I'm Taking The Solo Plunge

[DivitGirl]

So glad I found this board. I'm from UK going to LA in early January 2017 to meet friends and thought since they're offering free Disney Dining and it's been years since I've been to WDW I'll do Disney 1-7 JAN - Solo. I was a bit apprehensive but reading so many threads I know it'll be the right choice - will it still be very busy then or settled down a bit?. I've done Disney a few times with family/friends over the years but never solo and never stayed onsite so this will all be new and exciting. I've had solo trips to US before just for shopping/relaxation so being on my own doesnt bother me. I was In US this past Feb and in between seeing friends in NYC/LA I went to Vegas and Washington DC myself and had a great time. I love the idea of doing what I want when I want in the Parks. In general eating alone doesnt bother me, but like so many here before finding this forum, i had pre-conceived ideas that I'd feel so out of place doing Table Service - not anymore. If anything it is the dining I'm most excited about as I am a bit of a foodie and like the idea of dining around Epcot - Has anyone done BOG table service solo in MK. Any tips on best places to dine and best Deluxe resort to stay at. I hear so many good things about Animal Kingdom Lodge, Grand Floridian, Yacht Club and Boardwalk.

 

[bryanb]

Fantastic! So glad to see another adventurous soul. Free dining becomes a more attractive deal when there are multiple people staying in your room, but for a solo trip it might be cheaper to accept a different promotion and then just add dining (or pay out of pocket). But if you've found a good deal please let me know!

 

[DivitGirl]

Thanks bryanb I'm having a good look at that to see if cost effective as I'm sure I read that when free DD is offered it is a rack rate room they charge opposed to any good deals. I'm more stuck choosing what resort as so many great ones. If I was to stay Moderate I hear so many great things about Port Orleans. With it just being me I fancy splashing out a bit and going deluxe. I always remember when I first came to Disney wishing I could stay at either Grand Floridian, Contemporary or Polynesian just for the location - not sure if a beach type resort will be ideal in Jan though LOL. Most of the Table Service Restaurants I want to try appear to be in Epcot so it maybe makes sense to stay at some place like Boardwalk or Yacht/Beach Club as I can walk to/from there in the evening. I also love the idea of Animal Kingdom staying in a Savannah View room - stupid question do you see alot of animals from your room. A part of me wonders since it's just me why not stay at 2 places during those 7 days to experience difference resorts. Has anyone done that before?.

 

[Ericaxo0528]

Thanks bryanb I'm having a good look at that to see if cost effective as I'm sure I read that when free DD is offered it is a rack rate room they charge opposed to any good deals. I'm more stuck choosing what resort as so many great ones. If I was to stay Moderate I hear so many great things about Port Orleans. With it just being me I fancy splashing out a bit and going deluxe. I always remember when I first came to Disney wishing I could stay at either Grand Floridian, Contemporary or Polynesian just for the location - not sure if a beach type resort will be ideal in Jan though LOL. Most of the Table Service Restaurants I want to try appear to be in Epcot so it maybe makes sense to stay at some place like Boardwalk or Yacht/Beach Club as I can walk to/from there in the evening. I also love the idea of Animal Kingdom staying in a Savannah View room - stupid question do you see alot of animals from your room. A part of me wonders since it's just me why not stay at 2 places during those 7 days to experience difference resorts. Has anyone done that before?.

On my last solo trip last month i ended up staying at 3 different resorts simply because I wanted to explore new places which is so much easier to do when youre alone and on your own terms! It was very easy to do. I would call bell services a little before I was ready to leave my room on my checkout days and they would collect my luggage to be transported to my next resort, then just head to whichever park I was going to for the day. Theres no need to checkout at the front desk unless youve made purchases to your room (which I never do or else Id be broke my first day! lol). When youre done your day, just hop on whichever transportation to your new resort. If you receive a checkin confirmation via text or email saying your room is ready, you dont need to even stop by the front desk (unless youre unfamiliar with where youre going or want to set up room charging, etc.). Just call bell services when you get to your room and theyll bring your bags right to you! Enjoy your trip!

 

[DivitGirl]

I'm so glad you posted as I was thinking about 3 as so many great ones to choose from but thought don't be stupid. My reasoning is if with someone chances are money may play a factor in where they can afford to stay and not everyone is up for moving every few days. When I usually come with people it's always offsite so this is a new experience for me so why not experience it completely.

 

[daae3]

Have fun, the dining is so much fun at Disney- love the restaurant theming, I only stay at one resort each visit, but you are traveling so far, do what works for you!

 

[javaman]

On my last solo trip last month i ended up staying at 3 different resorts simply because I wanted to explore new places which is so much easier to do when youre alone and on your own terms! It was very easy to do. I would call bell services a little before I was ready to leave my room on my checkout days and they would collect my luggage to be transported to my next resort, then just head to whichever park I was going to for the day. Theres no need to checkout at the front desk unless youve made purchases to your room (which I never do or else Id be broke my first day! lol). When youre done your day, just hop on whichever transportation to your new resort. If you receive a checkin confirmation via text or email saying your room is ready, you dont need to even stop by the front desk (unless youre unfamiliar with where youre going or want to set up room charging, etc.). Just call bell services when you get to your room and theyll bring your bags right to you! Enjoy your trip!

I never realized it was that easy to resort hop. I just may have to give it a try after this next visit.

 

[Bete]

Understand free dining requires a minimum number of nights to qualify. I believe it's 5 nights. Not sure how it works if you go from one resort to another in less than 5 nights. It may be one resort all 5 nights at the same resort. Check it out.

After January 3 the park crowds should go down.