WDW Alone

[Captain UP]

Well...through a bizarre set of circumstances that aren't worth explaining, I will be at AKL for 4 days in mid-February by myself.

Any thoughts, tips, strategies to take advantage of the situation?

Thanks!

 

[scrappinginontario]

There is a forum for people travelling to Disney on their own. Have you checked it out?

Disney for Adults and Solo Travellers

 

[loves to dive]

I go solo often, I actually have a solo trip planned for mid-April. I do everything solo that I would do if my family were with me. I eat at TS restaurants, I ride rides, I go to lounges. The only difference is sometimes I actually enjoy my solo trips more than the trips with my family. You get to do whatever you want, whenever you want. Want to ride that ride over and over again, do it. Don't want to ride that ride, don't. Want to eat ice cream for breakfast, do it. Don't want to eat at lunch time but want to snack all day, do it. Want to sit for a hour on a bench enjoying a refreshing adult beverage and just people watch, do it. The line for a ride is 75 min. wait but you really don't have anything else to do and no one bugging you cause it's hot or they are bored, do it.

If you aren't used to eating at restaurants by yourself, maybe go to a couple of local ones solo so you can get used to it. I have my kindle app. on my phone and after I have placed my order and people watched, I read. I also read in lines or while waiting for FWs or on the bus. I like to read. If eating at TS makes you uncomfortable, eat at lounges, there are usually a number of solo people there. Frankly, no one pays a bit of attention to the fact you are solo. The only thing I've noticed is sometimes I get too much service at TS restaurants. I've occasionally even had the chef come out and talk to me just because (I don't have allergies or order anything special). They do sometimes load you on the rides with other people to fill the spaces, some rides do, some rides don't so you might end up riding with strangers. I've had other solo people strike up conversations with me in line and ask if they can ride with me, I've also had parents who had an odd number of kids ask if one of theirs can ride with me (I guess I have that grandma look about me). When that happens I always say yes but request that one parent be in the seat in front and one in back so the child can see a parent and a parent can see the child.

Go, enjoy.

 

[fla4fun]

If you will be there during the Festival of the Arts at Epcot, I encourage you to spend a leisurely day taking it in. There are a wide variety of things to do, interesting food booths, and during the week, it is not too crowded either. It’s actually my favorite of the Epcot festivals, but it does benefit from taking your time in the park. I will be there the beginning of February, and have planned one full day to just enjoy the festival itself.

I have done many, many solo trips, and I cannot stress how free you will feel in the parks. Although I do enjoy spending time with friends and family at WDW, my solo trips are so much more enjoyable. No matter how well you get along with your travel companions, there is always an element of give and take, compromises you don’t have to deal with when you are there alone. I have never felt uncomfortable or unsafe in any attraction, resort, restaurant, or on transportation. Plus, as a party of one, you may find it easier to get rides using Genie+ as opposed to a larger group. If you get lonely, I have never found a shortage of CMs who are willing to chat a few minutes, as well as other chatty guests. ”Where are you visiting from?” Is always a good ice breaker.

The only thing to be aware of, is that you may like solo trips so much you want to visit that way all the time.

 

[RoseGold]

Invite someone else? That's a long way away.

 

[Captain UP]

Thanks to all. I’m going to read and reread this before my trip.

 

[ars0525]

I go solo frequently for day visits. It's amazing what you can accomplish by yourself. Best part is you get to do what you want how you want when you want. I change my mind about where to ride? Cool. I stay longer at an attraction looking? Great. I pick places to eat as I feel hungry or if I have an urge for something specific I work my way towards that side of the park. Sometimes I just sit down & enjoy the atmosphere. I notice a lot of things too in general around the parks I haven't when I am there with others.