First solo holiday booked for 2 weeks in Sept!!

[Leagill]

I did it!! Pretty scary but also super excited to be going back to my fav place ever!! I am a complete newbie to the solo Orlando scene, so if anyone is around from the 1st Sept until 13th maybe we could meet up! and if anyone has any other tips I will be all ears! Staying at POP so planning to use Uber to go to universal/the mall etc - if that sounds right? Cant decide whether to book mickeys not so scary Halloween? Thoughts? Thanks so much everyone!! xx

 

[Hikergirl]

Have fun! I admit I'm kind of jealous, I think I would really enjoy being alone at WDW for 2 weeks.

I do love my dh and my kids but you know sometimes it would be nice to have a holiday from them LOL

 

[jagfanjosh3252]

I'm a local and work for the Mouse! I always enjoy meeting others!

 

[godders]

Definitely do MNSSHP! The parade, fireworks and Hocus Pocus show alone make it worth it for me. It's so much fun if you dress up as well and meet characters (although lots of people don't dress up as well).

Two weeks is a long time in Disney (it's so knackering) so I would definitely plan a resort day or a resort hopping day (maybe explore all the resorts on the monorail). Just gives you a bit of low stimulation time and chance to recharge.

Don't know if you've been to WDW in summer/September before but it is sooooo hot and humid so I would definitely take advantage of indoor rides/attractions during the hottest parts of the day. I did a 15 hour MK day last year and spent a couple of hours recharging by hitting Carousel of Progress, Hall of Presidents, Mickeys Philharmagic, and Country Bear Jamboree in succession to give my feet a bit of a rest.

 

[DaisyDuck001]

I did it!! Pretty scary but also super excited to be going back to my fav place ever!! I am a complete newbie to the solo Orlando scene, so if anyone is around from the 1st Sept until 13th maybe we could meet up! and if anyone has any other tips I will be all ears! Staying at POP so planning to use Uber to go to universal/the mall etc - if that sounds right? Cant decide whether to book mickeys not so scary Halloween? Thoughts? Thanks so much everyone!! xx

I would have liked to meet you, but I won't be there until OctNov. I agree that the Halloween party is worthwhile. I hope you have a great time, and I'm sorry to miss you.

 

[samsteele]

The Halloween party is definitely worthwhile as long as the weather is good (fingers crossed no rain out). I have done 2 weeks at the POP in late Oct/early Nov during Food & Wine & free dining and it was incredible. It was however, very hard on the feet. Lots of walking. Remember to pack your most comfortable & supportive athletic shoes, some moleskin for blisters and maybe a pr of athletic sandals. All well-broken in b/f you arrive. I second the PPs advice re having some down days to go resort hopping, maybe play mini golf & go to Traders Sams at the Poly. Have a great vacation & if you have any specific questions, post them below & I'll try my best to help.

 

[loves to dive]

I'm arriving Sept. 13. Solo trips are great, I've done 3 and this will be my 4th. I go to F&G and F&W so I'm usually too busy to even notice. 2 weeks will give you loads of time to see other sites in Orlando, maybe even take a day or two and go to the dark side.

 

[Leagill]

Thanks everyone! Im planning to go universal for a couple of days, and then the florida mall for another, and a couple of days at the water parks too so hopefully that will keep me busy enough! And as for the walking I think I have a handle on that now, last year my mate and I walked 26 miles in one day just going from Magic Kingdom, Epcot and then back to Kingdom until close! I'm always on the go when I'm over there! Not sure if I have ever been in Sept before (Ive been 4 times so far, last year was in May and the time before that was June..cant remember the others) but some heat will be nice what with England weather being so rubbish most of the time! But thank you for the tips to get cool!

When it comes to food, because I dont have a dining plan, am I able to just purchase meals such as breakfast as and when I want it? I dont know how it works when it comes to the hotel meals! Im a complete newbie to a disney hotel you see! Thanks!

