What is your advice?

[Disneybell2015]

Its been 7 years since I first went to Disney World and I am really wanting to make a trip back. I am finding it harder and harder to find someone/people to go with because of financial situations(Which I understand because none of us are made of money) and a general lack of interest. I am not sure I would be able to have the guts to go alone because I am such a shy and introverted person but like I previously mentioned I really want to go back. How did you solo travelers finally make the plunge and take a solo trip? Were you nervous? I live about 12 hours away from Disney so this would be the first time I went somewhere, sort of far away, alone. Any advice would be appreciated because I have been putting off a Disney trip for years due to not having anyone to go with and I don't want to put it off any longer Also, I am sorry if this post is riddled with grammatical errors

 

[loves to dive]

I know how you feel, I had always gone with my DS or my DS and mother (until she could no longer do it) or later DS and his DW so it was a leap the first time. I really wanted to go for my birthday, basically just didn't want to stay at home cause my SIL's b'day is the same day and it was a pain to deal with, DH doesn't go, hates crowds, hates kids, hate travelling. I knew I was going somewhere for at least a long weekend (DS couldn't get time off the Navy) and I was going solo. I travel on long weekends a lot solo so the solo part was no big deal. I checked rates at my favorite solo places and on a whim checked DW rates, lo and behold DS was less expensive. I live about 7 hours away so I always drive and one of my best friends lives in New Port Richey, FL so I've driven down there solo before. I debated back and forth with myself, checked these boards and finally did it. My first solo trip was a split stay (actually all of them have been, DS doesn't like split stays, I like trying new resorts). I figured a few days at a value then moving over to a deluxe would help justify the cost and it was F&G so I knew I wanted to be at an Epcot resort part of the time. It was one of the best trips I've ever had, sold me on solo DW after that, I bought an AP and am getting ready to do my third solo trip for F&W next month. Find a resort you are comfortable with first. If you don't think you are going to be comfortable eating at TS alone, just go QS, I have my kindle loaded on my cell phone and just read while I eat at TS so it doesn't bother me. Don't worry about being shy, you don't have to talk to anyone if you don't want to but you'd be surprised how friendly people are to a person in the line who is alone. I've met people in line and ended up riding rides with them. Cast members are great to single people, you get the "only one?" bit but don't let it bother you. Take your time and enjoy the place, go and do things you might not get to do with another person. Spend time at your resort and enjoy it, can't tell you how many times I've just sat on my balcony sipping a glass of my favorite beverage and just enjoyed the view. If you are driving and haven't driven the distance solo, maybe think about splitting it up and spending the night somewhere along the way. I just power through, only stopping to get gas and go potty, again I have my kindle on text to speech and listen to a book on the way down, time flies. Just enjoy and relax.

 

[Disneybell2015]

I know how you feel, I had always gone with my DS or my DS and mother (until she could no longer do it) or later DS and his DW so it was a leap the first time. I really wanted to go for my birthday, basically just didn't want to stay at home cause my SIL's b'day is the same day and it was a pain to deal with, DH doesn't go, hates crowds, hates kids, hate travelling. I knew I was going somewhere for at least a long weekend (DS couldn't get time off the Navy) and I was going solo. I travel on long weekends a lot solo so the solo part was no big deal. I checked rates at my favorite solo places and on a whim checked DW rates, lo and behold DS was less expensive. I live about 7 hours away so I always drive and one of my best friends lives in New Port Richey, FL so I've driven down there solo before. I debated back and forth with myself, checked these boards and finally did it. My first solo trip was a split stay (actually all of them have been, DS doesn't like split stays, I like trying new resorts). I figured a few days at a value then moving over to a deluxe would help justify the cost and it was F&G so I knew I wanted to be at an Epcot resort part of the time. It was one of the best trips I've ever had, sold me on solo DW after that, I bought an AP and am getting ready to do my third solo trip for F&W next month. Find a resort you are comfortable with first. If you don't think you are going to be comfortable eating at TS alone, just go QS, I have my kindle loaded on my cell phone and just read while I eat at TS so it doesn't bother me. Don't worry about being shy, you don't have to talk to anyone if you don't want to but you'd be surprised how friendly people are to a person in the line who is alone. I've met people in line and ended up riding rides with them. Cast members are great to single people, you get the "only one?" bit but don't let it bother you. Take your time and enjoy the place, go and do things you might not get to do with another person. Spend time at your resort and enjoy it, can't tell you how many times I've just sat on my balcony sipping a glass of my favorite beverage and just enjoyed the view. If you are driving and haven't driven the distance solo, maybe think about splitting it up and spending the night somewhere along the way. I just power through, only stopping to get gas and go potty, again I have my kindle on text to speech and listen to a book on the way down, time flies. Just enjoy and relax.

