What is your favorite thing to do solo at WDW?

[dreamseeker9]

I always felt the character meet and greets were waaaaaaaaaaaaaay more fun when your 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.

Thanks, that's a great way to look at it!

I just reserved a FP+ for meeting Mickey at the Town Square Theater in the MK - my very first character meet! It has to be with Mickey.

 

[DummbGiRL]

Think about some of my favorite parts of my solo trip in no particular order:

1. Staying at CSR was awesome! The pool is secluded enough from the resort rooms that I and other adults that were hanging out in the hot tub "after hours" were never bother and never bothered others. I always found likeminded people to hang out with there. Also, the main bar by the main building was a really nice place to sit and enjoy the evening. I met a lot of adults there as well who were there for many reasons.

2. Dining with an Imagineer! I did the lunch at HBD and it was such a highlight of my experience. There are enough other people with you that keep the conversation going and the fact of the matter is, the Imagineer is on his own also, so it's not awkward whatsoever. Lots of people just enjoying what it is to love Disney. And the souvenir plate is an awesome bonus! I kept mine at HBD until I left the park, so I didn't have to carry it around....

3. .... while I rode Star Tours over and over until I was satisfied with how many different combinations of the scenes I could get!

4. Fabulous early dinner at Sanaa just enjoying the animals. Made sure to ask for a seat by the window. Cook came out and greeted me as well and made me some extra special butter chicken.

5. Characters!!!! I stood in so many lines that I never would with other adults because I'd feel like I was wasting their time. I was definitely not wasting mine! As someone mentioned earlier, it is so nice to not feel rushed by the cast members. They really took their time in getting quality pictures with me and I got the best hugs!

6. Because it was my birthday week, I gifted myself a very expensive 6-course wine and dinner Flying Fish. Best part was another man was there who was also on a solo vacation and solo gift to himself that we got to have a really great conversation. He started his meal a little earlier than I so left half way through. I then talked with the chefs a lot. It was wonderful.

7. When I realized I didn't want to do what I had already decided I wanted to do, I could just turn around and go the other way and no one was there to be bothered by the indecisive decision making

8. Cast members really went out of there way to talk to me as I wondered alone. I got a lot of free fast past tickets to use throughout my trip. Of course, this was before FP+ so not sure if they will have those options any more to provide to guests, but it was really nice!

9. Cupcakes for breakfast.

10. Really exploring the world that is Animal Kingdom. It's so easy to just pass by so many details there that do not catch your eyes, but it is really beautiful from every angle and along all the paths. The Dawa Bar is a very fun place to people watch.

There are so many things I loved about my solo vacay (more than 10.. just figured that was a good place to stop).... and I'm super excited for you! Eat and Be Merry!

 

[DisneyFan2013]

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!

I hope you have a great time! I haven't taken a solo trip yet, but I have spent a few hours alone at Disney. Some of the things I enjoyed (or would enjoy in the future):

1. Leisurely taking photos around the parks and also getting Photopass photographers to take my picture.

2. Watching parades and fireworks

3. Riding my favorite rides- I've gone on Soarin' and all of the roller coasters alone.

4. Visiting other Disney resorts of interest.

5. Exploring the World Showcase countries and sampling the food.

Have fun and do everything that you want to do!

 

[karly05]

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.

First off, it's been my experience that the characters are really nice, even when meeting adults. (I actually did the Hollywood & Vine breakfast this year because I watch way too much Disney Jr, and everyone was super sweet.) The character handlers have been nice, too, especially about taking photos (more often than not, they will offer/volunteer to take pics for you).

Do you have certain characters or movies you really love? I'm a big fan of "Up," and one of my best experiences was meeting Russell & Dug last year at AK. I just told them right off the bat, "You guys are my heroes, and your story is one of my favorite stories ever!" This prompted an immediate group hug, and a really fun meet (Russell was actually ready to come home with me but decided he'd better stay with Dug - who was ready to come with me, too, until I told him he'd have to get on an airplane, then he was scared).

