What is your favorite thing to do solo at WDW?

[dreamseeker9]

Hi all - I booked my first solo trip, coming up in just 5 weeks! I'm very excited. I'm going for 5 days and staying at CSR.

I'd love to hear from others who's taken solo trips or even had a few hours by yourself at WDW - what are your favorite things to do solo? Attractions, dining, resorts, etc.

I'm looking forward to leisurely checking out for the first time the Flower & Garden Festival, and sampling at the outdoor kitchens!

 

[Coogz]

I am also thinking about taking another solo trip at end of April. I have only ever stayed at value resorts, and am looking to stay also at the CSR, as I like how peaceful it looks, and the price is not that much more.

I went one other time during Flower and Garden at Epcot and that time of year I think played a big part in my falling in love with THAT park.

My favorite thing to do is be able to go at my own pace and do whatever I want. If I want to sleep in on one day, I can. If I want to stay out at EMH till 1 AM at MK, I can.

I love the freedom that going solo provides. I hope you have a GREAT trip!

 

[katt789]

Ive done quite a few solo trips!! (Somewhere over 6) and have loved each & every one!!
Feel free to check out my Jan/Nov trip reports in my siggie for more stories!!

I love just going at my own pace, being able to do whatever I want to do. I can go watch a show 5 times in a row if I want! (And i will! Lol)

 

[Needafix]

My favorite thing to do was be there for MK rope drop, then grab a rocking chair near Tony's Town Square Restaurant and sit back and watch everyone start their day.

Even if it wasn't rope drop, I loved sitting in the rocking chairs or wherever and people watching.

I spent hours and hours taking in every little detail and show in World Showcase.

 

[dreamseeker9]

I am also thinking about taking another solo trip at end of April. I have only ever stayed at value resorts, and am looking to stay also at the CSR, as I like how peaceful it looks, and the price is not that much more.

I went one other time during Flower and Garden at Epcot and that time of year I think played a big part in my falling in love with THAT park.

My favorite thing to do is be able to go at my own pace and do whatever I want. If I want to sleep in on one day, I can. If I want to stay out at EMH till 1 AM at MK, I can.

I love the freedom that going solo provides. I hope you have a GREAT trip!

I took advantage of the spring discount offer, so I got what I consider to be a great deal at CSR - I'm excited to try it out! I stayed at AOA last time and really loved it, but I'm happy to try another moderate resort.

I think I am most looking forward to taking my time in EPCOT, observing everything with Flower & Garden Festival, and also taking in all the countries. I always feel rushed when I'm with others going through the World Showcase.

 

[dreamseeker9]

Ive done quite a few solo trips!! (Somewhere over 6) and have loved each & every one!!
Feel free to check out my Jan/Nov trip reports in my siggie for more stories!!

I love just going at my own pace, being able to do whatever I want to do. I can go watch a show 5 times in a row if I want! (And i will! Lol)

I'm reading both your TRs now and am loving them, thanks! I'm also staying at the CSR. And we have a lot in common - my favorite attractions for MK, AK and DHS are the same as yours!

I was very bummed to learn that FOTLK will be shut down while I'm there, I've never seen it! But I'll be back in September, so hopefully it will be back up and running by then!

 

[dreamseeker9]

My favorite thing to do was be there for MK rope drop, then grab a rocking chair near Tony's Town Square Restaurant and sit back and watch everyone start their day.

Even if it wasn't rope drop, I loved sitting in the rocking chairs or wherever and people watching.

I spent hours and hours taking in every little detail and show in World Showcase.

I am looking forward to the people watching, and I'll have to find those rocking chairs - they sound very relaxing, thanks!

I'm right there with you for the World Showcase, I think I'm looking forward to that the most.

 

[TBLaube]

I took my first solo trip for my 40th bday and loved it. I stayed 4 nights at POR and 4 nights at POFQ and had the most amazing time. It was a completely different experience than my many other familt trips. It was a much more relaxed pace and I was able to really soak in everything. I also went during F&G and was able to see things that my boys would zoom past.
I spent time resort hopping and taking many walks all over the properties, checking out everything. I sampled different snacks and foods, rode rides, and even got my picture with characters which my kids have outgrown. I enjoyed pool time while reading a book and even though I was very relaxed, I did so much. I hit each theme park and one day, I made it to three different ones! I was surprised at how easy it was and how safe I felt. There were a few CMs that looked surprised when I answered 'one' when asked how many in my party, but otherwise it was great.

