First Trip and it's a Solo!

[kittycub]

Back history: when I was 3 my parents left me at my Aunt and Uncles (I did have a fun time there) and took my brother to WDW. I have yet let them forget that the BIGGEST DISNEY FAN in our family was "left behind." They promised me (too many times to actually give it a number) that when I was older they would take me too.

Fast forward 28 years: I have a good job and decided that I have earned enough money for a proper Disney vacation that was always promised and never delivered.

So I need help with where to stay and the best advice to go solo. I am planning on traveling to WDW for the EPCOT food and wine festival because I love culinary arts as much as I do Disney. Thanks for reading! ~ Sarah

 

[hotblooded]

What's your budget like? Since you'll be focusing on Food & Wine, I'd go with the Beach Club or another Epcot area resort. You can't beat the amenities and convenience! If you're on a budget, Port Orleans French Quarter is a big hit with the adult crowd. It has a nice, quiet atmosphere, and it's just a short walk from Port Orleans Riverside if you're looking for some relaxing resort time.

 

[lthiesfeld07]

Hi Sarah!
I'll be there during Food and Wine too. I am running the Tower of Terror 10 mile run on September 29. It will be my first Food and Wine fest. I am excited!
I'll be staying at Pop Century. (Hoping to possibly switch to Port Orleans Riverside or French Quarter. )

 

[Shelly F - Ohio]

As PP said I would stay at the Beach Club. That way when you are done at Epcot just board the boat to go to your hotel. Since it is a solo trip if you get board in the evening go to the boardwalk and people watch, catch a magic show, have a snack at the bakery or a drink at ESPN.

 

[goofy_joe]

I'm also going for F&W when it opens at the end of September and staying for the first week in October. Also there for Epcot's 30th anniversary, as the park opened 22 days after I was born

Last year I did F&W mostly by myself and got a lot of use out of one of those gift cards you can wrap around your wrist. I'm the one who goes in, tries stuff, and then tells his parents / touring companions what to get and what to avoid.

This time I was at WDW (March 22 - today), I had extended family and my older brothers, their wives, and their kids in town. However, we all do our own thing except for one big family gathering when we all get together, so I alternated between playing with my nephews and niece in or out of the parks and going off on my own.

Other times I've shared a villa with my parents and spent some time with them and whatever guests they've brought to WDW, but most of the time I've spent on my own (except when I'm playing the Disney golf courses with my dad). You can get a lot of things done in the parks on your own. Sometimes, even if there isn't a "single rider" line, you can get called up to fill in a space on a ride vehicle.

One thing I'd recommend is taking a tour - this is a great way to connect with other travelers (some of whom are flying solo themselves) and to learn a lot about WDW. Last fall, I did unDISCOVERED Future World at Epcot, and had a great time with my group and guide. (We even reunited that evening in a reserved fireworks viewing area.)

However, I'd be careful about which tour you take if you haven't visited before. Don't do Keys to the Kingdom or Backstage Magic until you've gone in the parks a few times. I did KTTK five years ago, and it worked for me since I've been to MK so many times, but if you've never visited, it might "ruin the magic" for you a little bit since they reveal some of the secrets to their productions. Good tours that won't give away too much would include The Magic Behind Our Steam Trains (if you like the WDWRR) or Behind The Seeds at The Land - which is mostly on-stage in the greenhouses in any case.

Have a great trip!

