First solo trip, need logistics help

[Dustykins]

So, my daughter's band will be marching at MK next March (the week before Easter, not when I would pick, but it is what it is). I'll be going by myself, most likely flying because I can't imagine a 17 hour drive, one way, by myself (and I also don't think I'd be saving any money that way). We've mostly always driven and always stayed on property, usually All Star something or Pop. I don't plan to rent a car. This is also my first time really traveling by myself, as a single woman. (I've flown by myself to meet someone and I've flown just my kids and I, but never by myself).

I'm only going for three days, one day each for MK and EPCOT and one day split between AK and HS (I'm not a big thrill ride person, AK will probably be me rope dropping KJS, maybe NRJ and a show or two and HS will be mostly shows, probably). Logistically, does it make any sense to stay off property? I think it would be cheaper, but is it hard or expensive to get to and from the airport or the parks from off property? Will I actually be saving anything that way? I've always felt safe on Disney property, even when it was just my kids and I. Would it be the same off property? Are there areas to avoid?

Thanks!

 

[CarolynFH]

You might save some money staying at one of the Disney Springs hotels https://disneyspringshotels.com/ that has a shuttle, but you need to check the schedules and routes for them because they don’t run like Disney resort buses. Or you’ll use rideshare. Personally I’d stay onsite for transportation convenience, and I think I’d feel more comfortable onsite if I were alone, too (although the DS hotels are fine).

You’ll have to pay for transportation between airport and wherever you stay, so that’s probably a wash.

 

[brad813]

So, my daughter's band will be marching at MK next March (the week before Easter, not when I would pick, but it is what it is). I'll be going by myself, most likely flying because I can't imagine a 17 hour drive, one way, by myself (and I also don't think I'd be saving any money that way). We've mostly always driven and always stayed on property, usually All Star something or Pop. I don't plan to rent a car. This is also my first time really traveling by myself, as a single woman. (I've flown by myself to meet someone and I've flown just my kids and I, but never by myself).

I'm only going for three days, one day each for MK and EPCOT and one day split between AK and HS (I'm not a big thrill ride person, AK will probably be me rope dropping KJS, maybe NRJ and a show or two and HS will be mostly shows, probably). Logistically, does it make any sense to stay off property? I think it would be cheaper, but is it hard or expensive to get to and from the airport or the parks from off property? Will I actually be saving anything that way? I've always felt safe on Disney property, even when it was just my kids and I. Would it be the same off property? Are there areas to avoid?

Thanks!

Since Magical Express no longer exists, you are either MEARS for on property or Lyft for both. Now, how much you save depends on where you stay off property, but with you being a single woman, perhaps the Disney Springs area would be your best bet to save a little money. You’d be able to take a bus back to Disney Springs at the end of the day and get most on property perks, and it’s likely safer because it’s on property without being Disney owned. The area of Kissimmee along Irlo Bronson and I Drive can be hit or miss otherwise. I’ve stayed at the nearby Super 8, and while it was ok for no frills, I don’t feel I saved much, if anything.

 

[nursejackie]

I am planning my first solo trip for a run Disney next year. As a single female, I will be staying onsite, I'll use Mears shuttle to/from the airport and Disney transportation for park days before/after race day. I've stayed on site many times, and I feel it would be safer for me, as a lone female. My personal opinion of course, others may disagree.

 

[brad813]

I am planning my first solo trip for a run Disney next year. As a single female, I will be staying onsite, I'll use Mears shuttle to/from the airport and Disney transportation for park days before/after race day. I've stayed on site many times, and I feel it would be safer for me, as a lone female. My personal opinion of course, others may disagree.

I actually think on property or Disney Springs is likely best for single females, from a safety and security standpoint. As both are well patrolled, there is less overall risk.

 

[georgina]

As a 62 year old single female, I have never felt unsafe staying at the Flamingo Crossing hotels and using Uber/Lyft to get around. Lately I have stayed at the Fairfield Inn, with free breakfast. OP could always price it out and see. I used to stay onsite more, but lately it has not always seemed worth it.

 

[Leigh L]

When I travel solo (usually part of trips where I opt to stay a few days longer than the family who has to get back to work - I can work from anywhere), I'll take Mears and typically stay on-site, usually All-Stars or Coronado, depending on prices. With Disney Springs hotel fees and transportation costs, anytime I have compared prices seem to pretty much equal out. That may depend on the time of year though?

I feel pretty comfortable/familiar using Disney transportation, so I always go for that option. I've never done a rideshare without one of my adult kids. Mears I think, is $16 each way.

 

[Bete]

I'm favoring on site. If you had a longer stay, then off site might be a possibility to save money. You won't save that much for three days. I'd rather save the money by having cheaper meals if you want to budget.

It will take longer to get to the parks and back from offsite. With a short stay it's not worth it.

Also, I like to be immersed in the Disney bubble. As a single lady I feel safer on Disney property, too. I'd get a room closer to the lobby.

Also, there may be a few perks staying on site.

