Going Solo to WDW How many days do I need?

[phillipst47]

I'm planning my first trip to WDW since 1981 -- might as well be my first visit from what I can tell! My question is, how many days do I need to see everything? And does anybody get into the parks on the day they arrive and leave?

I'm off from September 8 to 19, so I've got time to play with. I'd like to keep the cost for hotel and park hopper tickets under $1000. 6 nights/7 days at All Star Sports puts me right at that number, but 5 nights/6 days is $100 less. Sigh...

I know I want to see MK and DS. I'm not sure if I really need a day each for the other parks.

Any ideas from the veterans?

 

[WizardLarz]

Are going for rides or do you want to see shows and parades too?
Rides only 4 Days is fine ,but to see the shows and parade giver yourself the extra day!
7d/6n means 5 full Days for the parks witch is what I did last summer.
Day 1: MK morning ,EC evening saw IllumiNations
Day 2: AK Wild by Design tour in morning
Day 3: DS was Star Wars Weekend
Day 4: EC most of the day ,late diner at Artist Point WL
Day 5: MK All Day untill after fireworks
What ever you do have a Magical Time!!

 

[pdchris]

I'd agree with Wizard but I'd add that the more days you have, the more leisurely the time spent. I did my first solo back in December. I'll confess the first night I was there, I went to DTD and came back a bit depressed as this was my first time with either DS or DD.
However, the next day and succeeding days, I found it was pretty nice to be able to go where I want, do what I want and take as much time as I'd like.
Allowing yourself some extra time also means you don't feel rushed to get to the park. I might suggest, though, that if you afford it, go with Park Hoppers.
When I was there, one day I visited HS, MK and ended up at Epcot.

 

[srwarden1928]

I had not been since 1990 until last year. You will need AT LEAST one day for each park. Depending on how gung ho you are you may need more. It is possible to see it all (or at least all you would want to see) in four days, armed with a good touringplan and using the recommended park days. It would be even easier as a solo traveler. You probably dont need hoppers, since its been so long that its all new to you, so you probably dont have a long list of things to skip this time. That will save you a little over 50 bucks.
Do consider rope drop. You can get so much done in that first hour or two. Avoid the EMH parks if you dont have the hopper. Have a magical vacation.

 

[phillipst47]

Thanks for the info! I'm hoping that solo will mean a lesiurely trip. I can skip what I want.

I'm going to have park hopper tickets, the cost isn't really that much more, and I'd hate to say I saved a few bucks but couldn't visit another park again. I'm into the rides and the fireworks and parades, but I get the feeling that Epcot is really more interesting than it seems on paper.

Space Mountain will be closed, which makes me sad, but I did ride it on my last visit to Disneyland a year or so ago. Plus... I think I want to make WDW an annual trip. That's what a tax refund is for, right? lol

 

[pdchris]

Have fun! I know what you mean about it being an annual trip. When I was at WDW last December, I figured it was my last trip. I have since changed my mind. I'm thinking of making it an annual trek, too.

 

[Vexorg]

I went solo for 4 days recently, and found it to be way too short (especially considering the fact that I was flying in all the way from Seattle.) I felt like I was rushing the whole time, and missed AK completely due to lack of time, and had little time to slow down and enjoy the big pool that the hotel had. If I went again (I most likely will at some point) I'll be going for at least seven days.

 

[spiceycat]

going for 3 days in March - that say - will back this year at least 3 more times.

so it is not necessary for me to do all the parks each and every time - so generally don't.

this time going to the MK and EPcot - that is all unless something is going on at Studio or AK that can't be missed.

mostly Epcot because the flower/garden will be going on.

 

[lauritagoddess]

Ideally it would be great to have a day for each park, plus a day or two extra to revisit your favorites. I'm only able to have 3 full days when I go in March plus about half a day on the day I arrive. I wish I could have more, but that's all I can take. I figure I'm going to skip AK since it's my least favorite park.

 

[Stacybaeasm]

I went for 7 days IN the parks last year for my solo October trip and loved it. I was able to do what I wanted and not rush around like I have on so many previous trips. this year, I am hoping to add a day to that so I have some resort time. yep, even with 7 full park days, I never seemed to have time to hit the pool. I was in a park each morning, quick break back to the hotel to rest/change shoes, and then back out to another park for the late afternoon/evening. Of course, for me, some of it is that I live far enough away and have a weird enough job schedule that I know it will only be one trip a year for me for awhile. Hope this helps!

 

[nurse.darcy]

My first "solo" trip was May of 2008. I put "solo" in quotes cause the truth is I went to meet other solo dissers. I was there for 6 nights/7 days at Pop. I saw a lot but not as much as I would have liked. . .though I had an ABSOLUTE BALL with those I met and spent time with. Went again in August with my son, then yet again in September but had a friend along. . .September was my shortest and MOST FUN TRIP ever. Rope drop without trying (friend was an early riser as well), Pictures, other friends, pool time. . .I saw EVERYTHING. . .even did EE 4 times in a row at AK rope drop morning. It was the best trip yet. . .I have another trip booked with my special someone (first time together at WDW) in March. . .I am so excited.

Okay back to the original question. If you post your dates, there may be other dissers there at the same time. Agree to meet. . .trust me you won't be dissapointed. I have made lifelong friends from my May 2008 meetup. . .I love those people. . .it was a fun and fulfilling trip