Sep-Oct Travel to WDW Solo from Down Under!

[DisneyWorldTraveller]

Hi guys,
Well I've lurked on here for a while but finally hopped off my iPhone and onto my home Pc to sign up last night. So hello from Melbourne... Which is a pleasent 27C and sunny as I sit in the local park watching (and typing) my 2 kids.

I have just taken an amazing trip home to UK where my family all live. It was a time out from my usual life for 2 months for myself and my 5 & 7 year olds to escape. I had taken kids away on many trips before but this was my first major overseas treak since becoming a single mom 18 mths ago.

I was nervous to take them to Hong Kong Disneyland on my own. We had 4 nights there to break up the trip from Oz to Uk- WOW once I was there (been 18mths before with ex) I was not at all nervous. I've taken 10 seperate holidays/trips to Disney Parks around the world so spent alot of time exploring the worlds parks (except Tokyo) with other adults friends, partner and family members. I have to say this experience was the BEST ever... The kids pretty much went with the flow though obviously I took their wants, requests and demands into consideration- hey they're only kids! As a result we pretty much got to do everything we wanted including OPENING the gates of Disneyland Hong Kong with a team of cast members and Mickey and Minnie, my son got to pull the sword from the stone in Fantasy land and was crowned king by Merlin and my daughter had a My Little Princess Makeover and phot shoot which bankrupt me for the stunning album that could not be left behind.

We had time with family in Uk and I was lucky enough to visit Switzerland, French Alpes and Rome to. My brother treated us to 4 nights in a suite in Newport Bay Club in Disneyland Paris. This was just 2 weeks after HK Disney so half of my dreams for a world trip one day to visit ALL Disney parks in the world came true. Thanks little Bro xxx

The Trip with my brother was out of this world too but I have to say the freedom experienced with no other ADULT to hold me back was something I was VERY keen to experience again. Hence while I was still in UK I checked my ex was ok to have the kids for a few weeks in September and I booked my flights to Orlando for 29Sep till 4 Oct 2012.

I can't wait.... Am I nervous YES but I can only imagine it will be a freeing experience and I'm sure God will be with me to hold my hand and I'll pray I'll meet some amazing people along the way. I'm booked for the Tower of Terror 10 Miler on 29 Sep and hope to book my first MNSSHP for first few days I'm there to.

Looking forward to meeting some other like minded Disney Crazy people on here so a BIG HELLO to my new friends... Xox

 

[DisneyWorldTraveller]

Woops I got soooo carried away telling u of my recent trip I forgot to ask if anyone else will be in WDW at that time????

Are u doing the Tower Of Terror 10 miler???

Oh and where shall I stay??? I'd like to stay on site but it'll be tres expensive alone but want to meet people and have easy access without driving. I tried this in Vegas once and stalled the car down The Strip (2009) this was the only time I've driven outside of Australia.

 

[DisneyWorldTraveller]

Bump!!!

 

[Mr Toad was Framed]

sounds like youve had some awesome trips and are really treating the kids to some great memories... good you get to take some time to yourself to relax and recharge. id imagine the ToT 10 will help you meet some people while you are there

also if you rent a car with automatic transmission you shouldnt have much issue with stalling etc

 

[ToddRN]

DisneyWorldTraveler- it sounds like you have had some great adventures!!! I'd like to invite you to checkout a Facebook group called "singles who love all things disney." It's a pretty friendly group, and as of right now, approximately 7 of us will be at WDW this fall from Sep 27 - Oct 8. I know one of the members is doing the TOT run. Also, one member is a single mom who is bringing her children along. Other than that- hope your doing well, and welcome!!!

 

[DisneyWorldTraveller]

sounds like youve had some awesome trips and are really treating the kids to some great memories... good you get to take some time to yourself to relax and recharge. id imagine the ToT 10 will help you meet some people while you are there

also if you rent a car with automatic transmission you shouldnt have much issue with stalling etc

Thanks have been pretty lucky and had some Awsome trips. Time to hit reality though as I had my first job interview in 9 years. Now kids are both at school and I've been separated over 18 months there's no more kept women!!! Looking forward to a new chapter of my life though. Interview seemed to go really well so praying Ill get offered a position.

