Parks or Cruise for Solo Traveler

[Shock13]

I'm relatively new to solo traveling. I just went on a Disneyland solo trip for 4 days this past March and loved it. Now I'm thinking about doing another solo trip in February next year. I thought about doing WDW for 6 days or possibly take a Disney cruise to Eastern Caribbean. I've cruised once before (Alaska) and loved it. It wasn't on DCL though. I would like to take another cruise but very nervous about doing it solo mostly because I'd be bored of things to do on the ship or not really venturing out on the ports because I wouldn't be comfortable getting around alone.
If I decide to go to the parks, I know the food will be awesome because of the many signature restaurants and there will be plenty to do. But I've been to WDW before and feel I should go somewhere I have not yet visited. I've never been to the Caribbean.
Any suggestions or advice?

 

[anonymousegirl]

From a financial standpoint, the parks will be a lot less expensive. Cruise pricing assume 2 people in a cabin. When one person uses a cabin, the cruise line is losing money as the non existent second person isn't buying drinks, shore excursions, spa treatments, photos, etc. So the cruise line charges extra to solo travelers.

But if you have never done the Caribbean, that would be an awesome trip. Disney does the Caribbean and the Bahamas. Some of the Caribbean sailings do not go to the wonderful Castaway Cay, Disney's private island resort, so if that is something you want to do, make sure the itinerary is scheduled to stop there. All of the Bahamas sailing stop there unless weather prevents it.

I have done a solo cruise and I often go to the parks solo. I think I prefer doing the parks solo but the cruise was still fun. There is plenty to do on the ship and you will make some temporary friends.

 

[anonymousegirl]

sorry, hit reply too soon.

You could combine a 3 or 4 day Disney bahamas cruise with a few days at WDW. best of both worlds, but as I said, the cruise won't be cheap.

 

[ArielseekingEric]

Did disney last year as a solo trip (and ran a 5k). Would love to do a cruise but the cost for solo is not an option at this point in time.

 

[sky13]

I'm relatively new to solo traveling. I just went on a Disneyland solo trip for 4 days this past March and loved it. Now I'm thinking about doing another solo trip in February next year. I thought about doing WDW for 6 days or possibly take a Disney cruise to Eastern Caribbean. I've cruised once before (Alaska) and loved it. It wasn't on DCL though. I would like to take another cruise but very nervous about doing it solo mostly because I'd be bored of things to do on the ship or not really venturing out on the ports because I wouldn't be comfortable getting around alone.
If I decide to go to the parks, I know the food will be awesome because of the many signature restaurants and there will be plenty to do. But I've been to WDW before and feel I should go somewhere I have not yet visited. I've never been to the Caribbean.
Any suggestions or advice?

I've now done solo trips to Disneyland (also for 4 days - my first solo trip ever!) and Disneyland Paris, and am headed on a solo trip to WDW in 2 months. I've been to WDW once before (a long time ago) and get a bit of teasing from friends for doing Disney solo AGAIN but am really looking forward to it!

In contrast to my absolutely-no-hesitation-in-going-solo-in-WDW, I'm not sure I would do a cruise alone, but I've never been on a cruise so my opinion might be biased... I think part of the reason why I enjoy the parks as a solo traveller so much is because there are lots of rides, shows, parades, and I'm always on the go from one spot to another so I keep myself fairly occupied... whereas I think I might find it harder to just chill out and relax on a holiday... (I also get extremely bored at beaches - I like them for an hour or so then just want to leave...)

 

[Shock13]

Thank you for the replies.
Yes, financially going to WDW would be much cheaper and that is definitely something I've considered. I could easily upgrade my hotel options instead of the planned POP Century stay (which is just fine for me anyway) and of course eat at more signature restaurants. In the past trips to WDW, my time was always rushed (touring guide for family) and this way I could certainly relax.
As for the cruise, I will be a little disappointed about skipping it but I'd rather save my money and use it to go to a destination I really want to enjoy. The Caribbean wasn't my first choice, it's just so much cheaper than going anywhere else.
Thanks again.

 

[ludari]

I'm relatively new to solo traveling. I just went on a Disneyland solo trip for 4 days this past March and loved it. Now I'm thinking about doing another solo trip in February next year. I thought about doing WDW for 6 days or possibly take a Disney cruise to Eastern Caribbean. I've cruised once before (Alaska) and loved it. It wasn't on DCL though. I would like to take another cruise but very nervous about doing it solo mostly because I'd be bored of things to do on the ship or not really venturing out on the ports because I wouldn't be comfortable getting around alone.
If I decide to go to the parks, I know the food will be awesome because of the many signature restaurants and there will be plenty to do. But I've been to WDW before and feel I should go somewhere I have not yet visited. I've never been to the Caribbean.
Any suggestions or advice?

I travel solo all the time to WDW, DLR and Disney Cruises. When travelling to the parks I will sometimes meet up with friends but for all my cruises I have gone solo. I typically will make cruise friends but only a few have become friends I have met at parks. The only downside to cruising solo is the cost (you have to pay a single supplement) but I have to admit I really enjoy cruising solo very much. If you book early you can sometimes get good deals on cruises.

If you have any questions about cruising solo please asks.

 

[SueDonym3]

I love traveling solo to WDW. You are correct, great food, lots of fun to be had. I am heading on my first solo cruise next week on the Dream-I lucked into a great price for a Verandah cabin. I think the main differences are in the type of vacation you want. I am a park warrior-rope drop to park close and I love every minute of it. I am looking forward to the cruise for relaxation. I plan to spend a lot of time on my balcony, at the adult pool and in the spa...I cannot wait! The dining looks impressive too-read Gambee's review of the Dream-you can find it here or on Cruise Critic. I booked the specialty dining because I got nervous after reading a thread on here about crazy table mates...First night-we will see if I can add to that thread. I don't think you can go wrong either way!