What is your advice?

[Disneybell2015]

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...

I was thinking maybe the second week of Oct !

 

[bamacmac]

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

Ah gotcha...how long of a trip are you thinking about? $500 would be a huge difference to me. There would most likely be some sort of discount offered later on though so it would hopefully end up being less. There doesn't seem to be much advantage in booking too far in advance of the 180 day mark. And if you book now and there is a better rate later or anything changes, then you have to cancel and rebook, which means it takes a week or so to get the deposit from the first trip back. Which isn't a huge deal, but I just find it annoying! Ha. I had to do that with my last trip because I initially wasn't going to do the dining plan, but then changed my mind. It was ridiculous that I couldn't just add it to my already booked trip.

Ah ok...I though it looked a slight bit like a schnauzer, but at the same time I thought it could be something else. Too cute! I have a schnauzer named Izzy.

 

[samsteele]

I think you'll really enjoy your trip! I've taken nieces to WDW in the past but over the years have done approx 5 solo trips ranging from 3 nights to almost 2 weeks. For both budget and practical reasons, I now stick to the POP because I just don't use the extra amenities at the mods and deluxes. I'm out of the room by 7:45 am for rope drop and not back until at least 9 or 10 pm. My room is really just a safe place to sleep and shower. As a single woman guest, I also prefer POP's layout and lighting to eg AS Music and the larger, more sprawling mods like CBR or CSR. I request top floor, 50s or 60s bldg and lakeview and usually get what I want. Since you are on the boards, you know how important pre-planning is to get the most out of your vacation. Because I have a good, busy schedule, I find that I don't have a great deal of time on my hands to reflect on traveling on my own, navel-gazing and other stuff. And that's a good thing. In fact, the few times that I find myself unoccupied waiting in lines, etc. I people watch a bit and after seeing the faces on the exhausted parents around me, I reflect on how lucky I am to not have to take care of others and that I am able to be a bit selfish and do exactly what I want. Definitely treat yourself to some table service restaurants. I usually book my ADRs for 2 because the Disney Dining site is skewed toward even numbered parties and so there are not as many openings for 1 guest. When I show up for my ADR, I simply answer that there is one dining tonight and never have a hassle or fuss. I don't feel out of place dining on my own because all the other tables are so busy and wrapped up in their own issues. And sometimes those issues are dealing with really tired, cranky kids (and significant others!). Check out the online menus on sites like allears to see what appeals to you since you are the only one that you have to satisfy. My preferred time to visit is during the Food & Wine Festival at the end of October through to early/mid November. The weather is usually great then. Not too hot and usually very few days of rain. With the savings at the POP, I can extend my vacation well over a week and really enjoy the Festival and all of the restaurants WDW has to offer. It may sound silly, but because you can move quickly and stuff your days full of activities, don't neglect your feet. Wear well broken in supportive runners and consider anti-blister socks. I always pack mole skin to fend off blisters. I find that I walk close to 10 miles a day. Given the rich food that I'm eating, that's a great thing because it helps keep the pounds from adding up. Sign up for one or two extra cost activities (the Behind the Seeds Tour at Living with the Land is relatively inexpensive and unique) but given FPs, ADRs and all the extra things that all already available with your park admission, I wouldn't go overboard. Enjoy the planning and give yourself the favour of a really good framework and schedule. I can easily spend 2 weeks at WDW without feeling lonely or out of place. I could never spend 2 weeks on a beach or sunbathing by a pool!

 

[Disneybell2015]

Ah gotcha...how long of a trip are you thinking about? $500 would be a huge difference to me. There would most likely be some sort of discount offered later on though so it would hopefully end up being less. There doesn't seem to be much advantage in booking too far in advance of the 180 day mark. And if you book now and there is a better rate later or anything changes, then you have to cancel and rebook, which means it takes a week or so to get the deposit from the first trip back. Which isn't a huge deal, but I just find it annoying! Ha. I had to do that with my last trip because I initially wasn't going to do the dining plan, but then changed my mind. It was ridiculous that I couldn't just add it to my already booked trip.

Ah ok...I though it looked a slight bit like a schnauzer, but at the same time I thought it could be something else. Too cute! I have a schnauzer named Izzy.

Wow that sounds like a hassle trying to wait for the deposit back. I'm going to give it time before booking then.

He really does look like a schnauzer though. Dogs are seriously the best!

 

[ToddyLu]

I live in Birmingham!

Well that is a bit north of me I am 20 minutes west of Mobile.

