First Solo Trip Booked!!!

[hamilkm]

I just booked my first solo trip for January 20-25th. My friends and family I have told so far all think I am crazy. First, for traveling by myself and second because I have already been to Disney multiple times this year. We bought an AP when we were there last April and I will admit my mom and I have used it quite frequently, but due to the cost increase we won't be renewing it. I have my room booked at AKL. I started out with POFQ, but when there was an Orbitz discount code that would let me stay at the AKL for only $200 more for the entire trip I figured I would splurge for deluxe. Plus it made my mom stop protesting quite so much when she heard I was staying at a resort with inside corridors, even though we always stay moderate and have neither one ever felt afraid. I was wondering what tips you guys might have? This is my first solo trip anywhere. I have flown alone before and drive out of town to visit friends all the time alone, but this is my first true solo vacation. I often split from my mom in the parks because she doesn't do the thrill rides due to back surgery, so I am used to touring some alone. I also live alone here at home, so I am used to shopping, eating, etc... alone. Have even done the movies alone a few times with no issues. What are things for solo travelers to avoid? Thanks so much for the help!

 

[karly05]

You sound like you are already prepared for doing this solo. (That to me is always the biggest question for people who want to go solo: are you used to/comfortable with doing things solo in your everyday life?) And I have to agree, if I had an AP and I had the ability to make a WDW trip, I would want to get as much use out of that AP as I could! I think the people who think a solo WDW trip is "crazy" are either people who would hate doing fun/social activities alone and/or people who just don't get why we love WDW and keep going back. Don't let them get to you.

Awesome that you got AKL and I'm sure you'll have a great time. (Never stayed there, myself, but had dinner at Boma with my family in 2004.) I'm going to make the observation, though - while I would never ever ever stay at an "outdoor corridors" place in the "regular world," I actually like the outdoor corridors at WDW resorts. Like you and your Mom, I've never felt afraid coming and going from a WDW resort, but one of the things I love about POFQ is the compact grid of the resort and the "open" feeling of all the wrought iron railings and open stairs; I feel like I have good sight-lines and there are always people in sight and hollering distance in case of an emergency. On my interior corridor stays, I've always been in a good location not far from the elevators/lobby, but I think walking down a long and winding corridor inside would feel more "spooky" to me.

I don't know how many "tips" I have, other than take advantage of the great solo opportunity to be flexible and go with the flow without having to confer/compromise with your traveling companions. Is there something silly/fun you'd like to do? This year, I did a 4-parks/1-day day, and 2014 I made a point of eating something from each World Showcase country over the course of a several-day trip (NOT all in one day!). I also love doing lots of character meets and am not shy about doing that solo.

I am not a night owl or a consumer of adult beverages, so I can't speak to that. The only things I have intentionally avoided that I would like to do someday are meals at a few places like Sanaa and Spice Road Table, where I want to wait for my next "sisters" trip so we can share food. I've also never done a "family style" meal alone. I would always avoid MK on a Saturday (or any other non-recommended day - I like easywdw's crowd calendars), but that's my advice for everyone.

Mostly, chill out and have fun!

 

[hamilkm]

You sound like you are already prepared for doing this solo. (That to me is always the biggest question for people who want to go solo: are you used to/comfortable with doing things solo in your everyday life?) And I have to agree, if I had an AP and I had the ability to make a WDW trip, I would want to get as much use out of that AP as I could! I think the people who think a solo WDW trip is "crazy" are either people who would hate doing fun/social activities alone and/or people who just don't get why we love WDW and keep going back. Don't let them get to you.

Awesome that you got AKL and I'm sure you'll have a great time. (Never stayed there, myself, but had dinner at Boma with my family in 2004.) I'm going to make the observation, though - while I would never ever ever stay at an "outdoor corridors" place in the "regular world," I actually like the outdoor corridors at WDW resorts. Like you and your Mom, I've never felt afraid coming and going from a WDW resort, but one of the things I love about POFQ is the compact grid of the resort and the "open" feeling of all the wrought iron railings and open stairs; I feel like I have good sight-lines and there are always people in sight and hollering distance in case of an emergency. On my interior corridor stays, I've always been in a good location not far from the elevators/lobby, but I think walking down a long and winding corridor inside would feel more "spooky" to me.

I don't know how many "tips" I have, other than take advantage of the great solo opportunity to be flexible and go with the flow without having to confer/compromise with your traveling companions. Is there something silly/fun you'd like to do? This year, I did a 4-parks/1-day day, and 2014 I made a point of eating something from each World Showcase country over the course of a several-day trip (NOT all in one day!). I also love doing lots of character meets and am not shy about doing that solo.

