Taking a solo journey to Walt Disney World will be an intimidating, but extremely gratifying expertise. This put up provides ideas for profiting from doing Walt Disney World by your self, highlighting what you possibly can take pleasure in if you’re alone, and providing some reassurances. (Up to date November 6, 2024.)
The concept of going alone could seem off-putting, even. For many individuals, the spotlight of a Disney trip is spending time with household and making recollections of enjoyable, laughter, and little moments shared with the individuals you’re keen on. That’s to not say flying solo at Walt Disney World is a lonely and laughter-less expertise. Nicely, relying in your persona, possibly it’s.
I feel that doing Walt Disney World solo is form of like House Alone (minus the housebreaking). Intimidating and scary at first, however fairly superior when you understand you possibly can run round doing and consuming no matter you need with out anybody to cease you. I’ve made just a few solo journeys in the previous few years and have gone from being frightened of the very thought of going with out Sarah to being so comfy that I spent a day at Storm Lagoon and ate a bucket of ice cream on my own…
November 6, 2024 Replace: I’ve gone solo to Walt Disney World over a dozen instances within the final two years, with Sarah unable to accompany me on account of erring on the aspect of warning throughout being pregnant, earlier than Child Bricker hit the six month mark, and for fast lengthy weekend journeys ‘for the sake of analysis.’
In so doing, I’ve discovered loads of classes alongside the best way. Maybe extra importantly, I’ve made loads of unforced errors. So many, in actual fact, that I’ve made a counterpart to this put up: Errors I’ve Made Going Solo to Walt Disney World. That is worthwhile in case you’re nervous about visiting Walt Disney World by your self and need to keep away from embarrassment. (For instance, did you ever contemplate that household model meals are a very unhealthy possibility as a celebration of 1?!) In that case, I’d suggest giving {that a} learn as a complement to this so you possibly can be taught from my errors.
Even with that mentioned, solo journeys should not for everybody. I believe those that go primarily to see the reactions of their kids or critical extroverts could also be much less inclined to benefit from the expertise. Nonetheless, I’ve discovered that as an ‘outgoing introvert’ (that’s what the federal government scientists who interrogated me on the bunker in New Mexico studied me concluded) a solo journey every now and then is nice for me.
In case you assume a solo journey is likely to be best for you, listed here are 10 tricks to making it a terrific expertise…
10. Eat The place You Need
My largest worry earlier than my first solo journey to Walt Disney World was consuming alone. I don’t know why…possibly the stigma? It turned out to be superb. That first journey I ate totally at counter service eating places, wanting to reduce awkward encounters by not coping with a server.
I’ve develop into extra comfy consuming alone, and have since achieved desk service meals. There was no concern with this, and I’ve discovered more often than not Solid Members on the restaurant are extra conversational with me to make my expertise higher. One factor you would possibly need to inform your server when you find yourself order is that you’re in no rush (assuming you might be in no rush).
On a number of events, I’ve had servers rush the meal alongside, in all probability underneath the belief that I need to be out and in (which I did–however you is likely to be completely different than me). Another excuse for that is that servers work for ideas and a smaller celebration usually means a smaller tip. You would possibly need to be cognizant of this, particularly at busier eating places, and tip nicely.
9. SINGLE RIDER
We suggest utilizing single rider traces on this weblog even when you find yourself with others, however so many individuals are staunchly against single rider traces when they’re in teams. Whereas that also perplexes me, if you’re touring alone, there’s completely no purpose to not make the most of single rider traces.
Granted, that is solely accessible at Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run, Take a look at Monitor, Rock ‘N’ Curler Coaster, and Expedition Everest, however these are three of the longest waits at Walt Disney World, and thrill junkies can actually get their repair by way of these single rider traces. There have been instances the place I’ve looped Expedition Everest, driving it 3 instances in about quarter-hour!
In case you’re incorporating Common Orlando Resort into your solo journey, you possibly can make the most of single rider traces on many points of interest there. This may be an immense time-saver, and one thing to make use of even if you’re touring with others (we do!).