Thank you so much for the advice. I am thinking about going during F&W next year around late September. I am thinking about driving the distance to save some money instead of flying down but also haven't driven such a long distance before. I am not for certain what resort to stay at, would you say there is one that seems more accommodating to a solo traveler? I was thinking of staying at a moderate resort maybe Caribbean Beach of FQ.

 

[loves to dive]

Thank you so much for the advice. I am thinking about going during F&W next year around late September. I am thinking about driving the distance to save some money instead of flying down but also haven't driven such a long distance before. I am not for certain what resort to stay at, would you say there is one that seems more accommodating to a solo traveler? I was thinking of staying at a moderate resort maybe Caribbean Beach of FQ.

I've only stayed at one mod - POR and I loved it. I stayed at POP for two nights my first solo and it was o.k. but I'll never stay there again. Not because it wasn't safe or friendly, I just felt like I was in a Holiday Inn and that wasn't what I was looking for. The mods and values all have outside hallways so I would keep my curtains closed but I don't think you can go wrong with any of the on site resorts as far as being solo. I've never felt unsafe in any of them.

 

[StLDisFan]

For a guy (also pretty shy, very introverted) who has made several solo trips (sometimes I fly, sometimes I make the non-stop 16 hour drive), I know how you are feeling about it. But I found so much encouragement on these boards and also courage from within. I love Disney and despite friends and family not caring or having the time/money, I wasn't going to let that hold me back. I will admit I was kind of terrified on my first trip. Most of the 16 hours driving down there was one big panic attack; I kept telling myself to just turn around (but $3000 was motivation to push on ). However, when I got there, the fear quickly dissipated. I soon realized that while it might appear weird being a 20 something y/o male walking around on his own in the parks, I soon realized that nobody cared, heck nobody even paid any attention (in a good way, of course)! And by chance that the .1% of people who do care/judge (there is usually one or two you will run into), guess how many you will ever see again? I use to ALWAYS have an excuse: separated from my family, friends are back at the resort, nobody wanted to ride this one, I am the only one who wanted to try this restaurant, friends left yesterday and I wanted to an extra day in the parks, etc. That works just fine too! But now I am so comfortable going solo that I will tell anyone who actually cares that I am going solo and happy to do so (people have even admitted to being jealous ). Getting over any initial fear will happen quickly if you allow it. If you are absolutely beyond terrified, a brief weekend getaway (especially during F&W where you can snack your way through hunger and get lost in the larger crowds) would be a great way to experiment. Or you can be like me and make it a 9 day extravaganza with the Deluxe Dining so that you get a great feel for everything. Either way, I am sure you will have a great time

Going solo has plenty of great benefits, like... doing anything you want when you want to do them! Where you stay, how long, where/what you eat, what you ride, what you do with the day. That freedom also helps with any anxiety I had. And like @loves to dive said, Cast Members (in general, but not always) will not only try to make you feel as comfortable as possible, some go even more out of their way to make you feel special/appreciated (can be a good thing or bad depending on how you take it, but in general I appreciate someone paying attention to me while on vacay - I have even gotten free deserts, room upgrades, meetings with head chefs just because I was solo). Plus you have the added bonus of single rider lines, cutting in line when the ride CM is looking for a solo rider. Try not to pass up on Table Service if there is one you like, there are great chances to speak with bartenders/cooks (or not) at table service bars/counters, plus I have had some phenomenal meals (that you won't get at QS). There is so much to look forward to as a solo, I hope you get to experience it!

I have seen plenty of people ask on the boards what the best solo resort is. Quite honestly, it's the one you like the most (and can afford ). I have done Pop and the All-Stars because I value longer trips vs the amenities I wouldn't ever use. But I saved up enough to stay at POFQ (one of my favs to visit, so I am stoked to be staying there!) and plan to slow things down a bit more in Dec and enjoy the resort. In general Coronado is a great choice, 1. because it is gorgeous, but 2. there are often conventions/conferences there, so it seems to be more adult oriented. POFQ has a great, friendly New Orleans feel/look which I love. But if you are going for a weekend F&W trip, then any hotel around Crescent Lake would be my choice for sure (not that I could afford them, but they would be my choice)! Motel vs. hotel might be an issue anywhere other than WDW (in terms of safety), but I do plenty of late night resort exploring/photography when I am there and I have never once felt unsafe. So go with what you are looking forward to the most. After all, this trip is for you!

