Disney World first-timer and first solo trip ever

[Emie06]

Hello! I've always wanted to try travelling solo and I love Disney so I've decided to celebrate my 30th birthday at Disney World!!!

I've been to Disneyland twice with my fam and I LOVED every single second I spent there. But I haven't been to Florida, so that makes me a bit nervous, oh and did I mention that it's my first solo trip as well? Yeah. I am an introvert and a shy person but I want to push myself to get out there and meet new people and make new adventures! Let's call it my "Breaking out of my shell" Trip.

I'm already booked to go this June 1-6 and will be staying on-site at All-Star Music. (I'll be flying in from Manitoba, Canada)

I've been doing some research for my upcoming trip and happened to discover this amazing community. Reading other people's Disney experiences is quite fun.

Here's my plan so far:
Day 1: Arrival + Disney Springs
Day 2: Epcot
Day 3: Magic Kingdom
Day 4: Hollywood Studios
Day 5: Animal Kingdom
Day 6: Departure

I'm a bit scared but mostly excited. I know that more and more people visit DW solo, but what should I expect for my first solo trip? Anything I should prepare myself for? Is it safe? Any tips/advise/recommendations for this "Single-lady-about-to-turn-30-Solo-traveller" will be greatly appreciated! Thanks so much!


UPDATE (5/12/2020): My June 2020 trip has now been officially cancelled. I've been so overly excited about this trip that it broke my heart to cancel everything.

However, I am looking into moving my plans to June 2021 (date open to suggestions). The bright side is that it gives me more time to plan and save up more money that maybe I could upgrade my trip!

I very much appreciate all the advise and tips given. I'll keep it in mind in planning my solo trip.

UPDATE (7/29/2020): I'm now booked to go next year, May 31 to June 5. I'll be staying at Pop Century. So I'm looking forward to riding the Skyliner! Hopefully 2021 will be my year to finally visit WDW for the first time.

 

[brad813]

Hello! I've always wanted to try travelling solo and I love Disney so I've decided to celebrate my 30th birthday at Disney World!!!

I've been to Disneyland twice with my fam and I LOVED every single second I spent there. But I haven't been to Florida, so that makes me a bit nervous, oh and did I mention that it's my first solo trip as well? Yeah. I am an introvert and a shy person but I want to push myself to get out there and meet new people and make new adventures! Let's call it my "Breaking out of my shell" Trip.

I'm already booked to go this June 1-6 and will be staying on-site at All-Star Music. (I'll be flying in from Manitoba, Canada)

I've been doing some research for my upcoming trip and happened to discover this amazing community. Reading other people's Disney experiences is quite fun.

Here's my plan so far:
Day 1: Arrival + Disney Springs
Day 2: Epcot
Day 3: Magic Kingdom
Day 4: Hollywood Studios
Day 5: Animal Kingdom
Day 6: Departure

I'm a bit scared but mostly excited. I know that more and more people visit DW solo, but what should I expect for my first solo trip? Anything I should prepare myself for? Is it safe? Any tips/advise/recommendations for this "Single-lady-about-to-turn-30-Solo-traveller" will be greatly appreciated! Thanks so much!

Most people will be friendly to you, and you should be fine solo. However, as a solo woman, use common sense in bars and whatnot. The parks you will be perfectly fine in, but for bars in Disney Springs and the Boardwalk, use caution even if it is still the Disney bubble. That's the main advice I would give, aside from be flexible(you get to do things your way after all) and enjoy yourself.

 

[Emie06]

Most people will be friendly to you, and you should be fine solo. However, as a solo woman, use common sense in bars and whatnot. The parks you will be perfectly fine in, but for bars in Disney Springs and the Boardwalk, use caution even if it is still the Disney bubble. That's the main advice I would give, aside from be flexible(you get to do things your way after all) and enjoy yourself.

Thanks so much! I plan on having an early dinner at Morimoto Asia, DS on my first night coz I don't want to stay out late outside the parks. I'll definitely take your advice be cautious when I'm outside the parks.

 

[brad813]

Thanks so much! I plan on having an early dinner at Morimoto Asia, DS on my first night coz I don't want to stay out late outside the parks. I'll definitely take your advice be cautious when I'm outside the parks.

