HELP! I'm making my first solo trip and have no idea!

[Uuaww]

So basically I came into 2 free airline roundtrip tickets and decided to sell one to my mom for $300 and use the other to go to Orlando. Now the deals on the rooms have the prices for 4 days in the park plus 3 nights (POP) for about $460. I have about $300 of my other money I want to spend so I won't be doing anything other than parks and food (that's all I really want to do anyways). Now I don't like sit-down restaurants because I am a 20 year old guy college student with 6 sisters (2 older, 4 younger) who just really inhales food quickly, so counter service is good enough for me. Is there anything I need to plan? Like how do I get from the airport to POP and how much is it? Is there anything else I need to know?

 

[tinkerbell87512]

you can use the magical express service if you make resservations i believe 10 days in advance. This is also a free service. IT will take you from the airport to POP and back to the airport. Hope that helps!

 

[hapandpam]

Is there anything I need to plan? Like how do I get from the airport to POP and how much is it?

As the previous posted said, look into Magical Express. We used it to get back to the airport and it was great. Here is a link that explains it.
http://allearsnet.com/acc/mexpress.htm

You didn't say if you had been to WDW before. Even if you plan to do counter food, there are some places that are better than others. (For example, my family prefers Cosmic Rays at MK because thay have a great side bar with sauteed mushrooms and onions .) Have a great time!

 

[Uuaww]

ive been before, but i was like 5, so basically no. What are good counter services places?

 

[slimplaw]

At MK, we like Columbia Harbor House. It is a nice change from burgers. You'll find it near the Haunted Mansion. At Epcot, we like Tangeriene Cafe in Morocco. Their largest meal is about $13. You get a lot of food and choice of lamb and/or chicken. We get the Shwarma platter. At AK, we always like to eat at Tusker House. It is also a nice change from burgers. You can get salmon with vegetables and rice. We don't have a preference at MGM.

 

[Uuaww]

yeah, i keep hearing that mgm sucks for food. so what other things should i do when im down there.

 

[resol37]

MGM has some decent food at the ABC Commissary (just to the left of the Great Movie Ride - fish and chips, stir fry, cuban sandwiches) and at Backlot Express (towards the back of the park near Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular - mostly burger and salads). Also great strawberry ice cream (if you like strawberry) at Hollywood Scoops (on Sunset Blvd right in front of Rock 'n' Roller Coaster).

Don't overlook Downtown Disney. There's always the Cirque Du Soliel show La Nouba (though it might not be as good alone), more diverse food (my favorites are Earl of Sandwich and House of Blues). You can shop for all those sisters. There's also (my favorite place) the Virgin Megastore - two stories of cds, books, dvds.

As far as what you need to plan - you've got your travel, your hotel, and - with Magical Express - your way from the Airport to the hotel. You just need to plan what you want to do. If you really want to spend some money, you can sign up for a behind the scenes tour of the parks.

 

[Uuaww]

dtd would be something id do but i don't think ill have the time, and i don't want to spend any extra money on shows and whatnot since ill be on a tight budget as it is.

 

[Cool-Beans]

If your dough is tightly budgeted, take the Disney Magical Express to and from the airport and use Disney's busses, boats and monorail to haul your patootie around.

I would highly recommend a copy of the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World. The new one is available on Barnes & Noble's website and at Overstocks.com. Tips for avoiding lines...restaurant info, how to get around, etc., etc. Zillions of questions answered in there. Most libraries have a copy (even if it is older.)

Or you can get Mini Mickey, the Cliff's Notes version of the UG.

Have a great trip!

 

[WDW Poly Princess]

Pick up a copy of the Passporter at your local bookstore, or order from their website, and all your questions shall be answered!

I've gone solo eighty zillion times, so I'm also happy to answer questions!

 

[lauren_elizabeth]

When are you going?

 

[Quinn222]

I'd get a copy of the Unofficial Guide (new one is just out) and at least have a vague idea what you want to see and do and which counter service places appeal to you.

