My first solo trip is official.

[JediAng]

I'm going to Orlando on April 12th-23rd, 2017.
The first 1/2 of my trip will be off property, attending Star Wars Celebration Orlando 2017!!!! It is my first Celebration, as a lifelong Star Wars fan, this is LONG overdue for me. 4/12-4/17 will be mostly off property, I've already booked my hotel near the OCC and bought my 4-day Celebration Ticket.

on April 17th, I will be checking out of my Orange County Convention Center Hotel and transferring onsite in Disney. My Disney Resort has not been chosen yet, my usual home (at least when i go with my parents) has always been POP Century, which I LOVE, but if I can pull it off in my budget, I'd love to try a Moderate, or maybe even Wilderness Lodge, MAYBE. What is your favorite Moderate Resort and why?

Then from April 17th-April 22nd, I will be in the parks. I have a 1/2 day PM at Animal Kingdom, 2 Full days at Magic Kingdom, a full day each at EPCOT and Studios and then one day where I will split it between Epcot in the morning and Studios at night since Fantasmic and the Star Wars Fireworks are my favorite shows to watch at Disney. On my travel home day, the 23rd, I may head to Disney Springs in the AM for lunch at Earl of Sandwich and to see all the new shops, then back to the resort and on the Magical Express to the airport.

I do have a couple of questions,
1. on my arrival day, 4/12 which is a NON park day, I'd like to watch WISHES outside of Magic Kingdom. My anxiety gets pretty bad on a crowded mainstreet usa, especially during the fireworks time, so I've noticed I don't enjoy it as much when I am being pushed and shoved, my solution to this is finding a way to enjoy the fireworks away from the park. I was thinking dinner at California Grill (reviews please, would a very pick eater like myself enjoy a meal here?), or a fireworks cruise... I love Peter Pan, and thanks to Once Upon a Time, I've grown to love that pirate Captain Hook, lol... I have heard there is a way to meet Captain Hook on a fireworks cruise? Can anyone give me info / reviews on these, are they worth it? TIA!

2. What are your thoughts on the Star Wars Dessert Party at Studios? Would that be something fun to add onto my Star Wars experience this trip? I have never done anything extra like this when I went to Disney with my parents, so I am trying to add some extra magic since i will be there by myself, and probably overwhelmed at certain times.

3. Any other advice / tips for solo travelers, especially for ideas on arrival/departure days would be appreciate. Thank you in advance!!!!

 

[Fuzzylife75]

Hi,

I would definitely recommend watching the Wishes Fireworks from either Polynesian Village or The Contemporary.
Although the MK Firework cruises have got great reviews, the price is a strong point to consider. And if price is an issue I would think that California Grill actually would give you a fuller experience compared from watching it from a boat.

Granted that The 7 Seas Lagoon is beautiful and the MK resorts as a backdrop is stunning (especially GF!) you will most likely be booked together with strangers. If you easily make new friends and enjoy new company, sure it's a great idea. But if you rather have your very own "Me & Disney"-time and would prefer to savor the experience for yourself. An early booking with a request for California Grill would be your best choice *imho*.

 

[RyansMum]

Oh how exciting for you! Where you are a solo, I see nothing wrong with staying at Pop which is budget friendly. If you could splurge and not feel financially strapped (you want money to enjoy the vacation and not spend it all on a bed) then I would say try either Port Orleans resorts. I like the Riverside for the overall feel and services offered. French Quarter is smaller but close enough that you can walk to Riverside for a change of scenery or dinner.

 

[JediAng]

Hi,

I would definitely recommend watching the Wishes Fireworks from either Polynesian Village or The Contemporary.
Although the MK Firework cruises have got great reviews, the price is a strong point to consider. And if price is an issue I would think that California Grill actually would give you a fuller experience compared from watching it from a boat.