 

[StageTek]

Logistically, does it make any sense to stay off property? I think it would be cheaper, but is it hard or expensive to get to and from the airport or the parks from off property? Will I actually be saving anything that way? I've always felt safe on Disney property, even when it was just my kids and I. Would it be the same off property? Are there areas to avoid?

Thanks!

It might be a little cheaper to stay off property but is isn't as convenient. Disney Springs hotels will feel as safe as Disney proper. Yes there are areas to avoid but no need to research those - just spend the extra money and stay on property.

Have you done any checking on hotel rates in other areas? Is the money saved truly that much? Consider transportation cost and I think you'll find that staying on property evens out - cost wise.

 

[jimmymc]

I personally prefer staying on-property for a few reasons. Number 1 is the transportation. Other hotels do have shuttles, but they tend to run once an hour at most and are sometimes shared between two parks. They also drop off at the TTC instead of Magic Kingdom. Number 2 is the Disney bubble. The savings you get staying and eating off property aren't as large when traveling solo, so I'll pay a little extra to have my hotel be part of the experience. Number 3 is how nice the All Stars and Pop Century rooms are for solos. One main bed, a table where the second bed pulls down, a decent bathroom, and giant TV are pretty much all I need in a room for a park-focused trip. Unless somewhere off-property was saving you hundreds of dollars, I'd go with the All Stars or Pop.

For logistics, the cheapest option is taking Mears connect. It's slow, so I don't recommend it if you're also doing a park on your arrival or departure day. I normally use Uber/Lyft, whichever is cheaper or I have credits for. They're easy to get at the airport or anywhere on-property.

 

[2vets]

I am planning my first solo trip for a run Disney next year. As a single female, I will be staying onsite, I'll use Mears shuttle to/from the airport and Disney transportation for park days before/after race day. I've stayed on site many times, and I feel it would be safer for me, as a lone female. My personal opinion of course, others may disagree.

I do the same and for the same reason.

 

[abdgeek]

So, my daughter's band will be marching at MK next March (the week before Easter, not when I would pick, but it is what it is). I'll be going by myself, most likely flying because I can't imagine a 17 hour drive, one way, by myself (and I also don't think I'd be saving any money that way). We've mostly always driven and always stayed on property, usually All Star something or Pop. I don't plan to rent a car. This is also my first time really traveling by myself, as a single woman. (I've flown by myself to meet someone and I've flown just my kids and I, but never by myself).

I'm only going for three days, one day each for MK and EPCOT and one day split between AK and HS (I'm not a big thrill ride person, AK will probably be me rope dropping KJS, maybe NRJ and a show or two and HS will be mostly shows, probably). Logistically, does it make any sense to stay off property? I think it would be cheaper, but is it hard or expensive to get to and from the airport or the parks from off property? Will I actually be saving anything that way? I've always felt safe on Disney property, even when it was just my kids and I. Would it be the same off property? Are there areas to avoid?

Thanks!

As OP have said, if it fits your budget, I would suggest staying on Disney property. Logistically, it is so much easier. I travel solo all the time and I’ve never felt unsafe when I’ve decided to stay off property at WDW. However, I do lots of research first when deciding where to stay so that I know it’s somewhere safe. IMO, finding hotel rates under $200 a night has become more challenging. By time you add in Uber rides to and from the parks, any savings is spent.

I recently attended a conference in Orlando where we stayed at the Hilton Garden Inn at Sea World. The nightly rate was about $160 before tax. I bought tickets to MNSSHP and took Uber to/from the hotel to MK. I think I paid about $20-$30 each way. Keep in mind that Uber drivers can’t always drop off at the park. For MK, I had to be dropped off at the Transportation & Ticket Center and take the monorail in. That’s where I also had to go to be picked up. I’ve also used the public bus to get to the area parks. While it is cost effective, it is not time efficient. With surge pricing, the last time I got an Uber from MCO to an Orlando hotel, it was $25+. If you have the Uber app, you can put in your sample destinations to get an idea of what the cost may be. Good luck with your decision.

 

[Mouse Tracker]

my daughter's band will be marching at MK next March (the week before Easter, not when I would pick, but it is what it is). I'll be going by myself

How much access / time are you planning for daughter?

 

[Dustykins]

How much access / time are you planning for daughter?

Basically none. She'll be with her band for the most part, they're staying off property and spending one day at Universal and I just don't really like Universal.

 

[Ensusieasm]

So, my daughter's band will be marching at MK next March (the week before Easter, not when I would pick, but it is what it is). I'll be going by myself, most likely flying because I can't imagine a 17 hour drive, one way, by myself (and I also don't think I'd be saving any money that way). We've mostly always driven and always stayed on property, usually All Star something or Pop. I don't plan to rent a car. This is also my first time really traveling by myself, as a single woman. (I've flown by myself to meet someone and I've flown just my kids and I, but never by myself).

I'm only going for three days, one day each for MK and EPCOT and one day split between AK and HS (I'm not a big thrill ride person, AK will probably be me rope dropping KJS, maybe NRJ and a show or two and HS will be mostly shows, probably). Logistically, does it make any sense to stay off property? I think it would be cheaper, but is it hard or expensive to get to and from the airport or the parks from off property? Will I actually be saving anything that way? I've always felt safe on Disney property, even when it was just my kids and I. Would it be the same off property? Are there areas to avoid?

