What is your favorite thing to do solo at WDW?

[karly05]

Thanks, karly05! I'm very excited to meet Mickey!!! I'd also like to meet Mary Poppins, that's one of my favorite movies. Also any characters from Aladdin, The Lion King, Beauty & the Beast, and The Little Mermaid. I'll just go for it and see what happens - why not, right?

I finally got to meet Mary Poppins this year - she was Practically Perfect in Every Way. (I'm dating myself, but MP is probably the first movie I remember actually going to see; my sister and I had the soundtrack album and played it to death.) Just a note - they did not have a Photopass photog with Mary (I think I read on here once that there's some legal reason for that?), but the CM running the meet & greet volunteered to take pictures with my phone. Can't remember if I said this earlier, but every character meet I did this year, the CMs were always happy to take pictures with my phone or camera.

Oh, let's see, catching up on some other things mentioned...
I think HBD is the Hollywood Brown Derby restaurant at DHS.

Animation Academy is great; I did it twice this year because the first time we drew Mickey, and I'd already drawn him last year (although I think my Mickey from this year came out better). The second time, we drew Grumpy, which was fun. My first class, in 2012, we drew Dale of Chip & Dale, and I'm still pretty happy with how he turned out. Just relax and follow the instructor, and you'll be surprised how well your drawing turns out.

I haven't been to Flying Fish since 2012, but it was great, and I'd like to go back next trip. I was there on Valentine's Day 2012 when they had the special 3-course meal of their signature dishes - you can do this on the menu now, although I don't know if you have to order each course separately. Anyway, it was crab cake and caesar salad for appetizer, potato wrapped snapper and the steak for entree and banana napoleon for dessert.

Definitely do Flights of Wonder. And before the show, outside the theatre, a handler may come out with some birds for a little pre-show that is neat.

 

[brandibondoc]

For my solo trips to the parks I love to watch the parades and shows. They're something I always seem to miss them when I'm visiting with friends or family. I feel less awkward watching a show alone than going on a ride as well. It's also nice to slow down and enjoy the atmosphere of the park. You'd be amazed at how nice is it to just sit on a bench near the hub and relax. As far as rides, the peoplemover is definitely my favorite to do solo.

Hope you have a great trip!!

 

[dreamseeker9]

For my solo trips to the parks I love to watch the parades and shows. They're something I always seem to miss them when I'm visiting with friends or family. I feel less awkward watching a show alone than going on a ride as well. It's also nice to slow down and enjoy the atmosphere of the park. You'd be amazed at how nice is it to just sit on a bench near the hub and relax. As far as rides, the peoplemover is definitely my favorite to do solo. Hope you have a great trip!!

Thanks! I was planning to be in 'cram as much in as possible' mode and ride attractions during Wishes, but now I think I'm going to take it easy and actually watch Celebrate the Magic and Wishes, and then of course watch the MSEP! I am definitely going to watch Fantasmic, I've never seen it! And I'll watch IllumiNations. It's been several years since I've seen that. I also want to stop and enjoy the smaller entertainment - the Dapper Dans, the Citizens of Hollywood.

29 days away!!!

 

[dreamseeker9]

I really want to thank everyone for your valuable input. I think I was so excited about this trip that I was planning every detail and cramming a lot in. I have the luxury of returning in September with friends, with possibly a few days solo at the end. What I've learned from you all is to take the time on this solo trip to relax and enjoy the small stuff.

So, based on that, I'm rearranging my itinerary to allow for more time soaking up parades, fireworks, and shows without rushing from an attraction or rushing to another park afterwards. I'm going to do something I've never done but have always wanted to do - see the AK at night! I'm going to cancel an ADR I'd made at the YC's Captain's Grille because I'll be staying at the YC in September, so I can dine there then. I'm going to take the pressure off myself to fit in every attraction, every show, and every resort I want to explore, because that's just not going to happen.

I'll be sure to write a TR afterwards! I'm still finishing my TR from November 2012, but that's partially because my laptop died. I just purchased a MacBook Air (my first MacBook!), so it should arrive in about 10 days - then I'll be good to go!

Thanks again! This has been a terrific thread!

 

[janicept]

I love getting up early and going to the parks. My husband is not a morning person so he would rather sleep in. Going solo I love to ride ToT about 10 times in a row during am magic hours.

I'll be going solo again in May but not staying onsite so maybe only 5 times on ToT. Also I like just walking around and basically just doing what I want. My husband usually just likes to sit around at the resort. I'm planning my first Star Wars weekend experience on this trip. That should be fun.

 

[dachsie]

I am going solo is just under 3 weeks for a few days. I have always been too embarrassed to go stand in line for characters when by myself - I felt people with kids would think I was stupid but you all make me feel like it would be ok. I remember one time I peeked into the door when they had a character meet and greet in EPCOT and they CM tried to get me to come in but I was hesitant so went on my way. I may try some this time.