I am not a night owl or a consumer of adult beverages, so I can't speak to that. The only things I have intentionally avoided that I would like to do someday are meals at a few places like Sanaa and Spice Road Table, where I want to wait for my next "sisters" trip so we can share food. I've also never done a "family style" meal alone. I would always avoid MK on a Saturday (or any other non-recommended day - I like easywdw's crowd calendars), but that's my advice for everyone.

Mostly, chill out and have fun!

Thanks! I am really looking forward to this. I usually travel with my mom, but I am making a Christmas weekend trip with my best friend and we are staying at POFQ. Mom and I just stayed at POR for our F&W weekend and we are also staying for four nights at POFQ for a split stay with the POLY over my birthday in April (last trip out of the AP). I mainly chose the AKL for something different, but telling mom it had inside corridors seemed to make her think it was safer for me, lol! I have air miles to pay for the plane ticket and my park ticket paid for, so I figured why not?

Eating around the world sounds like a lot of fun! I also want to see every night time show this trip. I have seen them all, but never in one trip. Mom doesn't like to stay for them. She likes to beat the crowds out. I also can never get her out of bed for rope drop (my favorite)!

 

[Trixie15]

I'm going solo for the first time ever in January as well. I'm really excited for it! Not having to compromise and make plans with other people all the time is going to be so different from what I'm used to doing. Somehow it's always my 'must-dos' that get skipped when there are 5 other people to please in a trip.

To prepare for my trip, I'm making a schedule for myself so that I stay on top of my time. I'd hate to go all the way to Disney by myself specifically to do the things I've always wanted to do, only to dilly-dally my way around or dink around on the computer and waste all that precious time alone.

Rope drop is on my list of goals for this trip! I've never been able to get the family up and going early enough to make it, but I'm an early riser and thrive on very little sleep, so it should be easy for me to get up early and stay late.

Dining plans are challenging - I'm very comfortable eating alone but I hate to waste food, so I'm trying to make plans at places where the portion sizes aren't so huge.

Have fun and keep us posted on your plans!

 

[karly05]

Eating around the world sounds like a lot of fun! I also want to see every night time show this trip. I have seen them all, but never in one trip.

Seeing All Nighttime Shows sounds like a fun goal! Maybe I will do that on a future trip after they get Rives of Light going at AK. I am not a night owl, so am hit-and-miss on seeing the nighttime shows.

I have seen people here talk about snacking around the World Showcase in one day, but I think you'd have to be part of a group that could share things. I did my "Eat Around the World" as a mix of TS, QS and snacks spread over a several day trip.

 

[hamilkm]

Seeing All Nighttime Shows sounds like a fun goal! Maybe I will do that on a future trip after they get Rives of Light going at AK. I am not a night owl, so am hit-and-miss on seeing the nighttime shows.

I have seen people here talk about snacking around the World Showcase in one day, but I think you'd have to be part of a group that could share things. I did my "Eat Around the World" as a mix of TS, QS and snacks spread over a several day trip.

January is a good month for you to make the night time shows your goal! The latest one is illuminations at 9. Wishes is at 8pm when I'm there!

 

[hamilkm]

I have a couple of other questions for you solo travel experts out there. Do you eat dinner in the bars/lounges at the signature restaurants often? My other question is can you order off the full menu in these places. There are a few I would like to try and thought this might be a good opportunity. My other question is have you ever done tours solo? I am considering Keys to the Kingdom and possibly the Wild Africa Trek? Thanks for your thoughts and your encouragement! It's nice to know I'm not crazy!

 

[lustergirl]

Going solo is the best. I spent a week in late April on a solo trip. Had the best time in my life. Going back in late January on my 5th solo trip.

 

[goddess_rx]

We'll just be missing each other. I am going Jan 10-16th. Hope you have a fabulous time!

 

[hamilkm]

Thanks guys! I am so looking forward to this trip now. My grandmother is now in the icu in critical condition dying. It will be such a relief to get to head to Disney once all this is over.

 

[StLDisFan]

#1 tip: DON'T AVOID ANYTHING!

I remember my first time going solo I was worried about everything; I was so self-conscious! There is nothing else quite like being a big, burly 20y/o-ish, solo male traveler at Disney to make you feel that way. I avoided certain rides altogether, reluctantly rode others, hid in corners and felt like I was on stage while eating at every restaurant. Sadly I am not exaggerating here. But midway through the trip I just came to the conclusion that I was in it for me and that I shouldn't care what others think. Turns out that nobody did care! Whodda thunk it?