Thanks!

As a frequent Disney World Solo traveler, I strongly recommend:
On property for so many reasons.
All Stars for economy.
Mears round trip ground transportation.

 

[Spinster Travel]

I travel solo frequently for work and also for Disney stays. Rarely does it ever make sense for me to stay off property - this is based on convenience and also amenities/transporation. Free breakfast at an off-site is definitely a perk/cost savings you won't get on property, but the free shuttles that off-site hotels offer do not run with the same frequency as WDW bus service. Personnally I like that I can come and go as I wish within the bubble without a lot of thought. Given that you are only there for a few days and you plan to hit the parks, you'll be happy to have the option to run back to the hotel and rest for an hour or so without worrying about transportation. Pop, Port Orleans and Coronado are my go-to resorts when I'm staying on my own cash (opposed to my DVC points). As for getting to/from the airport - I prefer to use Lyft (not Uber or Mears). I find that Lyft has the most cars available at MCO and is always the same price as Uber if not a couple of bucks cheaper. Mears is definitely the cheaper option, but it will take a long time to get to the resort and they will take you to the airport much earlier than is realistically required (unless you are flying Southwest AND checking a bag - Southwest has been a nightmare to check in for several years now - given that they are going to be charging for bags very soon, this will make the check in/bag drop process an absolute nightmare for the foreseeable future in my opinion). You'll have a BLAST! I felt odd the first solo trip but I was in town for work and wanted to visit Disney -now I go solo all the time and its become my preferred way to visit WDW!

 

[disneyseniors]

OP, I know you said you don't like Universal, but I guess I would want to stay where the team is staying. Universal has a number of shows in each park, lots of unique shops and areas, good food, and a great atmosphere. They also have the Harry Potter lands which are worth the ticket price alone, to me There is a lot to do and see at Universal besides going on rides. Staying at one of their resorts is a must for us. They have anything from value to premier resorts. I have heard from others who stay at the values that say they are like the moderates at Disney. . Just something to consider if you consider staying onsite at Universal.

 

[nevertoo muchdisney]

I have done many solo trips as a fellow adult woman. I would say staying on property has always made me feel more secure. To me I have heard of bad experiences in some of the off property hotels it’s a bit rolling the dice. The savings won’t be that great and if you are only doing three nights I think it is worth the extra to stay onsite and use Disney transportation especially at night.i also prefer to be closer to the lobby so I’m not walking far alone at night. For those and many other reasons I do love port orleans French quarter.

 

[kwdw]

I've done both (on and off property stays) as a solo female traveler. For short trips, the option to do Mears Connect from the airport to an All-Star usually comes out the cheapest for me. Just the $32 RT bus cost - no other transportation costs. No trying to match my schedule to a hotel shuttle or pay for rideshares everywhere. And the early entry for on-site guests is sweet. This is what I do MOST of the time. Once I hit 3 nights - I do a grocery order to save even more money, but for a two-night stay, I probably would not also do a grocery order, but I'd still pack some food options in my suitcase.

Sometimes if I want to be off-property, I rent a car, but rental car prices aren't as cheap anymore so the math hasn't been working out for me to go that option lately. And that would usually be with longer stays, anyway. I really like the Flamingo Crossing area, but I've stayed multiple places and as long as you are picking a chain hotel in a tourist area, I don't think you need to worry about your safety too much. For me, though, I don't love ridesharing as a solo woman, and hence, I really only stay off-property if I rent a car. Yes, I do rideshare sometimes, just not frequently.

I did rent points for a SSR studio stay recently, too. It was more lodging cost - but the benefit of the deluxe evening hours was HUGE for me.

 

[emilyann704]

I took my first solo-anything trip in 2022 when I was stir crazy from Covid and my partner couldn't come with. I hadn't been to Disney in about 25 years and figured it would be an easy place to be solo and feel safe (I'm 40). I was right.

I stayed at Coronado Springs since it was the cheapest moderate and I liked the option of hotel bars and restaurants vs a Value food court/no bar. I wasn't planning on getting drunk, it just felt more comfortable and safer to have a drink at the end of the night in my hotel vs somewhere else. Where you stay is really up to you and your budget. I'm looking at value resorts next time because I really only sleep at the hotel. I don't spend any significant time there. Any Disney hotel is convenient and very, very safe. I liked staying on property because it felt safer being in the bubble and I like using the resort transportation. Uber's add up quickly if you think you'll come back to the room at any point before the end of the day. I travel in May when it's hot so I usually return to the room around 3pm to shower and nap and head out again around 5/6pm. Part of the joy of being solo is getting to do whatever YOU want to do so having free transportation to do whatever I feel like at the time is very nice.

If you fly into MCO definitely use Mears shuttle. It was simple and only $16 vs $40+ for an Uber. Returning via Mears can be a pain because you do get to the airport a little earlier than I'd prefer but again... $16. It's up to you whether it's worth it.