Solo traveler needs resort advice!

[bumbershoot]

The point if a solo trip for me is to do exactly what you want. Starting with where you want to stay.

It seems like a lot of the better resort amenities are best enjoyed with a partner, so I might not get much use out of them even if I do peel myself off the parks.

Like what?

I mean, I don't really consider the onsite perks to be much (compared to being onsite at universal) so I'm stuck there first, but what are the amenities that you should do with someone else?

 

[karm12]

I would establish how much you want to spend and decide from there.

 

[DisneyGuy]

As a solo adult, i'd be looking at a deluxe resort if it was in your budget. Amenities or not, it's all about location and transportation options. I'd suggest the an Epcot resort, actually.

 

[photogineer]

You won't have access to charging back to your room via magic band or the DME. You will have to arrange your own transportation to and from the airport.

The transportation doesn't bother me much, even if I don't rent a car a taxi is fine for the round trip cost. The charging thing is a bit frustrating, I really enjoyed being able to wave my MagicBand at 'problems' and make them go away last time

On a solo trip I think it is important to look at not just the park time, but realistically, the resort time. I would want to know the transportaion is reasonable, that the amenities such as pool and dining are convenient and offer several options, and that the grounds are relaxing and give me plenty of respite as an adult. I travel with children many times,and enjoy that very much, but when on an adult trip I want to be able to have a cocktail, relax at the pool and have a good meal at my resort. CSR offers all of these options if you want them.

This is what I want! I like a nice cocktail and pool time, but that's something I almost always share with a travel buddy or partner, so I'm not sure I'd make use of it. That's really the crux of it I think. I'm not really great at being alone and not active, if I've got parks to tour and whatnot I'm fine, but it always gets a little sticky when it's time so sit still for a while. So meals, stops at the bar, lounge chairs at the pool, those all throw me a little off kilter if I'm alone even though I love them.

Since you haven't tried it, and you spend a lot of time at the parks, I would consider POFQ. It's so compact and the bus tranportation has always been good for us. You also get the boat to Disney Springs. I have gotten good prices at POFQ on the Disney site, on Orbitz, and through some magical deals. Look around for pricing.

I did really enjoy POR on my last long trip, I had someone with me though and we enjoyed the pool and Piano Bob and the bar and all that. I'm not sure if I'd get the same use on my own, but I'd like to think I would. I also had a rental car for that trip so I have no experience with the busses in that part of town but we did make use of the DS boat a few times.

TheI mean, I don't really consider the onsite perks to be much (compared to being onsite at universal) so I'm stuck there first, but what are the amenities that you should do with someone else?

For me, I think of things like good pool access, preferably quiet ones (POR had so many pools we had no trouble finding a quiet spot), a good place to eat, I also really enjoyed the lounge at POR for some late night fun. I didn't make much use of the transportation but that's a priority too. Generally though everything I listed just now (except the transport) were things I did with someone else and I'm not sure I'd get as much use on my own.

As a solo adult, i'd be looking at a deluxe resort if it was in your budget. Amenities or not, it's all about location and transportation options. I'd suggest the an Epcot resort, actually.

I like the idea, I hadn't considered location/transportation as much as I should have. Epcot is my favorite park, so the Epcot options seem best, that said, Swan and Dolphin are also conveniently located. I will definitely look in to them, I stayed there once, many years ago and I don't really remember much, other than enjoying it. I know it's not a Disney property, but if it was, which resort tier would they most likely fall under?

Adam

 

[DisneyGuy]

Swan and Dolphin are definitely deluxe resorts if you are putting them into the Disney categories. Walking to and from Epcot is a huge benefit.

 

[bookgirl]

I prefer the Values when I'm staying solo but will occasionally stay Moderate. Mostly because I am out of the room more than I'm in it. I just think paying more for atmosphere and amenities is better suited to trips when I'm traveling with others. When I'm solo it's about doing things in the parks not relaxing at the resort or enjoying social time with others. I'm trying to stay at every resort at least once so I just pick the resort that matches my plans. With family I put more money towards the resort, Solo I'm good with the basics.

So far I've done all the Values, 3 moderates, and 2 Deluxe. I've enjoyed all the trips so I figure my sleeping location is not what makes or breaks my Disney vacation. Split stays are great and I have one planned later this month.

I figure the money I'm not spending on the resort can go towards meals and/or experiences. My upcoming trip I have 3 nights at Music and 1 night at Coronado Springs. I'm also doing Dining with an Imagineer and The UnDISCOVERed Future World.

 

[hamilkm]

I did a solo trip this past September and stayed at the Swan. It was priced just slightly above a moderate. The location was perfect. The pool at the Swan was more adult oriented, and I felt very safe with indoor corridors. I actually found I spent less unneeded money not being able to charge back to the room with my Magic band and that I don't want to take the Magical Express ever again. Private transport from the airport was so much more convenient!

