Not Sure What To Do With Myself For 9 Days

[Maleficent Dragon]

Most here know my story. I had a sisters trip planned for December and my sister found out she was pregnant 1 month after I booked. Sadly, my sister lost her baby this week. (she would have been 10 weeks yesterday) She does not want to go because she said that she and her husband want to try for another baby and she does not want to commit anything. That is okay; I am truly excited about going by myself and doing things my way.

I am going on borrowed in DVC points; for that reason I have to keep what I booked. I could stay in a one-bedroom for less nights, but I feel like that is too much space for little ol' me. I could sell the reservation but uh, no!!!

So my question is - what am I to do for 9 days? I just dont want to get to that place where I am wandering around the park not too sure what to do with myself. I am thinking (guessing at this point) that riding alone, eating alone, shopping on my own, only me for characters, taking pictures, etc will mean that I get more done in a day. I am wondering if 5 or 6 days in, I will feel like I have "done it all". I know there are tours and such, but I do want to be mindful of how much I am spending.

Do any of you who go solo ever feel like you are ready to go home before your trip is over? I might be a little over-concerned about it since this is my first solo.

 

[Djsgoofy]

My first solo trip was for 8 nights. After about 4 days I thought I had done most everything I wanted & wondered what I would do for the rest of the time. I found myself doing more relaxing, slowing down in the parks and having a great time doing just what I wanted to do. At the end of my trip, I felt as though I could do more days solo. Overall, it was a great time. Enjoy it!

 

[may1787]

Oh, I am going for 12 days and 13 nights and I have no idea how to fit it all in! But, this will be my first trip since I was 8 and I will be spending a lot on meals, spa, etc. I would agree that you can make every other day a relaxing day. Hang by the pool, take a nap, have a nice sit down dinner. You could spend a day perusing other hotels (some of them have free tours, games, activities, etc.). On days you are at the parks you can try one of the card games (Phineus and Ferb, Sorcerers).

 

[com_op_2000]

Things to do outside the parks, depends on what you are into:
sports: golf, mini-golf, fishing, RPDE, marathon, bowling, ESPN Club, WWS/ESPN Zone, etc
shopping: DTD, area outlet malls, large scale malls
drinking: Jellyrolls, Raglan Road, monorail tour of resorts, walking tour of resorts in the Boardwalk area
movies: DTD 24 screen theater some with meals served by waiters
night clubbing: Jellyrolls, Atlantic Dance, Raglan Road, Citywalk
resort tours: monorail tour of resorts, Boardwalk around the lake tour of resorts, AKL/AKV
offsite: Gaylord Palms Resort, Citywalk, swamp tour

 

[karly05]

5 full days has been my longest trip so far; I'm seriously wanting to expand to 6 for 2016. If I had 9 full days - well, if I had 9 full days, I'd probably finally get over to Universal, but that's a big added expense. If I had 9 full days at WDW, I would certainly take a relaxation/non-park day. I've never spent any "pool time" at WDW. I haven't seen (or have barely seen) several of the resorts (I am making time to visit POP & AoA this year). I'd probably go to DTD and have lunch at Wolfgang Puck Express (never been there but have always heard good things). Park wise, I would finally go do a couple of Agent P missions at Epcot. Might spend a day just chasing character photos. I'm always up for do-overs of my favorite attractions, so I'm sure I could find stuff to do at each park.

9 days does sound kind of long, but look at it as an opportunity to slow down and be more flexible with your touring.

 

[kwdw]

Nine days solo sounds like BLISS to me!!! It does take less time to do your "must-do" list - that's quite true solo. I was there last week and the planned portion of my day always seemed to go faster than expected.

Sounds like you are renting at a DVC resort. Check the activity guide for the days you are there. They may have a craft project or movie or something when you are there that interests you. You can also probably spend half a day just really wandering around the resort and finding great, unusual photos to take - if you like photography.

Get sleep. Realize it's okay to sleep later in the morning or give up early in the evening. The one day I actually went home early and watched TV in my room! First time ever I turned on the TV during a Disney trip. But - my feet appreciated the long break. And honestly, my stomach needed the break, too, skipping dinner was a great choice for me that day.

Resort hop for fun. I sat at the savanna at AKL watching the animals (and pretending to read stuff on my phone) - for over an hour just for the fun of it (I wasn't staying there!). I love seeing the resort specific merchandise in the gift shops - even though I don't buy it.

If you like wine tasting - you could do the wine tasting series in EPCOT.

You said December - so - schedule the Christmas party at MK. I admit that the parties actually make me feel a bit lonely - but they are a different thing to do.

Plan a meal or two at "unusual" places - places you don't normally go.

Anyway - have fun!

