Solo day, not in parks

[Sarahgraci]

I'm going for 4 nights, staying at AoA, and I'll be solo. Sunday is check-in day, taking in the resort, and going to Downtown Disney. Monday is Epcot. Tuesday is wide open. Wednesday is MK. Thursday is going home.

What is a good way to spend some time not in parks? I'd like to be at AoA for maybe 1/2 the day, just to relax and hang out. I'd like a few options to have on hand in case I wake up early and don't want to just hang out at that time, or if I want to wait until later in the day to go out.

I know resort hopping is one idea, but I don't really know which ones I'm interested in. We've done the monorail resorts. I have no interest at all in AKL. WL is a bit interesting, but it's got those renovations going on. We've gone to Port Orleans to check it out and eat. I don't want to be on a bus for a super long time.

Are there any fun dinners that could be available last minute for 1 person, and be a place I wouldn't feel awkward at being solo? (I have no issues with eating alone most places, but Disney is a different beast.)

What would ~you~ do? My head's spinning (from being unsure what to do, and from sheer excitement)!

 

[Fantaluminishes]

I go solo to WDW all the time and love it. Just do whatever you would do when you are with others. I've done character meals, Cirque, jet skiing, parasailing, tours, and much more on solo trips. Dining is dining. It doesn't matter if you are with yourself or others. As far as ADR's go, if you can't find a table for 1, reserve one for 2. It's sometimes easier. The restaurants don't care if you show up "solo".

 

[Waiting2goback]

I have done 2 solo trips and my third will be in October as I am going to run the Tower of Terror 10 Miler. I don't plan a thing. I know which parks I want to hit but that's about it. I don't make ADR's and for this trip I have one fast pass, which is for Fantasmic.

I typically do DTD for a few hours but I am skipping this time because of all the construction. According to the dis unplugged podcasts it is awful down there so I'm avoiding.

Other than that, when I am not in the parks I just try to do something I have never done before. Last year I took the boat from the MK to the Floridian. I had never done that before. This upcoming trip I am going to visit a couple resorts. I want to check them out and gather info for future trips. It is hard to decide where to stay based on pics. If I go to some of the resorts to see them personally I get a real life feel for distance to parks from the resort, how I like the feel of the place walking through, etc...

As far as eating alone. I have never felt off eating alone at WDW. The table services places I have gone have been great. One time the waitress gave me a massive dessert for free. I wish I knew she was gonna do that because it was a buffet and I was stuffed. Use this time to go to a place that maybe others have kept you from going to. It is all about you this trip, go enjoy it and have a blast.

 

[Elevationist]

On my upcoming first ever solo trip (next month), I've planned a No-Parks day in the middle, and I'm REALLY looking forward to it! I'm going to sleep in, grab some lunch at my resort's food court, maybe lounge by the pool, and then later head over to DTD for dinner at Raglan Road, followed by the 9pm showing of Cirque du Soleil.

 

[undchefreak]

The boardwalk area is quite nice around sunset, both because of the beauty of the area and the performers. There are some great restaurants in this area, and ice cream at Beaches and Cream (if there's no tables, they have a take out window. Downtown Disney is another great place, with random entertainment throughout the day. Have a great time!

 

[Wild4Walt]

I agree with PP - Boardwalk area is fabulous and you can hit BW, BC and YC if you so choose. Great place just to take a long walk and soak in some of the atmosphere.

I've also done a massage. I've been to the Mandara Spa at the Dolphin which was breathtaking! ( Not to mention relaxing )

 

[Sarahgraci]

Thank you everyone for your ideas!