8. TREAT YO SELF!
When you’ve got a household of 5, you in all probability balk on the costs of some experiences at Walt Disney World. Even issues like a buffet imply dropping at the least $250. There is likely to be loads of expensive belongings you haven’t achieved at Walt Disney World due to how a lot it could value on your total celebration. When you’re touring alone, the price of your total celebration is the price of YOU.
It may appear tremendous egocentric, however that is America. George Washington would roll in his grave if all of us didn’t act like we’re the middle of the universe. Joking apart, a solo journey is a chance to do a few these costly issues that merely value an excessive amount of along with your total celebration.
It is likely to be one thing comparatively easy like a Halloween or Christmas celebration, otherwise you would possibly go all out and get a spa therapy or do browsing classes at Storm Lagoon. Signature Eating places are a unbelievable possibility, particularly if in case you have youthful youngsters for whom they’re inappropriate.
Guided excursions are one other nice possibility, as these are each expensive (making them a non-starter for a lot of households) and suited extra to area of interest and/or grownup pursuits (so it’s usually tough to persuade the household to do them within the first place). Behind the Seeds at EPCOT could not seem to be a ‘deal with yo self’ splurge given its low value, however it may be if you additionally contemplate the associated fee in time, and that your entire household might not be on board. Regardless, Tom & Donna can be proud.
7. Be Somebody Else
Each time I journey to Walt Disney World, the individuals I encounter alongside the best way meet George Kaplan, undercover agent and worldwide man of thriller. Truly…that’s not what I imply. If you’re on a visit by your self the place you’re solely interacting with individuals who don’t know you and possibly won’t ever see you once more, you possibly can really feel freer to step exterior of your “regular” persona.
This would possibly sound foolish since you may at all times step exterior of your consolation zone in case you so desired, however that’s simpler mentioned than achieved. I feel very often we comport with others’ expectations of us…or is likely to be embarrassed to have associates or household see us step exterior of our consolation zones.
If you’re solo, it’s simpler to exit on a limb, so to talk. Whether or not that is manifested in speaking to strangers on the monorail, getting up and doing karaoke, or consuming a porterhouse the dimensions of your head in case you’re a vegetarian, it may be a enjoyable strategy to strive belongings you usually wouldn’t.
On the same notice, you can too step exterior your household’s consolation zone. Take the chance to do issues your partner or youngsters wouldn’t need to do. This can be a win-win, since you get to do one thing you in any other case wouldn’t, they usually’ll be less-jealous in regards to the expertise you had. Once more, the Behind the Seeds Tour at EPCOT comes up as a first-rate instance. Few youngsters are going to be upset about their mother and father doing that with out them!
6. Dine at Bars
One of many largest classes I’ve discovered from over a dozen solo journeys to Walt Disney World between final 12 months and 2024 is that bars and lounges are far and away the most effective and most effective strategy to eat. I’ve truly added this as its personal entry, consolidating factors about social media and assembly up with associates into #2 (in case you’re questioning why that one is so lengthy).
This can be a actually vital level as a result of many Walt Disney World followers assume that bars and lounges are solely–or largely–for drinkers. That couldn’t be farther from the reality. I by no means order alcohol when eating at these spots, that are overwhelming family-friendly, anyway.
What bars and lounges supply is meals menus at comparatively cheap costs, larger effectivity, and fewer awkwardness. I’m largely not a fan of the Magic Kingdom eating scene, so I continuously go away the park to move over to Disney’s Up to date Resort the place I dine at Steakhouse 71 on the bar (pictured above). I can watch soccer with fellow dads (lots of whom are right here alone, even when touring with household) and have a unbelievable burger and be again within the park in an hour or underneath.
Consuming at bars & lounges can be a terrific possibility at Signature Eating places. These superb eating areas largely have bars the place you possibly can order from the total menu, making them much less uncomfortable for solo vacationers. These eating places cater largely to conference friends, so that you usually gained’t be the one solo friends eating at these bars. Past this, seek the advice of our Record of the Finest 23 Bars & Lounges at Walt Disney World. There are some nice choices!