Granted that The 7 Seas Lagoon is beautiful and the MK resorts as a backdrop is stunning (especially GF!) you will most likely be booked together with strangers. If you easily make new friends and enjoy new company, sure it's a great idea. But if you rather have your very own "Me & Disney"-time and would prefer to savor the experience for yourself. An early booking with a request for California Grill would be your best choice *imho*.

/Fuzzylife75
(Jºoºnas_Swe)

Thanks for your advice. I feel like California Grill would probably be the best experience for fireworks, overall, and the price isn't an issue for me, other than the fact that I'm a picky eater, and am worried that I won't like anything on the menu. Do they have a good steak? Or chicken? Or even grilled shrimp? Or is it mostly stuff like sushi, which I'm not a fan of.

I am normally fine in situations where it's a smaller group of people, my only issue with watching fireworks on Mainstreet is how, so often people just push and shove and pretend like you aren't even there. I have even been ran over by strollers, and nearly hit by electric scooters, without a second glance, and not because I was just standing in the walkway not paying attention. I've had dads stand directly in front of me (like less than a foot of space between us) and put their 10 y/o kid on their shoulders where my 5'1" self then could not see ANYTHING. That's the kind of stuff that bothers me in that situation, not necessarily the people. When you are alone it is easy for big groups of larger families to surround your personal space and act like you aren't even physically there. That's why I'm trying to find a new way so I can get a better enjoyment out of Wishes. Thanks, again

 

[JediAng]

Oh how exciting for you! Where you are a solo, I see nothing wrong with staying at Pop which is budget friendly. If you could splurge and not feel financially strapped (you want money to enjoy the vacation and not spend it all on a bed) then I would say try either Port Orleans resorts. I like the Riverside for the overall feel and services offered. French Quarter is smaller but close enough that you can walk to Riverside for a change of scenery or dinner.

I see SO many A+ reviews about both Port Orleans Resorts, they seem so plain to me, and not very Disneyish. Why do you like them so much? What is your favorite thing about them besides the fact that they are smaller? Is it the theming, the food (which I'm not familiar with), etc.? I feel like I could swing a Moderate resort in my budget since i have 10 months to save, and the first half of my trip with the OCC area is already paid for in full, and I was told that my plane ticket will be a birthday present, so that's one less thing for me to worry about! . A deluxe would definitely break my budget, though. I am wanting to try new things on this trip, which is why I am considering something other than my go-to choice of POP Century, which I absolutely love, and would have no problem staying there, like usual, but I'm trying to make it a goal this vacation to do things I never did on our family trips or my college programs, which is one of the reasons why I'm considering Moderate Resorts. I have stayed in POP 3x & booked it for my cousin on her trip, I have stayed at ASMu, and I also stayed in a Little Mermaid Room at AoA for a weekend. Thanks!!!

 

[Fuzzylife75]

Thanks for your advice. I feel like California Grill would probably be the best experience for fireworks, overall, and the price isn't an issue for me, other than the fact that I'm a picky eater, and am worried that I won't like anything on the menu. Do they have a good steak? Or chicken? Or even grilled shrimp? Or is it mostly stuff like sushi, which I'm not a fan of.

I am normally fine in situations where it's a smaller group of people, my only issue with watching fireworks on Mainstreet is how, so often people just push and shove and pretend like you aren't even there. I have even been ran over by strollers, and nearly hit by electric scooters, without a second glance, and not because I was just standing in the walkway not paying attention. I've had dads stand directly in front of me (like less than a foot of space between us) and put their 10 y/o kid on their shoulders where my 5'1" self then could not see ANYTHING. That's the kind of stuff that bothers me in that situation, not necessarily the people. When you are alone it is easy for big groups of larger families to surround your personal space and act like you aren't even physically there. That's why I'm trying to find a new way so I can get a better enjoyment out of Wishes. Thanks, again

I totally understand what you mean regarding the issue of people crowding your space. And especially on Main Street and around the Hub.

As a smoker, I usually bolt for the designated area by the sitting area a few steps down, right to your right at the end of Main Street, towards the back way to Tomorrowland.