 

[dreamseeker9]

I took my first solo trip for my 40th bday and loved it. I stayed 4 nights at POR and 4 nights at POFQ and had the most amazing time. It was a completely different experience than my many other familt trips. It was a much more relaxed pace and I was able to really soak in everything. I also went during F&G and was able to see things that my boys would zoom past.
I spent time resort hopping and taking many walks all over the properties, checking out everything. I sampled different snacks and foods, rode rides, and even got my picture with characters which my kids have outgrown. I enjoyed pool time while reading a book and even though I was very relaxed, I did so much. I hit each theme park and one day, I made it to three different ones! I was surprised at how easy it was and how safe I felt. There were a few CMs that looked surprised when I answered 'one' when asked how many in my party, but otherwise it was great.

What a wonderful birthday present to yourself! I stayed at POFQ back in 2000 and loved it, and I'm staying at POR for the first time for my 39th birthday in September!

I do want to do some resort hopping. I have an ADR for a late lunch at Sanaa at the AKL after spending the morning in the AK - I've never been to AKL, I'm excited to explore it. Same with the MK resorts, I'm going to take a break from the MK and resort-hop for a few hours.

I'm a planner, so I have my 5 days planned out, but I'm also going to give myself permission not to follow the plan if I don't feel like it. I definitely need to get some R&R and not be rushing around, so I'll be spending some time by the pool, reading, swimming, relaxing and sunbathing.

 

[RejoyceoverDisney]

What a wonderful birthday present to yourself! I stayed at POFQ back in 2000 and loved it, and I'm staying at POR for the first time for my 39th birthday in September!

I do want to do some resort hopping. I have an ADR for a late lunch at Sanaa at the AKL after spending the morning in the AK - I've never been to AKL, I'm excited to explore it. Same with the MK resorts, I'm going to take a break from the MK and resort-hop for a few hours.

I'm a planner, so I have my 5 days planned out, but I'm also going to give myself permission not to follow the plan if I don't feel like it. I definitely need to get some R&R and not be rushing around, so I'll be spending some time by the pool, reading, swimming, relaxing and sunbathing.

LOVED that you said you gave yourself permission not to follow the plan!!!!
When I said that to someone they thought it was odd I had to give myself permission. I think for some of us life is demanding and it's hard to do what we want on a daily basis and ya we have to give ourselves permission.
I had made some rough plans but it was more fun to go with the flow of the moment.

You should have heard the conversation in my head when I was wanting to go on Prince Charmings Carousel. Please give yourself permission to do that too. The little girl inside me was so excited and wanted to cry with excitement that I actually went on it. Silly but very freeing.

Ok so you want to know what my favorite thing to do alone was?
I went to the Incredibles dance party and stood there dancing. I knew NOBODY and I didn't care how stupid and uncoordinated I might have looked. I had a blast. When I went with DH and BFF and her husband, there were times I got excited and they rolled their eyes at me. No one to roll their eyes at me this time and I loved it. If it holds to the time it started around 5pm in Tomorrowland until 10pm.

Have a blast and totally enjoy yourself. I also loved when I started off in one direction and changed my mind and just turned around. Thankfully no one behind me ran me over. LOL

So happy for you! And as someone else said, I felt totally safe. I stayed in main areas at night when going to and from the parks. Just be smart.

Next time I go, I promised myself I would shut my phone off more. I did have some friends checking in and I would respond, but I think next time I might shut off the phone so that I'm more focused on the park details and staying in the moment.

If you decide to treat yourself to a spa treatment. (Pedicure or massage) pay attention to the details of the "what you can do at the spa". I'm used to the make and appointment show up at the exact time and leave. The cost was more expensive and now I know it's because they have other things you can do before and after your appointment. At least that was true at the Senses Spa.

You just got me all excited with my momories. Thanks!

Have a blast!

 

[Lindaland]

I took my first solo trip for my 40th bday and loved it. I stayed 4 nights at POR and 4 nights at POFQ and had the most amazing time. It was a completely different experience than my many other familt trips. It was a much more relaxed pace and I was able to really soak in everything. I also went during F&G and was able to see things that my boys would zoom past.
I spent time resort hopping and taking many walks all over the properties, checking out everything. I sampled different snacks and foods, rode rides, and even got my picture with characters which my kids have outgrown. I enjoyed pool time while reading a book and even though I was very relaxed, I did so much. I hit each theme park and one day, I made it to three different ones! I was surprised at how easy it was and how safe I felt. There were a few CMs that looked surprised when I answered 'one' when asked how many in my party, but otherwise it was great.

