Potential First Solo Trip?!

[bfost87]

Hey there fellow DISers!

As the title says, I'm thinking about my first possible solo trip to WDW! I'm nervous and excited at the idea. Well, just about me first. I'm a 26 year old guy from just outside of Vancouver, BC, Canada in a little town called Port Coquitlam. I have been to Disneyland once when I was very young and went to WDW for my first time in May of 2011 with two buddies for two weeks. I went to WDW for the second time in Summer of 2012 for 3 months as part of the International College Program at WDW. So I guess its not completely solo as I do know quite a few locals and other employees, but I will be traveling and staying on my own and probably spending quite a bit of time solo.

I'm thinking of going in mid february or late march. Is anyone else going there during this time and does anyone have any solo tips for anything at all? Parks, restaurants, resorts etc

 

[JillyBean1899]

Nope, I won't be down until sometime in April (probably 10-13) when I go down there with the college. Then my next solo trip will be for Expedition Everest Challenge the first weekend in May.

But going solo can be a lot of fun. I know when I lived there, I'd go and do all 4 parks in one day (yes, I'm crazy like that). Start out the morning at AK, then go to MK, then HS or EPCOT (depending on which night time show I wanted to see), then to the other park for the night time show.

 

[Stefecatzz]

Hey there fellow DISers!

As the title says, I'm thinking about my first possible solo trip to WDW! I'm nervous and excited at the idea. Well, just about me first. I'm a 26 year old guy from just outside of Vancouver, BC, Canada in a little town called Port Coquitlam. I have been to Disneyland once when I was very young and went to WDW for my first time in May of 2011 with two buddies for two weeks. I went to WDW for the second time in Summer of 2012 for 3 months as part of the International College Program at WDW. So I guess its not completely solo as I do know quite a few locals and other employees, but I will be traveling and staying on my own and probably spending quite a bit of time solo.

I'm thinking of going in mid february or late march. Is anyone else going there during this time and does anyone have any solo tips for anything at all? Parks, restaurants, resorts etc

I did the CP Spring '03 & while the ones I kept in touch with either moved back home or to work at Aulani, it still feels good when I'm in the parks alone w/so many memories still from my program!

Since I've relocated to FL & been an AP holder, I've gone two trips solo & had a Blast! My biggest tips would be do a bit of research in regards to dining if you don't have/want TS ADRs just for you & check out the menus of places so you have a heads up when you're there & decide to eat something. A recent thing I've discovered is that some of the resort lounges have good food (& drinks of course!) & are a good way to relax outside of the parks for a bit & refuel or end the night there. If you like wings, Tambu Lounge at the Pol had great hot wings & pork sliders. Just try to go during a slower night or off time when not too many people will be waiting on a table for Ohana. The same thing goes for the food at Wildness Lodge's Territory Lounge & it's a nice boat ride from MK if you'd like a bit of a break. I've also learned to plan at least which park(s) I want to go to for the days I'm there if nothing else, going by an estimate of what the crowds might be. For an example, I stopped going to MK on the first night I was there whether that was on a weekend day or beginning of the week & began going to AK, HS or Epcot instead & I've noticed a difference in the crowd level & amount of attractions I can do. I take advantage of single rider lines for things like RnR instead of wasting a FP on them & it saves just as much time.

Have fun!

 

[ZehnJahren]

Hey there fellow DISers!

As the title says, I'm thinking about my first possible solo trip to WDW! I'm nervous and excited at the idea. Well, just about me first. I'm a 26 year old guy from just outside of Vancouver, BC, Canada in a little town called Port Coquitlam. I have been to Disneyland once when I was very young and went to WDW for my first time in May of 2011 with two buddies for two weeks. I went to WDW for the second time in Summer of 2012 for 3 months as part of the International College Program at WDW. So I guess its not completely solo as I do know quite a few locals and other employees, but I will be traveling and staying on my own and probably spending quite a bit of time solo.

I'm thinking of going in mid february or late march. Is anyone else going there during this time and does anyone have any solo tips for anything at all? Parks, restaurants, resorts etc

I just went solo in November. I'd suggest just going with an open mind! If you know locals, you don't have to be alone if you don't want to. I hung out with a local my first night, then did a DIS meetup and actually had my mom come for a MVMCP night as well! It went so fast, I didn't have trouble being solo at all.