Lol the car was an Auto..... Honestly it's only possible for me!!! My handbag was sitting between the 2 front seats and the button to turn the car on and obviously off was close by and as I took off at the lights my handbag turned the car off. We had no clue for seconds what had happened lol

 

[DisneyWorldTraveller]

DisneyWorldTraveler- it sounds like you have had some great adventures!!! I'd like to invite you to checkout a Facebook group called "singles who love all things disney." It's a pretty friendly group, and as of right now, approximately 7 of us will be at WDW this fall from Sep 27 - Oct 8. I know one of the members is doing the TOT run. Also, one member is a single mom who is bringing her children along. Other than that- hope your doing well, and welcome!!!

Thanks i'd love to join u on Fb... Do I just look up the group? Or do I need to be sent an invite? I'll have a look now.

 

[Mr Toad was Framed]

lol ok that sounds like an innocent mistake, so i wouldnt worry too much about having to drive if you stay off site. Though with some of the FL drivers out there I can see why you might not want to.

Many nearby offsite hotels have shuttles to disney so if you don't need to go other places off site that might work for you.

 

[DisneyWorldTraveller]

lol ok that sounds like an innocent mistake, so i wouldnt worry too much about having to drive if you stay off site. Though with some of the FL drivers out there I can see why you might not want to.

Many nearby offsite hotels have shuttles to disney so if you don't need to go other places off site that might work for you.

Yes I'm thinking that I'd rather be onsite though non of the specials have been released yet apparently so I've been holding off to see what they might be. I much rather get it all booked soon though. I might look at staying a week onsite and a week off site... It'll depend on pricing though. Anyone got a clue what 2 weeks onsite at say pop costs if they release specials? And how far before can specials be booked?

 

[DisneylandForever]

Are u doing the Tower Of Terror 10 miler???

:Raises hand:

I did the last ToT 13k before they shut that race down. I book the Beach Club the first weekend of the F&WF every year so I can do the Wine and Dine Half, but they threw me a curveball and now the ToT 10 will be on that weekend this year. Hence, looks like I'm doing the ToT 10.

Anyone got a clue what 2 weeks onsite at say pop costs if they release specials? And how far before can specials be booked?

Well the specials are usually 30 to 40% off. For a Value resort, the rooms range from $82 to $160US a night, depending on the time of year. Late Sep/Early Oct is a "cheaper" season, but not the cheapest. I just checked Disneyworld.com and it looks like the rate for that time of year at a Value is $110 a night (standard room/view). So minus 30%, you're looking at about $77 a night, before tax.

That is just a guesstimation, of course.

Be sure to check the following link often! Although specials for late Sep probably won't be available for another couple of months: http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/special-offers/

 

[DisneyWorldTraveller]

:Raises hand:

I did the last ToT 13k before they shut that race down. I book the Beach Club the first weekend of the F&WF every year so I can do the Wine and Dine Half, but they threw me a curveball and now the ToT 10 will be on that weekend this year. Hence, looks like I'm doing the ToT 10.



Well the specials are usually 30 to 40% off. For a Value resort, the rooms range from $82 to $160US a night, depending on the time of year. Late Sep/Early Oct is a "cheaper" season, but not the cheapest. I just checked Disneyworld.com and it looks like the rate for that time of year at a Value is $110 a night (standard room/view). So minus 30%, you're looking at about $77 a night, before tax.

That is just a guesstimation, of course.

Be sure to check the following link often! Although specials for late Sep probably won't be available for another couple of months: http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/special-offers/

I'm keen to meet up for TOT run if anyone wants... I'm already meeting another girl I've met through Dis so at least I'll have someone to chat with while sweaty at the after party. The more the merrier though.

Thanks so much for the tips. $77 per night for 14 nights I can certainly handle... I'd be pappy to pay a little more for something nicer if I could figure out DVC I would rather keep it between $1000-$1500 though. Now its just a debate now do I wait and see if I get discount on the Pop or see if I can rent someone's DVC and get a value studio if poss at the AKL villas. I'm confused a little by the best cheapest way to get DVC points and reserve the room... I looked in on the rent DvC form but it all looked a little too much.

 

[DisneylandForever]

I'm keen to meet up for TOT run if anyone wants... I'm already meeting another girl I've met through Dis so at least I'll have someone to chat with while sweaty at the after party. The more the merrier though.