From that first trip, I learned that nothing should be avoided and everything is worth exploring (at least once) at WDW. I cannot speak on behalf of doing tours solo (yet... my next big adventure will probably consist largely of touring), but I have done everything from room service to signatures, quick service to the Hoop Dee Doo Revue. I ride on Dumbo like I'm 5 years old, sing along with the Country Bears, pay visits to both Figment and Stitch, and even volunteered as a suit of armor for Belle's Tale I love exploring the resorts even though I could never afford some of them, I have done the Drinking Around the World.... twice... and not remembered much of it.... twice... I have dressed up for MNSSHP and stayed awake and partied for the full 24 hours back in May. But through it all have felt like I have grown in my love and appreciation for going solo to Disney and it's all because I don't avoid things; heck I don't think I would want to invite anyone else nowadays because I have so much fun on my own!

But that is the beauty of going solo. You don't (or shouldn't) avoid anything because YOU dictate what all is worth seeing and doing in the first place. I might avoid photo ops, but that's because, quite frankly, I don't like my picture being taken. I might avoid Disney Junior - Live on Stage, but that's only because I have zero desire to see a show about something I have zero interest in (who knows though with such little to do at DHS, I might just check it out). You obviously have the solo lifestyle figured out, and Disney is no exception. You might get the occasional stare or awkward comment (granted I probably shouldn't cry as much as I do at Wishes or laugh as much as I do HDDR or sing as much as I do during CP or Finding Nemo), but I wouldn't have changed anything about my solo trips (the good, the bad, and the ugly). I have loved every single one of them!

I could (obviously) go on much longer here but for the sake of not rambling on, are there specific questions or tips you are looking for? You asked about the signature restaurants vs bars and lounges. If understand you correctly, you are looking for items from the restaurant to be offered at the bars/lounges as like an appetizer or something? I don't think they do that really (some don't offer food, while others offer a fairly limited selection); there might be the occasional overlapping item here or there, but you won't get the same selection I don't think. So honestly, I think it depends on you and what you are looking to get out of those meals. I prefer actually sitting in at those signature restaurants. The dining experiences alone are well worth it and generally, the meals never disappoint. I typically don't drink with my meals (I occasionally pair a beer with it, but I don't like wine and cocktails should be served before/after), but there have been a couple of times I have had a my signature meal and then gone over to the bar/lounge for a night cap. But honestly I would choose a nice meal over a couple of drinks and light appetizers. But again, it depends on you, your stomach, your food preference, your budget and your itinerary (I have taken over 2 hours for signature meals). But I have been to several of the signatures/bars/lounges (and more to come during my Dec trip!). Which ones are you looking at specifically?

In any case, it is definitely exciting that you are testing the waters of going solo to Disney. In my opinion, you have made a FANTASTIC decision!

 

[samsteele]

I have a couple of other questions for you solo travel experts out there. Do you eat dinner in the bars/lounges at the signature restaurants often? My other question is can you order off the full menu in these places. There are a few I would like to try and thought this might be a good opportunity. My other question is have you ever done tours solo? I am considering Keys to the Kingdom and possibly the Wild Africa Trek? Thanks for your thoughts and your encouragement! It's nice to know I'm not crazy!

I don't usually eat dinner in the bars/lounges as I prefer my own table and eating in the main restaurant like most other guests. I did enjoy the Territory Lounge at the Wilderness Lodge last Feb (shares a few little things with Artist Point). I had the charcuterie board but I think its off the menu now. The cobbler dessert may be one of the few things it still shares. If this is your first time eating solo at WDW, something like Boma might be a good way to start your first night as you will be up getting food often so less time to feel self-conscious. My best advice would be to eat where you really want to based on the menu and theming.

Re tours: Behind the Seeds in Epcot's Land Pavilion is a great, lower cost tour. If you enjoy the Living with the Land ride, you'll love the tour. Its a shorter tour so doesn't eat up as much of your park time. I did the Wild Africa Trek some years ago with a niece and it was incredible. Of course, the price has exploded since that first year it was offered.

 

[AprilDreamsOfDisney]

I am so excited for you! I have ALWAYS wanted to do a solo trip, and actually seriously considered doing a last minute this December for a weekend just so I could see the Osborne Lights before they're gone for good.

I hope you do a trip report as I am super curious! I'm sure you'll love it!

 

[PirateSAM]

#1 tip: DON'T AVOID ANYTHING!

I remember my first time going solo I was worried about everything; I was so self-conscious! There is nothing else quite like being a big, burly 20y/o-ish, solo male traveler at Disney to make you feel that way. I avoided certain rides altogether, reluctantly rode others, hid in corners and felt like I was on stage while eating at every restaurant. Sadly I am not exaggerating here. But midway through the trip I just came to the conclusion that I was in it for me and that I shouldn't care what others think. Turns out that nobody did care! Whodda thunk it?

