Must do's for solo travlers

[mousefanmichelle]

Hi -

I am going to the world May 16th-19th and doing it solo for the first time ever (yea me ! boo-hoo for the kiddos !). What are some must see's or must do's when your alone? What are some things to avoid when being there alone? Is there a park that is better than another when flying solo? How about restaurants? I already know that I hate eating alone so I will probably do all cs meals just to avoid that weirdness I feel when eating alone (always feel as though I am under a spot light and have to eat quickly to get outta there). So any suggestions? Thanks for your help!

Michelle

 

[Disneysoloist]

Depends on how long you're going for. However, when I go solo, I try to spend an evening at the Boardwalk taking in the sights, an evening at the Adventurer's Club, and of course, attractions with a single rider line are a must!
As for eating alone, some restaurants give you the option of dining at the bar, which might make you feel a little less comfortable. Or, you might bring a book or magazine to a TS and read so that you don't feel stared at.
Hope this helps!

 

[dizluvah]

I spent a few days alone in the parks while my DH was at a conference. I spent time doing things we don't normally do together - shows, parades, shopping. Personally I did less riding alone but that was because we had many days together at the parks before my solo days. I watched the Nemo show and strolled around Animal Kingdom looking at the animal trails. I spent the other days hopping between Epcot and Magic Kingdom. I rode It's a Small World twice (because DH will go with me but would rather not). I went on Jungle Cruise, went up into the treehouse, rode Liberty Belle, Haunted Mansion, watch Philharmagic. I say do whatever makes you happy. I felt a little self conscious at first; especially in line for Nemo when a woman I was chatting with told me she would NEVER dream of coming alone, but I had a great time.

We arrive May 17 so if you need someone to share a meal with you can certainly meet up with DH and I. Send me a pm if you want to see if we are at the same parks on the same day.

Just over 2 weeks to go!

 

[mousefanmichelle]

Christine -

Thanks for the tips as well as the offer to share a meal! I appreciate it. Because I am only there for 3 days (fly in early Fri, fly out early Mon.) I only bought a 1 day ticket and I haven't even decided which park to go to yet. I might bump it up to a 2 day once I am there but I don't know. Which park do you think is the best to spend time at alone? I can say that I have only been to the MK park and even then I didn't get to see it all so I thought I might go back there but if there is one that is better for singles I would do that one instead (I am not picky at all!)

Michelle

 

[Stacybaeasm]

I have done all the parks except Epcot alone. I like them all for different reasons. DHS is great because of all the shows. You can almost always guarantee yourself a good seat because it is generally easy to squeeze one more person in. Just don't be shy about walking down a center aisle, finding a spot on the end, and asking the person if it is ok to squeeze in. Also, rock - n-roller coaster has a single rider line which is very convenient for me. While there, if you want to do a table service meal, try the Sci-Fi dine in. Because of the movies constantly playing, you won't feel weird eating alone since almost everyone is watching the movie anyway.

Magic Kingdom is great for me alone because I get to do what I want. I got to do the train ride around the park finally and I could wait in line for character meet and greets in Toontown without worry. Get a drink and some ice cream and find a spot in the shade for the parade early and just people watch. I also like to just find a spot on Main Street and watch people come in. It's so amazing to see people's faces when they see the castle for the first time.

In Animal Kingdom, again, the shows. (Sorry, I work in theatre so live performances that I don't have to run are a HUGE treat for me.) See Festival of the Lion King and Nemo. Say Hi to Marlin, he's a good friend of mine. Everest has a single rider line so you can do that several times with less wait.

I hope this helped a little. Feel free to PM me for more ideas. In the end, just relax, have a good time, and enjoy saying "What do I want to do right now?"

 

[iluveeyore]

Hey Michelle - have a blast! I just did my first solo in March for five days and I want to do it again! As for parks, my favourite solo ones were AK and Epcot. Epcot I enjoyed because my kids never want to check out all the countries, so I took my time browsing in the shops, seeing all the movies or displays and rode the rides in Mexico and Norway. Also, I really loved having lunch at the Boulangerie in France - had a ham & swiss croissant warmed up and sat at the little bistro tables outside and people watched while I ate - didn't feel 'alone' at all, and no one stared (well, maybe a couple of Mom's with screaming kids who looked green with envy at how relaxed and happy I was!). Also enjoyed the boat ride in the Land which I have never been on because the kids thought it would be boring. Rode Test Track - single rider lines rule! Took my time, stopped when I wanted, left when I was ready without asking anyone's opinion!
AK was just as nice - got FP for the safari, did the single rider twice at EE, the shows are great and the walking tours of the forest and jungle trails are wonderful.
At both parks I had a blast hunting down characters and waiting in line with other families for my turn for a photo.
As for eating alone, I made a reservation one night for Olivia's at OKW because I love it when we stay there as a family. It's usually never crowded, and it wasn't - went at 4:30 and the chicken & penne pasta dish was to die for! Waitress was very attentive, and I just munched and read a book and took my time. AFter I was done, I took the leisurely boat ride to DTD to do some shopping, then caught my bus back to Pop from there.
Just spending time alone in my room was pure heaven, and getting up and leaving whenever I wanted, or going back for some down time in the middle of the day was great. (Enjoy not waiting your turn for the bathroom - I always have to go last!!!)
Have fun, and let us know how you liked it. I'm leaving in 23 days on our two week family vacation - very excited and DH promised I could have a day to myself - not the same as 'solo' (he doesn't get it that I enjoyed being alone), but I'll take it!

