Best resort for solo traveller?

[IceSkatingPrincess]

Pop for a value if you won't be in the room much. There is always something going on and people out so it feels safe at night to me.
AKL if you have the budget. Stunning, and so much to see and do!

 

[duh]

Of the values, I prefer POP over the All Stars as a single woman traveller. I find the lighting is much better at night. I don't pay for a preferred room but request top floor, 50s building, lake view and it has worked out very well. My room is just a safe place to sleep and shower in the morning as I am in the parks all day. I tried All Star Music last month for something different and was not impressed with the lighting. Basically, there did not seem to be as many dedicated outside lights along the paths. Also, I noticed more blown bulbs and less maintenance. I was lucky that my request for the Jazz Bldg was honoured so I didn't have to walk deeper into the resort for the Rock, Broadway or Country Bldgs. The busing system seemed more efficient at the POP than at Music as well. I would definitely return to the POP again. I have also stayed at POR and also Wilderness Lodge. Both are beautiful resorts but I regret not having the time to make proper use of the amenities. Because I was in the parks all day

Thank you for your insight. I never thought about lighting! Thats definitely something to consider. I do consider Pop my home resort, so i might just go with that. Even thou Sports will be cheaper, i'd rather stay somewhere im more familiar with for my first solo trip. Like you, i will also be at the parks all day, so i cant justify spending $$$ on a moderate resort...i'd have to take a few extra days just to chill at the resort in order to appreciate it properly. So im definitely leaning towards pop this time.

 

[Jamie77]

Thanks for the suggestions but as I said, im looking at values and moderates. Im leaning towards values thou. As much as I would love to stay at a deluxe, I just cant justify spending that much money just for myself.

Going solo is the only time I can afford to stay at a deluxe. I have a big family and nobody chips in. That being said, it's Wilderness Lodge all the way for me. I like the security of my door opening into an inside hallway instead of outside.

 

[Zimbing]

I stayed solo at All Star Music before and would happily stay there again. I was in the Country Music section in I think the futherest away room due to requesting a quiet room, therefore only had frogs and crickets for neighbours but I never felt unsafe, despite routinely coming back from the parks at at least 1am usually. The room was more than satisifactory for sleeping and showering

But then again, I am quite easy to please due to having worked in remote locations in Canada - if there isn't a bear visiting my front door at 3 am, I find a place pretty darn good

 

[duh]

Going solo is the only time I can afford to stay at a deluxe. I have a big family and nobody chips in. That being said, it's Wilderness Lodge all the way for me. I like the security of my door opening into an inside hallway instead of outside.

That makes sense. I'd love to stay at WL someday. If i can get a good price of course.

I stayed solo at All Star Music before and would happily stay there again. I was in the Country Music section in I think the futherest away room due to requesting a quiet room, therefore only had frogs and crickets for neighbours but I never felt unsafe, despite routinely coming back from the parks at at least 1am usually. The room was more than satisifactory for sleeping and showering

But then again, I am quite easy to please due to having worked in remote locations in Canada - if there isn't a bear visiting my front door at 3 am, I find a place pretty darn good

Bears, oh my!!! Glad to hear that you didnt feel unsafe at the values, even when you have the furthest room. Thats reassuring.

 

[Kate in Florida]

hi everyone,

Im taking my first solo trip at the end of October. This might be a silly question but I was just wondering what is the best resort for a solo traveller? Or is there such a thing? ha ha. I just thought some resort layouts would be better than others for a solo traveller. Im thinking about staying at the values, although i would consider the moderate level too.

 

[Kate in Florida]

I have always stayed at Port Orleans Riverside on the Mansion side. It is a moderate hotel but they have a wonderful water taxi that goes down to Downtown Disney. Also boats you can rent , a food court, rooms are clean, well thought out. They are close to the bus stops. Whatever you do DON'T stay at Coronado Springs its terrible.

 

[duh]

I have always stayed at Port Orleans Riverside on the Mansion side. It is a moderate hotel but they have a wonderful water taxi that goes down to Downtown Disney. Also boats you can rent , a food court, rooms are clean, well thought out. They are close to the bus stops. Whatever you do DON'T stay at Coronado Springs its terrible.

Yes, POR is a wonderful resort and one of my favorites. ...What didnt you like about CSR? I actually liked that resort too. But I admit POR is still a much better resort than CSR.

 

[Simba's Mom]

I like the security of my door opening into an inside hallway instead of outside.

Although most solos would agree with you, I used to prefer the doors opening outside. I figured that way, if I screamed, people above and below me, heck all over the resort, could hear me. At least that's what I told myself to justify staying at POR. Now we're DVC, so I stay at BCV, but POR was great.

 

[LizardQueen8]

This is a great thread - I'm dying to do a solo trip sometime in the next 18 months and I love reading all the different thoughts .

 

[Chuckers]

Another point.. for me, the mattresses at value resorts are like sleeping on a door. I'll stay at a moderate just for the good night's sleep.

 

[My Grandpa]

Great Thread ... Thanks Everyone! I am only still thinking of my first solo trip ~ maybe this November. From my way too excessive thinking about a mod-priced resort ... Port Orleans is very appealing because to the ease of getting to Downtown Disney. We loved our past stays at Yacht Club and Boardwalk for the proximity to Epcot and the nightlife on the Boardwalks' boardwalk. But that pesky budget is a major issue.