 

[kwdw]

When solo, I tend to stay at the values. Why?

1) I can have the whole bed to myself - so a double bed is just fine.
2) It's okay the bathroom is small - it's just me.
3) I"m probably going to the pool just once - so it doesn't need to be entertaining for hours.
4) I have an entire second bed and the whole closet to myself - so I don't NEED a room bigger than a value.
5) I do to tend to eat at TS alot as a solo - but not at my resort - mainly at parks. I also like dining at AKL and CP - but those are easy to get to from a park.
6) It's cheaper - and I can save that money on a nicer room for another entire trip!

The bad side of values:

1) Beds aren't that great.
2) I do love the inside corridors of the deluxes.
3) No coffee makers in the room.

Note - I DO sometimes get a car on short solo trips. I'm headed out in a few days now - and I'm STILL debating about switching to a car. I love the freedom of a having a car - I can go off-site if I want, much quicker transportation to and from the airport, and it makes it easier for resort dining. But, it is still $150 dollars that could go towards another trip.

As for WHICH value - I just pick the cheap one at that time. Between the All-Stars and Pop - I really don't think there is a difference. I like the theming least at All-Star Music - but I am headed back there for a 3rd time - simply because it's where I could get a AP discount room - and well, those few dollars saved add up when thinking about multiple trips in the next year.

 

[Nancyg56]

I mean, I don't really consider the onsite perks to be much (compared to being onsite at universal) so I'm stuck there first, but what are the amenities that you should do with someone else?

The OP answered this a little, but I would respond to my needs on a solo trip.

Onsite would be a must for me. I am not a confident driver on a good day in my own environment, so I am not driving in an unfamiliar area. I want that door to door service that DME provides.

I like to relax on a trip, but I probaby would not go to a lounge alone. I might have a cocktail buy the pool while I read, but I would not tend to visit a resort lounge during my down time without a partner to enjoy my cocktail with.

I would not use a resort TS restaurant alone either. This is nto to say I would avoid eating....but I would choose restaurants in the park I was at that day, or in DS if I wanted to visit that area.

It really is not about what folks should do with a traveling companion, but what folks are comfortable doing without one. I am not a solo traveler, but I did stay an extra night to have a little time to myself before returning home to the last week before the Holidays and my busy season at work. One day was enough to show me that I liked the solitude, but that I was not going to hit a lounge or restaurant alone. I had my wine in the CL lounge, and took my cordial and snack back to the room to snuggle down and read.

I do know now how I would roll if I rolled solo! LOL!

 

[photogineer]

Swan and Dolphin are definitely deluxe resorts if you are putting them into the Disney categories. Walking to and from Epcot is a huge benefit.

These are my leading candidates at the moment! Being near Boardwalk is nice too, I just hope I don't miss boat access to DS (given there's a few bars there I want to try as well).

I figure the money I'm not spending on the resort can go towards meals and/or experiences. My upcoming trip I have 3 nights at Music and 1 night at Coronado Springs. I'm also doing Dining with an Imagineer and The UnDISCOVERed Future World.

This is a valid concern and primarily why I was shying away from deluxe even though I really want one, the money could be better spent. I don't mind spending money, but I prefer it is spent on things I use. S&D has prime location at a price I think I'm ok with, so that's a leading candidate. Also, I've done Dining with an Imagineer and it was awesome! I might do it again, and you just introduced me to The UnDISCOVERed Future World, which I'm definitely doing now!

I did a solo trip this past September and stayed at the Swan. It was priced just slightly above a moderate. The location was perfect. The pool at the Swan was more adult oriented, and I felt very safe with indoor corridors. I actually found I spent less unneeded money not being able to charge back to the room with my Magic band and that I don't want to take the Magical Express ever again. Private transport from the airport was so much more convenient!

An adult oriented pool sounds nice, and I can make friends in the hot tub (I remember a hot tub, that's still there right?) pretty well. I am still on the fence with renting a car, I can't decide. I'm a NYC resident, the last time I drove was in the World actually, and before that I can't remember. It was convenient, but it was also a bit awkward driving again after a long hiatus.

Note - I DO sometimes get a car on short solo trips. I'm headed out in a few days now - and I'm STILL debating about switching to a car. I love the freedom of a having a car - I can go off-site if I want, much quicker transportation to and from the airport, and it makes it easier for resort dining. But, it is still $150 dollars that could go towards another trip.

This is something I'm currently wrestling with, I am not sure about the car, but Disney transportation is so slow. I don't particularly care for driving either, but I can do it if there is good reason.

