I am traveling to Disney World Alone, and I can't wait!

[barbaraann]

I am traveling to Disney World Alone and I can't wait. I will be there in August, and I am staying at Pop Century. My last trip to Disney World was last April. I traveled with 3 other people, and we stayed off site. We also did a side trip to Universal. It's not that I didn't have fun, but it was lacking in many ways.

I missed staying onsite. I missed stopping at all the photopass photographers, and smiling for pictures in front of all my favorite places. I missed being able to take as many pictures of everything in the park, from the Mickey Floral, to the sign above the tunnel, to the clock on Main Street. I missed the afternoon parade. The others didn't want to see it. I didn't even get to see Wishes.

When you travel alone, you can do what you want, when you want. I am a big fan of Disneyland, and I go there a lot by myself. I always have a marvelous time, and I do meet up with friends from time to time, but mostly I'm my own boss.

I promised myself that I would get back to Disney World, and the next time that I went, it would be on my terms. I understand that a lot isn't perfect right now. Fantasyland still isn't totally done. Fastpass plus is still working out the kinks. The Hub is being redesigned.

However, there is a new afternoon parade, and I am hoping to be able to eat at Be Our Guest.

I can't wait. How about you? Have you ever traveled alone? Would you, or would you not? Perhaps you have some tips for me. This will actually be my first trip to WDW alone. I figured out the logistics of traveling to Disneyland by myself, happily and safely. Now I get to test the waters at Disney World too.

 

[dreamseeker9]

I'm embarking on my first solo trip to WDW in a little over a week, and I'm so excited! Check out the threads under the Disney for Adults and Solo Travelers section for some great tips for solo travelers. Enjoy!

 

[eileenwarren]

I am planning my first ever trip which will be solo the first week of December. I am 52 and have never been. I am soooo excited.

 

[bswift]

My first (and only, so far) trip to WDW was a solo trip! I was actually travelling around the US by myself for 7 weeks so by the time I got to WDW, I was used to being alone. The only issue I found was that since I am young (20 at the time), I felt like people assumed I should have been with friends/was weird for being alone. I definitely had an amazing time though and enjoyed being able to do whatever I wanted!

 

[Maggie'sMom]

I've done one completely solo trip and I had a blast. I'd love to do it again sometime.

I went for a 4 day weekend at the beginning of December. I got to see the Osbourne lights at HS, the Candlelight Processional, lots of the holiday story tellers, and so many things that my DD never wanted to do. I loved that I got to do whatever I wanted to do whenever I wanted to do it. Three of the four days were very busy park days, rope drop to park close and park hopping to take advantage of EMH. The fourth day I just hung out at the resort and relaxed.

Enjoy yourself! Schedule at least one ADR at a restaurant you've always wanted to try but haven't. Maybe consider taking a tour, like the Keys to the Kingdom tour. I did that tour on a different trip when I went with one of my friends, but it would be a great option on a solo trip. Have fun!

 

[DHSbutcher]

I'm a WDW local, and while I don't travel far, I go to the parks so all the time, as well as with friends and family. Its a happy place, and I love people watching. The two go great together. I have found I enjoy eating a lot of the hotel bar's and lounges a lot more than the restaurants. I don't feel awkward dining alone, but I just feel a lot more welcome at the bars or lounges if that makes sense. But if there's a restaurant or menu that appeals to you, don't be afraid to make an ADR! I'd definitely recommend making reservations at at least a few places. They are easy to find for just one person, and I've never waited longer than 5 minutes for a table to be ready. I made a trip to disneyland last fall for the first time, and while I wasn't alone on the trip, I did the parks by myself. I had a blast exploring everything! I was able to run around doing anything I wanted or just sitting for an hour on a park bench. It was perfect! While at WDW I go all the time so I never do that much when i'm in the park, but I imagine my trip to disneyland will be a lot like your first solo trip to WDW will be, SO MUCH FUN! Have fun, relax, and go wild! CM's are always willing to strike up a conversation if their not busy or doing something important. You can meet quite a lot of international and interesting folks

 

[ChrisNY2]

I hope you have a great time! I've done a couple of solo trips, and I find it fun and relaxing! Enjoy

 

[Davey Jones II]

Hi Barbaraann, I'm a friend of Crazee4mm. I don't know if he ever mentioned his Canadian friend to you?
Anyway, I do have a bit of advice. Since you're going in August, the Florida weather will be very hot and humid. I would recommend adding water parks to your park ticket, so that you can go swimming in the afternoon. I would show up at rope drop or for early magic hours, then leave for the water parks (or back to the hotel for a swim and/or nap) then back to the parks in the evening. The theme parks will be sweltering and crowded in the afternoon.
That's how I would tackle WDW in August. Have a great trip!