 

[Chuckers]

Great Thread ... Thanks Everyone! I am only still thinking of my first solo trip ~ maybe this November. From my way too excessive thinking about a mod-priced resort ... Port Orleans is very appealing because to the ease of getting to Downtown Disney. We loved our past stays at Yacht Club and Boardwalk for the proximity to Epcot and the nightlife on the Boardwalks' boardwalk. But that pesky budget is a major issue.

If you're going to do Port Orleans Riverside, spring for a preferred room for proximity to the main bus stop and main hall. If you're thinking about Port Orleans French Quarter, preferred is not as important. I think the farthest building in POFQ is a little farther than the farthest preferred in POR.

 

[hskaggs11]

I've looked at renting DVC points and staying at a studio. Just checking some sample weeks in Oct/November, you can rent a value studio in AKL for just 57 points for 6 nights, Sunday night checking out Saturday. The DIS rental board shows people renting points on average for $13 a point, which adds up to $741. That same week at All Star Sports is $692. For just $50 more dollars, you can stay at a Deluxe! I wouldn't write off the Deluxes as impossible.

 

[spiceycat]

I've looked at renting DVC points and staying at a studio. Just checking some sample weeks in Oct/November, you can rent a value studio in AKL for just 57 points for 6 nights, Sunday night checking out Saturday. The DIS rental board shows people renting points on average for $13 a point, which adds up to $741. That same week at All Star Sports is $692. For just $50 more dollars, you can stay at a Deluxe! I wouldn't write off the Deluxes as impossible.

don't want to discourage you - but the values at AKV are the best buy (along with OKW) for DVC members. the chances of getting one for rental are therefore not good.

BCV, BLT, GFV and PV - the last three are on the monorail and they generally rent for more than $13 a point. BCV is walking distance to Epcot and it also rents for more.

now BWV can be a good buy - they have a standard view that can be an excellent buy - but again those are pretty popular with DVC members.

that say OKW is a good buy - sometimes (but only sometimes) it can be cheaper than AKV.

if you decide to go with AKV - then be prepared to get a standard view not value.

now SSR if you are renting from a dvc member is not a good buy - because the points cost more. but if you want something last minute - it is generally available

 

[Kate in Florida]

Yes, POR is a wonderful resort and one of my favorites. ...What didnt you like about CSR? I actually liked that resort too. But I admit POR is still a much better resort than CSR.

CSR was the worst. On a recent trip in March I had no choice but to stay at CSR. Everything else was booked solid. My room at CSR was soooooooooo far from the lobby it took almost 20 minutes to get to the lobby from my room. There was absolutely nothing else to do at the hotel. The food was mostly south-western or Mexican. Most of the people staying there were there for a convention. POR is much better, I have reservations in Oct,which I am looking forward too staying there once again.

 

[Simba's Mom]

don't want to discourage you - but the values at AKV are the best buy (along with OKW) for DVC members. the chances of getting one for rental are therefore not good.


if you decide to go with AKV - then be prepared to get a standard view not value.

Yes, I had to go on the waiting list for a value studio at exactly 7 months for October. I was thrilled, however, that my wait list came through already.

 

[flvy]

I went solo at Riverside and while I did get lost twice later at night coming back from parks it was really because I have no sense of direction.

Full disclosure I had a Royal room very close to the main area so it was very very easy to get around.

 

[karm12]

I was solo at POR. I stayed in the Mansion area (Magnolia Terrace). It was actually a perfect location. Close to the foot bridge, East Depot, and quiet pool. I also liked the more open area as a solo female traveler as compared to the more wooded areas of AB.

 

[duh]

Although most solos would agree with you, I used to prefer the doors opening outside. I figured that way, if I screamed, people above and below me, heck all over the resort, could hear me. At least that's what I told myself to justify staying at POR. Now we're DVC, so I stay at BCV, but POR was great.

Yes thats true. Someone would definitely hear me if I screamed at a value! Lol.

Another point.. for me, the mattresses at value resorts are like sleeping on a door. I'll stay at a moderate just for the good night's sleep.

Funny, i've always found the mattresses at values comfy. I didnt notice a difference from Pop to Moderates to be honest. Maybe I just didnt pay attention? or maybe I was too tired to notice.

I've looked at renting DVC points and staying at a studio. Just checking some sample weeks in Oct/November, you can rent a value studio in AKL for just 57 points for 6 nights, Sunday night checking out Saturday. The DIS rental board shows people renting points on average for $13 a point, which adds up to $741. That same week at All Star Sports is $692. For just $50 more dollars, you can stay at a Deluxe! I wouldn't write off the Deluxes as impossible.

Funny you should mention this, I was just looking at that! I couldnt believe how affordable AKL value is! I will have to consider renting points for my next trip.

CSR was the worst. On a recent trip in March I had no choice but to stay at CSR. Everything else was booked solid. My room at CSR was soooooooooo far from the lobby it took almost 20 minutes to get to the lobby from my room. There was absolutely nothing else to do at the hotel. The food was mostly south-western or Mexican. Most of the people staying there were there for a convention. POR is much better, I have reservations in Oct,which I am looking forward too staying there once again.

I agree with you, CSR is a huuuuge resort! If you stay in the wrong section, you're looking at a long walk to the main building. I believe you when you said its about 20 minutes. Food court isnt anything to write home about. But its a pretty resort and the buses are by far the best i've ever experienced.