1st Solo - 3/26 - 4/5: A few questions!

[Andrew1]

Hello everyone,

I just found this site and I'm amazed! However, to be honest, it's a little too much of an information overload for me.

So, this is my 1st solo at 41 years old. I've been to DW 5 times, but it's now about 11 years since my last trip. Originally, I planned a trip for the Southwest and it was starting to feel like work. On a whim, I decided to take care of my inner child and head to Disney instead! I'm staying onsite for the first time.

A couple of questions:

A) I want to keep things as healthy as I can. How about some recommendations for semi-healthy food that has quick service?

B) I'll probably rent a car to see Universal for a day or two and maybe check out the Orlando area a bit. What are the slowest days at Universal or Disney? I'm guessing that the weekends are the busiest and that might be the time to get off site.

C) Traveling alone, are there quicker ways for me to get through the long lines that I'm hearing about?

D) I do feel a little akward about traveling alone at Disney. Any suggestions for overcoming this feeling?

E) Any other important tips?

Thank you in advance for your help. I'd consider meeting up with other members if our dates coincide - contact me!

Andrew

 

[FLDisneyFan]

Hello everyone,

I just found this site and I'm amazed! However, to be honest, it's a little too much of an information overload for me.

So, this is my 1st solo at 41 years old. I've been to DW 5 times, but it's now about 11 years since my last trip. Originally, I planned a trip for the Southwest and it was starting to feel like work. On a whim, I decided to take care of my inner child and head to Disney instead! I'm staying onsite for the first time.

A couple of questions:

A) I want to keep things as healthy as I can. How about some recommendations for semi-healthy food that has quick service?

B) I'll probably rent a car to see Universal for a day or two and maybe check out the Orlando area a bit. What are the slowest days at Universal or Disney? I'm guessing that the weekends are the busiest and that might be the time to get off site.

C) Traveling alone, are there quicker ways for me to get through the long lines that I'm hearing about?

D) I do feel a little akward about traveling alone at Disney. Any suggestions for overcoming this feeling?

E) Any other important tips?

Thank you in advance for your help. I'd consider meeting up with other members if our dates coincide - contact me!

Andrew

Hey Andrew -

I hope you have a great trip!

To answer your questions:
A) There are healthy options available throughout the parks. Its much better than the old days when it was just hamburgers everywhere! The best bargain is fresh fruit at around $1 each. Look for the soda stands packed with ice, and often there will be fresh fruit available for sale as well.

B) Mid-week is usually the slow time during the parks, but you are travelling during a peak period (Spring Break). So, chances are every day will be busy at Universal and Disney.

C) Many rides offer "Single Rider" lines, which are much quicker. In fact, I've gone with groups before into the Single Rider line. You take your chances at being split up, but the line goes much faster because they are just filling empty seats.

D) I go to the theme parks alone sometimes, and sometimes with family and friends. The best thing about going alone is that you can do what you want. I've been to the Orlando theme parks many, many times. Each time I go, I see something different.

E) Have fun!

I'm planning to be there April 5 - 7. If you are interested in some company for a day, or part of it, let me know!

Mike

 

[nurse.darcy]

Hi Andrew and welcome to the Disboards. . .

I will attempt to answer some of your questions.

1. I understand why you want to do counter service, but why limit yourself. Many restaurants at the parks and resorts have a bar that will serve the full menu. In February, we walked into California Grill at the contemporary and sat at the bar. We had a wonderful meal there - quite healthy. To answer the quick service question. Hollywood Backlot at DHS serves a wonderful greek salad. Flame Tree BBQ at Animal Kingdom serves a beautiful bbq chicken salad. There are similar options at many quick service locations. You will find that there are healthy options throughout the parks now.

2. Mike gave you great advice regarding slow times and the single rider option.

3. You will find many people traveling solo. Take pictures, stop and enjoy the theming around you and appreciate it, enjoy your resort as it is designed to be enjoyed. Don't try to rush around and do everything - it will make you crazy.

Best of all, just have fun.....

 

[Amysita]

I will try to tackle A, C, & D...

A. Most CS dining places offer healthy alternatives for side orders (IE carrot/celery sticks, apple slices, mandarine oranges, grapes, etc.) so you don't have to have fries or chips with every meal tempting you to take a bite (or worse yet...eat all of them). If you want to make healthy choices, you have plenty of opportunites/options. If you want to know ahead of time what's out there, here's a link to all of the restaurants (table, counter, snack counters) that you can check out and map your way ahead of time knowing what's a good fit for you B4 you get there. http://allears.net/menu/menus.htm#res

C. When is line...listen! Often times a CM will be looking to fill in spots on a ride...if you hear 'need one more'...pipe up and raise your hand. If they ask for 2 and no one answers right away...raise your hand with pipe up letting them know you're a party of one and will take a spot if they can't find a duo.

