down somewhere, lost and alone in the middle of the night. I think it is one of the safest trips you can take as a single person or single parent. I stay at Values and Moderates and have never had a problem. That being said, always be aware of your surroundings.;) Safety first ya know!:thumbsup2

[1bigwdwfan]

I've had four solo trips: three at moderates & one at value and I'm planning another at PORS in July. I've never had problems with safety. You could ask for a prefered room. They're usually closer to the main building.

[WDWGeek1971]

No problems at all this past week! I was in a ground floor room in building 3 and never once worried about safety. There were two safety devices on the door: one of those metal loops that flip over and a chain. I used both. ;-)

I rented a car so as to avoid getting stranded waiting for a bus late in the evening. I've had issues in the past where it was just plain unpleasant to try to get from a late dinner at a resort back to another resort since it usually involves waiting for a bus at Downtown Disney. That is no fun at 1AM whether you're alone or a party of 12! If you're there when parks are open late, it is better to do a bus change at the TTC. The rest of the time, make sure you rent a car or are back at your resort within an hour of the MK closing.

[SoloFriendly]

I've stayed alone at moderates twice. The first time, I was uncomfortable with the outdoor hallways, but by the second trip, I was fine with it. I walked around alone at night all the time, and there were always other people out and about. I was never out after 11, but that's because I was tired by then and ready for bed. Because I got a ground floor room, I did keep the drapes closed most of the time. I don't like people being able to look into my living space, whether I'm there or not. But I never felt unsafe at any point during my stay. Really, it's one of the safest places you could ever go by yourself. Just use the same good judgment you use at home, and you'll be fine.

I rented a car so as to avoid getting stranded waiting for a bus late in the evening. I've had issues in the past where it was just plain unpleasant to try to get from a late dinner at a resort back to another resort since it usually involves waiting for a bus at Downtown Disney. That is no fun at 1AM whether you're alone or a party of 12! If you're there when parks are open late, it is better to do a bus change at the TTC. The rest of the time, make sure you rent a car or are back at your resort within an hour of the MK closing.

Or take a cab. That's what I did. There are cabs at all the resorts and the parks, too, I believe. It was never more than $10 from Point A to Point B.

[tinkergrumpybuns]

Even when I am with others, I wander out at the resorts alone to get a coffee, sit and just relax outside. I find most people are busy getting family ready to role in the AM and are friendly and cordial. I meet and chat with many at the pool. I find the best way to enjoy a trip alone is to have something to read during meals and something to make ( knit, sew ) at the pool.

Also, I drag a camera, and I end up taking neat photos of kids that are not mine... to not look like the " creepy alone person ( female)... I often will tell them I got a nice shot and give them a link to my online photo account.
I think guys might have a bigger problem with this , but I could be wrong.

Sometimes some people get really upset if you have their kid on your camera, and rightfully so.

One of my favorite new spots for relaxing, enjoying a show and good food is counterservice at Morrocco.!
:cool1:

[Figaro8398]

I got back yesterday from a week at POR. It was my first solo trip:thumbsup2 I chose POR because last time, my family had stayed at POFQ and we always walked over to POR. I figured since we spent so much time there, I might as well stay there!
I was assigned a room in Parterre Place on the back side of the building facing a parking lot. I immediately asked for a different location, and was given a room in the same building, just closer to the bridge to the main building.
I usually used the South Depot...both the East and South were a 5-7 minute walk from my room. I opted for the South because there were more people there. The last night, I came back from MK around 10 and thought about getting off at the East depot...I decided not to as when the bus pulled up it seemed very dark and creepy, and no one else was getting off there. During the day, sure, but at night it just didn't feel right to me. I'm sure I would've been fine, but I opted to go to the South depot.
Now that I have experienced POR solo, I don't think I would again, given the size of the resort. I'd feel much better at POFQ since it is more compact.

[tinkergrumpybuns]

Now that I have experienced POR solo, I don't think I would again, given the size of the resort. I'd feel much better at POFQ since it is more compact.

Stayed @POR in Oak Manor for first time. I am a bayou gal, but sister must always get her way and thinks to the Mansion she is Born!
Personally, I like the bayou, and ask for room near the main building.

We finally figured out that getting off in front of the main building and walking across the bridge was as efficient as trudging from the outlying bus stops or taking the foot bridge thru the main pool area. Plus we had time to stop at River Roost or grab a coffee.

I agree, POFQ is a nice place too. Glad they are sister resorts.:cool1:

[Missytara]

I specifically go to Disney as a single because I have always felt safe there. I stay exclusively at POR.

[tecomagirl]

I,m staying outside WDW Resort, but have asked the resort where I am staying for a room close to reception and not at the back of the place, just to feel a little safer.

[jpeppers]

I think your stay would be very safe but put your request on the DVC board. You will probably get one of the DVC resorts for cheaper than a value! Give it a try!

[Amysita]

THANKS! I didn't even think of DVC point renting...assumed that would be pricier. I just floated over there and did the math...and it could potentially be more budget friendly even with adding QSD since I'd have to give up the free dining. AND...it looks as tho I could stay in the location I really wanted to in the 1st place...BWV or BCV.

I have to admit tho...I am a little skeptical...getting what I really want for less than my 2nd choice??? LOL...good thing I've got over a year to really ponder / research the benefits vs the risk.