 

[caracarn]

I have done day trips to Disney World solo when I was in the area for a conference. The first time I felt a little silly, like "who goes to Disney by themselves?", but then after five minutes I thought, "I am on business trips by myself all the time". That was really the thing that made it OK for me. When I travel for work, many times it is just me. I eat alone, drive alone, do everything alone because the staff at the facility I am working at have their lives and it's not their job to entertain me, nor do I feel they should. I am an adult and I can handle it. For some reason Disney seemed different, so I get it, but really after you get past that hang up it is fine. Sure I'd like to share the time with my family but they are not here, so why deprive myself of something I enjoy because I am alone? The poster above said the clearest thing that can make it wonderful; you do what you want when you want. That is really a different experience in Disney from all the trips I have taken with someone. Go for it. You will have a great time because you will make sure you do!

 

[Disneybell2015]

For a guy (also pretty shy, very introverted) who has made several solo trips (sometimes I fly, sometimes I make the non-stop 16 hour drive), I know how you are feeling about it. But I found so much encouragement on these boards and also courage from within. I love Disney and despite friends and family not caring or having the time/money, I wasn't going to let that hold me back. I will admit I was kind of terrified on my first trip. Most of the 16 hours driving down there was one big panic attack; I kept telling myself to just turn around (but $3000 was motivation to push on ). However, when I got there, the fear quickly dissipated. I soon realized that while it might appear weird being a 20 something y/o male walking around on his own in the parks, I soon realized that nobody cared, heck nobody even paid any attention (in a good way, of course)! And by chance that the .1% of people who do care/judge (there is usually one or two you will run into), guess how many you will ever see again? I use to ALWAYS have an excuse: separated from my family, friends are back at the resort, nobody wanted to ride this one, I am the only one who wanted to try this restaurant, friends left yesterday and I wanted to an extra day in the parks, etc. That works just fine too! But now I am so comfortable going solo that I will tell anyone who actually cares that I am going solo and happy to do so (people have even admitted to being jealous ). Getting over any initial fear will happen quickly if you allow it. If you are absolutely beyond terrified, a brief weekend getaway (especially during F&W where you can snack your way through hunger and get lost in the larger crowds) would be a great way to experiment. Or you can be like me and make it a 9 day extravaganza with the Deluxe Dining so that you get a great feel for everything. Either way, I am sure you will have a great time

Going solo has plenty of great benefits, like... doing anything you want when you want to do them! Where you stay, how long, where/what you eat, what you ride, what you do with the day. That freedom also helps with any anxiety I had. And like @loves to dive said, Cast Members (in general, but not always) will not only try to make you feel as comfortable as possible, some go even more out of their way to make you feel special/appreciated (can be a good thing or bad depending on how you take it, but in general I appreciate someone paying attention to me while on vacay - I have even gotten free deserts, room upgrades, meetings with head chefs just because I was solo). Plus you have the added bonus of single rider lines, cutting in line when the ride CM is looking for a solo rider. Try not to pass up on Table Service if there is one you like, there are great chances to speak with bartenders/cooks (or not) at table service bars/counters, plus I have had some phenomenal meals (that you won't get at QS). There is so much to look forward to as a solo, I hope you get to experience it!

I have seen plenty of people ask on the boards what the best solo resort is. Quite honestly, it's the one you like the most (and can afford ). I have done Pop and the All-Stars because I value longer trips vs the amenities I wouldn't ever use. But I saved up enough to stay at POFQ (one of my favs to visit, so I am stoked to be staying there!) and plan to slow things down a bit more in Dec and enjoy the resort. In general Coronado is a great choice, 1. because it is gorgeous, but 2. there are often conventions/conferences there, so it seems to be more adult oriented. POFQ has a great, friendly New Orleans feel/look which I love. But if you are going for a weekend F&W trip, then any hotel around Crescent Lake would be my choice for sure (not that I could afford them, but they would be my choice)! Motel vs. hotel might be an issue anywhere other than WDW (in terms of safety), but I do plenty of late night resort exploring/photography when I am there and I have never once felt unsafe. So go with what you are looking forward to the most. After all, this trip is for you!

Thanks so much for the advice ! I really do appreciate it and you have helped ease some of my anxiety with traveling alone! Its true that I will be able to explore and do what I want to do. Would you say there is a certain time of year that you prefer to visit? I'm wondering if I should do a value resort instead of moderate to try and save some money.

I have done day trips to Disney World solo when I was in the area for a conference. The first time I felt a little silly, like "who goes to Disney by themselves?", but then after five minutes I thought, "I am on business trips by myself all the time". That was really the thing that made it OK for me. When I travel for work, many times it is just me. I eat alone, drive alone, do everything alone because the staff at the facility I am working at have their lives and it's not their job to entertain me, nor do I feel they should. I am an adult and I can handle it. For some reason Disney seemed different, so I get it, but really after you get past that hang up it is fine. Sure I'd like to share the time with my family but they are not here, so why deprive myself of something I enjoy because I am alone? The poster above said the clearest thing that can make it wonderful; you do what you want when you want. That is really a different experience in Disney from all the trips I have taken with someone. Go for it. You will have a great time because you will make sure you do!