Sometimes you get lucky and meet the right characters on the right day - I met Tiana and Naveen on Mardi Gras last year, and one of the first things I said to her was, "You're going to see a lot of people from your hometown today!" They had come in on the train for MK rope drop that morning and she was excited about "the sea of purple and gold" (people in their Mardi Gras/LSU colors) at the gates. The first time I met Phineas and Ferb, it was a miserably cold morning (temps in the 30s), and I told them, "You guys made winter in summer. You need to work on making summer in winter, because it is way too cold out here!" They agreed and liked that idea.

In "real life," I'm quite introverted, so it's a little surprising that I'm so "un-shy" with the characters, but they really are there to spread the magic. Just be brave, go in with a smile, and after a couple of hugs and pictures, you'll be looking for characters everywhere you go.

 

[dreamseeker9]

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?

 

[dreamseeker9]

Thanks for the tips, DisneyFan 2013! I'm getting more and more excited every single day! I'll definitely get PhotoPass, especially if I do character meets. Riding the rides alone doesn't bother me. When I was in DL with my brother and friend, they didn't want to get wet, but I wasn't about to miss my favorite, Splash Mtn, so I did single rider and rode with a family of 5. The dad kept turning around to check on me, very sweet.

 

[Khara]

I'm another fan of meeting characters solo, but for another reason: so I don't embarrass myself in front of anyone I know!

Not that I think meeting characters is embarrassing. I usually have great fun chatting it up. But I really got flustered by Gaston getting into my space. What can I say, he's intimidatingly handsome. I'd intended to talk to him and I got so tongue-twisted I wanted to die.

He reassured me in his Gaston sort of way that losing the ability to form words in front of his amazing beauty is a perfectly natural reaction. I laughed---and felt a lot better. But thank goodness my mother didn't see that!

 

[barneyda]

I am 67 years old. Today I made reservations at CBR AND airline reservations for my first solo trip. I am excited and a bit nervous. I'm looking forward to F&G at Epcot (my fave park). I'd like to do the "Behind the seeds" tour and maybe "Keys to the Kingdom" at MK. I'll be there 3/30 to 4/4. I'll wing it on dining. Wish me luck!!!

 

[smidgy]

I like to do the animation class at DHS.

 

[DisneyFan2013]

I'm another fan of meeting characters solo, but for another reason: so I don't embarrass myself in front of anyone I know! Not that I think meeting characters is embarrassing. I usually have great fun chatting it up. But I really got flustered by Gaston getting into my space. What can I say, he's intimidatingly handsome. I'd intended to talk to him and I got so tongue-twisted I wanted to die. He reassured me in his Gaston sort of way that losing the ability to form words in front of his amazing beauty is a perfectly natural reaction. I laughed---and felt a lot better. But thank goodness my mother didn't see that!

Haha, that's great! I wanted to meet Gaston on my last trip but my MK plans got screwed up. I saw YouTube videos of people meeting him and they were all funny. I wonder which actor(s) are currently playing him. I'll definitely have to stop by his tavern on my next trip!

 

[com_op_2000]

Tequila sampler (4 shots of tequila on one platter) at the bar inside the EPCOT Mexico pavilion La Cava del Tequila.

 

[LaLalovesWDW]

You are going to have a blast on your solo trip!!! I have my 2nd one scheduled for April 30th - May 4th. My first one, I really didn't know what to expect and totally thought I would feel awkward doing anything alone, but found out quickly that everything was a total blast!!! My favorite thing to do alone was the tours (Keys to the Kingdom, Behind the Seeds, and Wild Africa Trek). I really got a chance to soak in some details and things I didn't know without the distractions of children or others. My 2nd favorite thing was how absorbent I was able to be at each attraction. Usually we are racing from one ride to the next, to food, to bathroom, to rest, to get a snack...etc LOL. But WOW, I loved how I could really take my time at each attraction. My favorite was The Art of Animation Studio at HS. There was soo much to do in there and I did it ALL! I stood for 40 minutes watching one of the animators draw in his office... who gets to do that?? My 3rd favorite thing was enjoy the nightlife... I went out, got drinks, danced, sang karaoke... and had a ball with total strangers!! My TR is also in my sig if you care to read, but Im excited for you and can't wait to hear how your trip went!

