First Time Solo Trip

[labfan]

Was thinking of a solo stay, possibly in May 2012. Any suggestions on a patricular resort? Any resort except POR - only because I already stayed there once with family and want to try somewhere different.
I will still be going to each park and just taking my time to do what I want and when I want.
A little nervous about going alone since this would be a first. But also a little excited. Looking forward to taking my time and really seeing things. Time to take lots of pictures.
Suggestions on interesting solo things to do would be appreciated also. Any tours and restaurants you recommend?

 

[roxysmum123]

I'll be there in May too!!

I really like POFQ, but I'll be staying at POP this time. If it's in the budget, WL and AKL are my all time faves.

You will LOVE doing Disney solo, you may be travelling by yourself but you're never "alone" if you don't want to be.

Tours I have enjoyed solo have been the Backstage Safari and Wild By Design tours, they're very well done and lots of photo opportunities when you're "on stage". As far as meals, I always make sure to do Teppan Edo when I'm travelling solo, I always meet some really great people there as it's more of a "communal dining" experience. I've honestly never had a bad experience dining solo in any of the restaurants though, so I'm sure you'll have a good time no matter where you go.

 

[DisDiva2]

I live close so it's a little different but have gone solo to the parks (while my boys are at school) and it is amazing the pictures I was able to take with no interruptions! Have a great time!

 

[karmutt]

I've done WDW solo twice, once in May (2008) and once in September (2010). Both were really nice times of the year to go, same sort of weather and crowds.

The 2008 trip, I did a split stay - Pop Century and POR. I was supposed to be at POP for 3 or 4 days or something and I lasted one night. I just found it way too noisy. It wasn't necessarily the people, there was this weird, constant banging from somewhere. Never figured out what it was, but it drove me out after the first night. A room at POR was available, so I moved over there.

I liked it so much, I wanted to stay there for my 2010 trip, but ended up a POFQ because I got a really good deal on Travelocity. I liked it a lot there as well.

Take advantage of the single rider lines on Everest, RnRC, and Test Track.

Last time I was there I did the Behind the Seeds tour. I'm not a gardener, I was more interested in the science behind what they're doing. It was really interesting.

Restaurants aren't really my thing (I wouldn't eat if I didn't have to), but one thing I really like is to get an order of chicken fried rice (cheap and filling lunch) from the Yak and Yeti quick service area at AK and go and sit by the river to eat. There are a couple of little outlooks with tables right across the water from the Tree of Life. I'd just sit for a bit, eat, feed the birds, and try to spot the animals carved into the tree. I'm moving about 10 minutes away from AK next year and this is something I'm looking forward to being able to do regularly (because I am a geek).

 

[GaSleepingBeautyFan]

You may like POFQ solo. There is only 1 bus stop which is really nice.

I've done several resorts solo (take a look at my sig) and I've really liked WL for Deluxe, POFQ for moderate.

I didn't care for Pop but I wasn't there solo. I'm trying ASMu for my next solo trip.

I love eating at the various restaurants and my family doesn't so I usually do a couple of ADR's each trip. I've never done character dining solo.

I haven't done any tours solo yet but I am considering trying the newer one at AK. I love the Animation Drawing class at DHS and try to do it once or twice per trip.

If you go during the Flower and Garden Festival in May, you'll have plenty to do exploring Epcot. I can easily spend 2 days there.

Have a great solo trip!

 

[cassie]

I go solo most of the time. My fav resort is POFQ. I've stayed at AKL, CBR, ASMO, and POR. It's great to go where you want, and do what you want.

I prefer the CS dining, and you can still get some healthy meals if you check the dining menus.

I've done the keys tour at MK, behind the scenes at AK, and the dolphin tour at Epcot. Gerat fun and entertaining.

 

[SDS33]

I'm getting ready to go on my first ever solo trip. You sound just like me. I'm nervous and excited. My husband, kids and I have always drove 900+ miles. This trip I'm getting on a plane for the first time. That's what I'm the most nervous about. I didn't want to be on the side of a highway with a flat tire or a possible broken down car and not know what to do.

 

[Hollymom1229]

I did my first solo trip this past May and it was wonderful. I stayed at AKV-Kidani. I moved at my own pace, saw the shows I wanted to see, spent time just people watching, talked with other people, ate what I wanted, and just generally relaxed. I ate counter service most the time, but I did do one nice meal at Jiko. They have the cooking place there which is great for solo travelers. I really enjoyed talking to the chefs while I ate my dinner.