You're right, I am depriving myself and for what!? I think that a part of me though would feel a bit empty not having someone to share the experience with, do you ever feel that way?

 

[bamacmac]

I just did my first solo trip there in July and it was completely amazing. I will say that I had traveled a fair amount solo before that, just not to Disney. But I thought it might be different going to such a family oriented place. But it was perfect in every way. No awkwardness. Everyone was so very nice. As others have said, some were even jealous that I was alone. It was very freeing to go at my own pace and do what I wanted, when I wanted to. I wasn't trying to rush or anything, but I was amazed at how much I was able to do. You have to give it a shot and see if it's right for you! I'm willing to bet you will have a fabulous trip.

I stayed at Caribbean Beach and I really liked it! I liked the layout and felt very safe there and thought it was a beautiful resort. The main pool was especially great to relax after a few full park days. I had previously only stayed at POR, which I really loved and would like to stay there again one day. I'm staying at POFQ solo in early December and am excited to try that one out for the first time. It's a lot smaller and I think that will be nice! I'm going again in February with a couple of friends and thinking about doing POFQ for that one too!

I drove the 8.5 hours from where I live in Alabama and it was a nice drive down. Plus I really like having my own vehicle there.

So, I say do it!

 

[ToddyLu]

Hmmmm where in Alabama? I live in Pascagoula, MS.

 

[bamacmac]

Hmmmm where in Alabama? I live in Pascagoula, MS.

I live in Birmingham!

 

[srpresto]

you asked if you would feel empty staying alone, I can not answer that, but I found that sending txts or updates back home made that feeling disappear for me. Sharing an update during breaks or meals about what i had done or seen made me feel connected. I was sharing the joy with those who weren't there and that made me happier. I may not be explaining this well, but sharing a photo of your mickey waffles at breakfast makes them more delicious.

 

[karly05]

OP, you sound just like me before my first solo trip. I had been twice, in '99 with my sister, '04 with sis & dad. (Dad had paid for both of those trips; the '99 was my birthday prsesnt.) I love WDW, and by 2011 it was going on 7 years since I'd been and I REALLY wanted to go back. My sis enjoyed those trips, but WDW is not her priority for spending vacation time and $ as it is mine. Before I even asked her that year if she'd like to go with me, I'd already decided that if she said no thanks, I was going by myself. She did say no thanks, and thought it was awesome that I was willing to go solo. The prospect was kind of scary but very exciting to me, and a BIG adventure, but like you, I just really really really missed WDW.

That first solo trip was the first time I'd ever stayed somewhere away from home by myself. (I'd flown by myself to visit her; she lives in another state than I do.) I'm not sure how "shy" I am, but I am a big ol' introvert - which is actually fine at Disney. I've had a few casual bits of pleasant conversation with people, but no one's ever "bothered" me. My first solo trip (Feb 2012) I splurged on the Beach Club, because I'd stayed there before and knew I liked it; I got a surprise (as in totally shocked) Pixie Dust upgrade to club level and it was a great trip. When I came home, I thought, yeah, I wouldn't mind doing that again in a couple of years... But before long, I was looking at the calendar for 2013 and figuring out how to go back!

My first solo trip was 5 nights/4 full days. For 2013, I added a day, and for 2013-14-15 I went 6 nights/5 full days. I'm already booked for April 2016 and next year I've expanded again to 7 nights/6 full days.

Once I decided I wanted to make regular trips, I figured I needed to give up the BC for a moderate, and after a lot of study and contemplation, in 2013 I stayed for the first time at POFQ. The French Quarter is now my Disney home-from-home! As a solo, I like the fact that it is so compact, no room is too remote, it has an open and airy feel to me with the manicured grounds and wrought iron railings, and I don't feel uncomfortable coming home to my room at night. Plus, it's pretty and quaint and charming, and it's nice to have POR just a short walk or boat ride up the river (I ate at Boatwright's on arrival night last year and really enjoyed it.)

I always fly (too far to drive it comfortably in a day), and I love letting Disney take care of all the transportation, always use MDE and their luggage service, and use their transportation around the resort. I text my sister (she loves hearing my updates) and sometimes call her in the evenings, which is nice. I have no fear at all of eating alone and have had some good TS meals. Seriously NO ONE cares or is paying any attention to you eating by yourself in a restaurant. I did a couple of restaurant meals solo at home before the first solo trip to get my feet wet, and I will still go out to eat alone at home occasionally.

If you're concerned about how you'll feel about going solo, think about what's the shortest trip you'd be willing to spend at WDW and start with that. If you find you like it and want to go back, then you can start planning longer trips as I have.