 

[dachsie]

I am headed out for a solo trip in an hour. WooHoo! Looking forward to doing just what you described.

 

[karly05]

3 solo trips now, and I'm already looking at dates for 2015. I love going solo, everything you hear about total freedom is right.

This year, I made a point to eat something from every country in World Showcase. I love making ADRs and have made a point each year of trying some new restaurants - but I always make it back to Via Napoli! Quattro Formaggi pizza, baby!

On each solo trip, I've met lots of characters. In 2013, I was lucky enough to be there during "True Love Week" (Valentine's week) and got to meet several Princesses with their Princes! This year I even did breakfast at H&V to meet the Disney Jr crew. (Yes, I watch too much Dis Jr.) I always have to get a pic with Mickey somewhere, and I always have to drop by to say hey to Phineas & Ferb.

POFQ has become my WDW home (although I wouldn't mind splurging on the Beach Club again someday). Everyone's experience is different, but I really liked the Magic Band, and FP+ was beneficial for me (I agree it could use some improvements, particularly park hopping and the ability to get more than 3 once you're actually in the park).

I could go on and on, but I'll just end here by saying WDW Solo is Awesome!

 

[Viva Las Disney]

I took my first solo trip to WDW last December and can't wait to do it again this December. I had a blast.

 

[Cee]

I have been solo and it is Heaven! Every trip I try to get out on my own even if I'm with family. I just love doing what I want at my own pace. Enjoy!

Sent from my iPad using DISBoards

 

[ggeorgiagirl]

I take my kids, friends, my youth group, my students, etc to the World all the time...but I've got to tell you: my solo trip to Disneyland was the best! I'm jealous of your trip to the World alone! You will have a BLAST

 

[Rebekkap]

I am traveling to Disney World Alone and I can't wait. I will be there in August, and I am staying at Pop Century. My last trip to Disney World was last April. I traveled with 3 other people, and we stayed off site. We also did a side trip to Universal. It's not that I didn't have fun, but it was lacking in many ways.

I missed staying onsite. I missed stopping at all the photopass photographers, and smiling for pictures in front of all my favorite places. I missed being able to take as many pictures of everything in the park, from the Mickey Floral, to the sign above the tunnel, to the clock on Main Street. I missed the afternoon parade. The others didn't want to see it. I didn't even get to see Wishes.

When you travel alone, you can do what you want, when you want. I am a big fan of Disneyland, and I go there a lot by myself. I always have a marvelous time, and I do meet up with friends from time to time, but mostly I'm my own boss.

I promised myself that I would get back to Disney World, and the next time that I went, it would be on my terms. I understand that a lot isn't perfect right now. Fantasyland still isn't totally done. Fastpass plus is still working out the kinks. The Hub is being redesigned.

However, there is a new afternoon parade, and I am hoping to be able to eat at Be Our Guest.

I can't wait. How about you? Have you ever traveled alone? Would you, or would you not? Perhaps you have some tips for me. This will actually be my first trip to WDW alone. I figured out the logistics of traveling to Disneyland by myself, happily and safely. Now I get to test the waters at Disney World too.

I've done Disneyland alone, and I LOVED it

So nice being totally able to do exactly what you want, when you want!

 

[Dan Murphy]

I have taken many solo trips to WDW, always meeting up many days with folks from the boards here, either for just a coffee or meal, or for the day and/or evening. Always a great time. One idea, if you have the time, is to take one of the many tours available. http://allears.net/btp/tours.htm

Make sure to check out the solo board here.

http://www.disboards.com/forumdisplay.php?f=54

 

[PaulaVonSchweetz]

I want to do a solo trip so badly. I really want to do the expedition challenge next year so that may be my window of opportunity! !!

 

[nooneshome]

Have fun on your trip!! It would be cool to do all the things that you want to do but sometimes I think doing things that others want to do helps break up the day.