 

[mousefanmichelle]

Hey Michelle - have a blast! I just did my first solo in March for five days and I want to do it again! As for parks, my favourite solo ones were AK and Epcot. Epcot I enjoyed because my kids never want to check out all the countries, so I took my time browsing in the shops, seeing all the movies or displays and rode the rides in Mexico and Norway. Also, I really loved having lunch at the Boulangerie in France - had a ham & swiss croissant warmed up and sat at the little bistro tables outside and people watched while I ate - didn't feel 'alone' at all, and no one stared (well, maybe a couple of Mom's with screaming kids who looked green with envy at how relaxed and happy I was!). Also enjoyed the boat ride in the Land which I have never been on because the kids thought it would be boring. Rode Test Track - single rider lines rule! Took my time, stopped when I wanted, left when I was ready without asking anyone's opinion!
AK was just as nice - got FP for the safari, did the single rider twice at EE, the shows are great and the walking tours of the forest and jungle trails are wonderful.
At both parks I had a blast hunting down characters and waiting in line with other families for my turn for a photo.
As for eating alone, I made a reservation one night for Olivia's at OKW because I love it when we stay there as a family. It's usually never crowded, and it wasn't - went at 4:30 and the chicken & penne pasta dish was to die for! Waitress was very attentive, and I just munched and read a book and took my time. AFter I was done, I took the leisurely boat ride to DTD to do some shopping, then caught my bus back to Pop from there.
Just spending time alone in my room was pure heaven, and getting up and leaving whenever I wanted, or going back for some down time in the middle of the day was great. (Enjoy not waiting your turn for the bathroom - I always have to go last!!!)
Have fun, and let us know how you liked it. I'm leaving in 23 days on our two week family vacation - very excited and DH promised I could have a day to myself - not the same as 'solo' (he doesn't get it that I enjoyed being alone), but I'll take it!

Iluveyeore - Your trip sounds fabulous! 5 days away I think I am green with envy too! I only get 3 days. Oh well 3 days is better than no days right?!When your a mom - 1 day is awesome alone (going to the bathroom alone is wonderful too). Anyway I read that you stayed at POP and that is where I am booked. I am really thinking of changing though - I like pools and the pools there seem "kiddish" to me. Am I wrong? I like palm trees swaying overhead and lounge chairs to sit in - ahhhhh I don't think I am going to make it for the next 2 weeks...

Truly this is my thing - my kids have only been to MK park and that is all that I have been to as well. I almost hate to go to another park without them. We are going as a family next year in June and I am hoping that we can go to the ones we haven't seen yet. So I think that I might just stick with MK since we didn't even see it all last year. Predictable and boring but I just feel bad to see things they haven't seen yet. So are there any good TS places to eat in the MK that you have been to?

Thanks for the great advice - it is much appreciated!

Michelle

 

[iluveeyore]

Your welcome Michelle! I see you have two boys and a girl, me too! My siggie shows their ages.
I really enjoyed Pop, mostly for the value. But I requested the 50's building (Tramp hotel) by Hourglass Lake - asked for lake view - so pretty and quiet, and nice walking path. It's right behind the pool too, and the one there is much quieter than the main pool. The one picture I took only shows half the pool, but there's lots of greenery around - quite pretty - I didn't do pool time because I had my AP and was gone most of the day or enjoying quiet time in my room or at DTD.
The best little spot for grabbing a snack for me at MK was the Main Street Bakery - the cherry turnover is to die for, and they have cute little bistro style tables inside you can sit at and watch everyone walking up Main Street. Another great place to eat is Casey's - great hot dogs and you can sit outside on the patio and people watch on Main St. and by the castle as well.
I really think you'd enjoy Epcot more without your family - I know I do. MK makes me too melancholy and miss the kids more because I see them everywhere from our past trips, and Wishes just makes me cry whether I'm alone or with them.
Illuminations at Epcot is beautiful at night, especially from my favourite spot across from Germany. Touring the countries without dragging whining & tired kids and DH's is priceless, and they have really neat and educational attractions as well. I would take your map and check off everything you can possibly fit in, then you'll know if your kids will enjoy it or not on your next trip.
Have a great time whatever you decide.
Oh, and to share my favourite decadent treat I found at Pop food court, treat yourself to a white frosted cupcake in the privacy of your room - the neighbors will wonder what all the moaning is about!
Tracey

 

[mousefanmichelle]

OHHHHH the Main Street Bakery - I got a chocolate crossiant from there last year it was the yummiest! I did get their cherry turnover as well because I love turnovers - sooooo gooood.

You know you might be right about Epcot. I have watched the video with the kids and they never really seem intrested in Epcot - so maybe I will do that one instead. I have been wanting to see their firework display I've heard it fantastic.

I guess it doesn't really matter as long as I have some time to myself to have fun, relax, and figure out my life I will be good no matter what I do!

Thanks for your great tips - especially the cupcake one

 

[yecats]

When I go to a TS alone there I always have a small diary that I keep and write in to remember my time there and it really helps not to feel so out about eating alone at Disney. I love to take my time and wonder everywhere when I am solo at Disney. I love to walk the Animal trails at AK and just take my time. I also love to visit the Boardwalk and visit all of the various shops around the world showcase. I agree about any rides with single rider lines, I go on rides over and over again feeling like I'm 7 again. Just enjoy the moment.