Going Solo in April 2015

[Delphinus317]

Hi All!

I've been mostly a lurker on DIS with a few posts here & there. Lately, I've been intrigued by the TR reports of solo travelers. So, it got me thinking about taking a trip to Disney in April 2015... All by myself. I've been to WDW as a lone adult when I took my older DS(now 19) in 2007 and in 2010 with my younger DS(now 9). In 2009, I took a solo trip to Ireland (Bucket List Item) & had the most amazing time.

I have a trip coming up in January with DS9, my friend, her 2 boys & her mom, staying at AoA. I'm really looking forward to that, but it got me thinking how much fun it would be to go by myself & do anything I wanted, go anywhere I wanted, eat anything I wanted.... *Insert WDW Solo Trip to Bucket List Here*

I have travel credits with Southwest that expire 8/2015 & I got a PIN for a room discount that applies in April, which I haven't priced out yet, but yeah, I think it's time to start planning another trip. My January trip will be paid off this month, so I'll be able to book a resort & airfare hopefully shortly after Christmas/New Year.

My main concern is airfare. Even with the credits, most of the "Wanna Get Away" fares are sold out for the dates I'll be traveling. And, the ones that are still available are completely outrageous. I'm hoping for a special sale at some point; Otherwise, it looks like Frontier may have some options.

Anyway, I booked my ADR's today!! Le Cellier, California Grill, Sci-Fi & Wolfgang Puck Cafe - Dining Room. My 3 favorite places & California Grill, I've always wanted to try, but it doesn't ever seem to work out.

I think what I'm looking forward to most is touring the World Showcase during the Flower & Garden Festival at my own pace, strolling around, enjoying all of the little details/entertainment/shopping that I've overlooked because, with the kids, I'm always "on-the-go". I'm also looking forward to that pace in Magic Kingdom.

So, if anyone has any good tips/tricks/advice for me, let me know. I'm very excited to join the ranks of solo travelers!!

 

[SueDonym3]

Congrats on your trip! Solo is awesome!

 

[Delphinus317]

Thank you! I priced out my PIN this morning & I can get an awesome deal for Coronado Springs Resort! Thrilled beyond belief!!

 

[tony67]

Just completed my annual solo trip - if you have some specific questions let me know.

One tip is to check the FP+ kiosks often...as a single rider there may be more options throughout the day. For example I was able to pick up Soarin randomly in the middle of the day because there was one opening. I just with there were a lot more Kiosks.

I'd recommend eating at the places where they have a bar/lounge when possible.

It gives you a lot more flexibility to eat when you are hungry...i dont liek to pick a time 6 months out especially when you are enjoying all the food stand at the festival

In addition (depending on your personality) it gives you an option to interact with the bartenders and other customers.

I met a lot of cool people at the bars and often ended up staying way longer then I expected in some cases.

Some recommendations:
The bar at the Polynesian - they have some really good apps and killer tiki drinks. The bartender Walter is very good and a lot of people come in and out of here.

The Wave - the apps are really good..try the pretzel..they have a really nice beer selection and Brie the bartender was very knowledgeable on beer

Tune in lounge - you can order form the pull menu at prime time..but you can sit at the bar and interact with the many regulars that seem to show up here. They make some really good shakes and you can add alcohol to them. The PBJ shake with chamboard was excellent. The bartender Julie really knows here stuff and is pretty cool. Some of the other bartenders were not so great.

Yak and Yeti - they have a really nice bar...you can order form the menu and a lot of people rotate in and out as they are waiting for tables. The beer is very reasonable priced for Disney (it's not Disney owned). The have really good apps and the bartender Jason was very cool. I came here for lunch at 11:30 and ended up staying till about 4.

La cava Tequila in Epcot is a must do...it was very packed during food and wine though so I never did get in

 

[HizMinnie2015]

YAY for you!!!

I am going in October '15 with my DFi/DH; but would give up a lot to get a solo trip... its always been on my bucket list.