From that first trip, I learned that nothing should be avoided and everything is worth exploring (at least once) at WDW. I cannot speak on behalf of doing tours solo (yet... my next big adventure will probably consist largely of touring), but I have done everything from room service to signatures, quick service to the Hoop Dee Doo Revue. I ride on Dumbo like I'm 5 years old, sing along with the Country Bears, pay visits to both Figment and Stitch, and even volunteered as a suit of armor for Belle's Tale I love exploring the resorts even though I could never afford some of them, I have done the Drinking Around the World.... twice... and not remembered much of it.... twice... I have dressed up for MNSSHP and stayed awake and partied for the full 24 hours back in May. But through it all have felt like I have grown in my love and appreciation for going solo to Disney and it's all because I don't avoid things; heck I don't think I would want to invite anyone else nowadays because I have so much fun on my own!

But that is the beauty of going solo. You don't (or shouldn't) avoid anything because YOU dictate what all is worth seeing and doing in the first place. I might avoid photo ops, but that's because, quite frankly, I don't like my picture being taken. I might avoid Disney Junior - Live on Stage, but that's only because I have zero desire to see a show about something I have zero interest in (who knows though with such little to do at DHS, I might just check it out). You obviously have the solo lifestyle figured out, and Disney is no exception. You might get the occasional stare or awkward comment (granted I probably shouldn't cry as much as I do at Wishes or laugh as much as I do HDDR or sing as much as I do during CP or Finding Nemo), but I wouldn't have changed anything about my solo trips (the good, the bad, and the ugly). I have loved every single one of them!

I could (obviously) go on much longer here but for the sake of not rambling on, are there specific questions or tips you are looking for? You asked about the signature restaurants vs bars and lounges. If understand you correctly, you are looking for items from the restaurant to be offered at the bars/lounges as like an appetizer or something? I don't think they do that really (some don't offer food, while others offer a fairly limited selection); there might be the occasional overlapping item here or there, but you won't get the same selection I don't think. So honestly, I think it depends on you and what you are looking to get out of those meals. I prefer actually sitting in at those signature restaurants. The dining experiences alone are well worth it and generally, the meals never disappoint. I typically don't drink with my meals (I occasionally pair a beer with it, but I don't like wine and cocktails should be served before/after), but there have been a couple of times I have had a my signature meal and then gone over to the bar/lounge for a night cap. But honestly I would choose a nice meal over a couple of drinks and light appetizers. But again, it depends on you, your stomach, your food preference, your budget and your itinerary (I have taken over 2 hours for signature meals). But I have been to several of the signatures/bars/lounges (and more to come during my Dec trip!). Which ones are you looking at specifically?

In any case, it is definitely exciting that you are testing the waters of going solo to Disney. In my opinion, you have made a FANTASTIC decision!

Just wanted to say how much I enjoyed your post. It was extremely well thought out and articulated with some pretty decent advice for any solo visitor.
As a solo traveler myself, I was very impressed, and will take what you said with me on my next trip. Looking forward to Jan/Feb 2016...

 

[StLDisFan]

Just wanted to say how much I enjoyed your post. It was extremely well thought out and articulated with some pretty decent advice for any solo visitor.
As a solo traveler myself, I was very impressed, and will take what you said with me on my next trip. Looking forward to Jan/Feb 2016...

Thanks for the nice comment! Honestly, I just like to ramble... hahah I could go on and on (with much more detail), in regards to tips, but sometimes I just have to cut myself off But I am always happy to lend advice when possible and I am glad to be of some use for ya! For the last few years, I have wanted to try a late January trip, but it won't happen with work conflicts. I suppose I could settle for a December trip though...

 

[PirateSAM]

Thanks for the nice comment! Honestly, I just like to ramble... hahah I could go on and on (with much more detail), in regards to tips, but sometimes I just have to cut myself off But I am always happy to lend advice when possible and I am glad to be of some use for ya! For the last few years, I have wanted to try a late January trip, but it won't happen with work conflicts. I suppose I could settle for a December trip though...

Don't cut yourself off...keep the tips flowing. Help the wayward Disney souls needing advice!

Actually, I usually go for the first week in February; but this year has been a not-so-great year for me, so I decided to do a two-weeker in 2016! Didn't want to get too close to President's Day crowds, so I pushed it up a week and will be there last week January and first week February. At least both weeks are supposed to be low crowd ones, but who knows. There is no low season anymore! LOL

 

[Oneanne]

Number one tip: Have a fabulous time!