Disney Springs is well lot and patrolled, but you definitely still need to keep your head all the same. Always plenty going on there, so well worth exploring before going back to your resort.

 

[brad813]

I should also add to allow an hour to get to each park and Disney Springs. WDW is much larger than DLR.

 

[Emie06]

I should also add to allow an hour to get to each park and Disney Springs. WDW is much larger than DLR.

oh wow! I'll keep that in mind.

 

[brad813]

oh wow! I'll keep that in mind.

Disneyland fits inside Anaheim, where Disney World is basically a city to itself. I am assuming, of course, you will be using the in-park transportation options.

 

[Emie06]

Disneyland fits inside Anaheim, where Disney World is basically a city to itself. I am assuming, of course, you will be using the in-park transportation options.

Yes, I chose to stay on-site so that I won't need to worry about transportation. I'll just have to plan my time accordingly. I hope I don't get too overwhelmed by the size of WDW. I don't plan on moving around much each day anyway since I plan to spend the whole day inside the park.

 

[brad813]

Yes, I chose to stay on-site so that I won't need to worry about transportation. I'll just have to plan my time accordingly. I hope I don't get too overwhelmed by the size of WDW. I don't plan on moving around much each day anyway since I plan to spend the whole day inside the park.

It's not difficult to get around. You just have to be aware of the size due to park openings and reservations. I've only been a couple times but the transportation is easy to get used to.

 

[LindaC]

Tip: Request a room 2nd floor or higher. I travelled to Disney by myself several times and I don't want a ground floor room for security reasons. I just have Disney add it to my room reservation so it will (hopefully) be considered when they assign rooms. My reservation states...travelling alone, prefer 2nd floor or higher for security reasons. Ever since this information was added to my reservation, I've always gotten a higher floor room.

 

[Emie06]

Tip: Request a room 2nd floor or higher. I travelled to Disney by myself several times and I don't want a ground floor room for security reasons. I just have Disney add it to my room reservation so it will (hopefully) be considered when they assign rooms. My reservation states...travelling alone, prefer 2nd floor or higher for security reasons. Ever since this information was added to my reservation, I've always gotten a higher floor room.

Thank you, I didn't even think of that. I'll surely put in that request. Greatly appreciated!!

 

[karly05]

I took my first solo trip anywhere ever to WDW in 2012 (had been to WDW twice before with family). It was scary but exciting and I ended up loving it! I just got back from my 7th solo trip a week ago.

I'm a solo lady, older than you. I have never felt unsafe, but I reiterate, use common sense, be aware of surroundings, use the deadbolt/latch locks in your room, etc. - usual safety tips.

My biggest piece of advice to anyone - you have a limited amount of time, so set priorities. What things - rides, shows, food, etc. do you most want to do and focus on those. You won't be able to do everything, so enjoy what you are able to do and don't sweat the things you miss this time.

Two solo tips: Do not be shy about meeting characters. They are awesome and welcoming; character meets are one of my favorite things to do. And do not feel shy or awkward about eating solo. If there is a restaurant you want to try, go for it!

One more tip - this may be more for an old lady such as myself, but listen to your body. If you need to go sit in the shade for a bit with a cold drink, or go to a relaxing indoor show/attraction to recharge, do it. WDW can make you want to run run run go go go, but it's vacation; pace yourself.

Most of all, as a solo, you have total control over what you choose to do. Have fun!

 

[Emie06]

I took my first solo trip anywhere ever to WDW in 2012 (had been to WDW twice before with family). It was scary but exciting and I ended up loving it! I just got back from my 7th solo trip a week ago.

I'm a solo lady, older than you. I have never felt unsafe, but I reiterate, use common sense, be aware of surroundings, use the deadbolt/latch locks in your room, etc. - usual safety tips.

My biggest piece of advice to anyone - you have a limited amount of time, so set priorities. What things - rides, shows, food, etc. do you most want to do and focus on those. You won't be able to do everything, so enjoy what you are able to do and don't sweat the things you miss this time.

Two solo tips: Do not be shy about meeting characters. They are awesome and welcoming; character meets are one of my favorite things to do. And do not feel shy or awkward about eating solo. If there is a restaurant you want to try, go for it!