Fills up surprisingly late, even when Main Street and the Hub are quite crowded. It will be peeps there as the Fireworks start, of course. But mostly "considerate single adults"... Few families, due to the designated smoking area. Oh, and the view of the Castle is stunning! Tinkerbell flies right over your head!

I'd check The GG menu online, and as a picky eater, give them a quick call and ask for what they can offer to accommodate your taste.

Good luck with your planning. And as I have had experience of visiting alone, you will have a great time!

 

[AmberK24]

I see SO many A+ reviews about both Port Orleans Resorts, they seem so plain to me, and not very Disneyish. Why do you like them so much? What is your favorite thing about them besides the fact that they are smaller? Is it the theming, the food (which I'm not familiar with), etc.? I feel like I could swing a Moderate resort in my budget since i have 10 months to save, and the first half of my trip with the OCC area is already paid for in full, and I was told that my plane ticket will be a birthday present, so that's one less thing for me to worry about! . A deluxe would definitely break my budget, though. I am wanting to try new things on this trip, which is why I am considering something other than my go-to choice of POP Century, which I absolutely love, and would have no problem staying there, like usual, but I'm trying to make it a goal this vacation to do things I never did on our family trips or my college programs, which is one of the reasons why I'm considering Moderate Resorts. I have stayed in POP 3x & booked it for my cousin on her trip, I have stayed at ASMu, and I also stayed in a Little Mermaid Room at AoA for a weekend. Thanks!!!

Some of the best part of PO R&FQ is that their theming isn't so over the top, so they don't attract as many families with children. While I totally understand and respect that children is the target demographic for the entire resort, it's nice to be places that are mostly adults for a while as well. There is nightly entertainment in each of the bars, both TS & QS dining, and a very homey atmosphere that makes it very easy to relax. Same goes for Coronado. A few of the moderates (Coronado specifically) also offer King sized beds instead of the 2 doubles, which isn't offered in abundance at may of the other resorts.

 

[JediAng]

I totally understand what you mean regarding the issue of people crowding your space. And especially on Main Street and around the Hub.

As a smoker, I usually bolt for the designated area by the sitting area a few steps down, right to your right at the end of Main Street, towards the back way to Tomorrowland.

Fills up surprisingly late, even when Main Street and the Hub are quite crowded. It will be peeps there as the Fireworks start, of course. But mostly "considerate single adults"... Few families, due to the designated smoking area. Oh, and the view of the Castle is stunning! Tinkerbell flies right over your head!

I'd check The GG menu online, and as a picky eater, give them a quick call and ask for what they can offer to accommodate your taste.

Good luck with your planning. And as I have had experience of visiting alone, you will have a great time!

Thanks for the idea. And i looked at the CG Menu, definitely don't see anything i would actually eat on the adult menu, but there are a few things I might like on the kid's menu. Even though I am 24, would they accommodate that choice for me? I am not doing it to save money, it's because I honestly don't like the food options the adult menus. I'm so picky lol :/

 

[JediAng]

Some of the best part of PO R&FQ is that their theming isn't so over the top, so they don't attract as many families with children. While I totally understand and respect that children is the target demographic for the entire resort, it's nice to be places that are mostly adults for a while as well. There is nightly entertainment in each of the bars, both TS & QS dining, and a very homey atmosphere that makes it very easy to relax. Same goes for Coronado. A few of the moderates (Coronado specifically) also offer King sized beds instead of the 2 doubles, which isn't offered in abundance at may of the other resorts.

I didn't even think about the King Bed option, since I'm going alone, I don't really need 2 beds in the room. I was looking at pictures on the resorts board, and I actually am loving Riverside. THE ROYAL ROOMS!!! :O

 

[AmberK24]

I didn't even think about the King Bed option, since I'm going alone, I don't really need 2 beds in the room. I was looking at pictures on the resorts board, and I actually am loving Riverside. THE ROYAL ROOMS!!! :O

I stayed at POR in the Bayou Building and LOVED it. I liked FQ just a little more because it was smaller, but either are great options!