 

[samsteele]

9 days will go by very quickly and you won't be bored if you want to do some pre-planning & have some goals in mind. Definitely book off at least one day in the middle as a down day to either 1) enjoy your hotel & pool if the weather is nice or 2) go resort hopping (perhaps Trader Sams will be open?) or 3) check out Downtown Disney, the shops and the AMC theatre. Are you a foodie? Do you like to try different menus & food? Are you on the DP or paying OOP? All of these things can help provide some guidance & framework for your vacation. For example, if you are paying OOP, then you might want to do some advance online research (many, many websites available) that can suggest best restaurants to check-out when eating OOP. Last month, I paid OOP and tried Restaurant Marrakesh for lunch, Beaches & Cream for dinner, BOG for lunch, Trails End buffet for dinner, Yak & Yeti for lunch, Tangierine Cafe for dinner, Kringla Og Kafe for dinner and Sanaa for dinner. It was fun to check out something different because, if I return to Disney World in the future, I will likely be on the DP and so will want to maximize the plan by choosing more $$ restaurants. Who knows? Maybe in the future you will return with your family and find your choices limited by what they will eat. Check out the rides and shows that you have always wanted to do. Enjoy old favourites & brave new experiences. Ride the Sum of All Thrills at Epcot. Try the single rider line at Test Track. Then relax at Ellen's Energy Adventure or while gazing at the manatees at the aquarium. Do what you want to do & have fun!

 

[Simba's Mom]

I'll give you a couple of dumb (maybe) little ideas of things I've done on many solo trips. One morning I took the bus to MK. Then I immediately got on the ferry that goes across the lagoon and brings people from the TTC to MK. I got up top and waved to all the people at the MK. Of course, since I was the only one headed in that direction on the ferry, lots of people thought I must be important and waved back (crazy way to pass time). I don't know which DVC resort you're at, but from BCV lots of mornings, I'd walk over to Epcot and be one of the very few eating breakfast at Boulangerie Pastrie in France. Brought a book, listened to the music, just soaked in the ambience. ANd one slow evening at FW, I rode Spaceship Earth 4 times in a row. The CMs told me (at my request) where all the hidden mickeys were, then it took me 4 trips to find them all. Unique, but fun ways, to enjoy WDW.

 

[HoliPoli]

I so get it! My first solo trip is coming up in May, and my anxiety is all about what I'm going to do with my hands!

In earlier years they were busy pushing strollers, wiping dirty faces, and tying shoes. As the years passed, it became holding hands, high-fiving, and bearing the weight of a pack mule in Disney memorabilia. It's going to be strange, but I'm curious as to how well I cope.

Nine days does seem like a bit much for a solo trip. If you'll have a car and want the most amazing experience of your life, I'd suggest visiting Winter and Hope dolphin in Clearwater. That trip was so inspiring that it changed my life. The boatride through the bay is pretty nice, as well.

 

[goofyintoronto]

I so get it! My first solo trip is coming up in May, and my anxiety is all about what I'm going to do with my hands!

In earlier years they were busy pushing strollers, wiping dirty faces, and tying shoes. As the years passed, it became holding hands, high-fiving, and bearing the weight of a pack mule in Disney memorabilia. It's going to be strange, but I'm curious as to how well I cope.

Nine days does seem like a bit much for a solo trip. If you'll have a car and want the most amazing experience of your life, I'd suggest visiting Winter and Hope dolphin in Clearwater. That trip was so inspiring that it changed my life. The boatride through the bay is pretty nice, as well.

I saw both movies and I agree, a visit would be amazing!! I really really want to go on my next trip to Florida.

 

[JustCor]

Seconding Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom. I easily killed a day at MK just playing that and I still haven't come close to finishing. I look forward to continuing next time I'm there.

 

[Maleficent Dragon]

My first solo trip was for 8 nights. After about 4 days I thought I had done most everything I wanted & wondered what I would do for the rest of the time. I found myself doing more relaxing, slowing down in the parks and having a great time doing just what I wanted to do. At the end of my trip, I felt as though I could do more days solo. Overall, it was a great time. Enjoy it!

Maybe I should just start out with a slower pace. I am naturally a fast walker and going slow is difficult for me. Perhaps, being that I plan to take a lot of pictures, that will cause me to really take my time.

Overall, I think I waffle about all of this because I have never gone solo.

 

[Maleficent Dragon]

Oh, I am going for 12 days and 13 nights and I have no idea how to fit it all in! But, this will be my first trip since I was 8 and I will be spending a lot on meals, spa, etc. I would agree that you can make every other day a relaxing day. Hang by the pool, take a nap, have a nice sit down dinner. You could spend a day perusing other hotels (some of them have free tours, games, activities, etc.). On days you are at the parks you can try one of the card games (Phineus and Ferb, Sorcerers).

I dont do public pools, blech but I am going in December and one of my favorite things to do is to visit the resorts and look at the Christmas decorations. For some reason, that slipped my mind. That will take an entire evening for me just as the EPCOT resorts.

 

[Maleficent Dragon]

Things to do outside the parks, depends on what you are into:
sports: golf, mini-golf, fishing, RPDE, marathon, bowling, ESPN Club, WWS/ESPN Zone, etc
shopping: DTD, area outlet malls, large scale malls
drinking: Jellyrolls, Raglan Road, monorail tour of resorts, walking tour of resorts in the Boardwalk area
movies: DTD 24 screen theater some with meals served by waiters
night clubbing: Jellyrolls, Atlantic Dance, Raglan Road, Citywalk
resort tours: monorail tour of resorts, Boardwalk around the lake tour of resorts, AKL/AKV
offsite: Gaylord Palms Resort, Citywalk, swamp tour

You would probably consider me a bore. LOL

I do not drink.
I am not into clubbing.
I am only into sports when my husband is around.
I will not have a car and therefore not leaving property.