You should start up a meeting group! As it gets closer I'm sure somebody will start a thread about it. Lots of solos goin'. If my cousin flakes again I'll be one of them!

Thanks so much for the tips. $77 per night for 14 nights I can certainly handle... I'd be pappy to pay a little more for something nicer if I could figure out DVC I would rather keep it between $1000-$1500 though. Now its just a debate now do I wait and see if I get discount on the Pop or see if I can rent someone's DVC and get a value studio if poss at the AKL villas. I'm confused a little by the best cheapest way to get DVC points and reserve the room... I looked in on the rent DvC form but it all looked a little too much.

No problem! There are other boards you can check to rent either existing reservations or just an amount of points. I don't think we're allowed to link to other sites in here (are we?), so just Google "Mouse Owners." They have a rental board in their forums. Also check the threads here on the Dis. New stuff pops up all the time.

Based on this chart, two weeks at a Value studio would be 138 points. The average cost is about $10 a point. That's $1380. Securing a value studio might be tough, however, so I would also prepare for the possibility of booking a standard studio at 176 points. I have seen points for less as well.

I own DVC and have actually rented out points before. I'd be happy to happy to answer any questions you might have! But I don't currently have any points to rent.

 

[THicks863]

I know someone's already mentioned that the Food & Wine Festival is set to begin while you're there - you'll want to be sure you make some time to do that. I highly recommend the special events, the Disney Dessert Discovery in particular. And if you like tequila, be sure to stop in the Mexico pavilion and cool off at La Cava del Tequila. It's one of my favorite hangouts.

From what it sounds like you want to do, I would recommend trying to get into one of the following on-site resorts: Boardwalk, Beach Club, Yacht Club, Swan, or Dolphin. They are all within walking distance to Epcot, and a very short boat ride to Hollywood Studios. I am a DVC member so, if you like, I can try to help you find accommodations. If you do, just hit me up on PM. Otherwise, have a great time!

 

[DisneyWorldTraveller]

Thanks guys.

 

[DisneyWorldTraveller]

You should start up a meeting group! As it gets closer I'm sure somebody will start a thread about it. Lots of solos goin'. If my cousin flakes again I'll be one of them!



No problem! There are other boards you can check to rent either existing reservations or just an amount of points. I don't think we're allowed to link to other sites in here (are we?), so just Google "Mouse Owners." They have a rental board in their forums. Also check the threads here on the Dis. New stuff pops up all the time.

Based on this chart, two weeks at a Value studio would be 138 points. The average cost is about $10 a point. That's $1380. Securing a value studio might be tough, however, so I would also prepare for the possibility of booking a standard studio at 176 points. I have seen points for less as well.

I own DVC and have actually rented out points before. I'd be happy to happy to answer any questions you might have! But I don't currently have any points to rent.

Thanks so much for taking the time out to reply. I've since been warned that DVC could be a risky option as owner could withdraw reservation and if i don't know them I suppose that's a risk I'm a little worried about taking.
I'd love to stay in one of those lovely resorts. I'm thinking I might just have to settle for All Star value resorts as these are one of the preferred resorts for TOT run so will have shuttles etc organised for racers.
I'm sure all I'll be doing is a little sleeping in room I'm planning on making the most of the parks.

 

[DisneyWorldTraveller]

I know someone's already mentioned that the Food & Wine Festival is set to begin while you're there - you'll want to be sure you make some time to do that. I highly recommend the special events, the Disney Dessert Discovery in particular. And if you like tequila, be sure to stop in the Mexico pavilion and cool off at La Cava del Tequila. It's one of my favorite hangouts.

From what it sounds like you want to do, I would recommend trying to get into one of the following on-site resorts: Boardwalk, Beach Club, Yacht Club, Swan, or Dolphin. They are all within walking distance to Epcot, and a very short boat ride to Hollywood Studios. I am a DVC member so, if you like, I can try to help you find accommodations. If you do, just hit me up on PM. Otherwise, have a great time!

Thanks I'll definately look into Food and wine events.

Thanks for offer of help with DVC I'd have loved to stay there but it all sounds a little too difficult and I'm a little worried that it could be cancelled on me at any time, have u heard of this happening?