 

[JediAng]

I stayed at POR in the Bayou Building and LOVED it. I liked FQ just a little more because it was smaller, but either are great options!

I am actually seriously considering a POR Royal Room now after seeing some pictures and videos, $175 / night is right at the top of my budget (did not want anything more than $200/night). I'm getting really excited, ahhh! Can't wait for packages to release on June 21!!!

 

[Fuzzylife75]

Thanks for the idea. And i looked at the CG Menu, definitely don't see anything i would actually eat on the adult menu, but there are a few things I might like on the kid's menu. Even though I am 24, would they accommodate that choice for me? I am not doing it to save money, it's because I honestly don't like the food options the adult menus. I'm so picky lol :/

Of course you can always order from the kids menu.

I do that too sometimes, but only at Disney... Because I feel like a big kid. LOL!

If there's anything in particular that you don't like or would like instead, just kindly ask the waiter and I'm sure they'll do everything they can to accommodate you.

 

[Carolrita]

I absolutely love POR. The atmosphere, the extra pools, yee-haw Bob, and Boatwright's are just some of the things that put the Riverside a bit above the rest for me. I have stayed there every time I have visited for the past 12 years. I am planning a trip now for the end of August. This time I'll be staying at Pop Century because I'm squeezing in a last minute trip and can't afford a moderate
Hoping Disney will still work its magic. (I'll just have to ignore that little voice in my head saying "welcome home to Disney's Port Orleans Riverside.)

 

[loves to dive]

I travel solo to WDW often and have stayed at CBR and POR (staying at CSR in Sept). I do split stays with 2 nights at a moderate and the rest of the trip at an Epcot deluxe. I don't want to sound snobbish but I think any moderate you decide on is going to be a step up from a value so you will enjoy it. The beds are bigger, the amenities are better, even the towels are thicker. Each has it's own good and bad points. I'm going to assume you are young so the walk at any of them shouldn't be a problem. I'm just shy of 60 and it has never been a problem for me. At POR I stayed in Magnolia on the plantation side. I'm not really sure what view it was since there are outside walk ways and I don't leave my curtains open. There are all sorts of really nice pretty peaceful spots to sit and enjoy the river if you want to do that. CBR has a beach feel, bright colors and tropical decor. We were in Jamaica, which was just across the bridge from the main pool and food court/shops. Again, lots of secluded peaceful spots to enjoy the views and the place. I actually walk every morning (used to jog but blew out my knees) and after my walk I do about 10 min. of yoga and had no problems finding peaceful spots to do it in.

I drive down and normally arrive around 2:30 or 3:00. Most times my room is not ready, even though the only request I ever make is early check in. They do know which building you are going to be in so I park my car at the building and find the bus stop and head over to whatever park I'm in the mood for. I have an AP so I can park hop so I rarely make FPs for that first day, more often than not I just hop on the first bus that arrives at the bus stop. I usually stay in the park until after I eat supper and head back to the resort and soak in the hot tub and make an early night of it.

On departure day, I pack up and load my car, check out and head over to a park. Again, no FPs, just where ever I feel like going. Sometimes I know there was something I forgot to buy so I'll head to whatever park I saw it at or I need one more ride on ToT. I normally head home around noon or 1.

 

[RyansMum]

I see SO many A+ reviews about both Port Orleans Resorts, they seem so plain to me, and not very Disneyish. Why do you like them so much? What is your favorite thing about them besides the fact that they are smaller? Is it the theming, the food (which I'm not familiar with), etc.? I feel like I could swing a Moderate resort in my budget since i have 10 months to save, and the first half of my trip with the OCC area is already paid for in full, and I was told that my plane ticket will be a birthday present, so that's one less thing for me to worry about! . A deluxe would definitely break my budget, though. I am wanting to try new things on this trip, which is why I am considering something other than my go-to choice of POP Century, which I absolutely love, and would have no problem staying there, like usual, but I'm trying to make it a goal this vacation to do things I never did on our family trips or my college programs, which is one of the reasons why I'm considering Moderate Resorts. I have stayed in POP 3x & booked it for my cousin on her trip, I have stayed at ASMu, and I also stayed in a Little Mermaid Room at AoA for a weekend. Thanks!!!

