Solo Trip Questions & Reviews Please

[may1787]

Ahh! Just bought my flights from sunny Anchorage to Orlando for a solo 11 nights and 10 days in April/May 2015! It will be my first adult trip to WDW! I went once as a kid (about 8 years old) and remember missing out on a lot, but seeing as how my grandparents took us as a Christmas gift, I can't complain too mcuh. Originally this trip was meant to be with friends, then it turned into a nostalgic trip with my brother, then everyone bailed and/or I don't trust to follow up on their word. Hence, I am going solo. But, FEAR NOT! I LOVE solo travel, in fact I very much prefer it and I feel I will get to experience WDW as a solo for the first time exactly as I want and then, later, I won't be as much of a type A if I go with friends/family and they are annoying.

I chose this time because it seemed to be the least busy while still having most attractions running and decent weather (i.e. no hurricanes!) in addition to April/May being a quite ugly month in Alaska with winter breakup and all. Yuck!

In case you are wondering why I am posting, no, it is not to gloat! I do have some questions.

I have most of my days loosely planned out with the reservations I would like and how I would like to tour the parks. I have 1 day at Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure, 1 day at Animal Kingdom, 1 day for Downtown Disney and exploring some hotels, 1 day for Hollywood Studios, 2 days in Epcot, and currently 2 full and two partial days in Magic Kingdom (the partials leaving the afternoons/evenings for park hopping as I choose). I will also have almost a full day before getting on my return flight (7PM) but wasn't planning on having a park ticket. My question is regarding the return day. It falls on a Monday if that matters.

-How early will they take my luggage for the magical express? How late (2 hours before flight, as I get on the bus, etc)?
-Does Disneyworld (POP actually) offer late check out? If so, does it cost extra? Would you do a late checkout if your flight wasn't until 7PM?
-Would you purchase an extra ticket and spend time in the parks if you had until approximately 4PM or would you find other activities that didn't require a ticket, like hotel exploring/downtown disney/pooltime?

Also, can I get some solo reviewers experiences doing the following things?

The UnDISCOVERed Future World Tour
Behind the Seeds tour
Backstage Magic tour (would do instead of the Keys to the Kingdom tour as it seems that is included already?)

 

[officialkt]

Hi,

I'm not sure if this is helpful but I was in Orlando over Christmas and was surprised how good ( read exciting) Universal rides were..you have allowed only one day there..you might want to review that and spend your final day at disney close to your hotel.
I don't do the scary stuff myself...its the Technology they have, such as Transformers and Harry Potter.

Kt

 

[may1787]

I didn't put in two days because it costs a lot to get over there since I will be staying on Disney property (and have no desire to stay anywhere else). Besides that, I looked at the attractions list for Universal and I'm not much of a 3D ride type of person and it looks like a lot of them are like that. I'm hoping with a full day there and an express pass that I will get to do the things I want to do. Is that wrong for me to think?

 

[lulubel88]

You should be able to store your luggage at the front desk on your check out day until you are ready to board ME for the airport. I would use this as my day to resort hop that way you are not rushed and it won't cost an extra day at the parks.

I agree with doing just one day at Universal. You were smart to do the homework of checking out the attractions that you are interested in doing. I understand you'll have the express pass but I would do a little more research on attendance at Uni and go on a low day.

 

[DaisyDuck001]

So far I haven't planned a specific activity for my last day of next trip, because I thought I'd see what I'd still like to do, or do again, when the time comes.

 

[officialkt]

I didn't put in two days because it costs a lot to get over there since I will be staying on Disney property (and have no desire to stay anywhere else). Besides that, I looked at the attractions list for Universal and I'm not much of a 3D ride type of person and it looks like a lot of them are like that. I'm hoping with a full day there and an express pass that I will get to do the things I want to do. Is that wrong for me to think?

Nope...if its not your thing I don't blame you...and I understand the transport and cost concerns...as much as I enjoyed Universal I'm completely bypassing it in October and just putting all my resources onto Disney..I want a relaxed Disney experience

 

[ArielseekingEric]

Disney magical express picks up 3 hrs before your flight. You can late check out which I think Is1pm. They will hold your luggage if you want to explore other hotels, DTD.

 

[travelin' tigger]

Would you purchase an extra ticket and spend time in the parks if you had until approximately 4PM or would you find other activities that didn't require a ticket, like hotel exploring/downtown disney/pooltime?)/QUOTE]
I wouldn't waste your money on another park day - also too much stress as you'd be constantly aware of the time.

