First time solo questions

[Fuzzymarkone]

Hello,

First time posting and all so howdy hi.

I was going to be visiting in the Spring but my mother had to pull out for medical reasons. So have decided to do a solo trip this December.

While have been numerous times before this is the first time solo, first time at this time of year, first time doing all my own planning, and also first time staying onsite (POFQ).

Lots of firsts

I was thinking of doing a few of the tours as it is not something others have been interested in doing. Is it possible to book these while I am there? I do understand that choices may be severely limited. But final budgeting will not be clear until very close to travel time.

Is shopping best left for the last day at Downtown Disney? Is there anything I may miss from the parks? (will be going to all 4 parks).

It has been about 5 years since last visited. Has much changed? I have been trying to find out about the new Fantasy Land, but all i seem to have found is new Little Mermaid ride and a new meet and greet setup. The ride I will certainly be going on. but a little too self conscious about queuing up for meets at least this first solo time.

 

[darkwingduck20106]

I am making my 1st ever solo trip in early December and I'll admit i am a little nervous about going myself too.

 

[FLkid]

also going first week of December SOLO! (first solo trip at that)

We always do DTD on the last day so we're not lugging our purchases through the parks or worrying about making sure we pack them.

 

[BrianL]

I am doing my first solo for Halloween!

First, don't feel self-concious about anything. Do what you want to, everyone there is very understanding.

For shopping, since you are on property, just have anything you buy sent to your room. No bags!

Big changes over 5 years? MDE and FP+ are the huge ones. Regular FP may or may not still be available by December (though I bet it will). New Fantasyland pretty much only has one dark ride in Little Mermaid, but you can gawk at the perpetual construction site that is 7 Dwarfs Mine Train!

Smaller changes are the Haunted Mansion's new interactive graveyard queue (if you FP+ it you will miss it), which I find very cool. Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom interactive game is all over the park (hit the Fire Station to sign in), and a similar Pirate game just around POTC. There is probably more, but nothing comes to mind at the moment.

Have fun!

 

[ludari]

I just returned today from another four day solo trip to WDW to do the Tower of Terror 10-miler. As far as your questions;

1. I would book your tours ahead of time to guarantee you have a spot. I've been on several tours when traveling solo and most of them have been sold out. Even if your budgeting is only finalized just before you leave reserve your tours. If its sold out at least you know and not worry about it when you get to WDW.

2. My general rule about purchasing anything is if you see something you like (especially at Disney) you buy it. Don't wait or hope you'll find it someplace else. I personally like to visit Downtown Disney (DTD) at least a couple of times because like the parks they sell things you might not see someplace else.

3. Five years since your last visit I do not know where to begin with all the changes but most recently is the expansion of Fantasyland with Little Mermaid, the meet and greet, Gaston's Tavern, enchanted tales with Bell and the Be Our Guest Restaurant (which you should not miss). Coming soon to the Fantasyland area is the Seven Dwarfs Mind Train. You will also find the Storybook Circus area with the Barnstormer, Dumbo Ride and a few other things. I'm sure if you do a web search you will find all sorts of new things around the various parks. I could go on but this email would be very long.

Have a great trip.

 

[Viva Las Disney]

I am making my 1st ever solo trip in early December and I'll admit i am a little nervous about going myself too.

also going first week of December SOLO! (first solo trip at that)

Solo week at WDW? I'm going solo the first week of December also. Can't wait.

 

[Fuzzymarkone]

Cheers for the replies, looks like still got lots to plan out

Gonna prebook Keys asap as that was the one was wanting to do in particular, then will see whats available from the ones which felt were would like to do but not too upset if miss this time sort.

Had completely forgotten will be getting option to deliver to hotel room, so thats one thing my backpack is having a sigh of relief.

Had read about the new Be Our Guest Restaurant, think will have to have a "very" early lunch on that day to get a seat.

 

[raybacchus]

I'm doing my first solo trip in December as well and also staying at POFQ. The closer it gets the more I look forward to it.

 

[schmcktgt]

I went solo for the first time earlier this month. Everyone here is supportive of a solo trip and will tell you it's great and you won't feel out of place. I wasn't really nervous until about 2 days before I went. I felt a little awkward on the spinning teacups, but that was because there was no help to make the ride really spin (the spinning is what really makes it fun!). I did character meet & greets and never felt out of place! I think you only feel odd or out of place if you make yourself feel that way. I felt like I got a little more attention/interaction from CMs sometimes because I was alone. I can't comment on the tours, because I didn't do any. it was a truly magical trip for me. I got to do whatever I wanted, whenever I wanted. It was a wonderful way to recharge and get in some "me time" in the most magical place on earth.