I've done both Keys to the Kingdom and Wild Africa Trek solo and really enjoyed both. It's an opportunity to spend time with a group of people and chat... during my May trip I did Undiscovered Future World and didn't talk anyone very much (there wasn't a real lunch break, just a quick eat and dash), but part of the tour was preferred viewing for Illuminations that evening which one couple from the tour also took advantage of it and we chatted the entire time.

Some of the TS restaraunts do have bars you can sit at instead of a table, one of my favorites is Flying Fish were you can either sit and watch them cook or make drinks. This last trip (mid-October) I did something totally different and didn't book any ADR's, because I didn't want to keep to any sort of a schedule... it helped a lot that it was F&W, but I can totally see doing another trip that way as it was so relaxing.

I also got an AP this year because I knew I would be going twice - May and December - and ended up throwing the October trip in as a bonus. It's weird (in a kind of wonder way) to have another trip coming up in a month when I've just come back... I'm usually in complete count down mode at this point, but for this upcoming trip I'm thinking heck, I'll just throw some clothes in the old suitcase and head to the airport!

 

[gap2368]

I just booked my first solo trip for January 20-25th. My friends and family I have told so far all think I am crazy. First, for traveling by myself and second because I have already been to Disney multiple times this year. We bought an AP when we were there last April and I will admit my mom and I have used it quite frequently, but due to the cost increase we won't be renewing it. I have my room booked at AKL. I started out with POFQ, but when there was an Orbitz discount code that would let me stay at the AKL for only $200 more for the entire trip I figured I would splurge for deluxe. Plus it made my mom stop protesting quite so much when she heard I was staying at a resort with inside corridors, even though we always stay moderate and have neither one ever felt afraid. I was wondering what tips you guys might have? This is my first solo trip anywhere. I have flown alone before and drive out of town to visit friends all the time alone, but this is my first true solo vacation. I often split from my mom in the parks because she doesn't do the thrill rides due to back surgery, so I am used to touring some alone. I also live alone here at home, so I am used to shopping, eating, etc... alone. Have even done the movies alone a few times with no issues. What are things for solo travelers to avoid? Thanks so much for the help!

I took my solo trip to disney about 2 summers ago I was there just for 1 night before a conference this past April I went for a whole week so I consider that my first real solo trip.

I think I have more fun I can do what I want when I want for how long I want. I normally stay at either POP or all star sports and feel safe when ever I am I have some back at 2 am before I am a wear of my surroundings when coming and going I ask for a room close to transportation and make sure the door is locked when inside. close the curtains. I will tell you disney is one if not the safest place to vacation they take safety security very seriously intact the time I got there at 2 am was when I was coming back for a little trip to the ER I had to get a voucher for the cab ( yes disney dose pay your your transportation to and from the ER) well when I went out to give the cab the voucher one of the security people saw me and ask if I would like someone to walk me to my room I said sure and off we went there was no one else around and he was very nice to talk to altho I was half asleep.

as fair as the park goes I would say get to know people around you talk to other guest and CM I have had some wonderful conversation with the CM on main street I go so often that some of the recognize me even on there days off from prevues trips.

use the single rider lines, if you are in to it pin triad it is a lot of fun and very addicting take time to people watch and have a great time My last solo trip was 39 days ago and my next trip is in 11 days but I am not counting at all.

 

[hamilkm]

Well I have unfortunately had to cancel my solo trip. I'm really upset about it, but it was for a good reason and I still get an amazing vacation that week. My grandmother passed away a couple of weeks ago. My mom is really struggling and wanted something to look forward to after the holidays. So instead of Disney I am headed on a tropical vacation with her that week since I already have the time off work and everything. I am going to attempt to get a solo weekend in before my AP expires in April or maybe this is just a sign that I need to renew my pass. My mom and I are still going to Disney in April over my birthday (plus I am going in December with my best friend for a long weekend. She just lost her dad so we are hoping Disney might get us both in the Christmas spirit a little.) I will still be getting a Disney fix, just no solo Disney quite yet. Thanks for all of your amazing tips. I am still hoping to put them to good use sometime in the not too distant future!

 

[StLDisFan]

Sorry for your loss! While it is most unfortunate, this series of events in your life, I think most everything happens for a reason. Spending time with family and friends, sharing love and support, even if not at Disney ( ) are far more important than a solo trip; it's wonderful that you have taken that view on it. Disney (and possible future solo trips) aren't going anywhere, but family and friends unfortunately do. Glad to see you are making the most of those situations!