 

[DaisyDuck001]

When it comes to food, because I dont have a dining plan, am I able to just purchase meals such as breakfast as and when I want it? I dont know how it works when it comes to the hotel meals! Im a complete newbie to a disney hotel you see! Thanks!

You can purchase meals at the Pop Century food court, or any other food court or quick service restaurant, any time they are open. If you would like to purchase meals at any table service or buffet restaurants, you need dining reservations. Most people make these six months in advance, but if you haven't already done that, it would be good to do so as soon as possible. Without dining reservations, you will be limited to counter service, bar seating, or whatever regular dining space may be left over, and some restaurants will have no availability for people who show up without a reservation.

 

[samsteele]

The PP provided some great information. Def book any table service (TS) via Disney Dining Reservations as soon as you see any you want. You can cancel up to 24 hrs b/f the reservation to avoid the $10 no-show charge on your credit card. While I love to stay at the POP, I don't often eat at the POP caf b/c of the crowds. I prefer to eat in the parks, at DIS Springs or I walk over the bridge to the Art of Animation (AoA) food court which has more interesting choices for me. If paying OOP (out of pocket), there is no need to eat at the POP unless you wish to, some of the entrees look appealing and/or for convenience. When deciding where to dine, there are some great websites with info & pics including allears, disneytouristblog (Tom Bricker), and disney food blog. Have a great time!

 

[croach]

I would definitely consider doing MNSSHP solo. From what I've heard it sounds like the parade and fireworks are great. Sounds like you have a shopping day - there are some pretty good outlet malls close by I think. Have fun!

 

[kwdw]

Congrats on making the decision - I know you've been thinking about it for a while now!

Couple of tips for a longer trip:

1) Take time to get familiar with the resort when you first arrive. See what's in the gift shop and browse the food court. Get settled in your room - hang things up, use the drawers, etc. Figure out how to arrange your toiletries on the bathroom vanity.
2) Plan to do laundry. That will make for easier packing. While the crowds aren't bad in Sept, it will likely be HOT and HUMID. The laundry rooms do have single use soap you can buy and it's a "fair" price for Disney.
3) If there is something not right with your room or you need something like extra hangers - ask!
4) Don't feel the need to do everything the first day!
5) Stay hydrated. Every day.

At the food courts - and resort gift shops - you'll find some food items for sale that aren't whole meals - things like sodas, milk, fresh fruit, cupcakes, pastries, pre-packaged quick meals. So - it's okay to just buy a cup of yogurt and a banana at the food court. I have a weakness for carrot cake - and the last trip - I walked in three times just to buy their single serve carrot cake to go! If you want to see slightly more "grocery" items - I'd suggest finding the "food" section of the gift shops at one of the deluxe resorts - where you will find more extensive food choices. It's over-priced - but can be nice for having stuff in your room.

Have a blast! I'm jealous just thinking about it.

 

[samsteele]

If you aren't a big breakfast eater, consider packing some dry breakfast cereal (and granola bars) plus either a big plastic mug and/or plastic cereal bowl in your checked bag and buying a small jug of milk in the POP cafeteria once you arrive. I do this often b/c bacon & eggs every a.m. is just too much food when I am eating lots at lunch & dinner. Also, POP has no in room coffee maker. Consider packing instant coffee (& sugar pkgs) or hot chocolate for early mornings. The water from the bathroom tap is very hot & will make a hot cup of instant coffee in a pinch. Yes, you can buy coffee & breakfast at the POP caf but it becomes very busy very fast & if you are a rope drop person & just want to get on the bus first thing, its great to have an easy breakfast & coffee in your room. ps I travel from Canada & have limited space in my luggage. I get by with a large plastic mug + plastic spoons for both in-room coffee and also cereal. It doubles for both to save space in my luggage. I also pack a very small bottle of dish soap (washing up liquid) in my bag. Others get a cheap sponge, drizzle dish soap on it, let it dry, cut it into pieces & then pack it into a ziplock plastic bag. They use the sponge pieces to easily wash a mug, utensils,etc.