 

[Delphinus317]

Just completed my annual solo trip - if you have some specific questions let me know.

One tip is to check the FP+ kiosks often...as a single rider there may be more options throughout the day. For example I was able to pick up Soarin randomly in the middle of the day because there was one opening. I just with there were a lot more Kiosks.

I'd recommend eating at the places where they have a bar/lounge when possible.

It gives you a lot more flexibility to eat when you are hungry...i dont liek to pick a time 6 months out especially when you are enjoying all the food stand at the festival

In addition (depending on your personality) it gives you an option to interact with the bartenders and other customers.

I met a lot of cool people at the bars and often ended up staying way longer then I expected in some cases.

Some recommendations:
The bar at the Polynesian - they have some really good apps and killer tiki drinks. The bartender Walter is very good and a lot of people come in and out of here.

The Wave - the apps are really good..try the pretzel..they have a really nice beer selection and Brie the bartender was very knowledgeable on beer

Tune in lounge - you can order form the pull menu at prime time..but you can sit at the bar and interact with the many regulars that seem to show up here. They make some really good shakes and you can add alcohol to them. The PBJ shake with chamboard was excellent. The bartender Julie really knows here stuff and is pretty cool. Some of the other bartenders were not so great.

Yak and Yeti - they have a really nice bar...you can order form the menu and a lot of people rotate in and out as they are waiting for tables. The beer is very reasonable priced for Disney (it's not Disney owned). The have really good apps and the bartender Jason was very cool. I came here for lunch at 11:30 and ended up staying till about 4.

La cava Tequila in Epcot is a must do...it was very packed during food and wine though so I never did get in

Thank you for the bar tips!! Funny you went there, cuz I'm pretty comfortable eating/drinking at bars by myself (Does that make me sound like a lush? Haha ). The camaraderie at a bar makes me happy. So, I will absolutely check those places out! Because I'll be on a short timetable, between the Polynesian & The Wave, which would you recommend first? I'll only have one MK day, so if I have to pick only one, which would be best?

Also, I'm planning on going to La Nouba one night, is there any place in DTD, West Side that you'd recommend? The more I think about it, the more I like this plan better & better!

 

[Delphinus317]

YAY for you!!!

I am going in October '15 with my DFi/DH; but would give up a lot to get a solo trip... its always been on my bucket list.

Congratulations on your engagement! I wish my boyfriend had some interest in Disney, I tried talking him into spending a few days in Epcot, eating/drinking around the World, but he's not biting. I don't get it, but it doesn't matter, I'm beyond thrilled to be going solo! Thanks!!

 

[tony67]

Between the Wave and the Poly is a tough one - I'd go with the Poly.

Things to help you decide:
There is no food until 4 at the poly and jsut apps..and it is really about Tiki Drinks (try the Lapu Lapu) - it will also be very busy unless you get there early.
I had to wait about 15 minutes to get a seat once someone was called for their table.
Also - if it is very busy the staff wont be able to chat and you may feel like they are ignoring you as you wait to order your drink...but Walter seems to know who got to the bar at what time and handles everyone in order - be patient and he will get to you - keep in mind he is also making the drinks for the restaurant - so he is slammed

The wave is more about beer (and fish), for example they have a Belgian quad and triple.
They also have food all day .. and some nice local seafood. Them menu changes every few months and so do the beers.
It will be much quieter than the Poly..so not as much opportunity to strike up random conversations and the customers tend to be more business people at a conference than Disney goers.

I don't really do DTD - I find it a pain to travel all the way there...I always think about it but there are so many options at the resorts I never make it.

Raglan Road is OK...but their tiny Guinness really annoys me..they have gone to the trouble to order smaller American Pint glasses instead of Imperial Pint Glasses, yet the price is still the same as a proper pint. I find the food average at best.
I spend a lot of time in Ireland (at least 1 month every year), so as far as Irish Pubs go this place misses the mark for me, but I guess I'm a little spoiled.