That said, after many solo trips, I would plan a relaxing day. Sleep in then get all my stuff packed and checked in to bell services or your flight. Then I'd go have a late breakfast somewhere and after head to DTD or resort hop until it's time to catch ME to the airport.

Have fun!

 

[dcassetta]

With that length of stay, the cost of adding one more park day to your ticket will be negligible. You might add that to your pass just om case you do want to visit one of the parks again.

You can leave luggage at bell services until the ME bus arrives.

The tours I have taken have been great. It can also be a way to meet new people.

Think carefully about going to the pool on the last day, because you will have wet things to pack.

 

[SueDonym3]

Depending on your air line-you may be able to check your bags the morning that you leave at the hotel. I cannot remember who is included in that service-Southwest was a holdout at one point. Even if you cannot check your bags at the hotel-bell services will hold them. So luggage is not an issue. You still have access to the bus system after you check out so you could spend time in downtown Disney, resort hop or hang out by the pool at your resort. Or book an appointment at one of the spas...so many options! Have a great time!

 

[may1787]

I understand you'll have the express pass but I would do a little more research on attendance at Uni and go on a low day.

I had heard that sometimes the express pass isn't needed. I used the crowd guide from undercover tourist and right now there are no days I can use where both parks have low crowds. I was going to go on a Saturday that is labelled as one park low and one moderate. I thought about buying it the day of my visit so I could judge based on attendance early on whether I would want one or not. Does that seem like a good idea?

 

[may1787]

Disney magical express picks up 3 hrs before your flight. You can late check out which I think Is1pm. They will hold your luggage if you want to explore other hotels, DTD.

Thanks for the answer about ME pickup time and late checkout time. Is anyone aware if late checkout is gratis or requires a fee?

 

[may1787]

I wouldn't waste your money on another park day - also too much stress as you'd be constantly aware of the time.

Oh yes, I guess I didn't think about the stress. I am a clock watcher and even though I wouldn't have to leave until 4, I would probably be watching the clocks since at least noon!

 

[may1787]

With that length of stay, the cost of adding one more park day to your ticket will be negligible. You might add that to your pass just om case you do want to visit one of the parks again.

The tours I have taken have been great. It can also be a way to meet new people.

Think carefully about going to the pool on the last day, because you will have wet things to pack.

Yah, I had considered adding an extra ticketed day for that very reason, because I will only have a half day for park hopping. The extra last day may be worth it. That being said, with the new Hollywood Studios changes taking place either while I am there or immediately before or after I don't know if I would really need an extra day because I will have already spent 3 full days and one half day in MK, 2 full days in Epcot, and 1 each in HS and AK. But, maybe I will and will regret not paying for the extra ticket.

Which tours have you done that I listed? Do you have any further comment on them?

Also, thanks for the reminder about the wet things to pack! Good thinking! That nixes that idea.

P.S. I'm sorry everyone, I cannot figure out how to put all the quotes I want t respond to on one message!

 

[may1787]

Or book an appointment at one of the spas...so many options! Have a great time!

The spa is a fantastic idea! A massage before getting on a couple stressful coach flights? Yes, I think I could handle that!

 

[lulubel88]

I had heard that sometimes the express pass isn't needed. I used the crowd guide from undercover tourist and right now there are no days I can use where both parks have low crowds. I was going to go on a Saturday that is labelled as one park low and one moderate. I thought about buying it the day of my visit so I could judge based on attendance early on whether I would want one or not. Does that seem like a good idea?

So sorry for the misunderstanding...I was reading a lot of posts when I had replied. I've never used the express pass but I've also never included a trip to Universal on my Disney vacations...just made a few Uni exclusive trips. But you can definitely purchase the pass if needed. I'm taking my next Disney trip the week after Thanksgiving and considering a day at Islands of Adventure since I haven't seen any of the Harry Potter additions. Good luck with all your planning.

 

[lroger01]

You'll likely be tired on your going home day. If it were me, I'd spend the morning at Typhoon Lagoon. or Blizzard Beach. Since they open later than the theme parks, you'll have more time to finish packing and dropping off your luggage.

I'd make it a low-key day. Hit a few fun slides then just laze in the lazy river or soak up some Florida sun. As for the wet things issue, just toss a gallon ziplock bag into your carry on. The few hours of travel time won't be long enough for your suit to mildew. And, unpacking a damp suit that smells of Disney pool water will likely bring good memories .

If you decide to hit one of the theme parks one last time, you can wait until your last full day to add it to your ticket. No sense in spending money if you don't have to.