I completely understand your comment that the Port resorts do not feel Disney-ish. Maybe that's why I prefer them as an adult? While at Riverside, I like the preferred rooms as they are so close to the main pool, lobby and restaurant. On my last stay, I found the cast members to be a bit more relaxed and social than at the values. Values tend to cater to groups (especially teens and kids) so they can be noisier. After being in the parks all day and surrounded by colors, sights and sounds, it was refreshing to go back to a relaxed resort. The room itself had the feel of Disney in a quiet way. I just feel like a princess while I'm there and the staff treat me as such!

 

[RyansMum]

Some of the best part of PO R&FQ is that their theming isn't so over the top, so they don't attract as many families with children. While I totally understand and respect that children is the target demographic for the entire resort, it's nice to be places that are mostly adults for a while as well. There is nightly entertainment in each of the bars, both TS & QS dining, and a very homey atmosphere that makes it very easy to relax. Same goes for Coronado. A few of the moderates (Coronado specifically) also offer King sized beds instead of the 2 doubles, which isn't offered in abundance at may of the other resorts.

I love the option of a king bed.

 

[Shellyred8]

I'm going to Orlando on April 12th-23rd, 2017.
The first 1/2 of my trip will be off property, attending Star Wars Celebration Orlando 2017!!!! It is my first Celebration, as a lifelong Star Wars fan, this is LONG overdue for me. 4/12-4/17 will be mostly off property, I've already booked my hotel near the OCC and bought my 4-day Celebration Ticket.

on April 17th, I will be checking out of my Orange County Convention Center Hotel and transferring onsite in Disney. My Disney Resort has not been chosen yet, my usual home (at least when i go with my parents) has always been POP Century, which I LOVE, but if I can pull it off in my budget, I'd love to try a Moderate, or maybe even Wilderness Lodge, MAYBE. What is your favorite Moderate Resort and why?

Then from April 17th-April 22nd, I will be in the parks. I have a 1/2 day PM at Animal Kingdom, 2 Full days at Magic Kingdom, a full day each at EPCOT and Studios and then one day where I will split it between Epcot in the morning and Studios at night since Fantasmic and the Star Wars Fireworks are my favorite shows to watch at Disney. On my travel home day, the 23rd, I may head to Disney Springs in the AM for lunch at Earl of Sandwich and to see all the new shops, then back to the resort and on the Magical Express to the airport.

I do have a couple of questions,
1. on my arrival day, 4/12 which is a NON park day, I'd like to watch WISHES outside of Magic Kingdom. My anxiety gets pretty bad on a crowded mainstreet usa, especially during the fireworks time, so I've noticed I don't enjoy it as much when I am being pushed and shoved, my solution to this is finding a way to enjoy the fireworks away from the park. I was thinking dinner at California Grill (reviews please, would a very pick eater like myself enjoy a meal here?), or a fireworks cruise... I love Peter Pan, and thanks to Once Upon a Time, I've grown to love that pirate Captain Hook, lol... I have heard there is a way to meet Captain Hook on a fireworks cruise? Can anyone give me info / reviews on these, are they worth it? TIA!

2. What are your thoughts on the Star Wars Dessert Party at Studios? Would that be something fun to add onto my Star Wars experience this trip? I have never done anything extra like this when I went to Disney with my parents, so I am trying to add some extra magic since i will be there by myself, and probably overwhelmed at certain times.

3. Any other advice / tips for solo travelers, especially for ideas on arrival/departure days would be appreciate. Thank you in advance!!!!

