OMG, just booked my first solo trip to WDW for 9/30-10/4

[Brian Tormey]

Single guy here from Broooooooklyn.

Just booked my first solo trip(well first trip I ever booked ever ha) to WDW for September 30th-October 4th. I am staying at the Disney's Port Orleans Riverside Resort with a Garden View.

Made reservations at Be Our Guest and Tony's Town Square(didn't hear the best reviews for Tony's, but hey I'm excited to be there anyway!)

I did also buy a ticket for Mickey's Not So Scary Part on the 2nd of October and the memory maker.

I heard dining is a lot easier and there isn't too much of need for ADR's except for the main big ones...is that true????

Can anyone give me tips as to what I may be doing wrong or what I should do?? Any help(especially with the Not So Scary Halloween Party)would be appreciated!!

I will say that for this trip I want to exclusively stay in Magic Kingdom. I won't have many days there, so I'd rather just spend the 4 days in MK to get a great feel for what it has to offer. I do want to take a side-mini-excursion to Disney Springs(I want to buy some pins and merch).

I plan on going back to WDW for two weeks to stay at the Contemporary in August of 2017 as well as an Adventures by Disney Trip to Disneyland and SoCal in 2017 as well.

I sat down at my PC tonight and was just playing around with YouTube...which led me to all things Disney. And I always wanted to see WDW in October and for Christmas....and I am a teacher and saw that I had the 3rd and 4th of October off and just ON THE SPOT, SPONTANEOUSLY booked myself a trip lololol.

I'm scared. Nervous. And VERY excited. Thank you all, and thank god for these boards...I've been a DIS Unplugged watcher and board lurker for a few months...I owe getting my excitement back for these parks all to you guys!

~~~~~~~Brian~~~~~~~

 

[Ensusieasm]

Single guy here from Broooooooklyn.

Just booked my first solo trip(well first trip I ever booked ever ha) to WDW for September 30th-October 4th. I am staying at the Disney's Port Orleans Riverside Resort with a Garden View.

Made reservations at Be Our Guest and Tony's Town Square(didn't hear the best reviews for Tony's, but hey I'm excited to be there anyway!)

I did also buy a ticket for Mickey's Not So Scary Part on the 2nd of October and the memory maker.

I heard dining is a lot easier and there isn't too much of need for ADR's except for the main big ones...is that true????

Can anyone give me tips as to what I may be doing wrong or what I should do?? Any help(especially with the Not So Scary Halloween Party)would be appreciated!!

I will say that for this trip I want to exclusively stay in Magic Kingdom. I won't have many days there, so I'd rather just spend the 4 days in MK to get a great feel for what it has to offer. I do want to take a side-mini-excursion to Disney Springs(I want to buy some pins and merch).

I plan on going back to WDW for two weeks to stay at the Contemporary in August of 2017 as well as an Adventures by Disney Trip to Disneyland and SoCal in 2017 as well.

I sat down at my PC tonight and was just playing around with YouTube...which led me to all things Disney. And I always wanted to see WDW in October and for Christmas....and I am a teacher and saw that I had the 3rd and 4th of October off and just ON THE SPOT, SPONTANEOUSLY booked myself a trip lololol.

I'm scared. Nervous. And VERY excited. Thank you all, and thank god for these boards...I've been a DIS Unplugged watcher and board lurker for a few months...I owe getting my excitement back for these parks all to you guys!

~~~~~~~Brian~~~~~~~

You picked my favorite resort. Have a great time! I've spent several solo days in Disney World, usually flying in up to 4 nights before friends arrive. I always enjoy it! Don't be nervous or scared. Just be excited and Enjoy!

 

[BrianL]

Sounds like fun, but honestly with 4 days and the MNSSHP one night you have a LOT of MK time. At that time of year you will be able to get everything done easily, so you might consider doing one of the other parks. You can always decide once you are there if you get your fill of MK. I mean, MK is the best with the most to do, but 4 days is a lot.

Have fun!

 

[automaticsoap]

I agree with PP about 4 days in MK being a lot -- perhaps too much -- time at MK without seeing any other parks. As a solo traveler, you'll get through things so much faster than in a group.

 

[Brian Tormey]

Thanks for the advice guys, will def re-consider the 4 days as time goes on. Thanks for the heads up!

