Returning to MK solo after everyone is asleep?

[Dr.Mickey]

I've had 2 business trips to Orlando without the family but with an AP. Of course I wanted to hit the parks after my meetings.

The first time, I was a little anxious about that weird feeling. But it didn't last long at all. My two biggest concerns about feeling awkward were meals and waiting in line - both solved by having my iPhone. I honestly doubt anyone even noticed me the whole time.

And as for enjoying the family, I started using FaceTime for the firework shows, and the wife and kids thought that was pretty cool. If your significant other is still awake, you can try that.

 

[ReluctantDisaholic]

For sure do it! My daughter and I left everyone in bed at the Poly and took the monorail over late at night just to ride Haunted Mansion - it was one of the best parts of the trip

WDW is one place I don't mind being alone in public - one of my favourite times was riding the Peoplemover by myself one night while everyone else was on another ride.

 

[larryz]

That's the beauty of being at one of the Monorail resorts. It's easy to zip in and out on your schedule.

You could use the opportunity to grab your DD a magic surprise gift and give Mickey the credit...

 

[DannyDisneyFreak]

I went to Hollywood Studios by myself for extra magic hour one morning that my wife wanted to sleep in. I have never go to rope drop because we usually like to sleep in. I was actually surprisingly fun by myself. I went directly to Tower of Terror and got in in 5 minutes at rope drop then headed over to Star Tours and did it 3 times in a row with no wait. While there I even got my pic with Daisy Duck and text it to my wife and told her I met another woman while in the park alone.

 

[DisneyIslandGirl]

I think it all depends on your own personality. I'd enjoy a lot more with my family because I'm naturally awkward. Being at the Poly certainly makes it a lot easier to slip in and out. Being from PEI the last thing I want to do is be up that late with extremely tired kids, and have to wait for a bus with a thousand other people. The ability to take the Ferry right back to the Poly (TTC) makes it so easy! I'd do it at least once, and see how you feel. I believe you could also watch the fireworks from the Poly Beach if you wanted.

Hey, we live on PEI too!
Watching the fireworks from the beach is a good idea. Or maybe getting a drink at Trader Sam's!

 

[DisneyIslandGirl]

While there I even got my pic with Daisy Duck and text it to my wife and told her I met another woman while in the park alone.

I love this! Maybe I'll get my own autograph book and try to get as many interactions as possible!

 

[Corey127]

I've never thought of this! I'm going to try to sneak a trip in to MK after DH and kids go bed during our August trip!

 

[JennyMP03]

I think you'll love it. I'm a shy person myself, but on my last trip, my cousin decided she wasn't interested in the Star Wars stuff at DHS (it was a Star Wars weekend). She went back to Pop, and I wandered DHS alone. Some guests talked to me and a CM told me she loved my dress. Everyone who did talk to me was friendly and warm, but for the most part, no one noticed me more than they did any other guest. I felt awkward upon entering the park, but it faded almost immediately.

I had a "Dark Side" drink while waiting for the fireworks, and that helped a little, too.

 

[ktlm]

We were at DL a couple of years ago and DD and DH got tired around 8 and wanted to back to the room. I stayed at the park by myself for a couple of hours and it was wonderful! I could do anything I wanted and there was no one to slow me down! If they are okay with it, I would say go for it! It is very easy to get to MK from the Poly. You can walk to the TTC and take the express monorail, or you can take the boat- both are great!

 

[MamaMaleficent2016]

I always try to get some solo time. The togetherness is great but.... Ha! Do it and enjoy!

 

[MrPTato]

I have done it before and i love it. Just got back from Poly and it was nice staying right on the monorail. Nice short walk to the TTC and right on the Epcot line. You would be surprised the number of people out and about that appear to be solo at night. Nice change of pace, only worry about yourself, and get all the snacks you want!! I went to MK one night, and one night my wife went to get sushi somewhere.