5. Trip Kingdom
I’m not totally certain why I view this as a solo exercise, however I discover myself stepping past the turnstiles of the parks out into the remainder of the Trip Kingdom of the World after I go to on my own. That is in all probability as a result of the theme parks are broadly interesting to a variety of individuals, whereas the remainder of the Trip Kingdom–whether or not it’s golf, fishing, or particular resorts–is all extra focused to sure hobbies and pursuits.
You too can enterprise exterior the park by easy “driving the rails.” Take a flight on the Skyliner or monorail, a leisurely experience round Bay Lake on the boats, or just a stroll round Crescent Lake. One type of transportation we’d in all probability skip is the buses. Whereas sensible, there’s not a lot enjoyable available merely driving round random bus routes.
One place I usually discover myself is Fort Wilderness, a resort I actually love. Maybe it is because I’m accustomed to being alone with nature after I journey alone in the true world, so I gravitate to that very same sort of location at Walt Disney World. There’s a purpose “at one with nature” is a well-liked saying, and I’ve discovered that Fort Wilderness is a superb place for quiet strolls and introspection. Oh, and it doesn’t harm that Path’s Finish is an superior place to eat.
4. Select Your Personal Journey!
Wish to do Buzz Lightyear’s House Ranger Spin 10 instances in a row? How about spending the day watching geese wandering round? Possibly your partner hates scorching canines and thrill rides, by which case, it’s a great time to feast at Casey’s Nook earlier than doing TRON Lightcycle Run. (On second thought, maybe you must area these out a bit.)
One factor I’ve discovered by means of this weblog is that completely different individuals get various things out of Walt Disney World. I can let you know that my splendid day is radically completely different than some others’ thought of an ideal day. If you journey solo, your imaginative and prescient of “splendid” is the day you get to have, irrespective of how odd that will appear to others.
I as soon as spent a complete day in Epcot on my own as soon as, and actually did nothing in addition to watching Impressions de France (twice), American Journey, sitting on a bench listening to background music, and taking photographs. So go forward, stare at these geese. You’ve earned it.
3. Fly by the Seat of Your Pants
Having a stable itinerary for Walt Disney World if you’re with a number of different individuals is sensible as a result of there are specific pressures of a multi-thousand greenback journey. These pressures are considerably decrease if you’re by your self. This isn’t to say a Walt Disney World trip is affordable if you’re by your self or that you must go in with out Lightning Lanes or any targets, however the stakes are decrease.
It’s to say that going solo at Walt Disney World makes for a extra versatile trip. In case you don’t have a plan and also you’re with a bigger celebration, each step have to be mentioned, and making selections on the fly is inefficient and unwieldy.
When you’re by your self, you possibly can simply pivot and do issues on the fly, as there’s no collaborative factor. Not having any plan could make you are feeling considerably “bare” at first, however it’s one other strategy to have a special sort of day at Walt Disney World. Spontaneity is among the highlights of a solo Disney journey.
2. Make “Web Mates”
If this weblog put up had been written 15 years in the past, that heading would possibly sound just like the creepiest factor ever. “Web associates” was in all probability related to having a sit-down with Chris Hansen. The dynamic and notion of the web has actually modified quite a bit since then, and socializing on-line is now not considered as a pastime of the anti-social.
Now, there really is a Disney on-line fan neighborhood, and it’s a terrific place to make associates. The factor about that is that you need to go about it the fitting approach. In case you’re not at present lively in any on-line communities, don’t join 2 weeks earlier than your journey and begin randomly posting your journey dates in Fb teams about Disney or doing TikTok dances to lure individuals to fulfill up with you.
It’s good to make associates on-line simply as you’d in the true world, interacting and forming friendships over time, after which privately messaging them nearer to your journey dates. I may write a complete put up on the “proper” strategy to do all of this, however I’m going to imagine the readers of this weblog are the best of the cool, and never socially maladjusted, so you possibly can in all probability determine most of this out for yourselves.
