Advice, tips, and tricks for a first time solo traveler

[blackmamba10000]

So I just found out that I have been blessed with a few weeks off before I start my new job. This of course led to an impromptu Disney trip!! Since I recently just got back from one with my family, and since it is so last minute (I leave in 20 days!!), it will be my first solo trip ever! I am beyond excited, but also a little nervous as well. So for all you folks who have traveled solo, what kind of advice, tips, tricks, etc. do you have for me? Any feedback at all will help!

 

[SueDonym3]

Congrats on the new job! Most of my solo tips are to plan ahead, so those will not work for you...still...see what is available for your favorite table service restaurants and make those reservations! Same for fast pass plus-if you like the rides, then make sure you reserve times for your favorites. Otherwise, go with your flow and enjoy your solo time-it is addictive!

 

[blackmamba10000]

Thank you for your kind words! I no sooner got off the phone with Disney Travel, and planned out my whole vacation. I booked my fast passes and my ADR's. I got everything I wanted, even though I leave in 19 days!!!

 

[loves to dive]

I've been solo twice. Because I've been more than 30 times I pretty much know what I like and don't like. Without my son and DIL, I go slow and don't really ride a lot of rides. I go to shows, which my son hates, I go to tea at the Grand Floridian, I enjoy the things the resorts have to offer (I tend to do split stays when travelling alone). I people watch, watch parades (again my son hates them). I eat where I want and take my time and enjoy it. It really does tend to be a more relaxed trip when I'm alone.

 

[blackmamba10000]

I've been solo twice. Because I've been more than 30 times I pretty much know what I like and don't like. Without my son and DIL, I go slow and don't really ride a lot of rides. I go to shows, which my son hates, I go to tea at the Grand Floridian, I enjoy the things the resorts have to offer (I tend to do split stays when travelling alone). I people watch, watch parades (again my son hates them). I eat where I want and take my time and enjoy it. It really does tend to be a more relaxed trip when I'm alone.

Relaxing is what I'm going for! And I'm looking foreward to riding Dumbo as many times as I want without DH begging to do something else! He loves Dumbo, but I think once is all he really needs to get his fix. I've gone on solo trips before to Kalahari, and a few others. And loved every moment of those trips, but I can't help being slightly nervous about a solo trip to Disney. I also thought about tea at the GF!

 

[Simba's Mom]

I've been solo at least 15 times! A few tricks/advice-whenever you check in to eat, be sure to point out to the hostess that since you're dining alone and don't have a dining companion to talk to, you'd really like a table where you can see something interesting/have a good view. I've gotten some great tables that way-tankside at Coral Reef, a window table at California Grill, a nice pationtable (OK, it was lunchtime!) at Rose and Crown, etc. Also, be sure to say Hello to CMs. They love to talk to solos. I've had some very interesting conversations (they love to tell you about their job) and gotten some neat backround info. Like the time the CMs told me where all the Hidden Mickeys were on Spaceship Earth, then let me stay on the ride until I found them all, or the time the CM told me how a news crew was filming when I was at Rafiki's Planet Watch "But don't tell the guests-we don't want them to notice!"

 

[Bay]

I just got back from a solo trip and my recommendation is to keep your ears open when waiting in line at the rides. Sometimes a CM will call out for a single rider to fill in empty spaces. I skipped a good portion of the line on ToT 3 times doing this!

Also - eating at Teppan Edo can be a great experience, because they sit you with another group at the big table around the grill and you can meet some interesting people that way!

 

[JasonMouse]

My two cents is offer to take a family's picture whenever you see one person from the family trying to take one. You can make a game of it to see who offers to take your photo as a return gesture. lol! In any case I've found talking to different people makes it more fun than trying to keep to yourself and out of the way (I'm pretty shy so). Being solo you can easily get into restaurants without ADR's or just grab a seat at the bar and eat appetizers.

 

[goofyintoronto]

I've been solo twice. Because I've been more than 30 times I pretty much know what I like and don't like. Without my son and DIL, I go slow and don't really ride a lot of rides. I go to shows, which my son hates, I go to tea at the Grand Floridian, I enjoy the things the resorts have to offer (I tend to do split stays when travelling alone). I people watch, watch parades (again my son hates them). I eat where I want and take my time and enjoy it. It really does tend to be a more relaxed trip when I'm alone.

My son is exactly like yours, hate shows, parades and fireworks!!!!!!! This is why im DREAMING of a solo trip one day. Maybe soon!

OP, i'd get park hoppers. it'll be nice to have so that you can do one park in the AM and another in the PM. Also regarding the hotel, if you stay at a moderate level or value, i'd get a preferred room so that youre as close to the main building as possible.

Where are you staying?

Also, how long is your solo trip? Just curious.