 

[FelineVintage]

You will have a great time! I just got back from my solo trip last week (and picked up some delightful plane germs as my welcome home present, ugh) and had an absolute ball! It was the best do over ever! So I have no doubt you will have a great time too. Enjoy every minute.

 

[bavarian princess]

I did it!! Pretty scary but also super excited to be going back to my fav place ever!! I am a complete newbie to the solo Orlando scene, so if anyone is around from the 1st Sept until 13th maybe we could meet up! and if anyone has any other tips I will be all ears! Staying at POP so planning to use Uber to go to universal/the mall etc - if that sounds right? Cant decide whether to book mickeys not so scary Halloween? Thoughts? Thanks so much everyone!! xx

Have fun! I am sure you will have a great time. I have been lucky enough to spend 2 weeks in Florida with my mom last month (6 days at WDW, the rest of the time at the beach). Being from Germany I have to travel to the States for at least 2 weeks since flights are expensive.

I am now considering doing a solo trip at the beginning of September for my birthday. I always wanted to go to MNSSHP and I would also love to visit Universal Studios. But travelling solo would be a big step for me...at least for more than just a weekend! And my friends don't want to join me. Being in my early thirties most of my friends think I am too old for WDW. And they think it is for little kids. Of course they have never been to the World

 

[Leagill]

Have fun! I am sure you will have a great time. I have been lucky enough to spend 2 weeks in Florida with my mom last month (6 days at WDW, the rest of the time at the beach). Being from Germany I have to travel to the States for at least 2 weeks since flights are expensive.

I am now considering doing a solo trip at the beginning of September for my birthday. I always wanted to go to MNSSHP and I would also love to visit Universal Studios. But travelling solo would be a big step for me...at least for more than just a weekend! And my friends don't want to join me. Being in my early thirties most of my friends think I am too old for WDW. And they think it is for little kids. Of course they have never been to the World

Ah lucky you getting to go last month, I really like going in May time just because it isn't so crazy busy and also the weather is just right heat wise! Is your mum a Disney fan too? How lovely going with her Travelling solo is a massive step for me too, I've never been away on my own before! And like you I am also in my early 30s and all my friends either have no interest in going or have kids etc and just can't afford it! But the freedom of going solo will be great as not having to try and persuade other people to go all the time is a relief, year before last I didn't go as I couldn't find anyone to come with me and I was so miserable last year I was lucky enough to make friends with this guy on tinder who came with me, but that was a rare situation as most won't do that lol! Now it's a case of sod it, why wait for others and waste my life not doing something I love just because I can't find anyone else? Peeps are so friendly over there! And hey if you go you can come join me! I'll be there between 31st August until 14th sept! Universal Studios is amazing, and hopefully the new Hong Kong ride will be open by sept too!!

 

[loves to dive]

As far as food goes, don't worry if you don't make ADRs in advance, there will still be plenty of TS choices at last minute. One of the fun things to do when solo is to eat at new and different places. We never book ADRs in advance and I certainly don't when I go solo. The only exception to that is I make my ADR for tea at the GF because it does book up fast. Otherwise, we just go to GS at whatever park we are at that day and get the CMs to look up places for us. We either pick a park and the resorts near by and say any time will do or pick a time frame and any park will do (I have an AP and when my son goes with me he has PHs). I've also been known to be walking around a park around 2 in the afternoon and decide to check and see what's available that night. I've never not been able to find something. Solo makes it a little easier but if using MDE it's sometimes easier to search for 2 people instead of 1, won't make a difference since there are no single tables. Also, anywhere that has an actual bar will usually let you order from the menu there as well. I'm not a fan of the food courts at the resorts except for breakfast, they are just too crowded and noisy for me and there are just too many other options at the parks to choose from.