One more tip - this may be more for an old lady such as myself, but listen to your body. If you need to go sit in the shade for a bit with a cold drink, or go to a relaxing indoor show/attraction to recharge, do it. WDW can make you want to run run run go go go, but it's vacation; pace yourself.

Most of all, as a solo, you have total control over what you choose to do. Have fun!

I'm really glad to have found this site. I'm feeling a lot better and more & more excited about this trip. I don't expect to ride/experience everything since this is just my first time but I'll definitely make my "must-do" list for each park. I'll keep telling myself to be brave and overcome my shyness bit by bit! I'll probably keep most of my schedule open and be spontaneous. Thanks so much!

 

[auntfrannie]

I've done several solo trips and loved them all! Don't be shy about dining at sit down restaurants as a solo diner. I've found that the cast members seem to go out of their way to make those dining alone to feel at home. Have a fantastic trip!

 

[apxstitch]

I felt the exact same way as you when I went on my first solo trip in 2018. I've just come back from another solo trip both at the All Star Resorts. I went to After Hours at the Magic Kingdom both trips arriving back to the resort at well past 1-2 am and not once have I never not felt safe. Use common sense just like you would at home. I always request a higher floor room too but the ground floor is fine too. There's security everywhere, the ones you can visibly see and the ones you can't see.

WDW is HUGE, like others have said plan at least an hour to move from resort to park or park to park. This give you time to wait for the transportation and time for the journey. All Star to Magic Kingdom is a 25 minute bus ride, whereas Animal Kingdom is only about 5 minutes away.

I did 2 character meals, Storybook Dining and 1900 Park Fare Breakfast both were awesome! I had Grumpy and Alice sit down with me at my table to chat. Those were magical moments! Meeting characters is a ton of fun and they make you feel very comfortable. All the CM's I chatted too were very friendly and I had lots of great conversations with strangers while riding all the different transportation systems!

Only once this trip did I feel a bit uncomfortable. I got on the Skyliner and I was sharing with a young man. I thought this would not be a good place to be if anything were to happen. Something I will definitely keep in mind for any future trips.

I want to go to Disneyland next but it makes me very nervous. There's something reassuring about being in the WDW bubble but I'm desperate to visit DL again so I will conquer it.

 

[Emie06]

I'm literally counting down the days til my trip! Meeting characters sounds fun. Character meets aren't included in my plans originally, but now I'm thinking maybe I should do it. Thank you all for sharing your experiences and very helpful tips. Thank you for boosting my self-confidence! Now, I just have to deal with my Disney blues while I wait.

 

[caketalks]

Thank you for starting this thread and for all the replies. I too am making my first ever trip to WDW and my first ever solo holiday. I have traveled solo for work before but nothing like this. Feel much more confident now.

 

[Figment Mom]

WDW is an ideal place for a solo trip. I feel safe there. (Although obviously remain aware of surroundings.)

I had a first floor room and actually preferred it since I didn't have to use stairwells or elevators late at night.

During my solo trip I rarely had conversations with anyone and was perfectly comfortable with that.

While rope-dropping FOP in AK, a first-time solo traveler and a solo Disney vet struck up a conversation with each other right behind me in line. I kept running into them throughout the day and they had ended up touring together.

 

[only hope]

Learn about fastpass+ ahead of time-
there’s a sticky in the theme park board I think. As a solo, you’ll find it easier to get same day fp’s than groups. Don’t waste time waiting in long lines (20+ minutes in my book)- just get a fp. There’s only a few things you’ll find it hard to get a fp for- Flight of Passage, Smuggler’s Run, Slinky Dog Dash, Mickey and Minnie Runaway Railroad, and Seven Dwarf Mine Train.

 

[Emie06]

Learn about fastpass+ ahead of time-
there’s a sticky in the theme park board I think. As a solo, you’ll find it easier to get same day fp’s than groups. Don’t waste time waiting in long lines (20+ minutes in my book)- just get a fp. There’s only a few things you’ll find it hard to get a fp for- Flight of Passage, Smuggler’s Run, Slinky Dog Dash, Mickey and Minnie Runaway Railroad, and Seven Dwarf Mine Train.

Thanks! Yes, I've been reading on Fastpass+ to get familiarized with it. I can start booking them on April. I really want to get on the Flight of Passage. *fingers crossed*