 

[RyansMum]

Very cool! I'm excited for you and also because I'm there from October 2-9 on my first solo trip. I have a deep love for POR as it truly felt like home to me. BE WARNED! When the food court changes from breakfast menu to lunch (somewhere around 11:00 am?) the staff will walk around the dining area and sing a song called "Here at the Riverside". You will sing it forever! 3 years later and I'm still singing. If I can also add, I would check out a second park for a day as you might just fall in love. I'm not a fan of Epcot, Animal Kingdom is good but I always love a leisurely stroll through Hollywood Studios. I'm anticipating seeing all the changes though as the big hat is gone and new attractions are being built.

 

[Claudia Kellenberger]

I think I would at least split my time equally between MK and Epcot. I have had 19 annual solo vacations to WDW, and I am in the middle of planning for another one in early December. As for the moderates, POR is probably my favorite one. However .... I am getting spoiled by the deluxe resorts near Epcot.

 

[ojeight]

Single guy here from Broooooooklyn.

Just booked my first solo trip(well first trip I ever booked ever ha) to WDW for September 30th-October 4th. I am staying at the Disney's Port Orleans Riverside Resort with a Garden View.

Made reservations at Be Our Guest and Tony's Town Square(didn't hear the best reviews for Tony's, but hey I'm excited to be there anyway!)

I did also buy a ticket for Mickey's Not So Scary Part on the 2nd of October and the memory maker.

I heard dining is a lot easier and there isn't too much of need for ADR's except for the main big ones...is that true????

Can anyone give me tips as to what I may be doing wrong or what I should do?? Any help(especially with the Not So Scary Halloween Party)would be appreciated!!

I will say that for this trip I want to exclusively stay in Magic Kingdom. I won't have many days there, so I'd rather just spend the 4 days in MK to get a great feel for what it has to offer. I do want to take a side-mini-excursion to Disney Springs(I want to buy some pins and merch).

I plan on going back to WDW for two weeks to stay at the Contemporary in August of 2017 as well as an Adventures by Disney Trip to Disneyland and SoCal in 2017 as well.

I sat down at my PC tonight and was just playing around with YouTube...which led me to all things Disney. And I always wanted to see WDW in October and for Christmas....and I am a teacher and saw that I had the 3rd and 4th of October off and just ON THE SPOT, SPONTANEOUSLY booked myself a trip lololol.