Sometimes in life, you just have to be brave and take that big step outside your comfort zone. If I were a Disney/Pixar character, I'd probably be Marlin from Finding Nemo: a worrywart who, when actually pushed to do something, will step up to the plate and surprise myself with what I can do - and enjoy.

Go for it! And have fun!

 

[Disneybell2015]

@bamacmac I think I am going to drive the distance as well. Didn't they recently re-do the Caribbean beach rooms, or am I imagining that? haha either way I think I might check that one out as well. I think one of my biggest problems is going to be deciding on which resort to stay at XD.

@srpresto I like that idea of sending pictures plus I think you're right that documenting my trip to other people will make me feel not so alone.

@karly05 Funny you mention that because I actually texted my sister and asked her about a trip as well(and also asked my parents, who are partially considering it) but I am almost certain she will not be going. I think I have a bit more enthusiasm for Disney things than my immediate counterparts xD so like you mentioned Disney World is just not their #1 priority for a vacation spot. Also, I think people get intimidated by it being Disney and thinking it will have to cost them an arm and a leg to go. I like the idea of being able to do whatever I want whenever I want but that also intimidates me because I'm not use to having that much freedom I think my first trip I would like to do a 4day/5nights so I can have 1 day to dedicate to each park.

You guys have all really offered a lot of great advice and now I am certainly convinced that I really want to try a solo trip ! Now to figure out what time of year I want to go xD Thanks everyone for sharing your thoughts and advice

 

[bamacmac]

Yes...I do think a lot has been done to the rooms at CBR recently, and it showed. Everything was very clean, the bed was really comfortable (and I can be very judgmental of hotel beds...haha!), and I had zero complaints about the property. There were a few buildings that looked like they were still being worked on (equipment in the parking lots), so if you do book CBR I would just make sure they don't put you in one of those buildings. I would try to get a building near Old Port Royale if you can (Martinique or Trinidad North) but don't worry if you can't. I was in Jamaica and it was great. Many complain that this resort is too spread out, but I had my car so it didn't matter. I just drove over to the food court area/main pool if I needed to.

As far as time of year to go....that's a tough one. I have been in April, July, September, October and December before. April is amazing because the weather is nice and you have the Flower & Garden festival at Epcot, which is just beautiful to see. It also was not very crowded when I went, which was later in April, because it was after spring break crowds and before summer break. I enjoyed my last trip in July, though of course it was very hot and somewhat crowded, though it was never an issue for me. The heat was bearable as well, but then again, I do live in Alabama and deal with plenty of heat and humidity here. September is great because the crowds are a bit better after Labor Day and you have the start of MNSSHP (SO, SO, SO fun and I am not a huge Halloween fan in general...but the parade for that party and the fireworks are the BEST WDW has to offer in my opinion!). But it can still be pretty hot, if that's something you don't like. If you go late September through the end of October, you can hit the overlap of MNSSHP and Food & Wine Festival, which is so much fun! And of course the later you go into the "fall", the weather gradually gets better. The very beginning of November you get some overlap with Food & Wine and the Christmas decorations being up. And then my early December trip may have been my favorite ever. I love everything Christmas...so for me, the MVMCP was so fun, the Candlelight Processional at EPCOT is beautiful and really gets you into the spirit of the season, the Osborne lights at Hollywood Studios are mind-blowing and SO MUCH FUN (and may not be around after this year...not sure with everything going on at DHS). I'm actually doing Candlelight Processional twice on this trip, I love it so much. And it's a must that time of year to check out the decorations at the deluxe resorts. Giant gingerbread house and beautiful tree at the Grand Floridian, another beautiful tree at Wilderness Lodge, great stuff at Yacht and Beach Club as well. And of course most of the resorts have some decor going on as well. Plus the weather is so perfect. When I was there it was low 70's at the very most during the day, it got just slightly chilly at night (enough to bring a long sleeve t-shirt or light jacket with you, but not enough to be cold) and not much humidity. LOVED the weather then.

Will be doing February in 2016, as I mentioned before. Really only doing that trip for the Princess Half Marathon Weekend (doing the 5K with friends), but other than that not anything special going on then.

So if any of those special events stand out to you, then I would let that help you decide when to go. If weather and crowds are your biggest factor in choosing a time to go, then I would say early October, early December or January and February (but not around any of the marathon weekends...there is one in Jan and one in Feb).

Hope some of that helps!!!

 

[StLDisFan]

Thanks so much for the advice ! I really do appreciate it and you have helped ease some of my anxiety with traveling alone! Its true that I will be able to explore and do what I want to do. Would you say there is a certain time of year that you prefer to visit? I'm wondering if I should do a value resort instead of moderate to try and save some money.

