Going solo at Magic Kingdom?

[Bridgett_Anna]

For the first time ever,I will be going alone to Magic Kingdom. I am kinda nervous. I usually go with people. Does anyone have any tips? I don't know why, but I am actually kinda scared to be alone.

 

[DaisyDuck001]

From a safety standpoint, be aware of your surroundings.

Other than that, enjoy the freedom to make your own choices without having to consult anyone. You may find that it is "a whole new world"!

 

[SureAsLiz]

Magic Kingdom is one of the best parks to go solo to IMO

It's big enough to do what you want and still fill the day. And with FP+, you are most likely to get what you want after the initial 3.

Personally, the only rides I find awkward as a solo at MK are the spinning ones (Dumbo, Aladdin, etc). They usually need two rows of people to work fully (up/down and angle) and I'm just not a huge fan of spinners.

But every other ride is great solo. You might get paired with another group on boat rides (Pirates, IaSW) but more often than not, especially if it's not during peak hours, you end up with a row to yourself.

Plus being a single rider can help you skip lines

If you're comfortable with it, character meets can be a great way to pass time as well. None of them have ever said anything about being a solo-traveler, and are always very interactive.

 

[BalooFan]

If you are scared for safety reasons, although you should always be aware wherever you are, WDW is a pretty safe place. I can't recall being anywhere at WDW (other than my room) where I haven't been within earshot of several other people. If you are scared because you will be self-conscious about being alone, most people won't even notice you or anyone else who isn't part of their party. Bring a smartphone or tablet so you can keep occupied while waiting in line or during a meal. Hold your head high and enjoy the opportunity to do what you want to do!

 

[Hannahinwonderland]

I recommend just strolling around and taking in the atmosphere. Take the chance to do things that traveling with a big party doesn't allow you. I solo visited MK many many times during my college program. When you first walk in, you feel super awkward, but then suddenly it hits you that you are in the Magic Kingdom and you can do whatever you want!

 

[Jenniedisney]

Hey I'm jumping in on this thread! My sister is going solo in September, she's a bit nervous about going on her own and she hasn't been to WDW for about 5 years. Does anyone have any tips for dining whilst there? I know QS is a good option but if she wanted a sit down meal? Thank you Enjoy your trip Bridgett_Anna !

 

[karly05]

OP, can you tell us a little more about what specifically you're nervous/scared about? If it's physical safety, I'll agree with PPs, take your usual common sense precautions, but I think WDW is probably one of the safest vacation spots for a solo. If you're concerned about being lonely - I'm used to doing things alone in my regular life and am a big ol' introvert, so I enjoy touring solo, but I know other people thrive on companionship and would be unhappy without it. Only you know where you fall on that scale. If you're feeling awkward, try not to (easier said than done, I know). As others have said, other guests are busy with their own families - and frankly, who cares what they think, anyway? And I guess, the ultimate answer is, you'll never know if you like it until you try.

If you're comfortable with it, character meets can be a great way to pass time as well. None of them have ever said anything about being a solo-traveler, and are always very interactive.

I love character meet & greets and have done a lot of them. Characters (and their handlers) are awesome. I DID get a comment once about being a solo: Merida excitedly asked me if I was "enjoying a day of freedom!" and she thought that was great.

 

[Bridgett_Anna]

OP, can you tell us a little more about what specifically you're nervous/scared about? If it's physical safety, I'll agree with PPs, take your usual common sense precautions, but I think WDW is probably one of the safest vacation spots for a solo. If you're concerned about being lonely - I'm used to doing things alone in my regular life and am a big ol' introvert, so I enjoy touring solo, but I know other people thrive on companionship and would be unhappy without it. Only you know where you fall on that scale. If you're feeling awkward, try not to (easier said than done, I know). As others have said, other guests are busy with their own families - and frankly, who cares what they think, anyway? And I guess, the ultimate answer is, you'll never know if you like it until you try.



I love character meet & greets and have done a lot of them. Characters (and their handlers) are awesome. I DID get a comment once about being a solo: Merida excitedly asked me if I was "enjoying a day of freedom!" and she thought that was great.

I feel like going alone will make me feel awkward the whole time.

 

[Grumpy247365]

I feel like going alone will make me feel awkward the whole time.

I thought the same thing the first time I went solo, but I realized nobody is paying attention to me. I can only tell you to just go, have fun, and try not to think of what anybody else may or may not be thinking about you.

 

[drp4video]

Ended up solo last May, not intentional, but the only really awkward ride in MK was It's a Small World. I was in a row on the boat all by myself. lol. I did miss having someone to share the parks and resort with when solo. Perhaps if it has been a planned solo trip I would have been more prepared. Didn't find out I would be solo till I boarded the plane and got a call that my mom wasn't meeting me at WDW as she got to her airport and didn't feel well and went to the ER. (she was fine). I was also worried about her the whole time I was there so it was a little stressful as well.