I also was trying to decide about going to the Food and Wine festival next year but wanted to find someone to go with. I may now decide to do it solo. The main reason I was hoping to find someone is to have someone to dine with. I really want to try the pizza a Via Napoli but needs help eating it. LOL

I guess I have time to decide.

 

[disneyhearted]

I am going solo is just under 3 weeks for a few days. I have always been too embarrassed to go stand in line for characters when by myself - I felt people with kids would think I was stupid but you all make me feel like it would be ok. I remember one time I peeked into the door when they had a character meet and greet in EPCOT and they CM tried to get me to come in but I was hesitant so went on my way. I may try some this time.

I also was trying to decide about going to the Food and Wine festival next year but wanted to find someone to go with. I may now decide to do it solo. The main reason I was hoping to find someone is to have someone to dine with. I really want to try the pizza a Via Napoli but needs help eating it. LOL

I guess I have time to decide.

Hi, I will be there, solo, from March 28-April 4, in case you are open to meeting up for a meal and that's the time you are there.

I think that you have to tell yourself that you care more about what you get to do than what other people will think of what you do or don't do. Don't let the fear stop you. You'll never do anything in life where everyone agrees with you, so we can't let that be our aim in life...trying to please strangers and stuff. You might be uncomfortable for a moment, but in the end you'll be happier~!

 

[Khara]

I am going solo is just under 3 weeks for a few days. I have always been too embarrassed to go stand in line for characters when by myself - I felt people with kids would think I was stupid but you all make me feel like it would be ok. I remember one time I peeked into the door when they had a character meet and greet in EPCOT and they CM tried to get me to come in but I was hesitant so went on my way. I may try some this time.

I also was trying to decide about going to the Food and Wine festival next year but wanted to find someone to go with. I may now decide to do it solo. The main reason I was hoping to find someone is to have someone to dine with. I really want to try the pizza a Via Napoli but needs help eating it. LOL

I guess I have time to decide.

I'm guessing the door you peeked in was the Character Spot? That can be an awesome place to go for Mickey, Minnie, and Goofy. The lines tend to be short at night, sometimes short to the point where you can get some extra time!

I went alone and Goofy taught me how to waltz. No regrets here!

 

[Jane Eyre]

I am loving all these posts about solo travel at WDW! Especially the one about dancing by yourself and having a blast!

My favorite thing when by myself is to buy a Crème Brulee at the France Bakery in World Showcase, take it to the hidden little garden area behind the perfume shop and watch the happy families while I sit and eat my decadent dessert. I did this twice on my last solo visit. Just sitting and enjoying the moment is something you can't always do when you are traveling with friends and family. Be sure to listen to the music too! It is everywhere in the parks, but too few people really hear it.

 

[Simba's Mom]

I am loving all these posts about solo travel at WDW! Especially the one about dancing by yourself and having a blast!

My favorite thing when by myself is to buy a Crème Brulee at the France Bakery in World Showcase, take it to the hidden little garden area behind the perfume shop and watch the happy families while I sit and eat my decadent dessert. I did this twice on my last solo visit. Just sitting and enjoying the moment is something you can't always do when you are traveling with friends and family. Be sure to listen to the music too! It is everywhere in the parks, but too few people really hear it.

That sounds almost identical to what I love to do. I'm also a creme brûlée fan, but I take it further out front and watch all the families walk by. But 2 big things are the same-creme brûlée and people-watching. And speaking of music, if anyone here's ever watched "Mr. Holland's Opus", one of my favorite things to do is sit in the UK area in the morning and listen to them "play the sunset". BTW, I finally found out the real name of that tune-"On the Shore" by A Belk.

 

[dreamseeker9]

Be sure to listen to the music too! It is everywhere in the parks, but too few people really hear it.

I love that you pointed this out. I'm simplifying my plans so I can just take everything in and not feel rushed - no need to feel that way when I'm by myself and on vacation!

 

[dachsie]

Hi, I will be there, solo, from March 28-April 4, in case you are open to meeting up for a meal and that's the time you are there.

I think that you have to tell yourself that you care more about what you get to do than what other people will think of what you do or don't do. Don't let the fear stop you. You'll never do anything in life where everyone agrees with you, so we can't let that be our aim in life...trying to please strangers and stuff. You might be uncomfortable for a moment, but in the end you'll be happier~!

I will be there the 22-29. I am going for a conference the latter part of that week but I do have a ressie at Sanaa on the 29th before I have to leave for the airport. At this point I dont have any plans Friday nite but that is subject to change with the conference schedule but if not, we could meet at DTD if you want. There is usually a big party on Friday nite but havent heard anything about it yet so not sure if it will happen. I am skipping the one on Thurs and going to the Boardwalk for supper. LOL