Glad to help ya out a little! As you can already tell by the several posts, there are plenty of peeps who go solo and love it. So I hope you find that encouraging

Unfortunately with my work, I am usually limited to making trips in late August / early September. August can brutally hot, and for some reason I thought the crowds were still a little high. Obviously September will be slightly cooler and slightly less crowded and then weather and crowds slowly drop from there (although watch out for fall breaks and random weekends with groups coming in) until Thanksgiving. I also just went over Memorial day weekend at the end of May it was pretty darn hot and (obviously) crowded. I am starting to get the feeling that there really is not a perfect time to go and avoid crowds anymore though. I am going in early December for the first time (rumor is that it's not that busy), so I can't wait to finally get on to property and not start perpetually sweating (hopefully) hahah I think my most ideal time for cool weather and low crowds would be late January or February at some point, but I could never get off work at that time of year.

As for where you stay, it really depends on what you are looking for. For me? A bed and a shower... that's it. And that's why I had never paid for anything more than a Value. I prefer to spend most waking hours at the parks or resort hopping or even going to DTD to hang out there, and then just use my Value room to sleep in (I am a dude though, so I can easily look past wall colors or bathroom decor). My typical day is to (attempt to) catch rope drop at the park and then hopping over to a Mod or Deluxe for a late night dinner or drink and then drive back to a value resort to simply shower and sleep (I don't like swimming, so pools don't matter to me). Yes you have to take extra time to commute to/from other resorts for a decent meal (I generally have a car on property though, but with proper planning, a bus can potentially be an option too) but why pay 3 times as much to stay at them if you are just using your hotel for the bed and bath? Now, the values are obviously going to be swarming with screaming kids (although by the time I roll out/in, most kids are in bed and not running around making noise), so if you plan to spend a decent amount of time at your resort or want to return home to a more quiet and relaxing atmosphere or you care about the "style/decor" of your room, I would say start with the Mods and work your way up from there. I only stay at the values because that is generally what I can afford. But it depends on what you are looking to get out of it. Just a bed and bath? Put up with the kids and save some money and enjoy visiting the other great resorts that Disney offers. Want to possibly spend time at the pool or relaxing at the resort and want a little theming to go with it? Go for the Mod of your choice. Want to live like the rich and famous P)? The Deluxe resorts are where it's at! My December trip is all about slowing things down, enjoying Christmas and the Disney details, hanging out at DTD, so POFQ fits the bill perfectly. But it all depends on your budget, taste and priorities, so it's up to you. If you go Value, I would stay at Pop (perhaps AoA, but personally a Little Mermaid themed room is not my thing ) solely for it's own bus service (totally worth the extra few bucks) and decent food options (a walk over to AoA's Landscape of Flavors is worth a visit), otherwise I think you could blindly choose any of Moderate or Deluxe and you would enjoy them greatly (only my perception though, as I have never actually stayed at any of them; I have visited all of them though and they look great)

But seeing as how it is your first time solo, I would recommend treating yourself (even just a little) and go with a Mod or Deluxe, have a nice table service meal (or two) (or three) and make the most out of your first experience going solo. I am glad I went all out on my first solo trip as I exposed myself to so much more of what WDW can offer. Who knows if/when you will be able to do it again. I say, go for it and go all out!

 

[Disneybell2015]

Yes...I do think a lot has been done to the rooms at CBR recently, and it showed. Everything was very clean, the bed was really comfortable (and I can be very judgmental of hotel beds...haha!), and I had zero complaints about the property. There were a few buildings that looked like they were still being worked on (equipment in the parking lots), so if you do book CBR I would just make sure they don't put you in one of those buildings. I would try to get a building near Old Port Royale if you can (Martinique or Trinidad North) but don't worry if you can't. I was in Jamaica and it was great. Many complain that this resort is too spread out, but I had my car so it didn't matter. I just drove over to the food court area/main pool if I needed to.