If you don't mind a little construction activity, now would be the time to book at Wilderness Lodge. Their rates seem to be less than normal since they started the construction. We stayed there last Christmas and we weren't bothered by the construction activity and we got a great rate.

MK fireworks viewing: Go to the Contemporary and watch from the outside steps. I think these are the "emergency exit" steps that go from the "shopping level" floor all the way to the top of the building. They are on the end of the building between the Contemporary and Bay Lake Towers. We watched from there one night and it was a really nice view.

One of the not-so-well-known activities is the Dining with an Imagineer lunch at Hollywood Brown Derby at Hollywood Studios. It's hard to get into, but if you have ever wanted to talk with an Imagineer, this is the way to go.

Arrival/departure days: If you stay at Wilderness Lodge, use these days to go check out Fort Wilderness Campgrounds. They have the Tri-Circle D ranch over there where you can see some of the horses that they use in the parades. To get there from Wilderness Lodge, you can just hop on one of the boats. Another thing we like to do on arrival day is to walk around the Boardwalk in the evening. I just love that area at night.

Since this will be your first solo trip, make sure to mentally prepare yourself. The first time I did a solo trip, I spent the first day lamenting over how much I wished my DH was there. Don't get stuck in that type of thinking. Approach it with the thought that this will be a great adventure and you can do whatever you want, whenever you want. You don't have to check with anyone to see what they want to do or where they want to eat. It's all about you this time!!

Wishing you a fantastic trip!!

 

[YawningDodo]

I see SO many A+ reviews about both Port Orleans Resorts, they seem so plain to me, and not very Disneyish. Why do you like them so much? What is your favorite thing about them besides the fact that they are smaller? Is it the theming, the food (which I'm not familiar with), etc.?

For me, it's the theming/overall atmosphere. To me, the Values feel like...well, value hotels with Disney wallpaper. Not *literally* just wallpaper, but wallpaper in the sense that they're fairly generic buildings with a visual layer of paint job/giant plastic wingdings/etc. on top. The moderates, on the other hand (the one with which I have personal experience is POFQ) have very complete theming and the overall atmosphere feels like you're in one of the themed lands in the parks apart from how much more relaxed it feels. It just feels to me like it was designed with much more depth to the theme, if that makes sense.

Like an above poster, I know it sounds a bit snobbish to say that the moderates are going to be a definite step up, but that's my feeling on it even though I certainly would not turn my nose up at a Disney value resort.

 

[SueDonym3]

I do have a couple of questions,
1. on my arrival day, 4/12 which is a NON park day, I'd like to watch WISHES outside of Magic Kingdom. My anxiety gets pretty bad on a crowded mainstreet usa, especially during the fireworks time, so I've noticed I don't enjoy it as much when I am being pushed and shoved, my solution to this is finding a way to enjoy the fireworks away from the park. I was thinking dinner at California Grill (reviews please, would a very pick eater like myself enjoy a meal here?), or a fireworks cruise... I love Peter Pan, and thanks to Once Upon a Time, I've grown to love that pirate Captain Hook, lol... I have heard there is a way to meet Captain Hook on a fireworks cruise? Can anyone give me info / reviews on these, are they worth it? TIA!

Highly recommend Cali Grill as a spot to view the fire works without the crowds. I took 2 picky eaters there and no complaints, but best thing to do is look at menu online and determine if you can find anything to eat.



3. Any other advice / tips for solo travelers, especially for ideas on arrival/departure days would be appreciate. Thank you in advance!!!![/QUOTE]

Relax, have fun. You asked about moderates too- I love Pop century for solo trips but it is nice to splurge on yourself if you can. If you can swing Wilderness Lodge do it! If not, all the moderates are great- difference come down to themes and Coronado has some additional amenities the other moderates do not. Evaluate what matters to you and pick the one you want the most. That is the best part of solo- no wrong answers!