 

[barbaraann]

Hi Barbaraann, I'm a friend of Crazee4mm. I don't know if he ever mentioned his Canadian friend to you?
Anyway, I do have a bit of advice. Since you're going in August, the Florida weather will be very hot and humid. I would recommend adding water parks to your park ticket, so that you can go swimming in the afternoon. I would show up at rope drop or for early magic hours, then leave for the water parks (or back to the hotel for a swim and/or nap) then back to the parks in the evening. The theme parks will be sweltering and crowded in the afternoon.
That's how I would tackle WDW in August. Have a great trip!

What a small world it is for sure. Say hello to Patrick for me. Great advice there. One catch. I am not a swimmer. I have been to Disney World exactly eights trips total. My next trip will be my ninth, but my first going solo. I did an August trip in 2009, and we actually did spend a morning at Typhoon Lagoon. My grandson and his mom swam, and floated in the lazy river, and I relaxed in the sunshine. Being from Chicago, I am used to hot weather. Due to my thyroid condition, the hot weather doesn't bother me, as long as I have a hat on my head, and access to plenty of drinking water.

Thanks again for the advice.

 

[barbaraann]

My first ever trip to Disney World was in 1997 with my grandson and my husband. My grandson was only four at the time. The castle was a cake. We stayed at the Polynesian. That part was super nice and super convenient when traveling with a toddler. I didn't get back again until 2003. I have visited at all different seasons over my many trips. Most of my trips included my grandson and his mom, but Sean is now 21, and for the time being he has outgrown Disney.

I have always had a dream of staying at all of the resorts at least once each, at some point in time. That dream has become difficult due to rising costs. I have had the pleasure of stays at the Polynesian, the Contemporary, Grand Floridian, Beach Club, Port Orleans Riverside, Caribbean Beach, Coronado Springs, and Pop Century.

My next trip is a return trip to Pop Century for 5 nights, followed by 2 nights at Bonnet Creek. We have timeshare points with Wyndham, so I figured a little relaxing before I go home would be a great ending to this solo trip. I can even go home with no laundry.

When I go to Disneyland, I use the timeshare points there at Dolphins Cove, and it's so convenient to get around. I love Disneyland a lot.

I am having fun planning. Looking for some new experiences for sure. Keeping in mind that I am older now and definitely need to slow down a bit from past WDW trips.

 

[barbaraann]

3 solo trips now, and I'm already looking at dates for 2015. I love going solo, everything you hear about total freedom is right.

This year, I made a point to eat something from every country in World Showcase. I love making ADRs and have made a point each year of trying some new restaurants - but I always make it back to Via Napoli! Quattro Formaggi pizza, baby!

On each solo trip, I've met lots of characters. In 2013, I was lucky enough to be there during "True Love Week" (Valentine's week) and got to meet several Princesses with their Princes! This year I even did breakfast at H&V to meet the Disney Jr crew. (Yes, I watch too much Dis Jr.) I always have to get a pic with Mickey somewhere, and I always have to drop by to say hey to Phineas & Ferb.

POFQ has become my WDW home (although I wouldn't mind splurging on the Beach Club again someday). Everyone's experience is different, but I really liked the Magic Band, and FP+ was beneficial for me (I agree it could use some improvements, particularly park hopping and the ability to get more than 3 once you're actually in the park).

I could go on and on, but I'll just end here by saying WDW Solo is Awesome!

I also love the characters, and I am hoping to go home with lots of pictures. Using Memory Maker should help with that. I purchased the package that included a free one. I love taking pictures, and having pictures taken by the photopass people. It's not just about the rides, although I am looking forward to the new dwarf coaster.

A few times on past trips, I did an autograph hat having the characters sign with a huge black sharpie. Great souvenir and great attention getter as I wear it to keep the sun off. I agree that I must meet Mickey. I finally met my favorite character, Jiminy Cricket, at Magic Kingdom at Christmastime in 2007. Hopefully I will meet the new Disney ladies Anna and Elsa on my up and coming trip. Not sure if I will seek autographs this time or not.

I have been viewing the menus online, and looking forward to booking some new dining. New for me that is. I am sure that I will figure out this whole new system. I am reading as much as I can about that.