 

[bryanb]

I just did my first visit ever to WDW, and it was also my first solo trip! Unfortunately I only had 2 days to spend, since I was on business, and I was a little apprehensive at first about it. But I had so much fun I might decide to plan another solo trip someday!

Especially with the Epcot Food & Wine Festival going on, I really appreciated exploring everything at whatever pace suited me, eating whenever I wanted, and more. I couldn't do everything in such a short amount of time, so that did take the pressure off to do so. With all of the food options available, I didn't bother with a sit down restaurant but I wouldn't have a problem with that either.

When I wanted to make a spur of the moment change in plans, I just did it. When I wanted to chill at an exhibit, I relaxed. Plenty of times, cast members and other guests would chat it up.

I would definitely consider going back solo again. I'll definitely want to go with friends some day, and of course when I have my own family. But each experience is worth doing... you can see the World on your own terms... and then see it again through other's eyes.

 

[Fuzzymarkone]

Really starting to looking forward to going, only 31 days until travel.

Been using crowd prediction calenders to help decide which parks will wish to do on which day, but cant decide if want the busier day but longer hours, or to go to the park the day after evening extra hours and have quieter but shorter day.

Was thinking of on the day going to DTD to take a taxi over to the character warehouse. But was wondering if anyone has any recommendations for getting back to the hotel? Would have to assume my mobile will not work in the US as it is a fossil, so calling a taxi may be a problem.

 

[archrd]

Really starting to looking forward to going, only 31 days until travel.

Been using crowd prediction calenders to help decide which parks will wish to do on which day, but cant decide if want the busier day but longer hours, or to go to the park the day after evening extra hours and have quieter but shorter day.

Was thinking of on the day going to DTD to take a taxi over to the character warehouse. But was wondering if anyone has any recommendations for getting back to the hotel? Would have to assume my mobile will not work in the US as it is a fossil, so calling a taxi may be a problem.

Your phone should work, I know I am from Canada an had no problems. Another option would be to take the Orlando Lynx to and from the outlets from downtown Disney, if you are used to city transit buses it is a piece of cake and I consider it to be much safer than being in a can with someone.

 

[Fuzzymarkone]

Currently sat in Sassagoula floatworks waiting for bus to airport, and thought would pass on my thanks to all of you in helping persuade me to travel solo.

Would say that overall had a great time, with only a few minor bad points. Did 5 days of parks (2 at Epcot) and 1 day at DTD.

Crowd levels were great allowing me to do all the headliners several times in the morning then used fastpass later on. Longest queue I waited in was 90min for lunch at BoG which thought was a really nice place but the food was very `meh`.

Bus transport was excellent, but I did not use at park closing. Planned all my days starting early and finishing just ahead of the crowd surge.

The hotel was really nice for first time staying on site. And overall the staff were friendly, chatty and helpful.

Did get quite a few looks, but nothing too bad. A lot seems to still be stuck in the 1950s view of the atomic family. The number of staff in the shops that automatically thought that whatever I was buying was for wife/girlfriend/daughter/son/anyone other than for myself did start to get on my nerves and started to get to me on fourth day in magic kingdom. But that could be more due to my last point.
Had one staff member who when I mentioned single rider in space mountain called me forward to get me on the ride. Didn't matter that the loading gate had already closed. She then proceeded to shout at the guy controlling the gates to open up and let me on, holding the whole thing up, and making a huge scene that she had a single rider with her...totally embarrassing.

Was not expecting it to be as hot as it was, checked before travelling and looked like high 50s so packed accordingly, arrive and its 79-80 every day.

And finally I caught someone's cold which has been a pain for MK, HS and DTD.


Still overall would rate the holiday highly. Ty.

 

[Viva Las Disney]

Glad to hear you had a great time, I was at POFQ last week solo and loved it.

I had a few self conscious moments but 99% of the time I forgot I was solo. My most self conscious moment was waiting for my first character greet in MK, I was waiting to meet Goofy and Donald and I was literally the only single adult among a group of families with little kids. Luckily I had my Goofy BBQ shirt on that day and as soon as I got to the front of the line Goofy pointed at my shirt, pulled me into a hug, and I completely forgot about being a single adult.

I think Disney could make little tweaks, like figuring out a better way to address singles when they announce the "Jones Family" at places like Liberty Tree and 50's Primetime because I felt a little awkward walking up alone after they announced my "family", but overall I loved my solo experience and wouldn't hesitate to go solo again.

I also caught a cold last week, it sapped my energy to the point I needed a nap every day or I couldn't make it through the night.

The worst part of my Disney trip was how quick it went, that was the fastest week of my life.