 

[LaLalovesWDW]

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.

The Tours are amazing... if you could squeeze at least one in, you would love. A short one, and not too expensive is the Behind the Seeds Tour at Epcot. Really cool tour showing alternative ways to grow food and methods they use at Epcot. I even started a hydroplant after that tour... Audrey was good for a while, but I slacked off with it. lol.

I booked 2 ADRs, but I think I'll wing it otherwise for dining. Any good recommendations for table service restaurants for singles?

My favorite places that I dined solo were Sci-Fi Diner and Flying Fish Cafe. At Flying Fish, they seated me at the Chef table so I was able to watch the handsome chefs do their handy work while I ate. It was very cool. I have not done Sanaa (I did get room service from them) however I have heard that if you can snag a table near the window, it works well solo.

 

[DisneyFan2013]

Tequila sampler (4 shots of tequila on one platter) at the bar inside the EPCOT Mexico pavilion La Cava del Tequila.

I don't think getting drunk alone is a great idea. How do you make it out of the park after that??

 

[com_op_2000]

I don't think getting drunk alone is a great idea. How do you make it out of the park after that??

Not drunk, spent over 2 hours in there and ate some items off the menu.

 

[dreamseeker9]

Think about some of my favorite parts of my solo trip in no particular order:

1. Staying at CSR was awesome! The pool is secluded enough from the resort rooms that I and other adults that were hanging out in the hot tub "after hours" were never bother and never bothered others. I always found likeminded people to hang out with there. Also, the main bar by the main building was a really nice place to sit and enjoy the evening. I met a lot of adults there as well who were there for many reasons.

2. Dining with an Imagineer! I did the lunch at HBD and it was such a highlight of my experience. There are enough other people with you that keep the conversation going and the fact of the matter is, the Imagineer is on his own also, so it's not awkward whatsoever. Lots of people just enjoying what it is to love Disney. And the souvenir plate is an awesome bonus! I kept mine at HBD until I left the park, so I didn't have to carry it around....

3. .... while I rode Star Tours over and over until I was satisfied with how many different combinations of the scenes I could get!

4. Fabulous early dinner at Sanaa just enjoying the animals. Made sure to ask for a seat by the window. Cook came out and greeted me as well and made me some extra special butter chicken.

5. Characters!!!! I stood in so many lines that I never would with other adults because I'd feel like I was wasting their time. I was definitely not wasting mine! As someone mentioned earlier, it is so nice to not feel rushed by the cast members. They really took their time in getting quality pictures with me and I got the best hugs!

6. Because it was my birthday week, I gifted myself a very expensive 6-course wine and dinner Flying Fish. Best part was another man was there who was also on a solo vacation and solo gift to himself that we got to have a really great conversation. He started his meal a little earlier than I so left half way through. I then talked with the chefs a lot. It was wonderful.

7. When I realized I didn't want to do what I had already decided I wanted to do, I could just turn around and go the other way and no one was there to be bothered by the indecisive decision making

8. Cast members really went out of there way to talk to me as I wondered alone. I got a lot of free fast past tickets to use throughout my trip. Of course, this was before FP+ so not sure if they will have those options any more to provide to guests, but it was really nice!

9. Cupcakes for breakfast.

10. Really exploring the world that is Animal Kingdom. It's so easy to just pass by so many details there that do not catch your eyes, but it is really beautiful from every angle and along all the paths. The Dawa Bar is a very fun place to people watch.

There are so many things I loved about my solo vacay (more than 10.. just figured that was a good place to stop).... and I'm super excited for you! Eat and Be Merry!

Thanks for all the great tips! I'm excited to spend time at the CSR pool and hottub.