 

[SureAsLiz]

I feel like going alone will make me feel awkward the whole time.

Last year I entered a park over 150 days, with maybe 10 or 15 of those not being solo.

I felt terribly awkward the first time. Some of that was that I had never been in these parks before so it was almost like traveling a new city by myself. But once I got in, I oriented myself (though I still get lost in DAK - the paths in that park change so often I never know where I am), tried everything out, and then continued to do what I enjoyed. If you have something you love, then go do it and enjoy it.

Other than that, I don't have many tips. It is awkward at first if you aren't used to it, but you have to get to a point where you say to yourself "it doesn't matter what anyone here does or does not think about me. I have just as much a right to be here as they do, and I am going to enjoy this as fully as I can"

 

[beachfan]

I visit friends who live in Orlando, but are not available everyday. I am often solo. I do try to book a lot of table service meals. I hate roaming around trying to get food and then having to sit on a curb somewhere if no seating is available. The only time it was pointed out that I was a solo diner was at Chef Mickey's when the mouse himself pointed to the empty seat at my table! I just shrugged my shoulders and off he went!! beachfan

 

[DaisyDuck001]

I visit friends who live in Orlando, but are not available everyday. I am often solo. I do try to book a lot of table service meals. I hate roaming around trying to get food and then having to sit on a curb somewhere if no seating is available. The only time it was pointed out that I was a solo diner was at Chef Mickey's when the mouse himself pointed to the empty seat at my table! I just shrugged my shoulders and off he went!! beachfan

Maybe Mickey thought you had a companion who had stepped away, and was giving you a chance to ask him to return to meet that person.

 

[BaltimoreLauren]

I've been to WDW, specifically MK, twice by myself. The very first time I ever went was solo and I loved every second of it. There's something really peaceful about being by yourself. You're on your own schedule, you do your own thing..It's pretty awesome!

 

[Magickingdomprince]

You are going to have so much FUN! I love going to Disneyworld by myself.

 

[DisneyFan2013]

For the first time ever,I will be going alone to Magic Kingdom. I am kinda nervous. I usually go with people. Does anyone have any tips? I don't know why, but I am actually kinda scared to be alone.

My only tip is to have fun! As long as you're respectful of other guests, do whatever you want and have a great time! I've taken two solo trips so far and have spent time at all the parks. The Magic Kingdom isn't my favorite because I find the Main Street crowds to be overwhelming, but I do love taking photos in front of the castle so I make sure I do that. I also love Wishes and Big Thunder Mountain. Believe it or not, on my last solo trip, I think I spent less than an hour at the Magic Kingdom. I walked in, went back to Fantasyland because I had a FP for Winnie the Pooh, decided I didn't feel like riding it, walked back to Main Street and bought a cookie from the bakery, and then I left! lol That was not my original plan at all but when you go solo, you can be flexible and change things up on a whim.

 

[DisneyFan2013]

Ended up solo last May, not intentional, but the only really awkward ride in MK was It's a Small World. I was in a row on the boat all by myself. lol. I did miss having someone to share the parks and resort with when solo. Perhaps if it has been a planned solo trip I would have been more prepared. Didn't find out I would be solo till I boarded the plane and got a call that my mom wasn't meeting me at WDW as she got to her airport and didn't feel well and went to the ER. (she was fine). I was also worried about her the whole time I was there so it was a little stressful as well.

I've ridden It's a Small World solo lots of times. I like having a row all to myself, so I didn't mind. The only ride that was somewhat awkward for me solo was Mad Tea Party, but it was no big deal.

 

[AnnaS]

I sort of went solo once - One year I took my daughter and her friend. Except for a breakfast and a dinner, I was more or less on my own. I had a hard time sitting by myself for meals the first two days. I was okay after that. Going to the parks solo/TOWL, Boardwalk area and Disney Springs alone was not a problem. Be aware of your surroundings. Bring a book, use your phone, iPad, etc. for your meals if you need to. Go and have a good time. It is nice not to have to worry or check with anyone about where to eat, go, etc. Only downside, can't share your great moments with anyone but I would not let this stop me.

 

[loves to dive]

I've been solo three times, each time a little longer because I enjoyed it so much the time before. Go slow and enjoy the place, take the time to sit and relax. My advice would be if you aren't used to going places by yourself, practice at home. Go out to eat at a sit down restaurant, go to a movie, etc. I eat out alone a lot, my guy travels so I take the opportunity to eat places he wouldn't eat. I just take my kindle and read while I eat. I go on a lot of trips by myself, long weekends to the beach or to my favorite place, Jekyll Island here in Georgia. When at a nice restaurant, I have my kindle ap on my phone and read that. I do the same thing while in lines at Disney. I can't tell you how many times I've had the chef at a restaurant come out and talk to me, both at Disney and other places. The wait staff will tell him I'm solo and out he will come. I've had them cook special things and send them out. I'm not young or famous, they just want you to be comfortable. Just relax and enjoy it.