 

[Babe the Blue Ox]

We will be returning to The World on Friday (Yippeee!!) for seven days - our third visit. It's DH, DD(5), and me. There is a one hour time difference between home and Orlando, meaning that the corrected bedtime for DD is 7pm. While she will likely stay up a bit later while on vacation, we are all early morning people and have no trouble doing pre-open ADRs or RD every day. Both DD and DH will be happiest if they are asleep before 9pm.
But, this means we miss out on being in park for Wishes, Electrical Parade, and just generally the nighttime magic.
I'm considering returning to the parks (mostly MK and E) after bedtime by myself. We're at the Polynesian, so getting to the parks should be ok. I don't have any experience touring the parks on my own, so I'm worried I'll feel awkward, shy, etc. Any advice? Thanks!

Your daughter might surprise you and want to head back to the park also. Years ago, our adjusted bed time should have been 8 pm. But I found myself chasing my then 3 year old daughter back to the entrance of Space Mtn moments before midnight with her screaming "one more time Daddy" all the way.

 

[norjack]

Go for it! I have done it a number of times. While I would prefer being with another friend or loved one, there is something calming and peaceful about taking in all the sights, sounds, and smells at your own pace. For me, everything slows down a bit. I can relax and even observe others enjoying their vacations. Not only do I get to hit up a few extra rides that the family weren't all interested in/were age-appropriate...But I can really have time to reflect on the day's events,and somehow gain an outside perspective on our own family vacation... Have fun!

 

[Marbel]

Do it. No one will know that you're truly alone. For all people know, your husband could be on another ride or getting a snack or something. The only time I think I might feel awkward is during mealtimes but you won't have that issue. Go. I bet you will love it!!!

 

[mickeyluv'r]

You should go for it!

I'd consider one small modification. Trust that your husband is a fully competent parent, and is fully capable of going to bed on his own.
Even at the Poly, commuting to MK and back takes a solid chunk of time. I've done it many times. It might be best to simply stay in MK, and let the family go back on their own.

The second thought I have on the subject- speaking from experience- is that it can be tough having everyone all in one room when you don't all wake/sleep at the same time. I used to use Ziploc bags for all our luggage, but the sounds of crinkling bags kept waking everyone up. You might wish to lay out/prep everything you'll need in advance- like laying out pajamas and that sort of thing.

A solo person can really zip around the parks in ways that group simply cannot. The bigger your group the more cumbersome it gets to coordinate everything from potty breaks to water breaks, to having room for everyone to sit together on the rides.

A phone/camera = pictures = your family gets to see (at least part of) what you saw. the MK is best after dark!

 

[Deena57]

We'll be at WDW in five weeks! DH and I are taking 15 yr. old grandson and 7 yr old granddaughter. I would love to do this one evening.... maybe second or 3rd evening. Hmmm, will have to discuss with hubby.... lol

 

[DisneyIslandGirl]

Your daughter might surprise you and want to head back to the park also. Years ago, our adjusted bed time should have been 8 pm. But I found myself chasing my then 3 year old daughter back to the entrance of Space Mtn moments before midnight with her screaming "one more time Daddy" all the way.

We are here now, and I want to let you know that you are totally right. DD has been still raring to go well after normal bed time, and has started napping again, which hasn't happened in years. We actually stayed in park for wishes at 9 last night! We watched in Fantasyland, something I've always wanted to do!

 

[d-train]

I have done two solo, well almost solo - chaperon on school trips...checking in on kids at specific meet times... - and have loved every minute of doing Disney my way! DW and I are bringing our DS for our first 8 day extended WDW trip this summer and I am hoping my DW would not mind if I duck out after bed time too! I am sure she will be happy to be asleep with DS too ;-) I hope!

 

[Vernie822]

I did it last trip. My mom and I went with her sister and my cousin. My aunt and cousin were tired, my mom was watching my brother's band so she had gone off with them. My aunt and cousin decided to hang back and I said what the heck, mom meet me at MK! I had about an hour to myself before my mom met me there, but I took a spin on the PeopleMover (Woo hoo!) and grabbed a chocolate chip cookie ice cream sandwich from Sleepy Hollow. I found a spot for the parade and my mom met me right before it started!

 

[Baptist]

Just be sure to let your DH do the same. Not fair for you to have all the late night fun. It is a "freeing" feeling.

Have a magical trip!