 

[LaurrenLovesDisney]

I'll be travelling alone this coming October....301 days to go to be exact!!

I was wondering if anyone had any ideas about how to get around without driving? My hotel has free travel too Disney parks/ universal and sea world....but what about the shops

Do any if you know if hotels tend to do coach trips to large outlets or anything?

 

[wrestlingchick26]

I'll be travelling alone this coming October....301 days to go to be exact!! I was wondering if anyone had any ideas about how to get around without driving? My hotel has free travel too Disney parks/ universal and sea world....but what about the shops Do any if you know if hotels tend to do coach trips to large outlets or anything?

I'm going solo in October too- what dates are you there?

 

[wrestlingchick26]

I did solo at Disneyland 4 years ago and didn't feel out of place it awkward at all.
Heading to Disneyworld in October this year as a solo traveller so hoping I have exactly the same experience.

 

[englishrose47]

I have 3 solo trips and loved them !! Haven't done one in 4 years but definately would do again. I usually met up with other Dissers on these solo trips , travelling solo makes Dis Meets soooo much easier to plan. I loved coming and going as I saw fit , with no one else to consider . The only thing I noticed is at CP the characters sought of overlooked me !! Other than that it was all great!!

 

[ridisneyfan9]

I'll be travelling alone this coming October....301 days to go to be exact!!

I was wondering if anyone had any ideas about how to get around without driving? My hotel has free travel too Disney parks/ universal and sea world....but what about the shops

Do any if you know if hotels tend to do coach trips to large outlets or anything?

I have used the bus transit for Orlando it's called LYNX (golynx.com) from the airport to the Best Western in DTD before on solo trips. I'm sure there are other lines beyond the airport connector line i used to get to some shopping centers in the area.

It's great reading everyone's experiences of going (or about to go) solo! I've done several in the past 5 years or so and overall had a great time! I'm a pretty outgoing person so I've usually been able to make quick friends whenever waiting in line for an attraction, or out and about in World Showcase. Some places I've found easier to strike up a friendly conversation with others is the Rose and Crown in EPCOT, or the Boardwalk Area.

The CM's have all been very nice and welcoming. It can be kind of weird on a full bus, but people are usually as excited as you are, so why not smile at each other?

I think the best thing about taking on WDW on your own is the absolute freedom you have to do whatever suits you. If you want to get up crazy early and watch the sunrise and catch a rope drop, do it. Go back and take a nap at your resort, no one's gonna be annoyed! Stay up and head back to the Boardwalk (Jellyrolls!) or DTD. Or stop by somewhere new...explore! I've made a tradition now of stopping by the Tambu Lounge at the POLY, and it came about on a whim of being caught in the rain at the TTC and ducking into cover there using the path that connects the two!

I also did plenty of dining, that sometimes is uncomfortable when a bigger party/family looks over at you strangely. I tried to grab a seat at the bar if the restaurant had one.

I love taking a lot of pics while I'm there, so it's cool to get into finding great spots or views, especially if you have a camera app like Instagram or Hipstamatic.

I'm happy to say I'm taking my next trip to WDW in 23 days! Doing a split stay, two days at the Caribbean Beach Resort and then two at the Wilderness Lodge! I've never been to either!

Not going solo this time, my DGF and I are not only celebrating my 40th birthday, but also the arrival of our first child who's due in July! Whooo!

 

[TheDisneyPrep]

I was thinking of doing a few of the tours as it is not something others have been interested in doing. Is it possible to book these while I am there? I do understand that choices may be severely limited. But final budgeting will not be clear until very close to travel time.

I highly recommend the Keys to the Kingdom tour in MK and the Behind the Seeds tour in Epcot.

Keys to the Kingdom was booked well in advance, but it wasn't a full tour (we were traveling in first week of September) so the park was empty. It was a great tour - but I have heard it really just depends on your tour guide. Lunch is included in this one and you get to go "behind the scenes" underground and on rides with your Tour Guide, who speak to you in your ear giving you history of everything!

I also loved "Behind the Seeds," which we booked the morning of our tour. We went to The Land to grab our Soarin' Over California fastpasses, then stopped in to sign up. It was about ~15 per person with my Disney Visa discount! We loved it (two 26ish year olds!). You get to see, smell, and even TASTE the cool things going on backstage. It was awesome. This tour was also not full - so an easy walk on!

One big suggestion is the Disney Visa card... if you don't already have it then it might be good to look into, depending of course on your financial perspective/credit etc. You are given discounts on tours, discounts when spending $50+ in stores, and also there is a character spot in Epcot where you get a free 5x7 photo with two of the Fab Five. We use it every time!

Have fun - and please report back! Would love to hear what you decided!