I'd suggest using single rider lines and FP where you can, and also making sure to chat with CMs and other people you meet in line. There are a lot of interesting people to meet. Take your time in the parks - there's no one to please but you, so look closely at the sights and enjoy the extra time you have when you're not being immediately shuttled somewhere else!

I rented DVC points from a member and stayed at BWV; it was great to be able to walk to HS and Epcot! I originally planned to stay at Pop, so I'd just suggest staying where you like.

Also, check out easywdw for best parks!

February: http://www.easywdw.com/category/calendar/02-february-2014-crowd-calendar/

March: http://www.easywdw.com/category/calendar/03-march-2014/

 

[disneyshakeygirl]

Hi Fellow Canadian!

I won't be there until September 2014. Solo trips are amazing. You see so much more and get to go at your own pace.

I agree with previous posts, start out at AK, then HS (you'll get these done more quickly), then Epcot and MK or vice versa. Don't be afraid to talk to people and take your time.

My favourite resort is POFQ (that's where I usually stay), followed by The Dolphin. I love visiting The Grand Floridian - you could try doing a monorail tour, stopping off at each of the monorail resorts for a snack or drink, while touring around.

 

[cpanagiotakos]

I am 26 as well and doing my first semi-solo trip in mid-March. My dad has a conference on property and I couldn't pass up an opportunity to join him for a free Disney trip. He will be in meetings and at business dinners most of the time. I am both nervous and excited to do the parks on my own. Planning on taking my time and really soaking in all the details that I usually miss running from one line to another!

I am also very interested to see if anyone has any suggestions on places to eat or relax and people watch? Any favorite experiences from past solo trips?

 

[Mizzgolitely]

I just booked my first solo trip for may - cant wait.... im also a bit nervous because ive never traveled alone - I have been on business trips alone - that's about it

 

[pharaoh]

I did the CP Spring '03 & while the ones I kept in touch with either moved back home or to work at Aulani, it still feels good when I'm in the parks alone w/so many memories still from my program!

I completely agree with this! I did my CP in Fall of '04 and for the first couple of years after my program, there were still lots of great people I knew who were there and I was able to meet up with them on my subsequent visits. It was always so great to catch up with them.

And I can definitely attest to going through the park and having so many vivid and fond memories of being there every day. I worked at Epcot and every time I go through World Showcase, I have a story or a moment that stands out in every pavilion. It's so nice!

Now that it's been so long, I don't really know anyone there anymore. But I just did my first truly solo trip in January and had such a great time. It was very slow while I was there and I had the whole thing very planned, and I was able to hit everything I wanted and more. I also liked being able to do whatever I wanted without having to make sure anyone else was game. For example, I woke up early every day and hit RD for every day I was in the parks. Normally I always get a slow start because my friends or family are late sleepers, but I'm ready to go first thing in the morning!


[Kinda off topic: I love that there are so many CP alum on the Dis. It was such a fun unique experience and its nice to be able to share it with other people since none of my IRL friends understand! ]

 

[Nanaji]

Hi,

I am from Canada too but a little farm town in Ontario. Although not quite as young as you, I have been a number of times with my sister (my Disney partner) and also solo, so I have a couple of suggestions.

Do take your time and enjoy everything! I find this one of the real benefits of solo trips. Grab a Mickey ice cream and sit down in one of your favourite spots and enjoy it. I like to grab an ice cream and ride the train at the MK for a few trips. It's cool, an nice break and you get a birds-eye view of much of the park. With other folks you always seem to be rushing around.

You can also navigate through crowds much more quickly and I find there is always a good spot for one for parades and fireworks. Single rider lines are great. My sister can ride Expedition Everest multiple times in a row using the SR line.

I agree with the other folks about meals. Check out menus and options where you won't feel alone. I love to meet people so I don't mind the seating at the Germany pavilion. It is authentic to small German restaurants where everyone shares a table. There are many great counter services. I hear the Flame Tree BBQ is good at AK. Many of the lounges at the resorts have great menus as well.

Just give it a try and enjoy! I hope you have a very magical experience.

 

[Shelly F - Ohio]

If you are going mid Feb. be careful it will be crowded. Its Presidents weekend, the annual twirl mania competition, Daytona 500, and the New England states have the week off for winter break so expect more kids than usually for winter.