Last Minute (sort of) Solo Weekend Questions

[8lovesmickey]

So...Just got an invite from a friend who has a conference in Orlando in 2 weeks - do I want to tag along?! Yep! Can't turn down a free room at WDW (and amazingly I found reasonable flights too). I will be solo in the parks all day Saturday and Sunday, then we're both going to MVMCP on Sunday night and leaving Monday. So I'd love some advice / input.

Last WDW trip was 2013 (have had a few DLR trips in between); Last WDW trip during the holidays was 2006. All my trips to WDW have been for 7 + days with my family, so this will be new in a few ways (think 'run like the wind, Bullseye!'). I also haven't used FP+ before. So... a few questions.

First, do I get a magic band if we stay at the Swan? If not, do my FPs just go on a ticket? Or what happens?

Next, I booked some FP+ reservations today; are those fairly easy to change on the fly? And I wasn't able to get one for the mine train...should I keep checking back or just plan on waiting in line for that one? Or is there a single rider line for that?

And is there a list somewhere of which WDW attractions have single rider lines?

Finally, if you only had two days at WDW by yourself, what would you do? I will be on my own from about 10 am on, on Saturday, then all day Sunday (until we head to the party, probably around 6). Should I assume that I can get all the MK attractions in at the party and avoid that park during the days?

I have a 2 day hopper, so I'm thinking of AK on Saturday (I'm the weirdo that loves AK -- especially when it's not 100 degrees), then Studios Saturday night to check out Osborne one more time, then maybe Epcot Sunday? Or...?

Also I won't have much time for resort hopping and may not make it to DTD at all -- but I'm thinking maybe a quick monorail run to check out the gingerbread house at the Grand? What else is a must-see and/or new since 2013?

Anything else you'd do if you were on your own for two days?

Thanks! I'm usually not quite this impulsive, but I'm super psyched!

 

[boufa]

I have not traveled alone, but have gone to the parks alone. I really enjoyed it (don't tell my wife!). I like photography, so when I was alone, I took my time and just enjoyed the parks at my own pace. I personally didn't ride anything, but people watching, and looking at the details, and wandering around, just being there, was awesome.

 

[EarsAndTiaras]

You won't get a MagicBand if you're staying at the Swan. You can buy one if you like, but there's no real reason to.

You can access your FP+ with your plastic ticket card, but they're not tied to the card. They are tied to your MDE account at all times.

No single rider line for 7DMT. I can't think of anything at MK that offers a single rider line. Rock 'n' Roller Coaster, Test Track, and Expedition Everest have them.

 

[SureAsLiz]

First, do I get a magic band if we stay at the Swan? If not, do my FPs just go on a ticket? Or what happens?

Next, I booked some FP+ reservations today; are those fairly easy to change on the fly? And I wasn't able to get one for the mine train...should I keep checking back or just plan on waiting in line for that one? Or is there a single rider line for that?

And is there a list somewhere of which WDW attractions have single rider lines?

Finally, if you only had two days at WDW by yourself, what would you do? I will be on my own from about 10 am on, on Saturday, then all day Sunday (until we head to the party, probably around 6). Should I assume that I can get all the MK attractions in at the party and avoid that park during the days?

I have a 2 day hopper, so I'm thinking of AK on Saturday (I'm the weirdo that loves AK -- especially when it's not 100 degrees), then Studios Saturday night to check out Osborne one more time, then maybe Epcot Sunday? Or...?

1) No MagicBand from the Swan. Your ticket will serve as you FP redemption tool that you scan at the tapstyles

2) Very simple. Check the website, the app, and this thread for everything you need to know. If you want a 7DMT pass, then yes, keep checking. As a single party, you have the best chance of finding passes. I can usually find one a day or two out.

3) Test Track, Expedition Everest, and Rock n Roller Coaster are the only rides with single rider lines

4) The best part of being a solo traveler is that you can literally do whatever you want. I love characters and shows, so I will do those more than the rides.

If you are comfortable with it, 4 parks in 2 days is totally doable. Save MK for the party - the ride lines will be very short and then your friend doesn't have to worry about 'making' you go on a ride twice. One thing you will miss is Festival of Fantasy unless you hop over to MK before 3 (you can just pink up your party band inside). This is one of my favorite things in all of Disney, so I would personally recommend trying to make it work.

Just know that in 2 days, you aren't going to see everything, and, you need to be okay with that. When I went on my last 2 day trip to DLR after being used to 7 day trips, I pulled up the park maps, highlighted what I really wanted to do, and then went from there. It helped save me time and I felt like I had accomplished something by the end

 

[8lovesmickey]

Thanks - very helpful. Since I really only have one night outside of MK, I'm trying to decide between Osborn and Candlelight Processional - I might be able to get to both if I go to the 5:00 candlelight. Any thoughts on when I need to line up for that? I obviously won't do a dinner package since it will be just me.

Festival of Fantasy sounds cool -- as a frequent DL visitor, I'm trying to hit as many things I can that don't exist on the West coast.

 

[EarsAndTiaras]

The Candlelight Processional shows have been filling to capacity with package guests. You can still watch from just beyond the back of the theater if you don't mind not having a seat.

Since it's the last year for the Osborne Lights, I'd prioritize that if you think you'll get back to WDW at some point in the future.

FoF is my favorite parade (outside of the Halloween parade).

 

[LisaBi]

Epcot, Epcot, Epcot. I just got back from a six day solo trip and my Epcot days were the best. Holidays around the World was great...but I didn't have time for all of them. Do TT and Mission Space before 11:30, then work your way around, then hit Soarin (with FP) around 8:00 before Illuminations. I foind that Soarin had pretty good availability up to a few days before, but couldn't one or change times the same day.