However, if there is anything good at the movies, I will totally go!! I forgot about the AMC.
I also love looking at the Christmas decorations at the resorts.
And uh, yeah, this girl can shop!!!

 

[Maleficent Dragon]

Nine days solo sounds like BLISS to me!!! It does take less time to do your "must-do" list - that's quite true solo. I was there last week and the planned portion of my day always seemed to go faster than expected.

Sounds like you are renting at a DVC resort. Check the activity guide for the days you are there. They may have a craft project or movie or something when you are there that interests you. You can also probably spend half a day just really wandering around the resort and finding great, unusual photos to take - if you like photography.

Get sleep. Realize it's okay to sleep later in the morning or give up early in the evening. The one day I actually went home early and watched TV in my room! First time ever I turned on the TV during a Disney trip. But - my feet appreciated the long break. And honestly, my stomach needed the break, too, skipping dinner was a great choice for me that day.

Resort hop for fun. I sat at the savanna at AKL watching the animals (and pretending to read stuff on my phone) - for over an hour just for the fun of it (I wasn't staying there!). I love seeing the resort specific merchandise in the gift shops - even though I don't buy it.

If you like wine tasting - you could do the wine tasting series in EPCOT.

You said December - so - schedule the Christmas party at MK. I admit that the parties actually make me feel a bit lonely - but they are a different thing to do.

Plan a meal or two at "unusual" places - places you don't normally go.

Anyway - have fun!

I own DVC. We go all of the time, several times a year, for MANY years, just never solo.

I am already planning 2 MVMCPs. Always 2.

Truly, I know it will be a great trip. Probably my best one ever!

 

[Maleficent Dragon]

I'll give you a couple of dumb (maybe) little ideas of things I've done on many solo trips. One morning I took the bus to MK. Then I immediately got on the ferry that goes across the lagoon and brings people from the TTC to MK. I got up top and waved to all the people at the MK. Of course, since I was the only one headed in that direction on the ferry, lots of people thought I must be important and waved back (crazy way to pass time). I don't know which DVC resort you're at, but from BCV lots of mornings, I'd walk over to Epcot and be one of the very few eating breakfast at Boulangerie Pastrie in France. Brought a book, listened to the music, just soaked in the ambience. ANd one slow evening at FW, I rode Spaceship Earth 4 times in a row. The CMs told me (at my request) where all the hidden mickeys were, then it took me 4 trips to find them all. Unique, but fun ways, to enjoy WDW.

I LOVE going into EPCOT from International Gateway and going straight to breakfast!

Ah, I have never intentionally done a Hidden Mickey hunt - that is something to do that is different!!!

 

[tinkerbella16]

I mainly booked 9 nights, 10 days for my solo trip in November because I hate leaving after 6 days and I come home wishing I had a longer stay. I hope I don't get that feeling of wanting to go home before my trip is over. I plan on taking it a lot slower than usual. I always feel rushed, having 6 days to do everything we want to do... so having those extra few days, I can really take my time. Take a day away from the parks and hang out the resort and really enjoy it. I plan on resort hopping on the monorail. I am waiting for Nov park hours to be released so I cannot really plan each day yet.. when I know that, I can really start to figure out how I am going to fill each day with things I want to do. I do plan on doing Behind the Seeds at Epcot for the first time, normally on a family trip we wouldn't do this. I want to still wake up early and do rope drop, leave midday and go back out at night. I love MVMCP so much so I plan one night for the party... and last year I ended up solo since my sister was 5 months pregnant and tired so they went back to the room... I had SO much fun staying until the park closed and hit all of my favorite rides over and over. It was awesome. I prefer the parks at night, so I already know that my nights will be plenty busy and fun in the parks.

 

[Redbudlover]

I have done 9 days solo and never ran out of stuff to do. I was ready to leave at the end, but didn't want to leave early. I did spend a day at Universal. If I did it now I would plan 2 days to enjoy Harry Potter stuff and the great rides there. I took it slow and did a couple of tours, rode on those little speed boats, did the luau, did a party, read books in the parks, rode my fave rides. I went to the spa and shopped. I loved having that much time!

 

[MrLight]

I'm concerned about doing an entire week alone as well, but the more I think about it the less concerned I get. More days means not having to kill myself treading a park the entire day and night, I can go home early and relax. And I'm going in May so I got a) free Planet Hollywood meal, b) free admission to Disney Quest, c) free mini golf, and d) free arcade tokens. So I've got free non-park things to do.

If I *REALLY* have time to spare, I'd love to visit some of the grand hotels and walk around a little. I also want to ride the monorail, I've never done that.

 

[DonnaBeeGood]

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