I am doing the same thing for my 50th, almost. I will actually be 49 1/2 and I have booked my first solo trip starting with a podcast cruise (where there will be a birthday celebration for Pete's 50th) and then 5 nights at BWV!! I am so excited to relax and enjoy the parks like I want. However, the more I think about it the more nervous I get. I am sure I will have fun, I will be going at Christmas and I love Epcot at that time of year. Also excited because I have never seen any of the shows! The people I have traveled with (including my family) are not into the shows and so we've never went. Along with the shows, I am also going to take in the Keys to the Kingdom tour!! And then the resort hopping!! OMG, the more I think about it, the more I find to do!!

 

[dreamseeker9]

You should have heard the conversation in my head when I was wanting to go on Prince Charmings Carousel. Please give yourself permission to do that too. The little girl inside me was so excited and wanted to cry with excitement that I actually went on it. Silly but very freeing.

Ok so you want to know what my favorite thing to do alone was?
I went to the Incredibles dance party and stood there dancing. I knew NOBODY and I didn't care how stupid and uncoordinated I might have looked. I had a blast. When I went with DH and BFF and her husband, there were times I got excited and they rolled their eyes at me. No one to roll their eyes at me this time and I loved it. If it holds to the time it started around 5pm in Tomorrowland until 10pm.

Have a blast and totally enjoy yourself. I also loved when I started off in one direction and changed my mind and just turned around. Thankfully no one behind me ran me over. LOL

So happy for you! And as someone else said, I felt totally safe. I stayed in main areas at night when going to and from the parks. Just be smart.

Next time I go, I promised myself I would shut my phone off more. I did have some friends checking in and I would respond, but I think next time I might shut off the phone so that I'm more focused on the park details and staying in the moment.

If you decide to treat yourself to a spa treatment. (Pedicure or massage) pay attention to the details of the "what you can do at the spa". I'm used to the make and appointment show up at the exact time and leave. The cost was more expensive and now I know it's because they have other things you can do before and after your appointment. At least that was true at the Senses Spa.

You just got me all excited with my momories. Thanks!

Have a blast!

Thank you! Yes, I'm one who has to give myself permission. And I will let my little girl self guide me at times, I'm sure - that may be to the carousel or just staring at the castle!

I've been debating on whether or not to get a spa treatment. CSR has a spa onsite, nothing like Senses at GF or SSR from what I've read, but I could still get a mani, pedi or a massage. I'll just see how I'm feeling!

A dance party sounds like great fun, I didn't know that event took place - thanks!

I am going to turn off my cell, except when checking attraction wait times. It's easy to get caught up in texting and posting photos. Plus, if I turn it off, I won't be tempted to check work email - a bad habit I need to break while I'm on vacation!

 

[RejoyceoverDisney]

I am doing the same thing for my 50th, almost. I will actually be 49 1/2 and I have booked my first solo trip starting with a podcast cruise (where there will be a birthday celebration for Pete's 50th) and then 5 nights at BWV!! I am so excited to relax and enjoy the parks like I want. However, the more I think about it the more nervous I get. I am sure I will have fun, I will be going at Christmas and I love Epcot at that time of year. Also excited because I have never seen any of the shows! The people I have traveled with (including my family) are not into the shows and so we've never went. Along with the shows, I am also going to take in the Keys to the Kingdom tour!! And then the resort hopping!! OMG, the more I think about it, the more I find to do!!

Sounds like a great solo trip. Especially the shows part. I would love to be there during the time of the shows. The Keys tour is really great. You are in a group with headsets and I did the tour twice and both times the people I was with that I knew, I didn't even notice if we got separated. So I would definitely say it's a great solo trip option.
Happy 49 1/2 Birthday. Don't forget to wear your Birthday button.

 

[dreamseeker9]

I am doing the same thing for my 50th, almost. I will actually be 49 1/2 and I have booked my first solo trip starting with a podcast cruise (where there will be a birthday celebration for Pete's 50th) and then 5 nights at BWV!! I am so excited to relax and enjoy the parks like I want. However, the more I think about it the more nervous I get. I am sure I will have fun, I will be going at Christmas and I love Epcot at that time of year. Also excited because I have never seen any of the shows! The people I have traveled with (including my family) are not into the shows and so we've never went. Along with the shows, I am also going to take in the Keys to the Kingdom tour!! And then the resort hopping!! OMG, the more I think about it, the more I find to do!!

