Senior Solo at Buena Vista Palace

[Sadie22]

I just found out a group I belong to will be having a convention at Buena Vista Palace next summer. My husband is not sure he wants to go, but I am totally up for a solo trip if necessary.

My last trip to WDW several years ago coincided with a convention my husband attended at the Contemporary. Even though he got sick in the middle of the trip, I had a great time. I didn't do every single thing I wanted to do, however, because I took care of him when he was feverish and I was always back at the Contemporary for his lunch breaks.

I've read that Buena Vista Palace is a fairly easy walk to DTD. I'm nearing 60 and not as spry as I used to be. My convention will be almost the same week his was, so I know it will be hot, but I handled it before by taking my own sweet time. Being on the monorail may have made a big difference, however. So I'm thinking I would probably not venture to the parks during the convention, and instead book a few days at a Disney resort hotel before or after the convention to venture to the parks and other hotels. Since my convention would run from breakfast to dinnertime daily, I would content myself with evenings in DTD during the convention.

Any comments regarding a senior lady alone at Buena Vista Palace if DH wigs out on me? With and without a car? Luggage logistics, things like that.

 

[Emma1987]

I just found out a group I belong to will be having a convention at Buena Vista Palace next summer. My husband is not sure he wants to go, but I am totally up for a solo trip if necessary.

My last trip to WDW several years ago coincided with a convention my husband attended at the Contemporary. Even though he got sick in the middle of the trip, I had a great time. I didn't do every single thing I wanted to do, however, because I took care of him when he was feverish and I was always back at the Contemporary for his lunch breaks.

I've read that Buena Vista Palace is a fairly easy walk to DTD. I'm nearing 60 and not as spry as I used to be. My convention will be almost the same week his was, so I know it will be hot, but I handled it before by taking my own sweet time. Being on the monorail may have made a big difference, however. So I'm thinking I would probably not venture to the parks during the convention, and instead book a few days at a Disney resort hotel before or after the convention to venture to the parks and other hotels. Since my convention would run from breakfast to dinnertime daily, I would content myself with evenings in DTD during the convention.

Any comments regarding a senior lady alone at Buena Vista Palace if DH wigs out on me? With and without a car? Luggage logistics, things like that.

Hey there

I stayed at the Buena Vista Palace back in 2005. I loved it then, so much so I've even convinced my parents to go back this year when we head to Orlando.

It's right across the street from DTD. Literally 5 minute walk. The parking is free as far as I know. Getting from A to B shouldn't be a problem without a car.
If you're going to be there all day for your convention and don't plan on heading to the parks too much, then just grab a taxi on the evenings you do want to visit a park. Much handier than waiting around for the buses.

Enjoy your trip

 

[CaFeeney]

We just stayed there for 4 nights in April and really liked it. Can't imagine you would have any issues staying there by yourself. We found the hotel very clean and modern. The main draw was the proximity to DTD. Depending on your room location (we were in the tower) it really is only 5 minutes - you walk through the pool area cross the street and you are right by where the WDW busses drop off.

They have breakfast buffet, a quick serve place, a sports bar and a steakhouse. We ate at DTD several nights. The rooms were spacious and the beds were lovely.

We got a great Travelzoo deal of $99 per night with all resort fees and breakfast included -great deal considering the WDW moderate resorts were over $200 per night (week after Easter).

Have a great time!

 

[Sadie22]

Thanks to you both for responding! I'm not sure what the convention rate will be yet, but those rates are usually pretty good and some meals are included in the cost of the conference.

Last time we took the AutoTrain so of course had our own vehicle and could bring whatever we wanted. I'm concerned about having to pack lighter and lugging my CPAP and medications onto a plane and then having to find taxis if I don't have a car. I'll have to weigh the cost and hassle of bringing my vehicle versus renting a car versus taxis and buses.

Certainly an incentive to lose a significant amount of weight and maybe not need the CPAP and some fo the medications anymore.

 

[Sadie22]

It's on! I've made AutoTrain reservations for two. My husband realized I was set on going even though he complained he didn't want to go in summer again, and apparently he couldn't bear the thought of me having fun without him. He's making plans for what he will do while I'm in session at the convention, and then I'm trying to figure out how to afford another week's stay when the convention ends. Yippee!