 

[labfan]

Thanks for all the wonderful replies. I'm thinking I will enjoy going solo and having some "me" time. Plus you're not really alone - there's always people around to possibly strike up a conversation with.
Now I just have to keep researching to see where I plan on staying and if I want to do any special tours.

 

[alrightguy]

Im going in may too staying atPOFQ but wont be there till late on the 25th so i can get up on the saturday after i get there and go to hollywood studios "STAR WARS WEEKENDS" never been so im looking forward to getting some good pics and maybe some autographs if you will be there around that time let me know ill hang with you if you want and if not have a good trip this will be my 4th solo trip there so enjoy i do.

 

[seadd67]

This will also be my frist solo,i have always gone with my DS,he has moved out and on ward so its just me Mickey and Mini now. I am a restraunt lover,i do the DxDP, i know this will at least give me a chance to take in all my fav places. Also golfing, i can do all the disney courses. I am debateing between POR or POP??. Been to both,love both I am leaning torads POP,but what ever one it would be fine. I to love to people watch, and just take my time. It will be diffrent but I love Disney so, and the thought of not going any more just makes me sad,so the planning is on

 

[Lynn57]

Two weeks ago I went down on my first solo trip and had a blast! I only ate at CS locations and saved a lot of money compared to my previous trips by doing this. I chatted with a lot of CMs and other guests throughout the parks and did everything I wanted to do without worrying about others. I stayed at VWL because my parents are DVC members, but I'm sure you will be happy wherever you stay!

My biggest suggestion is to interact with the CMs and other guests in line. It was really wonderful talking to so many people and getting to know them.

 

[NJDiva]

Was thinking of a solo stay, possibly in May 2012. Any suggestions on a patricular resort? Any resort except POR - only because I already stayed there once with family and want to try somewhere different.
I will still be going to each park and just taking my time to do what I want and when I want.
A little nervous about going alone since this would be a first. But also a little excited. Looking forward to taking my time and really seeing things. Time to take lots of pictures.
Suggestions on interesting solo things to do would be appreciated also. Any tours and restaurants you recommend?

I love going solo! I can honestly say I have never felt "lonely" or that people were watching me. most times they are so wrapped up in their own magic then didn't have time for me. I am a big fan of the moderate resorts, they are in a good location and most times don't have a lot of kids running around (if you're there to relax, the last thing you need are kids having a meltdown on the bus coming back because they are over-tired)
I take A LOT of pictures, eat at every restaurant that suits me that day (including a character meal or two) and even stand in line to take pictures with characters (stood in line for 20 minutes to be with P&F).
May is a great time to go, the weather is good, the crowds are manageable and the Flower and Garden festival is something not to miss.
take a look at the menus of the different restaurants and see what looks good, you may not like sushi so obviously you wouldn't go there but I will say that they do have one of the best sushi bars in FL.
Enjoy your trip, I'll be there the first week of May for my birthday...

 

[Jett456]

Getting excited now just by reading the boards. Maybe I should splurge and stay at a moderate. I'm not a foodie but do like to have decent food. What are some good places to go solo without spending too much.

 

[GaSleepingBeautyFan]

Looks like I've already posted earlier in this thread but I wanted to add some stuff:

I like food so I book TS restaurants solo too! The only one I've felt uncomfortable at was Le Cellier and that was because I had an overzealous waiter who was actually getting on my nerves because he kept coming to the table too much.

My fav CS restaurants solo so far:

MK - Cosmic Rays to enjoy the sounds of Sunny Eclipse and Harbour House where I grab an upstairs table overlooking the HM que area and watch the people.

EP - so far I like Sunshine Seasons and the bakery in France. Both of these have great people watching. I'll be trying the Tangerine Cafe on my next solo trip so I might just end up with a new Epcot favorite.

DHS - this is going to sound odd but I like eating at the Commissary. They have a burger topped with fried shrimp that I like and I enjoy relaxing and watching the TV's.

AK - I like the Yak & Yeti CS. I think it's because of the adult beverage window. LOL There's the Flame Tree BBQ which has a wonderful seating area with nice views but I can't eat BBQ anymore so I don't go there to avoid tempting myself.

Have a great time!

 

[Jett456]

So the difference between staying at the Holiday Inn Downtown Disney and the French Quarter is $100 including everything. I was able to get a promo code that was attached to my name in their system. $134 per night for a moderate is good right? No free wifi though. I am spending so much time on this when I should be getting my house ready for company tomorrow. I am obsessed.