BWV, I'm jealous! Are you a DVC owner or did you rent points? I almost rented points for an AKL studio but ultimately decided to do it another time. I'd love to stay at BWV or BCV, especially to be able to walk to World Showcase and DHS!

I went in late November 2012 and was in awe over the gorgeous Christmas decorations.

Shows are another reason I'm looking forward to a solo trip - before my last trip in Nov. 2012, I hadn't been to WDW since 2000. I was with friends in November 2012 - we covered all 4 parks, some multiple times, and Universal - IOA in 5 days, so we cut out almost all shows, parades and fireworks. So I'm very excited to see them all this time!

I debated doing a tour, but since it's my first solo trip, I'm going to save a tour for another solo trip. I will definitely do some resort-hopping, though - I'm going to explore BC and YC because I have YC reserved for 2 nights at the end of my birthday trip stay, and I've never been there - I'm excited to see it in person!

I hope you have a wonderful time celebrating on the cruise and at WDW!

 

[karly05]

I think my favorite part of my solo trips has been meeting characters! I am such a big kid, I even did breakfast at Hollywood & Vine this year because Doc McStuffins was there. (She was an absolute sweetheart, by the way; they all were, as were my server and the lady CM who happily took pictures for me.)

As a pp said, I don't know anyone there, so if I make a complete fool of myself, I'll never hear about it again. I have not ridden the carousel, but I LOVE Mad Tea Party and Small World and the Winnie the Pooh ride. I rode Dumbo last year and this (it's pretty at night). And I finally did ETWB this year (FP+) and thought, "What the heck, you only live once," did my best JoAnne Worley impression and got picked to be the Wardrobe! Don't be afraid to do whatever you want on the solo trip!

 

[Lindaland]

Sounds like a great solo trip. Especially the shows part. I would love to be there during the time of the shows. The Keys tour is really great. You are in a group with headsets and I did the tour twice and both times the people I was with that I knew, I didn't even notice if we got separated. So I would definitely say it's a great solo trip option.
Happy 49 1/2 Birthday. Don't forget to wear your Birthday button.

Thanks! I am excited about the tour, I have always wanted to do one and now I can! I can't wait to check out the tunnels!! And I have always wanted to take a cruise, so when I was listening to the podcast and they mentioned the cruise with Pete's 50th birthday, I thought it was the perfect time to go!

BWV, I'm jealous! Are you a DVC owner or did you rent points? I almost rented points for an AKL studio but ultimately decided to do it another time. I'd love to stay at BWV or BCV, especially to be able to walk to World Showcase and DHS!

I went in late November 2012 and was in awe over the gorgeous Christmas decorations.

Shows are another reason I'm looking forward to a solo trip - before my last trip in Nov. 2012, I hadn't been to WDW since 2000. I was with friends in November 2012 - we covered all 4 parks, some multiple times, and Universal - IOA in 5 days, so we cut out almost all shows, parades and fireworks. So I'm very excited to see them all this time!

I debated doing a tour, but since it's my first solo trip, I'm going to save a tour for another solo trip. I will definitely do some resort-hopping, though - I'm going to explore BC and YC because I have YC reserved for 2 nights at the end of my birthday trip stay, and I've never been there - I'm excited to see it in person!

I hope you have a wonderful time celebrating on the cruise and at WDW!

Thanks! I rented points (another first for me) and it ended up costing me less for a preferred studio than it did for my stay at CSR last fall. I am so looking forward to walking up to Epcot and getting breakfast in Paris! I even decided to get the park hopper so I would be able to hit Epcot and MK whenever I want. Everything is so amazing that time of year.

I think my favorite part of my solo trips has been meeting characters! I am such a big kid, I even did breakfast at Hollywood & Vine this year because Doc McStuffins was there. (She was an absolute sweetheart, by the way; they all were, as were my server and the lady CM who happily took pictures for me.)

As a pp said, I don't know anyone there, so if I make a complete fool of myself, I'll never hear about it again. I have not ridden the carousel, but I LOVE Mad Tea Party and Small World and the Winnie the Pooh ride. I rode Dumbo last year and this (it's pretty at night). And I finally did ETWB this year (FP+) and thought, "What the heck, you only live once," did my best JoAnne Worley impression and got picked to be the Wardrobe! Don't be afraid to do whatever you want on the solo trip!