 

[Disneybell2015]

I think you'll really enjoy your trip! I've taken nieces to WDW in the past but over the years have done approx 5 solo trips ranging from 3 nights to almost 2 weeks. For both budget and practical reasons, I now stick to the POP because I just don't use the extra amenities at the mods and deluxes. I'm out of the room by 7:45 am for rope drop and not back until at least 9 or 10 pm. My room is really just a safe place to sleep and shower. As a single woman guest, I also prefer POP's layout and lighting to eg AS Music and the larger, more sprawling mods like CBR or CSR. I request top floor, 50s or 60s bldg and lakeview and usually get what I want. Since you are on the boards, you know how important pre-planning is to get the most out of your vacation. Because I have a good, busy schedule, I find that I don't have a great deal of time on my hands to reflect on traveling on my own, navel-gazing and other stuff. And that's a good thing. In fact, the few times that I find myself unoccupied waiting in lines, etc. I people watch a bit and after seeing the faces on the exhausted parents around me, I reflect on how lucky I am to not have to take care of others and that I am able to be a bit selfish and do exactly what I want. Definitely treat yourself to some table service restaurants. I usually book my ADRs for 2 because the Disney Dining site is skewed toward even numbered parties and so there are not as many openings for 1 guest. When I show up for my ADR, I simply answer that there is one dining tonight and never have a hassle or fuss. I don't feel out of place dining on my own because all the other tables are so busy and wrapped up in their own issues. And sometimes those issues are dealing with really tired, cranky kids (and significant others!). Check out the online menus on sites like allears to see what appeals to you since you are the only one that you have to satisfy. My preferred time to visit is during the Food & Wine Festival at the end of October through to early/mid November. The weather is usually great then. Not too hot and usually very few days of rain. With the savings at the POP, I can extend my vacation well over a week and really enjoy the Festival and all of the restaurants WDW has to offer. It may sound silly, but because you can move quickly and stuff your days full of activities, don't neglect your feet. Wear well broken in supportive runners and consider anti-blister socks. I always pack mole skin to fend off blisters. I find that I walk close to 10 miles a day. Given the rich food that I'm eating, that's a great thing because it helps keep the pounds from adding up. Sign up for one or two extra cost activities (the Behind the Seeds Tour at Living with the Land is relatively inexpensive and unique) but given FPs, ADRs and all the extra things that all already available with your park admission, I wouldn't go overboard. Enjoy the planning and give yourself the favour of a really good framework and schedule. I can easily spend 2 weeks at WDW without feeling lonely or out of place. I could never spend 2 weeks on a beach or sunbathing by a pool!

I will really have to consider POP now, everyone makes it seem like it is probably the best of the value resorts. Initially from value resorts I was looking at All Star Movies as it was the cheapest and of the three all star resorts it seemed to be the most liked. I really would like to do some table service meals because today I was thinking about the first time I went to Disney and the only meal I can remember is when we went to Coral Reef Cafe. That is really good advice about booking for two. After reading about how hard it is to book ADR I am a bit worried about being able to get the ones I want. I know that in the fall they typically offer dining plan deals(maybe it was free dining?) so I am a bit hopeful that I will be able to get a deal on the dining plan. Is food & wine a weekend only event? That doesn't seem silly at all because Disney does require an extensive amount of walking and I appreciate the advice. I honestly havn't heard of that tour before and it seems like it could be fun. I really didn't realize how many solo travelers there really are, now I feel kind of silly even asking about it . I agree, to me beaches are boring. If I want to stare at the ocean I'll just google a picture of it haha.

 

[samsteele]

Food & Wine goes on for 2 months or so . . .and this makes it easy to find a good time in the Fall that works for your vacation. If your plans are for roughly next Fall, then you should have some time to check out a lot of the threads on the Boards to read about different resorts, dining, etc. Have fun planning & best wishes!

 

[Disneybell2015]

Food & Wine goes on for 2 months or so . . .and this makes it easy to find a good time in the Fall that works for your vacation. If your plans are for roughly next Fall, then you should have some time to check out a lot of the threads on the Boards to read about different resorts, dining, etc. Have fun planning & best wishes!

Oh okay, I didn't know if it was like star wars weekends where it was a couple of different weekends but not during the week. Thank you

 

[raddisneyfan]

By the time I had done my first solo to Disney, it seems like I had done a lot of things solo, including a lot of trips to NYC, to the beach, to Las Vegas, etc.. Making the leap was more of whether or not I wanted to spend the money. In the end, I decided it was worth it. I am a really active person and like to hike/walk a lot, especially when I am on vacation--so Disney was perfect for me. There is always something new to walk around and look at and I never feel self conscious doing that. One thing I did note when traveling alone, was that some of the wait staff at the table service restaurants were really very nice to me. I had great experiences at both the Italian restaurants in EPCOT, Yak & Yeti at AK, Hollywood Brown Derby at HS, and the Wave at CR. I think this was really when I was the most nervous--eating alone is always a bit awkward for me. Now, I have my Kindle and since I'm an addictive reader, it helps take away some of the nerves. I just can't eat QS meals for an entire week--so making ADRs for table service was a big hurdle to get over, but I'm glad I did. Now, the only time I still get a little self conscious is on some rides that I really love, but aren't meant for single riders--like Toy Story Midway Mania at HS. So, my advice to you is stop thinking about it, and do it!

I'll be there for my next solo trip in December--can't wait--even thinking about plans for next April to the flower and garden show that I've never gone to--we'll see.

 

[DisneyFan2013]

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

Hi there, I took my first solo trip to Disney World last September. I had gone with other people the previous two years, and was really looking forward to going solo because my travel companions had gotten on my nerves! I'm pretty shy and introverted as well, and I had a wonderful time on my solo trip! I got to do everything that I wanted to do when I wanted to do it, and it was awesome! I definitely recommend going solo!