 

[DisneyDee27]

Hi Sarah,
The F&WF is a great time to go to WDW. You'll have plenty to see and do while on property. You haven't said how long you plan to stay. If its 5 days or less stay in a value and get a dining plan. I love the Pop and am looking forward to the Art of Animation resorts. The Restaurants are fantastic and having gone many times as a single you won't feel lonely while dinng. In fact you may get more attention than the family of 6 I love the dining plan and being able to use your snack credits at the FWF is awesome and a great money saver.
If you're going to stay for 7+ days I like the moderates. Especially PORFQ it's small yet lovely and the jazz bar is quite fun in the evenings. I've had great conversations with people in the giant hot tub as well.
If you're going big bang and do a deluxe by all means do the Boardwalk, Yacht or Beach as they are close to EPCOT and the Boardwalk nightlife.
The culinary events are fantastic, if you don't book the food or beverage demos before hand get there early the day of and purchase tickets first. Then enjoy the park. I'm going with two newbies Oct 20-27 and I'm excited to show them around...
Have a magical trip
Dee
Ps you've come to the right place for Disney faqs explore the boards and enjoy your trip

 

[kittycub]

Ok apparently I forgot to add some info so here it goes. Five days at Disney from about September 27 or 28 to October 2 or 3. Still deciding. Budget <$2000. Thanks for all the help and ideas! Already looking forward to WDW.

 

[goofy_joe]

I guess that for accommodations, it really depends on what else you want to spend your budget on. If you're going to only want a place to sleep and plan on spending all your time and money in the parks, then a Value resort may work well (Pop, All-Stars). However, for an experience that may be closer to the parks and a little more comfortable, you may want to go with a Moderate instead (POFQ, POR, CSR, CBR).

Are you looking to spend more on park experiences, merchandise, or food / drink when you're at WDW? (And you can spend quite a bit on all three categories )

 

[sam_001]

if you can make it a sun-thurs at a value resort $563,mod $951,deluxe $1850 that's without theme park tickets or the meal plan the dates are from sept 30 - oct 5 the hotel rates are higher on fri and sat nights have fun

 

[DisneyFreak06]

My first trip was solo too! I was 30 and had waited my whole life. You will have a wonderful time no matter where you stay! I stayed at Pop my first solo trip, and again when I took my nephew. Then I stayed at POFQ with my sister and my friend on a shopping trip, and at All Star Music solo again. I have also stayed at the All Star Movies resort and the Grand Floridian. I loved every Disney hotel I've stayed in. If you think you'd really love the "Disney cartoony" feel, then a value is perfect! I love staying at the values. The only thing missing is a view of the castle!

 

[WSLover]

If you stay at Caribbean Beach Resort which is the closest mod to Epcot - with Free Dining and a Park Hopper ticket for 6 days - the price comes to $1455. The Dining plan would give you 1 table service, 1 counter service, and one snack per day. If you are a foodie this will give you the chance to try several WDW restaurants.

I love CBR and have stayed there several times with family and solo.

If you want the convenience of the Boardwalk or Beach Club then you could try renting points at DVC which will keep you within your budget. It would be 56 points for a studio at the Boardwalk for your timeframe. This would not include your park tickets or food.

 

[MyMuse]

My first Disney onsite trip was solo trip and for my Birthday when I was way older than you! LOL!

I stayed at POFQ and had a lovely time there, no trouble getting to the parks. However, if you really want to be budget conscience, then POP is a good choice. Never had any problem with buses, etc, though with Art of Animation opening and possibly sharing buses, I don't know how true that would be.

However, if you want to be all about F&W, then get the wrist giftcard and wonder aroiund the World. Fab experience!!!!

If you want to stay within walking distance of Epcot, then there are no budget-friendly options. LOL!

Going solo means you do want you want when you want. If you want to meet up with people that you possibly met on the board, then you can do that too.

I've never had a problem with dining solo. I have my cell (gotta check twitter baby!), you can carry a journal and write in that, you can text, etc to keep yourself busy. I personally, do not like the bar seats. Or you cna try someplace like Biergarten or Teppan Edo wjer eits communal atomsphere.

Have a great time!!!

 

[ScottFL82]

I would also suggest considering the Swan and Dolphin Hotel. You can take a boat right over to Epcot. You still get the benefits of EMH when staying at this hotel, and it is a nice place where you can sometimes find great rates...there is my 2 cents Like everyone else said, no matter which hotel you choose, you will definitely have a great time!