I love this!!

 

[MikeAnthony]

My fave thing to do when solo is pig out and ride certain rides over and over.

 

[ludari]

Hi all - I booked my first solo trip, coming up in just 5 weeks! I'm very excited. I'm going for 5 days and staying at CSR.

I'd love to hear from others who's taken solo trips or even had a few hours by yourself at WDW - what are your favorite things to do solo? Attractions, dining, resorts, etc.

I'm looking forward to leisurely checking out for the first time the Flower & Garden Festival, and sampling at the outdoor kitchens!

As a confirmed solo traveller I really enjoy the any ride that has a single rider option but don't forget to grab a fast pass for your favorite ride. Travelling solo you should also consider doing a tour. As a solo traveller I have done several and my favorites are the Segway Tour at Epcot (I don't think it's offered any longer) Epcot DiveQuest and Walking and Walt's Footsteps. In addition I also enjoy going to shows because as a solo person you can always find a decent seat. My favorites are Finding Nemo the Musical and Beauty and the Beast. Finally when it comes to dining it all depends on your taste. I don't let travelling alone determine where I want to eat so if I want to eat at a fancy place alone I do it.

Have a great solo trip.

 

[dreamseeker9]

My fave thing to do when solo is pig out and ride certain rides over and over.

MikeAnthony, sounds good to me! I just might have to ride BTMR and Splash Mountain over and over, in between eating Dole Whips!

As a confirmed solo traveller I really enjoy the any ride that has a single rider option but don't forget to grab a fast pass for your favorite ride. Travelling solo you should also consider doing a tour. As a solo traveller I have done several and my favorites are the Segway Tour at Epcot (I don't think it's offered any longer) Epcot DiveQuest and Walking and Walt's Footsteps. In addition I also enjoy going to shows because as a solo person you can always find a decent seat. My favorites are Finding Nemo the Musical and Beauty and the Beast. Finally when it comes to dining it all depends on your taste. I don't let travelling alone determine where I want to eat so if I want to eat at a fancy place alone I do it.

Have a great solo trip.

Thank you! I have made my FP+ selections for all but one day - I'm going to keep my last day open and try to be spontaneous (not my strong suit, I'm a planner!).

I'll definitely take advantage of single rider lines for Test Track, Everest, and any others.

I'd love to do a tour, I'll have to read more about them. I thought I'd have trouble finding enough to do by myself for 5 days, and now I'm trying to figure out how to fit it all in! It helps that I'll be back in September.

I love Finding Nemo, and I've never seen Beauty & the Beast - it's definitely on my must-do list, along with Fantasmic and IlluminNations, and of course the MSEP!

I booked 2 ADRs, but I think I'll wing it otherwise for dining. Any good recommendations for table service restaurants for singles? I'm going to check out the Tune-in Lounge next to 50s Primetime Café at DHS. And I'm going to enjoy the Flower & Garden Festival booths in World Showcase - can't wait to try some of the food and drinks there!

I rented points (another first for me) and it ended up costing me less for a preferred studio than it did for my stay at CSR last fall. I am so looking forward to walking up to Epcot and getting breakfast in Paris! I even decided to get the park hopper so I would be able to hit Epcot and MK whenever I want. Everything is so amazing that time of year.

Lindaland, that sounds amazing. I may have to follow your lead and do that sometime next year for my 40th birthday! I hope you have a fantastic time!

I think my favorite part of my solo trips has been meeting characters! I am such a big kid, I even did breakfast at Hollywood & Vine this year because Doc McStuffins was there.

karly05, any tips for someone who's never met characters before ? I want to do a few character greets, but I admit to feeling kind of awkward about doing it.

 

[theladyloki]

I always felt the character meet and greets were waaaaaaaaaaaaaay more fun when you're by yourself.

Whenever I do character meets with a group of people, it always seemed rushed and the character(s) always has to split time between you and the other individuals. So, if Belle is your favorite character and you're meeting her with a group of friends, you don't really get much time to talk with Belle b/c she has to try to talk to everyone or the group as a whole.

Plus, it's hard to get photos with just you and the character. Sure, you can ask the PhotoPass CM to take one of just you and whichever character you are with, but that's just your standard pose and take the photo pic. When it's just you, I found that the candids/interacting/talking with the character pictures turned out sooooooo much better than just the "normal" picture you'd get posing with Ariel, for example.