 

[Disneybell2015]

By the time I had done my first solo to Disney, it seems like I had done a lot of things solo, including a lot of trips to NYC, to the beach, to Las Vegas, etc.. Making the leap was more of whether or not I wanted to spend the money. In the end, I decided it was worth it. I am a really active person and like to hike/walk a lot, especially when I am on vacation--so Disney was perfect for me. There is always something new to walk around and look at and I never feel self conscious doing that. One thing I did note when traveling alone, was that some of the wait staff at the table service restaurants were really very nice to me. I had great experiences at both the Italian restaurants in EPCOT, Yak & Yeti at AK, Hollywood Brown Derby at HS, and the Wave at CR. I think this was really when I was the most nervous--eating alone is always a bit awkward for me. Now, I have my Kindle and since I'm an addictive reader, it helps take away some of the nerves. I just can't eat QS meals for an entire week--so making ADRs for table service was a big hurdle to get over, but I'm glad I did. Now, the only time I still get a little self conscious is on some rides that I really love, but aren't meant for single riders--like Toy Story Midway Mania at HS. So, my advice to you is stop thinking about it, and do it!

I'll be there for my next solo trip in December--can't wait--even thinking about plans for next April to the flower and garden show that I've never gone to--we'll see.

I think eating alone with be a little awkward but I am hoping that I will get over it while there. Thanks for the advice

Hi there, I took my first solo trip to Disney World last September. I had gone with other people the previous two years, and was really looking forward to going solo because my travel companions had gotten on my nerves! I'm pretty shy and introverted as well, and I had a wonderful time on my solo trip! I got to do everything that I wanted to do when I wanted to do it, and it was awesome! I definitely recommend going solo!

Thank you for the input ^_^ Everyone seems to really enjoy the alone time of a solo trip

 

[rangerxenos]

I am most likely doing my first solo trip in December this year! I adore Disney at Christmas, and could not find anyone who wanted to go back with me. DH tolerates Disney because of me, and we actually went in April this year to the Flower and Garden Festival, which was wonderful. My niece, who is as big a Disney fan as I am (she worked there as part of the College Program for 6 months last year), may join me, but she doesn't think she can get the time off from school in early December.

Have booked a room at Yacht Club because I received a 30% room discount PIN and I have always wanted to stay in one of the EPCOT resorts. I actually wanted to stay at Boardwalk, but all but the rooms except Club Level were gone when I finally made my reservation.

Haven't booked my air fare yet, waiting for it to drop below $250 if I can find it, so I reserved my room, and have been trying to make some Dining reservations at my favorite restaurants. I think that meals will be the weirdest for me if I do go Solo, but I'm a reader so I just plan on having books with me at dinnertime.
I'm a little leary of traveling for a week by myself as I've never traveled that long before alone and I'm not sure if I'll like it, but I'm determined to go back to my Happy Place in December!

 

[DisneyFan2013]

I think eating alone with be a little awkward but I am hoping that I will get over it while there. Thanks for the advice

I ate alone several times at table service restaurants and it wasn't a problem! You have the right to enjoy a nice meal just like everyone else there, so don't worry about it!

 

[Disneybell2015]

I am most likely doing my first solo trip in December this year! I adore Disney at Christmas, and could not find anyone who wanted to go back with me. DH tolerates Disney because of me, and we actually went in April this year to the Flower and Garden Festival, which was wonderful. My niece, who is as big a Disney fan as I am (she worked there as part of the College Program for 6 months last year), may join me, but she doesn't think she can get the time off from school in early December.

Have booked a room at Yacht Club because I received a 30% room discount PIN and I have always wanted to stay in one of the EPCOT resorts. I actually wanted to stay at Boardwalk, but all but the rooms except Club Level were gone when I finally made my reservation.

Haven't booked my air fare yet, waiting for it to drop below $250 if I can find it, so I reserved my room, and have been trying to make some Dining reservations at my favorite restaurants. I think that meals will be the weirdest for me if I do go Solo, but I'm a reader so I just plan on having books with me at dinnertime.
I'm a little leary of traveling for a week by myself as I've never traveled that long before alone and I'm not sure if I'll like it, but I'm determined to go back to my Happy Place in December!

I hope to one day go during the Flower and Garden festival! I bet it was beautiful! I was able to stay at the beach club with my parents in '08 and we LOVED it. I loved being so close to EPCOT, It was literally just a few minutes walk for us and during EMH there was practically no one in the park. Also being able to stroll around the boardwalk was nice too. I have been getting a lot of people who like to read while eating so I am thinking about investing in a Kindle myself. It seems like a good way to keep my mind off of worrying about being alone.

I ate alone several times at table service restaurants and it wasn't a problem! You have the right to enjoy a nice meal just like everyone else there, so don't worry about it!

I agree! Pus there are so many table service restaurants that I really want to try. I think I might try eating alone at a few restaurants here to try and get myself acclimated to it.

 

[bamacmac]

I was going to suggest that...try doing more things solo before your trip to get yourself more comfortable with it! Dining alone, movies alone...it will make it a lot easier!