I'm scared. Nervous. And VERY excited. Thank you all, and thank god for these boards...I've been a DIS Unplugged watcher and board lurker for a few months...I owe getting my excitement back for these parks all to you guys!

~~~~~~~Brian~~~~~~~

I'll be there In September too. A little earlier than you though. I'm not going solo but sometimes I wish I were. I"m from New York too.

 

[ah10is]

Solo trips are the best! I'll be doing my 4th one 8/19-8/27. No need to be scared or nervous! Excited...Yes!!! I agree with other members...4 days in MK is a lot! You can do and see a lot as solo traveler! I always end up walking 3-4 more miles a day than I do if I have someone go with me! If you have the Party ticket, I would do a different park during that day and then your party ticket will get you in to MK starting at 4pm! I personally love Animal Kingdom!!!

As far as dining reservations....I make them....but thats just me! I usually book one per day! I can always cancel them the night before if I change my mind! You are going when they are offering free dining so the restaurants tend to be busier due to that! But as a solo party, you can often get a table as a walk in, though you may have to wait a bit! You can also always use the MDE app to see if a place has a table if you decide last minute you want to eat somewhere!

I haven't been to the Halloween Party....but I do know your Party ticket will get you into the park starting at 4pm even though the party doesn't start until 7pm! So as I mentioned before, I would do a different park during the day and then head over to MK for 4pm to get the best bang for my buck!!!

Since your staying at Port Orleans Riverside, I would also recommend taking the boat over to Disney Springs one night! I stayed at POR once and loved the boat over! Lots of shops and dining at Disney Springs! I always find myself at Earl of Sandwich and Ghirardelli's for dessert! If I could ever find a good deal on POR I would stay there again! I am sure you will love it!

Happy planning and let us know how you 1st solo trip went! I'm sure you'll be hooked and be planning it every year! : )

 

[Brian Tormey]

Update****

Heavily reconsidering, using that Monday to see Epcot. I am new to pin trading and addicted already, would love to go there to talk around, eat and get some merch.

Also another great update...I will be in Orlando during June 29th-July 5th and from August 25th-September 5th to see relatives and do touristy stuff. Thinking of seeing Disney Springs, and doing some parks!!! Satyong off site in Orlando at other hotels during both of those trips!! Cannot wait!

 

[Brian Tormey]

Solo trips are the best! I'll be doing my 4th one 8/19-8/27. No need to be scared or nervous! Excited...Yes!!! I agree with other members...4 days in MK is a lot! You can do and see a lot as solo traveler! I always end up walking 3-4 more miles a day than I do if I have someone go with me! If you have the Party ticket, I would do a different park during that day and then your party ticket will get you in to MK starting at 4pm! I personally love Animal Kingdom!!!

As far as dining reservations....I make them....but thats just me! I usually book one per day! I can always cancel them the night before if I change my mind! You are going when they are offering free dining so the restaurants tend to be busier due to that! But as a solo party, you can often get a table as a walk in, though you may have to wait a bit! You can also always use the MDE app to see if a place has a table if you decide last minute you want to eat somewhere!

I haven't been to the Halloween Party....but I do know your Party ticket will get you into the park starting at 4pm even though the party doesn't start until 7pm! So as I mentioned before, I would do a different park during the day and then head over to MK for 4pm to get the best bang for my buck!!!

Since your staying at Port Orleans Riverside, I would also recommend taking the boat over to Disney Springs one night! I stayed at POR once and loved the boat over! Lots of shops and dining at Disney Springs! I always find myself at Earl of Sandwich and Ghirardelli's for dessert! If I could ever find a good deal on POR I would stay there again! I am sure you will love it!

Happy planning and let us know how you 1st solo trip went! I'm sure you'll be hooked and be planning it every year! : )

Thank you so much for the support as well as the great info and advice!!

 

[manakin]

Solo trips are fantastic! I went in Disneyworld alone two years ago and I probably had the best time in my life!
No rushing, taking your times, doing what you want...it's the best feeling ever.

Yes, i think that during end of september the parks will be really not so crowded, so one entire day and the evening of the MNSSHP will be plenty of time Maybe would be a nice thing to spend a night in Animal kingdom, since the park will start to be opened also during night for the new shows

 

[raddisneyfan]

I agree with a lot of the PPs. I don't think during any of my vacations over the past almost 40 years (yikes!) have i ever gone to MK 4 days at any one time. These past few years, my trips are usually 8 days in length, of those I usually spend 2 at MK, 2.5 at EP, 1.5 AK, and 1 at HS. In your case, I would almost want to do the cruise method--get a little feel of each place available and then know what you want when you go back for a longer stay. I would do 2 days MK, 1 EP, 1/2 AK and 1/2 HS.

 

[ZoZo]

I'll chime in with the other posters; I'd recommend trying at least one other park besides MK. My favorite parks, in order, are MK/AK (tied for first place), Epcot, and DHS. As others have suggested, you can definitely go to another park the day of your MNSSHP, then go to the party starting at 4:00.

Also, I'd make one ADR per day; you're going during free dining, and TS restaurants tend to be booked up during that time. I like Yak and Yeti at AK, if you go there; great food! Remember that you can always cancel you TS reservations the day before without penalty, if you change your mind. Better to have ADRs, and decide to cancel, then not be able to get into TS restaurants if they're booked. And one more thing - you might skip Tony's, and try for BOG. Tony's gets routinely bad reviews, and BOG is a unique experience!

Hope you have a wonderful trip!

 

[Stephanator]

Update****

Heavily reconsidering, using that Monday to see Epcot. I am new to pin trading and addicted already, would love to go there to talk around, eat and get some merch.

Also another great update...I will be in Orlando during June 29th-July 5th and from August 25th-September 5th to see relatives and do touristy stuff. Thinking of seeing Disney Springs, and doing some parks!!! Satyong off site in Orlando at other hotels during both of those trips!! Cannot wait!

Epcot is great park for pin trading! I'd absolutely recommend you spend some time there. Lots of cast members from around the world to trade with and the serious pin traders congregate right past Spaceship Earth. Plus, as a solo adult, the World Showcase is a good place to sit with an adult beverage & snack to people watch. I've done a few solo trip to WDW, DL and other places and always enjoy being able to do what I want, when I want. Helloooooo, ice cream for lunch! Have a fantastic trip!

 

[daae3]

Congrats! You still need TS reservations at that time of year. Esp. Because there is usually a free dining offer that happens, which means getting into restaurants can be difficult, even as a solo. I really like the Plaza and if you can find a Res for CP for breakfast- try it, even if you are not into characters, the breakfast is amazing. If you go to the other parks, pick your faves and try it, never had an issue dining solo. Riverside is great. Another fun thing to do as a solo, take boat to Downtown Disney ( whatever it is called these days) and go to Raglan Road, the food is great and the band is fun to watch.

 

[Alfredo68]

Brian, I just booked my first solo WDW trip as well, also at the Disney Port Orleans Riverside in a Garden View room like you, last week of October (who knows, I may end up in the room you may have been in!) And it was a scary thing to go this alone being an introvert. I have been to Disney a good 20 plus times since I was 12 but never alone. But after a few days, I have to admit to being extremely excited about going alone and planning the days as I want. I get there Monday, October 24 and check out Saturday the 29, with 5 day park hoppers. I am doing the MK and EPCOT only as those are the parks I really like. I am finding that booking some lunch and dining while leaving room for whim is helping me feel more secure, less stressed and ready for the experience. Granted, having been there many times before helps, but the internet searches and forums like these really help. I hope you have an amazing time and let us know how it went

 

[Roborama]

Single guy here from Broooooooklyn.

Just booked my first solo trip(well first trip I ever booked ever ha) to WDW for September 30th-October 4th. I am staying at the Disney's Port Orleans Riverside Resort with a Garden View.

Made reservations at Be Our Guest and Tony's Town Square(didn't hear the best reviews for Tony's, but hey I'm excited to be there anyway!)

I did also buy a ticket for Mickey's Not So Scary Part on the 2nd of October and the memory maker.

I heard dining is a lot easier and there isn't too much of need for ADR's except for the main big ones...is that true????

Can anyone give me tips as to what I may be doing wrong or what I should do?? Any help(especially with the Not So Scary Halloween Party)would be appreciated!!

I will say that for this trip I want to exclusively stay in Magic Kingdom. I won't have many days there, so I'd rather just spend the 4 days in MK to get a great feel for what it has to offer. I do want to take a side-mini-excursion to Disney Springs(I want to buy some pins and merch).

I plan on going back to WDW for two weeks to stay at the Contemporary in August of 2017 as well as an Adventures by Disney Trip to Disneyland and SoCal in 2017 as well.

I sat down at my PC tonight and was just playing around with YouTube...which led me to all things Disney. And I always wanted to see WDW in October and for Christmas....and I am a teacher and saw that I had the 3rd and 4th of October off and just ON THE SPOT, SPONTANEOUSLY booked myself a trip lololol.

I'm scared. Nervous. And VERY excited. Thank you all, and thank god for these boards...I've been a DIS Unplugged watcher and board lurker for a few months...I owe getting my excitement back for these parks all to you guys!