As far as time of year to go....that's a tough one. I have been in April, July, September, October and December before. April is amazing because the weather is nice and you have the Flower & Garden festival at Epcot, which is just beautiful to see. It also was not very crowded when I went, which was later in April, because it was after spring break crowds and before summer break. I enjoyed my last trip in July, though of course it was very hot and somewhat crowded, though it was never an issue for me. The heat was bearable as well, but then again, I do live in Alabama and deal with plenty of heat and humidity here. September is great because the crowds are a bit better after Labor Day and you have the start of MNSSHP (SO, SO, SO fun and I am not a huge Halloween fan in general...but the parade for that party and the fireworks are the BEST WDW has to offer in my opinion!). But it can still be pretty hot, if that's something you don't like. If you go late September through the end of October, you can hit the overlap of MNSSHP and Food & Wine Festival, which is so much fun! And of course the later you go into the "fall", the weather gradually gets better. The very beginning of November you get some overlap with Food & Wine and the Christmas decorations being up. And then my early December trip may have been my favorite ever. I love everything Christmas...so for me, the MVMCP was so fun, the Candlelight Processional at EPCOT is beautiful and really gets you into the spirit of the season, the Osborne lights at Hollywood Studios are mind-blowing and SO MUCH FUN (and may not be around after this year...not sure with everything going on at DHS). I'm actually doing Candlelight Processional twice on this trip, I love it so much. And it's a must that time of year to check out the decorations at the deluxe resorts. Giant gingerbread house and beautiful tree at the Grand Floridian, another beautiful tree at Wilderness Lodge, great stuff at Yacht and Beach Club as well. And of course most of the resorts have some decor going on as well. Plus the weather is so perfect. When I was there it was low 70's at the very most during the day, it got just slightly chilly at night (enough to bring a long sleeve t-shirt or light jacket with you, but not enough to be cold) and not much humidity. LOVED the weather then.

Will be doing February in 2016, as I mentioned before. Really only doing that trip for the Princess Half Marathon Weekend (doing the 5K with friends), but other than that not anything special going on then.

So if any of those special events stand out to you, then I would let that help you decide when to go. If weather and crowds are your biggest factor in choosing a time to go, then I would say early October, early December or January and February (but not around any of the marathon weekends...there is one in Jan and one in Feb).

Hope some of that helps!!!

Oh wow I thought I had read that somewhere, Originally when I was looking into a trip, last year, I was first looking at CBR but I honestly couldn't find anything good about it online, people seem to really not care for it compared to the other moderate resorts.

That did help a lot ! Christmas time is my favorite time of year and you make it sound amazing at Disney World XD! I think I'm still leaning towards going around the fall timeframe somewhere between last week of Sept to mid October. I would really like to attend the not so scary Halloween party Free excuse to dress up I still need to do a lot of research

 

[Disneybell2015]

Glad to help ya out a little! As you can already tell by the several posts, there are plenty of peeps who go solo and love it. So I hope you find that encouraging

Unfortunately with my work, I am usually limited to making trips in late August / early September. August can brutally hot, and for some reason I thought the crowds were still a little high. Obviously September will be slightly cooler and slightly less crowded and then weather and crowds slowly drop from there (although watch out for fall breaks and random weekends with groups coming in) until Thanksgiving. I also just went over Memorial day weekend at the end of May it was pretty darn hot and (obviously) crowded. I am starting to get the feeling that there really is not a perfect time to go and avoid crowds anymore though. I am going in early December for the first time (rumor is that it's not that busy), so I can't wait to finally get on to property and not start perpetually sweating (hopefully) hahah I think my most ideal time for cool weather and low crowds would be late January or February at some point, but I could never get off work at that time of year.

As for where you stay, it really depends on what you are looking for. For me? A bed and a shower... that's it. And that's why I had never paid for anything more than a Value. I prefer to spend most waking hours at the parks or resort hopping or even going to DTD to hang out there, and then just use my Value room to sleep in (I am a dude though, so I can easily look past wall colors or bathroom decor). My typical day is to (attempt to) catch rope drop at the park and then hopping over to a Mod or Deluxe for a late night dinner or drink and then drive back to a value resort to simply shower and sleep (I don't like swimming, so pools don't matter to me). Yes you have to take extra time to commute to/from other resorts for a decent meal (I generally have a car on property though, but with proper planning, a bus can potentially be an option too) but why pay 3 times as much to stay at them if you are just using your hotel for the bed and bath? Now, the values are obviously going to be swarming with screaming kids (although by the time I roll out/in, most kids are in bed and not running around making noise), so if you plan to spend a decent amount of time at your resort or want to return home to a more quiet and relaxing atmosphere or you care about the "style/decor" of your room, I would say start with the Mods and work your way up from there. I only stay at the values because that is generally what I can afford. But it depends on what you are looking to get out of it. Just a bed and bath? Put up with the kids and save some money and enjoy visiting the other great resorts that Disney offers. Want to possibly spend time at the pool or relaxing at the resort and want a little theming to go with it? Go for the Mod of your choice. Want to live like the rich and famous P)? The Deluxe resorts are where it's at! My December trip is all about slowing things down, enjoying Christmas and the Disney details, hanging out at DTD, so POFQ fits the bill perfectly. But it all depends on your budget, taste and priorities, so it's up to you. If you go Value, I would stay at Pop (perhaps AoA, but personally a Little Mermaid themed room is not my thing ) solely for it's own bus service (totally worth the extra few bucks) and decent food options (a walk over to AoA's Landscape of Flavors is worth a visit), otherwise I think you could blindly choose any of Moderate or Deluxe and you would enjoy them greatly (only my perception though, as I have never actually stayed at any of them; I have visited all of them though and they look great)

But seeing as how it is your first time solo, I would recommend treating yourself (even just a little) and go with a Mod or Deluxe, have a nice table service meal (or two) (or three) and make the most out of your first experience going solo. I am glad I went all out on my first solo trip as I exposed myself to so much more of what WDW can offer. Who knows if/when you will be able to do it again. I say, go for it and go all out!