 

[petals]

If I want to go to Disney World this year I'd be going solo as well and to florida for two weeks more than likely. The idea makes me a little nervous but if I don't all I'll be doing for my two week holiday is sitting at home!

 

[DisneylandForever]

Thanks so much for taking the time out to reply. I've since been warned that DVC could be a risky option as owner could withdraw reservation and if i don't know them I suppose that's a risk I'm a little worried about taking.

That's funny you mention that. I was typing that in my last response to you, and then deleted it, deciding I didn't want to scare you, lol. Yeah it's true that it's basically a good faith deal. It's true the DVC owner can just up and cancel the reservation at any time. It's true that you can never call DVC yourself and request information about the reservation.

That said, I don't think it's rampant. I haven't rented out any points in over a year, and I've never rented points myself. But when I was doing the research before, I didn't hear about any specific cases of theft. The best that you can do is protect yourself. Have a contract written up. Make sure the person you're renting from has a good history on whichever board you're posting on. Ask for references. There are some posters who have lots of points and you can tell by their posting history they rent all the time, so they should be safe. But when I rented mine last year it was my first time, and it worked out fine. Definitely use your instincts.

I'd love to stay in one of those lovely resorts. I'm thinking I might just have to settle for All Star value resorts as these are one of the preferred resorts for TOT run so will have shuttles etc organised for racers. I'm sure all I'll be doing is a little sleeping in room I'm planning on making the most of the parks.

I don't want to make it tougher for you, lol, but there is a noticeable difference in quality between the Value resorts and Deluxe. But the Value resorts are fine. I have stayed in them before, and I would again. In fact I would rather stay in a Value resort on-property than a nicer resort off-property. For me it's worth it staying onsite. It's super convenient, and I like being "immersed." But I am a dork.

There will be official race resorts in every category. In fact I just checked and there are nine total: Host Resorts

Bitterly jealous that you get to go for 2 weeks!

 

[DisneyWorldTraveller]

That's funny you mention that. I was typing that in my last response to you, and then deleted it, deciding I didn't want to scare you, lol. Yeah it's true that it's basically a good faith deal. It's true the DVC owner can just up and cancel the reservation at any time. It's true that you can never call DVC yourself and request information about the reservation.

That said, I don't think it's rampant. I haven't rented out any points in over a year, and I've never rented points myself. But when I was doing the research before, I didn't hear about any specific cases of theft. The best that you can do is protect yourself. Have a contract written up. Make sure the person you're renting from has a good history on whichever board you're posting on. Ask for references. There are some posters who have lots of points and you can tell by their posting history they rent all the time, so they should be safe. But when I rented mine last year it was my first time, and it worked out fine. Definitely use your instincts.



I don't want to make it tougher for you, lol, but there is a noticeable difference in quality between the Value resorts and Deluxe. But the Value resorts are fine. I have stayed in them before, and I would again. In fact I would rather stay in a Value resort on-property than a nicer resort off-property. For me it's worth it staying onsite. It's super convenient, and I like being "immersed." But I am a dork.

There will be official race resorts in every category. In fact I just checked and there are nine total: Host Resorts

Bitterly jealous that you get to go for 2 weeks!

Nothing wrong with being a Disney Dork. I decided it was worth the extra to stay on site I was almost going to just save and get a really cheap option for like $500 with free shuttles but I think that I'd be silly to do that.

If I felt safe and it was more straight forward I'd have already booked accom in a DVC villa by now. Oh well I'm not worried about it being value. I have seen inside them before in 1998 when I went on hotel visits around WDW as a travel agent. I remember not being overly impressed with them but I'm a Disney Dork to and NEED to be immersed in the magic do the offsite option wouldn't quite cut it.

 

[DisneyWorldTraveller]

If I want to go to Disney World this year I'd be going solo as well and to florida for two weeks more than likely. The idea makes me a little nervous but if I don't all I'll be doing for my two week holiday is sitting at home!

I vote go for it. Since I got on dis I've met a heap of singles Disney crazy people and we are organising big group lunches and dinners which should be fun. Going alone u have the option to Escape though to if needed.

I just suggest when u book post info on here when u are going etc and I bet ull hear from others. Seems there's alot of other Disney Nerds around with no one who shares their passion/ craze :0)