House of Blues is a decent option

maybe someone who has spent more time at DTD can chime in

 

[Delphinus317]

Between the Wave and the Poly is a tough one - I'd go with the Poly.

Things to help you decide:
There is no food until 4 at the poly and jsut apps..and it is really about Tiki Drinks (try the Lapu Lapu) - it will also be very busy unless you get there early.
I had to wait about 15 minutes to get a seat once someone was called for their table.
Also - if it is very busy the staff wont be able to chat and you may feel like they are ignoring you as you wait to order your drink...but Walter seems to know who got to the bar at what time and handles everyone in order - be patient and he will get to you - keep in mind he is also making the drinks for the restaurant - so he is slammed

The wave is more about beer (and fish), for example they have a Belgian quad and triple.
They also have food all day .. and some nice local seafood. Them menu changes every few months and so do the beers.
It will be much quieter than the Poly..so not as much opportunity to strike up random conversations and the customers tend to be more business people at a conference than Disney goers.

I don't really do DTD - I find it a pain to travel all the way there...I always think about it but there are so many options at the resorts I never make it.

Raglan Road is OK...but their tiny Guinness really annoys me..they have gone to the trouble to order smaller American Pint glasses instead of Imperial Pint Glasses, yet the price is still the same as a proper pint. I find the food average at best.
I spend a lot of time in Ireland (at least 1 month every year), so as far as Irish Pubs go this place misses the mark for me, but I guess I'm a little spoiled.

House of Blues is a decent option

maybe someone who has spent more time at DTD can chime in

Wow! Thanks for all the great info!! I'm fine waiting for drinks when I know the bartenders are slammed, so no biggie for me. The Poly sounds more my style, I'll scope it out during our January trip when we hit 'Ohanas.

Have you been to any bars/lounges/restaurants at Coronado Springs? I'm planning to stay there & thinking it could be another option for dinner before La Nouba (or after any day in the parks).

 

[tony67]

Wow! Thanks for all the great info!! I'm fine waiting for drinks when I know the bartenders are slammed, so no biggie for me. The Poly sounds more my style, I'll scope it out during our January trip when we hit 'Ohanas.

Have you been to any bars/lounges/restaurants at Coronado Springs? I'm planning to stay there & thinking it could be another option for dinner before La Nouba (or after any day in the parks).

I always try to stay at Coronado Springs when possible, but surprisingly I've never been to the bars. I did try the restaurant and was under impressed by the food and drinks.

The QS location is OK..but not great

This is more of a convention Hotel so I suspect that the bar will be more business people and a little dull...but that is just a guess

 

[Delphinus317]

I always try to stay at Coronado Springs when possible, but surprisingly I've never been to the bars. I did try the restaurant and was under impressed by the food and drinks.

The QS location is OK..but not great

This is more of a convention Hotel so I suspect that the bar will be more business people and a little dull...but that is just a guess

Haha. Ok, thanks again!!

 

[Delphinus317]

After doing a little research, I think I'm going to try Splitsville Luxury Lanes in DTD for dinner before La Nouba. I wrote it off because of its name and it's a bowling alley, but its menu looks awesome, it has some great reviews for the sushi (I love sushi!!), and they have bars inside & out. Hopefully, I was wrong to judge a book by its cover & it'll turn out to be fantastic!

 

[PippiDancer]

I am will be going solo in April too! It is my first solo trip, so I don have any tips, but I'm very excited! The airfare was ridiculous. I booked my flights the day after Southwest released them and there were already a bunch of flights selling out. And I paid twice as much as I was planning.

 

[Elevationist]

CONGRATULATIONS!!!

I just returned from my first solo trip 2 months ago today. I'm SO READY to go back! My next trip won't be solo, though... My aunt and uncle (both in their 50s, haven't been since they were small children) saw on Facebook how much fun I was having all week during my solo trip, and decided they want to go with me on the next one.