What's HBD?

I have an ADR for lunch at Sanaa after a morning at AK - I'll definitely ask for a table by the window! I'm excited to explore AKL, too - never been there! I also can't wait to take my time at AK and absorb it all - we rushed through last time, rode the major attractions, and saw only one show. I'm definitely going to see Flights of Wonder. I'm disappointed that I'll miss Festival of the Lion King, I've never seen it, but i'll catch it when I'm back for my birthday trip in September.

I've heard Flying Fish is amazing - it's on my list, just not sure if I'll be able to fit it in this trip!

Not that I think meeting characters is embarrassing. I usually have great fun chatting it up. But I really got flustered by Gaston getting into my space. What can I say, he's intimidatingly handsome. I'd intended to talk to him and I got so tongue-twisted I wanted to die.

He reassured me in his Gaston sort of way that losing the ability to form words in front of his amazing beauty is a perfectly natural reaction. I laughed---and felt a lot better. But thank goodness my mother didn't see that!

khara, that's hilarious - I love it! I am excited to meet my first character - Mickey! And I'm sure once I experience that, I'll want to meet others.

 

[dreamseeker9]

I am 67 years old. Today I made reservations at CBR AND airline reservations for my first solo trip. I am excited and a bit nervous. I'm looking forward to F&G at Epcot (my fave park). I'd like to do the "Behind the seeds" tour and maybe "Keys to the Kingdom" at MK. I'll be there 3/30 to 4/4. I'll wing it on dining. Wish me luck!!!

Best of luck, you will have a wonderful trip!

I like to do the animation class at DHS.

smidgy, I've never done this before. I'm not great at drawing, but I should try it - why not? Thanks!

 

[dreamseeker9]

You are going to have a blast on your solo trip!!! I have my 2nd one scheduled for April 30th - May 4th. My first one, I really didn't know what to expect and totally thought I would feel awkward doing anything alone, but found out quickly that everything was a total blast!!! My favorite thing to do alone was the tours (Keys to the Kingdom, Behind the Seeds, and Wild Africa Trek). I really got a chance to soak in some details and things I didn't know without the distractions of children or others. My 2nd favorite thing was how absorbent I was able to be at each attraction. Usually we are racing from one ride to the next, to food, to bathroom, to rest, to get a snack...etc LOL. But WOW, I loved how I could really take my time at each attraction. My favorite was The Art of Animation Studio at HS. There was soo much to do in there and I did it ALL! I stood for 40 minutes watching one of the animators draw in his office... who gets to do that?? My 3rd favorite thing was enjoy the nightlife... I went out, got drinks, danced, sang karaoke... and had a ball with total strangers!! My TR is also in my sig if you care to read, but Im excited for you and can't wait to hear how your trip went!

LaLa, thank you! I'm definitely going to read your TR. I'll consider doing a tour. I'm an environmental engineer, so I think the Behind the Seeds tour would be fascinating to me. I love that you sang karaoke! Where did you go, Kimonos? I love karaoke!

 

[Simba's Mom]

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!

Probably my favorite thing to do when I'm solo is talk to the CMs. I find that some of them are especially "chatty" when they encounter a solo visitor. I remember one evening after Fantasmic, I encountered a CM who was a retired NYC policeman and he talked to me at such length, describing his job at Fantasmic, how he got it, some stories about theings that happened, that I ended walking out of an almost empty park. I remember one time at AK, walking up to a CM and saying "Don't you want to retire so I can take over your job?" That led to a long description on her part about what her job entailed and the jobs of a variety of her friends. I've had CMs mistake me for another CM (something about being solo, I guess).

 

[LaLalovesWDW]

LaLa, thank you! I'm definitely going to read your TR. I'll consider doing a tour. I'm an environmental engineer, so I think the Behind the Seeds tour would be fascinating to me. I love that you sang karaoke! Where did you go, Kimonos? I love karaoke!

Yep, Kimonos... good times!!