Planning solo trip, feeling a bit lost

[macphile]

I'm thinking about going to Disney World (solo) in probably spring/early summer 2021.

I'm planning to go to Universal for a couple of days first (I guess it could be second). I imagine I'll spend 5 or 6 days at Disney. I'm not a complete Disney newbie, but I've only been once, and that was like 30 years ago, LOL.

The really funny thing about all this is that I'm not a huge Disney person, but I'm going to Universal either way, and I thought it'd be interesting to see what Disney is like these days. I think I'll enjoy myself enough, anyway.

Anyway, I've been poking around the Disney site and am fairly overwhelmed, particularly on the hotel. I'm leaning towards the Port Orleans - Riverside. My main criteria are a decent on-site restaurant, a nice bar/lounge, and a decent pool. I also want to avoid places with big convention/meeting events going on. Of course, proximity to Disney and/or good transportation are welcome. Budget-wise, I'm thinking no more than a moderate price--I don't want to do $500+/night. Anyway, would POR fit best, or is there a better choice?

 

[AlexGreen91]

have you thought about staying near Disney Springs? Plenty of restaurants and transportation to parks (though I don’t know how good the busses are)

 

[MRB1978]

I just booked my first solo trip to Disney World yesterday. I have stayed at Port Orleans Riverside the majority of the times that I've gone in the past, and it is a great resort. I booked the new Riviera Resort for this trip, mainly because its brand new and a little more upscale, but not the price of the Contemporary, which I hope to stay at sometime. I can tell you that Port Orleans Riverside had a great restaurants, Boatwright's I think is the name. The Riviera has a roof top bar overlooking Hollywood Studios and Epcot, so I hope to watch the fireworks up there with a beverage or 3.

 

[AlexGreen91]

I just booked my first solo trip to Disney World yesterday. I have stayed at Port Orleans Riverside the majority of the times that I've gone in the past, and it is a great resort. I booked the new Riviera Resort for this trip, mainly because its brand new and a little more upscale, but not the price of the Contemporary, which I hope to stay at sometime. I can tell you that Port Orleans Riverside had a great restaurants, Boatwright's I think is the name. The Riviera has a roof top bar overlooking Hollywood Studios and Epcot, so I hope to watch the fireworks up there with a beverage or 3.

How much do you plan to budget for your solo trip?

 

[JaezyJae]

I just booked my first trip to WDW and am staying at Port Orleans French Quarter early May. I will be going solo and I like the idea of the resort not being so vast that I get lost in it, although I'll admit that I'm still looking at other resorts and wondering if I made the right choice.

 

[MRB1978]

My original budget was 3k or under, I got a killer price in my flight, so that's why I upped to the Riviera. So 6 nights, 6 day hopper pass, quick service dining and flight was about 3600.

 

[MusicalAstronaut]

I've done Riverside solo and it was wonderful. The pool is fun (and you can use the French Quarter pool too) and it was easy to hop on a bus to the parks. I believe that resort also has the boat to Disney Springs, though I don't think I used it (I was only there 3 days). If you can get a deal I also highly recommend Yacht Club. I've gotten it under $300/night before and it's very close to Epcot & DHS, has a great pool, fun bar/lounge, and it's just an awesome resort.

 

[kylenne]

I just booked my first trip to WDW and am staying at Port Orleans French Quarter early May. I will be going solo and I like the idea of the resort not being so vast that I get lost in it, although I'll admit that I'm still looking at other resorts and wondering if I made the right choice.

I stayed solo for 6 days at POFQ early last month and it was a nice little resort. The food court was really good and I loved the grounds. I had a bit of frustration with transportation there but in fairness a lot of that was my own issues. I’m just too much of a Deluxe gal, in the end. Too many little things that I missed (and big things like park proximity). But I don’t regret staying there and I think it’s a great place for solo travelers in particular because of the small size.

 

[macphile]

Thanks for everyone's input! I think I'll go with POR then. Of course, I have a while to decide (and put together the money, of course).

 

[mullysisters]

I've done 5+ solo trips and really loved them. Would love to go with DSis but, oh well. Of all the mods(I've stayed at them all) I enjoyed CBR best but the village I was in has been pulled down for a tower - poo! It was so beautiful. There was also no lounge there, I'm not a drinker per se, but love to sit in a quiet lounge and chill after a day at the parks. The lounge at CSR is for well dressed Converntioneers, so I didn't feel comfortable there, but loved the resort especially Ranchos.
POR has the loveliest lounge, just sit down anywhere and someone comes over and asks if you want something! Big hugh comfy chairs. Southern hospitality! The restaurant is one of my favourites on WDW property. The big pool is very full of families but the quiet pools are mostly empty and close by. POFQ is also a very solo, adult atmosphere. The boats to DS can't be beat! I have stayed at the Mansions and Alligator Bayou and preferred the Mansions.
Next February I've treated myself to AKL as my last trip, I just retired. Wishing my DSis could be there but I will enjoy it anyway. Got a great deal at 25% off. Feel free to message me privately if you want.

 

[bryanb]

You're right, there are an overwhelming number of choices. I have stayed at Port Orleans French Quarter as a solo, and have wandered over to enjoy the nice peaceful atmosphere at Riverside as well. I think it's a perfect blend of atmosphere and access to great food and drink in a moderate resort. Totally agree with @mullysisters about the boats to Disney Springs. It's such an underrated amenity... but find it so relaxing and convenient as an escape from the outside world. I know some people think of DS as just a fancy mall, but I honestly love the atmosphere even if I don't buy anything. They pick some very talent entertainers to perform there. And the restaurants are really great. Too many excellent choices keep me coming back, and they're solo friendly whether you want to sit at the bar for a meal, grab some quick service, or linger over something fancier. I've done all of it and never have enough time to get to everything I want to try.