One day alone at WDW -- what to do?

[Mom-to-3]

DH and I are staying at the Swan/Dolphin later this month. He'll be in a meeting from 8-5. Poor me, I'll be alone at WDW for the first time ever.

I don't have any leftover park tickets, but I could purchase a one day. Or perhaps I can find enough free/less expensive things that are fun.

What would you do?

 

[Safari Steve]

If there's a park that you wouldn't mind doing on your own, go for a one-day ticket. There's bound to be lots of helpful information on the "Adult and Solo Travelers" forum futher down the Trip Planning section.
Keep in mind that you can not purchase a one-day park hopper, so whichever park you choose will be the only one you can visit.
You may want to take in some of the sights at the resorts. From the Swan/Dolphin, it's just a short walk to the Disney/MGM Studios, which is the closest WDW bus hub. From there you can take a bus to Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge (visit the animals on the resort's savannah and get a hidden mickey scavenger hunt sheet from the front desk).
At Fort Wilderness, there's a petting farm, the Tri-Circle D Ranch, where the WDW horses live, and horseback riding.
Disney's Wilderness Lodge offers a short guided tour from the front desk.
All resorts with marinas offer small "watermouse" boats for rent.
Downtown Disney shops open at 10am, and there are plenty of great places to eat all over the property outside of the parks.
Mini Golf is available at Fantasia Gardens -walking distance from the Swan/Dolphin. That might be something you and your husband would like to do in the evening after dinner (they're open till 11pm).
If nothing I mentioned sounds like your cup of tea, definitely head for the parks, and check out the "Adults and Solo Travelers" forum for tips and encouragement.

 

[markºoº]

I had a similar experience with DW in meetings all day and I was free. I did the Backstage Magic tour which takes you to MK, EPCOT, and MGM. If I recall correctly, I did not need a park pass to take the tour - it started at guest relations outside of EPCOT.

This was a great tour that lasted all morning and early afternoon. Although the tour is long, there is not an excessive amount of walking as your have a private bus that takes you from stop to stop. Lunch at Mama Melrose's is included.

 

[Terk-1]

I would discuss with your husband where you both would like to go & do. If there is a park/place that you want to go, that he does not, go there solo. This way you get to enjoy it without any troubles.

An alternative to the parks would be to head to Downtown Disney. This is a great place to wander around, do some shopping and then head over to the House of Blues for a nice lunch. Lunch tends to be less crowded than dinner and the food is very good. Maybe treat yourself to a sinful sundae at Ghiradelli's!

Another alternative is to resort hop and view the different styles of the deluxe resorts.

 

[Grumpy92]

The tours are a great idea. There are many to choose from so you might want to check out http://allearsnet.com/btp/tours.htm for descriptions. You also might want to consider a spa treatment at the GF Spa and then do an afternoon tea at the GF.

Bike rentals are avalable at FW or the surrey bikes at BWI.

 

[Simba's Mom]

Originally posted by Terk-1
I would discuss with your husband where you both would like to go & do. If there is a park/place that you want to go, that he does not, go there solo. This way you get to enjoy it without any troubles.

That's an excellent idea. I go once a year with DH and once a year solo. Before I go, we sit and discuss what rides he likes/dislikes. That's why on this last solo trip I didn't do TT, but I did do Dumbo!
If you decide to go to a park, I'd recommend WS in Epcot. Shop in all the countries-if your DH is anything like most men, shopping isn't his biggest thrill. Have lunch at Chefs de France, get a window table so you can people-watch. Also, DTD and a big sundae at Ghiardelli's sounds good too!

 

[jaysue]

If you have wheels, you could always go to Universal Studios for the day for something different or perhaps Sea World

thanks
jaysue