But I digress... SOLO IS AWESOME. I had my BEST TRIP EVER. I too am very comfortable being on my own, and I absolutely loved the freedom to come and go and sleep and do and eat as I pleased, without ever once having to consult another person!

My best advice is what helped me the most in the months and weeks and days leading up to my trip... Read Trip Reports from other solo travelers! (And this isn't just a plug to get get you to read my Sept. TR in my signature either, I swear it!) That was my biggest and best resource... Reading the walk-throughs of other Disney soloists trips. It really assuaged a lot of my fears and concerns, and gave me lots of ideas of things to try when it was time for MY big solo trip!

Good luck, and don't hesitate to let me know if there's ever a question I can try to answer for you!

 

[Delphinus317]

CONGRATULATIONS!!!

I just returned from my first solo trip 2 months ago today. I'm SO READY to go back! My next trip won't be solo, though... My aunt and uncle (both in their 50s, haven't been since they were small children) saw on Facebook how much fun I was having all week during my solo trip, and decided they want to go with me on the next one.

But I digress... SOLO IS AWESOME. I had my BEST TRIP EVER. I too am very comfortable being on my own, and I absolutely loved the freedom to come and go and sleep and do and eat as I pleased, without ever once having to consult another person!

My best advice is what helped me the most in the months and weeks and days leading up to my trip... Read Trip Reports from other solo travelers! (And this isn't just a plug to get get you to read my Sept. TR in my signature either, I swear it!) That was my biggest and best resource... Reading the walk-throughs of other Disney soloists trips. It really assuaged a lot of my fears and concerns, and gave me lots of ideas of things to try when it was time for me MY big solo trip!

Good luck, and don't hesitate to let me know if there's ever a question I can try to answer for you!

Thanks! Your September TR was actually one of the Solo TR's that inspired me to start planning.

Enjoy your next trip!

 

[Delphinus317]

I am will be going solo in April too! It is my first solo trip, so I don have any tips, but I'm very excited! The airfare was ridiculous. I booked my flights the day after Southwest released them and there were already a bunch of flights selling out. And I paid twice as much as I was planning.

The flights are the biggest headache, aren't they?!? I've been taking a *watch-and-wait* approach to the April Trip. I stalk southwest just about every day. I'm hoping right before they release their next round of dates, they'll have a sale for April. Otherwise, I'm looking at about $200-$250 R/T, which is less than I'm paying for January flights. So, if I can stay right around that price point or less, I'll be happy.

I'm planning on being there April 24-29th, so if you're there around that time, maybe we'll run into each other. I guess I should update my profile with an actual picture. Haha. Enjoy your trip!!!

 

[Elevationist]

Thanks! Your September TR was actually one of the Solo TR's that inspired me to start planning.

Enjoy your next trip!

Oh, YAY!!!! That makes me SO happy, since that was the biggest reason I wanted to write a trip report, to help others who might be considering solo travel! YAAAAY!

Thankfully I don't have to fly to WDW, but as a travel agent, I can tell you that $200-$250 is dang good for a round-trip flight. I'd say most domestic flights I book for clients range in the $300-$400 range. You're doing great on the airfare if you can snag it for that low!

 

[PippiDancer]

The flights are the biggest headache, aren't they?!? I've been taking a *watch-and-wait* approach to the April Trip. I stalk southwest just about every day. I'm hoping right before they release their next round of dates, they'll have a sale for April. Otherwise, I'm looking at about $200-$250 R/T, which is less than I'm paying for January flights. So, if I can stay right around that price point or less, I'll be happy.

I'm planning on being there April 24-29th, so if you're there around that time, maybe we'll run into each other. I guess I should update my profile with an actual picture. Haha. Enjoy your trip!!!

Flights were a huge headache! I ended up having to move my arrival day because there weren't any flights that worked for the day I planned. $250 is an amazing price, I ended up paying over $800! I'll be there April 18-26, so we will have a few overlapping days