The OP answered this a little, but I would respond to my needs on a solo trip.
...
I like to relax on a trip, but I probaby would not go to a lounge alone. I might have a cocktail buy the pool while I read, but I would not tend to visit a resort lounge during my down time without a partner to enjoy my cocktail with.

I would not use a resort TS restaurant alone either. This is nto to say I would avoid eating....but I would choose restaurants in the park I was at that day, or in DS if I wanted to visit that area.

It really is not about what folks should do with a traveling companion, but what folks are comfortable doing without one. I am not a solo traveler, but I did stay an extra night to have a little time to myself before returning home to the last week before the Holidays and my busy season at work. One day was enough to show me that I liked the solitude, but that I was not going to hit a lounge or restaurant alone. I had my wine in the CL lounge, and took my cordial and snack back to the room to snuggle down and read.

This is exactly it! I'm fine on my own, but I tend to enjoy different things. I've never marathoned all four parks with any travel companion. I would have also been lynched if I tried to keep my last group in the park after close to take long exposure shots of Tomorrowland with lights blazing and no guests. These are all things I can do solo and be fine, but I hate to miss out on swimming and such. Lounges I'm ok with, we hit up a lot of happy hours after work, but pools, I never get to swim in NY. It's too cold for me (and that's not me being a wimp, I have a weird defective nervous system, literally can't safely go in cold water!) so Florida and tropical cruises are my only chances to swim. Plus as far as food goes I tend to stay on the go, I love TS but the time it burns up always kind of eats at me (pun intended), it's fine when I'm with other people because we talk and have fun and it's part of the trip. For only me it's just refueling though. Which is frustrating because I have a list of restaurants I want to try! I might need another thread in the dining forum to hash out those problems

Adam

 

[imagineer52]

I figure the money I'm not spending on the resort can go towards meals and/or experiences. My upcoming trip I have 3 nights at Music and 1 night at Coronado Springs. I'm also doing Dining with an Imagineer and The UnDISCOVERed Future World.

How was the Dining with an Imagineer?! I'm doing it in March and I'm so excited! One question though, as I've found mixed answers, is the plate included, or extra? Thanks!

 

[auntfrannie]

If you want to try deluxe and limit your budget, consider Wilderness Lodge or Animal Kingdom Lodge. Both are beautiful resorts but at the lower end of the deluxe costs. While I prefer the BWI, it's not always in my budget. It is great to be able to walk to the parks. That being said, I've never had a problem with the buses at AKL or WL.

I also really like CSR for the business class rooms. But I think I read somewhere that they are removing business class and doing something with the building that they were housed in. Disappointing because it was a great location.

 

[bookgirl]

How was the Dining with an Imagineer?! I'm doing it in March and I'm so excited! One question though, as I've found mixed answers, is the plate included, or extra? Thanks!

It was awesome. My Imagineer was Tommy who is one of the two Civil Engineers employed at WDW. He started as a clerk in a Disney store right after they opened and was the 198(9?) National Trivia Champion for Disney employees. He is currently the Project Manager for the Toy Story and Star Wars projects. Lots of stories and funny behind the scenes stuff. There is no longer a pin but the plate was included (I would have preferred the pin LOL) and he signed the plates. He currently offices about 45 feet away from The Brown Derby and because he is very comfortable with the program he actually does about twice as many of these as the other imagineers either as assigned or as a last minute replacement. Food was great, conversation was engaging and the company was eclectic.

Here's an impromptu picture of the plate (it's a small dessert size) and my personalized menu.





The entire group had the filet, lunch was excellant as it has always been at THBD. Although I was underwhelmed by the desserts but that is usual for me as I'm picky about sweets so almost never get one.

The package plus gratuity and tax was $104.58. There was no separate line item on my receipt for the plate.

 

[Pea-n-Me]

I would hunt around to see what you could get for prices.

For me, Wilderness Lodge Club Level might be a strong contender. You might be able to find a good price there, too, if there's construction going on and that doesn't bother you. If you're not already, sign up for emails from Travelocity and check the website often. Sometimes prices drop just for a day, or a morning or so. If you see something, book it; you can always cancel.

Swan/Dolphin is a favorite. I think that would be a great choice, too, especially if F&W is going on. Try for a room with a balcony. You can also order 24 hr room service or get take out from one of the many restaurants and eat in your room, if you prefer. I think many of their restaurants are more geared to adults, too. The Cabana Bar out back is nice at night, they light torches and have decent food. You can go out and shoot some hoops there (get ball at gym) even if you're alone, people will join in. My DS has done that there. I also think that as a convention resort, it's not unusual to see people walking around by themselves, whereas some of the other resorts seem to be more family oriented. The Heavenly beds are really heavenly.