~~~~~~~Brian~~~~~~~

Hey Brian- I'm from NY (live in Queens, work in Brooklyn), and going solo. I'm guessing September, maybe October, would be less expensive, so plan to book then. Did you book your flight separate? How did you decide on hotel and what to see? Just curious. I think I will use Be Our Guest as well. Not sure who has the best deals. Budget is tight but I'm going to splurge and go for 5 or 6 nights, I hope. Nervous about going by myself, but I do a lot on my own anyway. be great to meet other solo guests for occasional buddyship or even every day. I'm new on this site and will read/post to others for info. It's great your booked, it's a little more real now, lol. I hope you have the greatest time!

 

[Alfredo68]

Hey Brian- I'm from NY (live in Queens, work in Brooklyn), and going solo. I'm guessing September, maybe October, would be less expensive, so plan to book then. Did you book your flight separate? How did you decide on hotel and what to see? Just curious. I think I will use Be Our Guest as well. Not sure who has the best deals. Budget is tight but I'm going to splurge and go for 5 or 6 nights, I hope. Nervous about going by myself, but I do a lot on my own anyway. be great to meet other solo guests for occasional buddyship or even every day. I'm new on this site and will read/post to others for info. It's great your booked, it's a little more real now, lol. I hope you have the greatest time!

I know how you feel! I, too, am going solo and it was a bit scary a decision to make. I booked my trip for the last week of October and it was a big deal for me, because I am an introvert. I spent an hour on the phone with a Cast member booking the trip (I originally was going to have a friend employee discount so I needed to call rather than book on-line, but that did not work out). I am nervous, but I have been to WDW many times in the past, so know my way. This will be my first time alone. I chose to go for 6 days (the sixth day is actually check-out) with five day park hopper tickets. By the way, I have a blog about going solo to Disney World if you're interested.

 

[Shellyred8]

Update****

Heavily reconsidering, using that Monday to see Epcot. I am new to pin trading and addicted already, would love to go there to talk around, eat and get some merch.

Also another great update...I will be in Orlando during June 29th-July 5th and from August 25th-September 5th to see relatives and do touristy stuff. Thinking of seeing Disney Springs, and doing some parks!!! Satyong off site in Orlando at other hotels during both of those trips!! Cannot wait!

You might want to check out some of the other resorts too! The resorts will often have pins that are unique to them. Have a great time!!!