D. I felt awkward B4 my 1st Disney solo trip too...and therefore made some mistakes because I erred on the side of caution when making my plans. Most everybody at Disney doesn't even notice you...or they don't care one bit that you're alone. They don't give you funny looks, whisper about you, etc. MOF I met many 'solo' people...they were actually there with people...but had seperated from their 'pack' to enjoy the things they enjoy (a favorite show, restaurant, ride, parade) and were going to meet back up later. This is probably why no one cares if you're alone...I think they assume that you've broken from your friends and family to enjoy something that only you enjoy. So DO go to a sit down restaurant that you love or really want to try, DO stand in line for your favorite character(s) and get your picture taken with him/her (do a character meal even), DO hit up your resort lounge/DTD/BW for a nightcap. There really isn't anything you can't do...and trust me...if you don't do something/anything...you will regret it. Biggest reason why I'm going back...to DO all my DON'T's from last time. Just let go of what's holding you back and DO~DO~DO!!!

 

[Dolce27]

Unfortunately the only rides with Single Rider lines are Test Track, Rock n' Roller coaster, and Everest. When they first opened Toy Story Mania they had one for that as well, but no longer. As what Darcy & Amysita recommended: on other rides listen for a CM calling down the line requesting for 'one more' to fill in an empty seat. Although, to be honest, I've now been to Disney several times solo and I don't often hear them calling down for one person.

 

[mrcricket]

Hello everyone,

I just found this site and I'm amazed! However, to be honest, it's a little too much of an information overload for me.

So, this is my 1st solo at 41 years old. I've been to DW 5 times, but it's now about 11 years since my last trip. Originally, I planned a trip for the Southwest and it was starting to feel like work. On a whim, I decided to take care of my inner child and head to Disney instead! I'm staying onsite for the first time.

A couple of questions:

A) I want to keep things as healthy as I can. How about some recommendations for semi-healthy food that has quick service?

B) I'll probably rent a car to see Universal for a day or two and maybe check out the Orlando area a bit. What are the slowest days at Universal or Disney? I'm guessing that the weekends are the busiest and that might be the time to get off site.

C) Traveling alone, are there quicker ways for me to get through the long lines that I'm hearing about?

D) I do feel a little akward about traveling alone at Disney. Any suggestions for overcoming this feeling?

E) Any other important tips?

Thank you in advance for your help. I'd consider meeting up with other members if our dates coincide - contact me!

Andrew

I just went on my very 1st solo trip a few weeks ago. I had a blast. It was a joy to be able to go where I wanted, stop when I wanted and eat what I wanted. I looked around more. Saw details I'd never seen before. Smelled the flowers — literally. Took lots of photos. Rode the things I wanted. And visited with fellow Disney folks. In short, it was one of my best trips ever.

My tip is one night find a spot on main street (I found mine on top of the Train station) and sit to wait for the fireworks. While there, enjoy the evening. Talk to the people around you. Watch the people on the street. Listen to the music and the ambient noise of the crowd. Smell the popcorn and cotton candy. Relax. This is what Main Street USA is all about. In the end, you'll see a great fireworks show. Then wait for the people to leave. Then visit the shops after the crowds have left. You'll have a good time, I promise.

 

[eternaltime]

I just went on my very 1st solo trip a few weeks ago. I had a blast. It was a joy to be able to go where I wanted, stop when I wanted and eat what I wanted. I looked around more. Saw details I'd never seen before. Smelled the flowers — literally. Took lots of photos. Rode the things I wanted. And visited with fellow Disney folks. In short, it was one of my best trips ever.

My tip is one night find a spot on main street (I found mine on top of the Train station) and sit to wait for the fireworks. While there, enjoy the evening. Talk to the people around you. Watch the people on the street. Listen to the music and the ambient noise of the crowd. Smell the popcorn and cotton candy. Relax. This is what Main Street USA is all about. In the end, you'll see a great fireworks show. Then wait for the people to leave. Then visit the shops after the crowds have left. You'll have a good time, I promise.

I like your trip, really cool and romantic.

 

[Gerweniel]

Hi there!
Maybe you can look into taking one of the tours. My first solo trip is coming up 3/25-29 and I booked myself the Keys to the Kingdom Tour and Behind the Seeds. I've wanted to take both before but my sons weren't into it.

From what I've read, traveling solo at Disney is common, so hopefully you won't feel out of sorts.

Enjoy the Flower & Garden show, take in the street performers, have a drink or snack in the Tequila Cave! There seems to be lots of wonderful adventures in store!

Maybe I'll see you there! Have a super time.

 

[Andrew1]

Thank you everyone for your replys and information. I'll definately follow your advice and tips!

Thanks again!