Coronado Springs is my favorite Moderate, though room can be quite a distance from El Centro. Also not unusual to see business people walking around solo. POFQ is rather small and fun. You could try out your bars at DS. You can also visit POR if you want. I like all the Values, too, but the no coffee maker would be a deal breaker. I'd probably have to bring or buy one. I like having a car, myself, so I can go to stores if I need to, go offsite to see other things in the area, and for quick travel to visit other resorts, especially to eat. It can be crazy driving around there, though, if you're not used to driving.

Lots of choices! Good luck with your decision!

 

[d-train]

Boardwalk or Yacht Club would be my solo choice - perhaps Poly too.

 

[fla4fun]

This is exactly it! I'm fine on my own, but I tend to enjoy different things. I've never marathoned all four parks with any travel companion. I would have also been lynched if I tried to keep my last group in the park after close to take long exposure shots of Tomorrowland with lights blazing and no guests. These are all things I can do solo and be fine, but I hate to miss out on swimming and such. Lounges I'm ok with, we hit up a lot of happy hours after work, but pools, I never get to swim in NY. It's too cold for me (and that's not me being a wimp, I have a weird defective nervous system, literally can't safely go in cold water!) so Florida and tropical cruises are my only chances to swim. Plus as far as food goes I tend to stay on the go, I love TS but the time it burns up always kind of eats at me (pun intended), it's fine when I'm with other people because we talk and have fun and it's part of the trip. For only me it's just refueling though. Which is frustrating because I have a list of restaurants I want to try! I might need another thread in the dining forum to hash out those problems

Adam

I have take dozens of solo trips. I just took one last month for ten days, and probably ate at TS restaurants a half dozen times. I use the quiet time while waiting for my meal to check my plans on MDE for the next day, and make any changes to FP+ or other plans that I need to. The food is almost always there before I'm done moving things around. Also, check your list of restaurants and see how many have a bar attached where you can order off the full menu if you think you might be more comfortable. I've found when I'm dining alone that CM's tend to go out of their way to be more talkative. I definitely wouldn't avoid a restaurant just because I was on my own. I use the solo trips as a way to try restaurants that my friends/family aren't all that interested in trying. Sometimes that really works out well because then I can give them a recommendation based on actual experience and then we go back on the next trip.

As far as swimming, I find going solo to the quiet pools is preferable to going solo to the feature pools. But that's just a personal preference.

 

[sndral]

These are my leading candidates at the moment! Being near Boardwalk is nice too, I just hope I don't miss boat access to DS (given there's a few bars there I want to try as well)....
This is something I'm currently wrestling with, I am not sure about the car, but Disney transportation is so slow. I don't particularly care for driving either, but I can do it if there is good reason.
... I love TS but the time it burns up always kind of eats at me (pun intended), it's fine when I'm with other people because we talk and have fun and it's part of the trip. For only me it's just refueling though. Which is frustrating because I have a list of restaurants I want to try! I might need another thread in the dining forum to hash out those problems

Adam

If Epcot is your favorite park & the Swan fits your budget, then stay there! You can walk or boat to Epcot & DHS.
I personally rely on Disney transportation and I am an experienced driver - for an inexperienced non daily driver I'd recommend paying for the transfer from/to the airport & then leave the driving to Disney - you can always occassionally use Uber or a cab to/from a particular venue.
Is Beergarden in Germany on your list of dinning choices - you sit at a communal table & IME just asking your fellow table mates where they are from leads to interesting & fun conversations.

 

[mikedoyleblogger]

If you want to avoid a deluxe I would choose CSR.

I am not a solo traveler, but I stayed one night alone in December after my friend returned home. I was at the Beach Club and while the money for one day was okaywith me, I doubt I would have justified an entire stay at that cost. I will say that night was really awesome though!

On a solo trip I think it is important to look at not just the park time, but realistically, the resort time. I would want to know the transportaion is reasonable, that the amenities such as pool and dining are convenient and offer several options, and that the grounds are relaxing and give me plenty of respite as an adult. I travel with children many times,and enjoy that very much, but when on an adult trip I want to be able to have a cocktail, relax at the pool and have a good meal at my resort. CSR offers all of these options if you want them.

I will admit that the theme is not my favorite, but even under the most critical eye, the resort maintained a very high standard. The room was spacious and spotless, the bed was so comfortable. The grounds are gorgeous! During the day the walk around the lake is so pretty, with the buildings reflecting in the water, but at night it is stunning. The theme does not scream Disney, but is understated. From the moment we checked in, the cast members were awesome. Now I always have wonderful experiences no matter where I stay, but I really noticed it here.

CSR also has the shortest average bus travel times to the parks. The only other way to get to Epcot in five minutes is to stay at Beach Club(!)

 

[Nancyg56]

CSR also has the shortest average bus travel times to the parks. The only other way to get to Epcot in five minutes is to stay at Beach Club(!)

That bus ride was QUICK!!!