Thinking about a solo trip - what to consider, when to go, etc.

[katmu]

Hello-

I've been lurking for a while and decided I should finally join and hopefully get some advice. I'm a 40 something single mom of 2 sons who are now 21 and 22 (so not too interested in taking another trip to Disney with mom). I have been to Disneyworld 3 times -once as a child staying at FW, once as a teen on a school trip where we stayed offsite, and once with my boys staying at Boardwalk Villas. I live in Minnesota so I would need to fly down. My favorite park is Epcot followed by Animal Kingdom and Magic Kingdom.

I really liked the 1BR villa we stayed in but that seems like overkill for just me so I need some advice on where to stay. I definitely want to stay on-site, and may consider renting a car if it would make transportation easier. I have an extra 2 week block of vacation from work to take before the end of 2014 and I can be fairly flexible about when to go although I would prefer to go when crowds are low.

Sorry if this is kind of rambling, I'm trying to think of anything that might be important in planning my trip. Thank you in advance. The forum has been so helpful already.

 

[TPTraveler]

Hello-

I've been lurking for a while and decided I should finally join and hopefully get some advice. I'm a 40 something single mom of 2 sons who are now 21 and 22 (so not too interested in taking another trip to Disney with mom). I have been to Disneyworld 3 times -once as a child staying at FW, once as a teen on a school trip where we stayed offsite, and once with my boys staying at Boardwalk Villas. I live in Minnesota so I would need to fly down. My favorite park is Epcot followed by Animal Kingdom and Magic Kingdom.

I really liked the 1BR villa we stayed in but that seems like overkill for just me so I need some advice on where to stay. I definitely want to stay on-site, and may consider renting a car if it would make transportation easier. I have an extra 2 week block of vacation from work to take before the end of 2014 and I can be fairly flexible about when to go although I would prefer to go when crowds are low.

Sorry if this is kind of rambling, I'm trying to think of anything that might be important in planning my trip. Thank you in advance. The forum has been so helpful already.

Since your favorite park is Epcot and you would like to stay on-site, I would suggest one of the Epcot hotels (Yacht Club, Beach Club, Boardwalk Inn). I myself am staying at the Yacht Club (first time at this resort), 14th trip to WDW.

Since you would be flying, you can use the Magical Express (ME) bus service offered by Disney which is really wonderful. If you are not familiar with it, they get your luggage for you at the airport and transport it to your resort. Unless you want to experience "non-Disney" attractions etc in Orlando, there is really no need to rent a car. A if you decided you wanted to spend a day at someplace like Universal, you could always take a cab over for far cheaper (usually) than renting a car.

In terms of when to go, WDW always has something going on whether if be for the various holidays or events such as the Food & Wine festival, so it is mostly based on your interests. You can go to this website: http://touringplans.com/ to get an idea of crowds at any given time of year.

The only time of year that I have not been to WDW is November/December when they have everything decorated for Christmas....but it is definitely on my wish list.

And finally, going solo is a wonderful adventure. I love to travel by myself and WDW really makes it easy (and SAFE) to do so. There is something special about doing exactly what you want, when you want and not having to balance everyone else's need and wants.

Hopefully, this helps get you started. And that you enjoy your planning and your trip

 

[glammadiva]

I love my solo trips. Since your favorite is Epcot, I suggest an Epcot resort. I really enjoy Beach Club.

 

[katmu]

Looks like my solo trip may not end up being solo after all as my 22 year old wants to go with. That might also been that I need to look at a more reasonable hotel. I think we will still likely spend most of our time at Epcot and DS, plus 1 day each at MK and AK. Which of the moderates, or even maybe AoA or Pop, should I be focusing on?

 

[spiceycat]

hey you can go - just rent a reservation from a dvcmember for either BWV or BCV - they do have studios. (a hotel room with a kitchenette)

otherwise save some money and go with Pop - ask for a lake view room (these are standard here) - then you can eat at either Pop or AoA

the pop buses come frequently enough that you won't need a car.

 

[Terk-1]

Hi Katmu & WELCOME to the DIS Boards!!!! This is a great place to come to get advice & recommendations on all things Disney.

I have been to WDW 5 times solo (other times with family) and love each solo trip as much as the ones with family. You get the freedom to do, eat, ride, etc. what you want, when you want. The other thing I love about going solo is that it gives me the chance to slow things down and really take in all that is in the parks & resorts. I don't rush down Main Street to get to an attraction, but rather stroll slowly, looking at the storefronts & especially the windows. Same with the Studios. Each trip I find something that I missed from the trip before!

I have done solo at the All Star Sports, as well as Caribbean Beach, Port Orleans Riverside (when it was Dixie Landings). I did not care for CBR & POR, as they are really way too spread out for my taste. My favorite solo resort is Port Orleans French Quarter. Small & quaint. There is a boat to DTD and it is not far from EPCOT or DHS. When I choose a resort, I look at how much time I am actually going to be at the resort and how much of the extras that are there that I would use. I tend to go towards a Moderate on solo trips, as it's much less expensive. We just stayed there with 4 adults (2 rooms) and LOVED it!!

As far as a time to go, it depends on what you are looking to experience. Spring has the EPCOT Flower & Garden Show, but as this is more of an adult trip, I would recommend either Fall or right after Thanksgiving. Fall is EPCOT's Food & Wine Festival, which is fantastic!!! All of these new countries around World Showcase and everything is small appetizer sizes, so you don't feel like you have to eat this big meal. We spent several days at EPCOT just to be able to try everything and take our time doing it. The food at these kiosks were also considered snack credits, which was great.

Another time that I enjoy going is right after Thanksgiving. All of the resorts as decked specifically for that resort, as are the parks. EPCOT is incredible during the holidays as well with different Santas at each country/from that country, the Winter Lights on the walkway between Future World & World Showcase, and especially the Candlelight Processional (makes me cry each time, it's so beautiful)!!! There is also the Osborne Lights at DHS which is great to see.