Yeah I think Sept/Oct is the best time for me. *Fingers crossed the weather is decent* My first trip to Disney with my parents was a last minute thing and we went in June and it was very hot, very crowded and lots of rain storms came through. Still super fun though.
Money is definitely a big factor for me and while I have been looking at the moderates I haven't ruled out the value resorts. Honestly I don't plan on spending much time at the hotel + I would like the extra cash to spend on souvenirs and fun TS meal. As long as the hotel is decent for the price I am paying and well kept that is the most important thing to me. I stayed at one deluxe already when I went with my parents in '08 and that was good enough for me haha. I think I wouldn't go past a moderate because quite frankly I wouldn't be able to afford it, maybe for one night but I would like to spend more than one night at Disney Also, like you I am not much for swimming. In fact I am a terrible swimmer so pools don't matter to me at all because I will never use them. I'm glad you mentioned that about POP because I have read really good things about their bus system.

 

[StLDisFan]

A Sept/Oct trip would be perfect! If you could hold off until early Oct you might miss the initial rush for F&W AND have the shot for Mickey's Not So Scary (which is probably my favorite thing to do at WDW) and the weather will be just that much more fantastic (although it is Florida, so who knows). Throw those in with a pleasant stay at POP (this is my official recommendation and there is a majority that would agree that POP is the best choice next to AoA if that isn't your thing), add a couple of quality TS meals and I think you have yourself quite a little trip there Heck, I might just book it for myself...

 

[bamacmac]

Oh wow I thought I had read that somewhere, Originally when I was looking into a trip, last year, I was first looking at CBR but I honestly couldn't find anything good about it online, people seem to really not care for it compared to the other moderate resorts.

That did help a lot ! Christmas time is my favorite time of year and you make it sound amazing at Disney World XD! I think I'm still leaning towards going around the fall timeframe somewhere between last week of Sept to mid October. I would really like to attend the not so scary Halloween party Free excuse to dress up I still need to do a lot of research

When I was trying to decide where to stay for my trip, I had narrowed it down to CBR and Pop Century. I was leaning towards value just to save $$, but was interested in CBR and asked on here and other places for opinions. Most people said that they loved Pop and would never stay anywhere else. Some loved CBR as well. The only ones with negative things to say about CBR usually had to do with the size of the property and distance to bus stops and to the main building/food court/pool, and like I said before, that part didn't apply to me. I ended up choosing CBR because I wanted to have a slightly nicer first solo trip, the cost wasn't that much more during the summer specials they offered and because I liked the idea of having fun in the parks and then also feeling like I was on a relaxing caribbean vacation! It was perfect for what I wanted.

But yes it is so hard to choose a resort. I debated it for months!

I think fall would be a great first solo trip....the Halloween party and Food & Wine are both so much fun. If I can find a way to get down there in October I am going to do it...even if it is just for a couple of days. I am just not sure I can make it work. Fingers crossed.

Have fun planning!

Oh...and I meant to ask before, is that a schnauzer in your pic?

 

[Disneybell2015]

When I was trying to decide where to stay for my trip, I had narrowed it down to CBR and Pop Century. I was leaning towards value just to save $$, but was interested in CBR and asked on here and other places for opinions. Most people said that they loved Pop and would never stay anywhere else. Some loved CBR as well. The only ones with negative things to say about CBR usually had to do with the size of the property and distance to bus stops and to the main building/food court/pool, and like I said before, that part didn't apply to me. I ended up choosing CBR because I wanted to have a slightly nicer first solo trip, the cost wasn't that much more during the summer specials they offered and because I liked the idea of having fun in the parks and then also feeling like I was on a relaxing caribbean vacation! It was perfect for what I wanted.

But yes it is so hard to choose a resort. I debated it for months!

I think fall would be a great first solo trip....the Halloween party and Food & Wine are both so much fun. If I can find a way to get down there in October I am going to do it...even if it is just for a couple of days. I am just not sure I can make it work. Fingers crossed.

Have fun planning!

Oh...and I meant to ask before, is that a schnauzer in your pic?

Today I priced a value and a moderate just to see the difference and it was about $500. I want to go ahead and plan a head but I'm wondering if there is a time frame that is too early to book.

He is an Airedale his name is Oliver