 

[bavarian princess]

Ah lucky you getting to go last month, I really like going in May time just because it isn't so crazy busy and also the weather is just right heat wise! Is your mum a Disney fan too? How lovely going with her Travelling solo is a massive step for me too, I've never been away on my own before! And like you I am also in my early 30s and all my friends either have no interest in going or have kids etc and just can't afford it! But the freedom of going solo will be great as not having to try and persuade other people to go all the time is a relief, year before last I didn't go as I couldn't find anyone to come with me and I was so miserable last year I was lucky enough to make friends with this guy on tinder who came with me, but that was a rare situation as most won't do that lol! Now it's a case of sod it, why wait for others and waste my life not doing something I love just because I can't find anyone else? Peeps are so friendly over there! And hey if you go you can come join me! I'll be there between 31st August until 14th sept! Universal Studios is amazing, and hopefully the new Hong Kong ride will be open by sept too!!

That is exactly what I thought. I can't wait for others to join me since I will be waiting forever. Life is too short to wait for good things to happen And as you said my friends either have family or are not interested in WDW or cannot afford it.

I would not call my mother a Disney fan but she always has a wonderful time there. And I always incorporate things that I know would please her. For example watching festival of the lion king and having lunch at Tusker House afterwards. And I booked the behind the seeds tour in May since she is into gardening. And we had to stay at the Animal Kingdom Lodge ...which I will so not be able to afford on my own.

Your travel dates would match mine. I was checking flights from September 5 until September 13 or 14. And to be honest I would love to meet up for some park time or an evening at Disney Springs if your time allows...Being there on my own for 10 days/2 weeks would be a bit lonely even though people are really friendly over there. And you cannot constantly call your friends in Europe with a 6 hours time difference

Do you have already made plans to go to a Halloween Party and to Universal Studios?

 

[Leagill]

That is exactly what I thought. I can't wait for others to join me since I will be waiting forever. Life is too short to wait for good things to happen And as you said my friends either have family or are not interested in WDW or cannot afford it.

I would not call my mother a Disney fan but she always has a wonderful time there. And I always incorporate things that I know would please her. For example watching festival of the lion king and having lunch at Tusker House afterwards. And I booked the behind the seeds tour in May since she is into gardening. And we had to stay at the Animal Kingdom Lodge ...which I will so not be able to afford on my own.

Your travel dates would match mine. I was checking flights from September 5 until September 13 or 14. And to be honest I would love to meet up for some park time or an evening at Disney Springs if your time allows...Being there on my own for 10 days/2 weeks would be a bit lonely even though people are really friendly over there. And you cannot constantly call your friends in Europe with a 6 hours time difference

Do you have already made plans to go to a Halloween Party and to Universal Studios?

I have yet to see festival of the lion king!! Even though I have been there 4 times now I have still so much left to see and do! Sounds like your mum had a fab time, and it's great that Disney is so varied and has something for everyone over there! Staying at AK must have been a treat too!!

That's great!! Do you know where you will be staying yet? I'll be at Pop! And no I haven't made any definite plans just yet, was just going to do whatever I fancied when I got out there so I'll be free to meet up anytime! I'm buying the 2 week universal ticket so I can go there whenever too, will just use uber to get there! So we can always go there together if you like! I haven't booked the Halloween party yet, if I do it'll be the 8th sept one! I wasn't sure about doing it on my own tho as quite a lot of money! But then I'd like to see the nightmare before Christmas stuff!!

 

[FelineVintage]

I love how many solo women are taking the plunge! I'm also in my 30s and it's just not possible for me to go with friends for the most part. And I don't want to not go because life is for living.

I'm changing October dates because I overspent on this trip, haha! If I can scrape together the funds I might still do it but otherwise it will be March/April next year when I go back. I'm already itching to get going again, editing my videos is not helping at all.

I personally didn't get lonely at all really, had a fabulous time. As long as you go with the right attitude it should carry you through.