Assembly up with associates is a pleasant security web, so to talk, or a strategy to steadiness out the journey. This fashion, you possibly can select if you’re by your self and if you expertise the parks with associates. Personally, I do know after a pair days of solely superficial interactions, I’m prepared for a ‘break’ from the solo factor and in search of significant interactions.
Equally, social media will be your lifeline to the surface world. Whereas there’s something to be mentioned for truly experiencing what you’re doing fairly than sharing the supposed expertise, I feel a solo journey is considerably completely different as a result of it offers you an opportunity to have interaction with others.
A part of what makes a visit with others enjoyable is sharing these little moments within the parks with another person. Sharing on-line gives a fast and straightforward strategy to have a semblance of that, whereas nonetheless touring solo. Simply watch out: the worry of loneliness could make it simple to spend an excessive amount of time sharing on social media, and never sufficient time truly having fun with your self and doing issues in your solo Walt Disney World journey.
My advice right here can be to stay within the second and ‘catch up’ on sharing if you’re ready in traces. Oh, and you should definitely carry an exterior battery charger on your cellphone. The dullness of sure queues is amplified if you’re by your self, and you’ll use loads of battery killing time…
1. Disney Enlightenment
One of many odd issues I’ve with a bunch dynamic is that I at all times really feel compelled to be ‘carrying out’ one thing, no matter whether or not the individuals I’m with are much more laid again than me. It’s this odd, barely neurotic factor, I assume. For instance, Sarah says ‘she’s simply completely happy being there’ however I nonetheless really feel the necessity to hold issues transferring alongside. I don’t need to cease for too lengthy to take a photograph, or linger after a meal. There’s simply one thing behind my thoughts prodding me alongside.
In contrast, after I’m on my own, this doesn’t even enter my thoughts. I’m completely superb taking my time, whether or not which means doing a lap round Crescent Lake or sitting poolside for an hour simply absorbing the solar. You would possibly assume that in case you didn’t have anybody else slowing you down, you’d do points of interest continuous, however inevitably, everybody I do know who has gone solo talks about how they actually cherished the leisurely tempo.
I confer with this as attending to know Walt Disney World. It’s my favourite a part of going solo. There’s one thing about this that I simply love that’s virtually unimaginable to articulate, however you find yourself seeing the parks in an intimate, completely different approach. It’s robust to clarify, however after a few day of this, it feels virtually like you’ve got heightened senses: you see belongings you usually don’t see, hear belongings you usually don’t hear, and many others. I suppose it’s like enlightenment, Disney model. That may appear embellished and even preposterous in case you’ve by no means had solo time within the parks, however belief me on this. It’s a “factor.”
One factor I didn’t point out above was security. Personally, I don’t assume this actually qualifies as a lot of a tip. You have to be secure wherever you go. Though incidents do happen at Walt Disney World, unhealthy stuff occurs in all places, and I view Walt Disney World as one of many most secure locations on the planet. So, yeah, don’t do something silly that jeopardizes your security. In any other case, I feel I coated my favourite ideas for flying solo at Walt Disney World!
If you’re planning a Walt Disney World journey–solo or in any other case–take a look at our planning sources! In case you’re inquisitive about studying extra about inns, our Walt Disney World Inns Evaluations web page is an efficient place to start out. For the place to eat, check out our Walt Disney World Restaurant Evaluations web page. If you wish to lower your expenses on tickets or decide which kind you must get, learn our Ideas for Saving Cash on Walt Disney World Tickets put up. Our What to Pack for Disney Journeys put up takes a novel have a look at unconventional issues you must take in your journey. When you arrive on the parks, our Walt Disney World “Experience Guides” are nice for figuring out what to do and when to do it. For overviews of all of those matters and a lot extra, the most effective place to start out is our complete Walt Disney World Journey Planning Information to take advantage of your expertise!
Your Ideas
Have you ever achieved a solo Walt Disney World trip? Any extra ideas? Are you considering of flying solo at WDW? Does a solo journey seem to be one thing you’d take pleasure in, or would you miss being with your mates or household? Listening to from you is half the enjoyable, so if in case you have different ideas or questions, please share within the feedback!