 

[Uuaww]

ive been checking out the food menus and i have a good idea of where i want to eat. Tangerine cafe in Morocco looks really good to me. I might have to buy that book, but does anyone have a list of single rider lines? I def. am going to want to take advantage of that.

 

[kittythepoohbear]

Have you checked out www.allearsnet.com yet? It is a great site and will give you lots of information. I don't know off hand all of the rides that offer single rider lines, but I do know that Test Track at Epcot does and that Mission:Space doesn't anymore.
Are you opting for a park hopper ticket? If you have a park hopper, you can visit one park in the morning, then hop over to another in the evening. It is about $40 extra, but may be worth it for you for the extra dining choices. Epcot has so many great dining experiences and live entertainment that I usually find myself there on most evenings. As for other fun stuff, check out the Boardwalk resort.

 

[Cool-Beans]

ive been checking out the food menus and i have a good idea of where i want to eat. Tangerine cafe in Morocco looks really good to me. I might have to buy that book, but does anyone have a list of single rider lines? I def. am going to want to take advantage of that.

Test Track has a single rider line. I don't know what else, if anything.

 

[mla2177]

If you are on a bugdet, and don't mind a quick bite, I would take advantage of the food court at POP. The food court is cheap and easy!!!!!

In MK, there is a little hot dog joint to the left off main street (if facing the castle) and they have great corn dog nuggets and fries! We ate there and liked it a lot!

We also ate at The Land foodcourt in Epcot that was fast and cheap and there is a lot to choose from.

In MGM, we ate at the Backlot Express and it was pretty good too!

I envy you for being able to go alone!!!!!!!! You will be able to really take it all in when you don't have to accommodate other people in your party.

Have fun!!!!!!!

 

[disneyaggie]

If you are on a bugdet, and don't mind a quick bite, I would take advantage of the food court at POP. The food court is cheap and easy!!!!!

In MK, there is a little hot dog joint to the left off main street (if facing the castle) and they have great corn dog nuggets and fries! We ate there and liked it a lot!

Yes, Pop is wonderful. And the hot dog place at MK is called Casey's Corner. I love eating there. There are some tables outside facing the Castle so people watching is delightful. I also like it when Jim is playing the piano outside. He is awesome!

I go solo a lot -- going on another solo trip in September. Here are some of the solo things I enjoy . . .

1) Eat at Casey's Corner (MK)

2) Eat at Cosmic Rays (MK) - sit outside on the terrace overlooking the water below -- the cheeseburgers are yummy!

3) Look into some Tours. They have some that are pretty reasonable and all are interesting. There is one at The Land (EPCOT) that is about $20 for about an hour to an hour and a half. I am scheduled to take this one this coming trip.

4) Sit in the garden at UK (EPCOT). It is so peaceful and fabulous!

5) Enjoy! Enjoy! Enjoy!

 

[Simba's Mom]

ive been checking out the food menus and i have a good idea of where i want to eat. Tangerine cafe in Morocco looks really good to me. I might have to buy that book, but does anyone have a list of single rider lines? I def. am going to want to take advantage of that.

The only single-riders lines at WDW, if I remember, are Test Track and Expedition Everest. My DSs, at college age (not so long ago), loved Rock N Roller Coaster. There's not a single riders line, but there is Fast Pass. For eats, they loved ESPN club (huge hot dogs there, they said). Also I think buffets are great for big eaters. Not all are character buffets-Trail's End in Fort Wilderness, Yacht Club Galley at Yacht Club (breakfast only) are a couple non-character buffets.
And if you get a chance, feel free to check out the Solos Board, here on the DIS. Lots of us have gone solo, lots of times.

 

[tinkerbell87512]

I went solo in June and i have a trip report if you want to read it (just let me know, it may give you some ideas).

Also with food try out the tusker house its so good! I didnt go this year but i have before. I say its the best counter service in all of WDW and its in the Animal kingdom park.

 

[Uuaww]

yeah, ideas would help. my next question is how does magical express work if i have a connecting flight (i fly to lax first) do i just list that part?