Hello! New Here, solo Disney tips wanted:)

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m_miller22's picture
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Hello! New Here, solo Disney tips wanted:)

I've actually read posts from this website for a long time now, but just joined the boards today. I've been to Disney several times, but it's been at least 5 years since my last trip. I am looking to plan my first solo trip to Disney sometime in the next year and I am looking for any tips from experienced solo Disney travelers Smile What to avoid, what not to miss, etc. W/o someone to share costs, I'm also looking for any $ saving tips for solo Disney. I'm planning to go with a nicer resort than usual (though I know I'll still have to pay for double -occupancy), so please let me know if there are any deals out there for solo travelers. mickey

Thanks!

Spook's picture
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welcome Glad you joined us! I've never travelled solo before so I'm not much help but there are others that I'm sure will have great tips mickey

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Hello and Welcome! mickey

I've also never traveled solo, but others here have that can give you tips!

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Welcome, and glad to have you. There are several other solo travelers on here so Im sure you will be able to find some answers to your needs.

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First off, welcome And secondly, coming from a solo traveler myself, well, however you decide to spend your vacation all depends on your interests and likes so it's really up to you. As for offers, well, they don't have specific solo traveler offers per say but Disney does offer regular discounts and offers so you may want to check: https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/special-offers/ periodically.

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crazycatperson's picture
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Welcome! Hubby and I each did a solo trip to WDW when, for different reasons, the other spouse was unable to take the trip. Of course it's fun to have people to share WDW with, but touring solo is also lots of fun. WDW is possibly the best place in the world to travel solo. You can do what YOU want, tour the way YOU like, visit your favorite attractions as often as you want while ignoring the ones you don't care for. You can get up and go to bed whenever you like, come and go as you please, and eat when you choose.

For dining solo at table-service restaurants, I personally prefer places like Biergarten and Teppan Edo, where you have the opportunity to sit at a communal table with others. I think buffets would also be okay, since I wouldn't have to sit around all by my lonesome waiting to be served. Hubby did Boma and Cape May Cafe solo and enjoyed both. Other solo travelers here have recommended restaurants with adjoining bars/lounges where you can eat at the bar and order off the restaurant's menu - with an added plus that you don't need a reservation to do this. And some make ADRs at regular table-service restaurants and have a wonderful time. You can do whatever suits your personal preferences.

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welcome welcome welcome I have never done a solo trip but if you ever need ton traveling with a wife and kid and sharing a 2 bedroom villa with other family of unmotivated, lazy, messy and unprepared parents and their kids I am your man

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I travel solo to WDW all the time! If is great fun. I will echo everything that crazycatperson said - it is so awesome to set your own schedule, go at your own pace. I personally especially enjoy the shows and entertainment all over the parks. mickey

I never feel lonely there - lots of folks to share the experience with.

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Hi and welcome

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Hello and welcome

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Going solo is awesome! Just like everyone has said earlier you can do what you what, when you want for as long as you want. Everyone asks me what do I do when I go to the parks alone and I say EVERYTHING! I dine alone, shop alone, ride rides...you have to be comfortable being alone otherwise you will be miserable... I think most people feel awkward dining alone. For me it's a good time to check pictures I've taken, update on social media, read or just people watch. I have watched Disney movies or the like and you totally forget you're dining solo. A lot of times they will put you in an area when you aren't out in the open. Go for it and enjoy your me time!

m_miller22's picture
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Thanks for all the suggestions/ replies. I guess it all comes down to picking the right time to go to get the right price for the resort I'd like to stay at. Being alone/ eating alone is not a problem for me. I'm actually looking forward to getting to do what I what, when I want, for however long I want wink and skipping all the things that just don't interest me enough. In all the times I have been to Disney I have never been at a park when it opens for the day, so that definitely on the list this time. Is there anything like that, that past solo travelers never got to experience before going alone? Trying to think of a list of new-to-me things to do since I'll be there alone laugh
Thanks!
Mere mickey

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The first time I made rope drop was when I was traveling solo. It was DHS (twice, actually) because I really wanted to get to Toy Story Mania as early as possible.

A year later, while traveling with hubby, I made rope drop at DHS again, but that was because I got out the door and onto the bus while he was still sleeping. So I've never made rope drop with a travel companion.

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I got to see every single street performance, parade and show solo. My family never wanted to slow down for any of those things! mickey

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Kristen K.'s picture
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I love taking solo time because it gives me the chance to take a gazillion pictures without my family whining.

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I did a bit of soloing on my most recent trip! My family was there with me but no one wanted to get up and go to the parks as early as I did (rope drop) so I left them behind and went of on my own... And WOW fun! I loved it.

I would think that the Poly would be a great resort for a solo trip. The lounge there is awesome and has great wings and drinks! There's other food too but i've only tried the wings. You'll also have the monorail and that makes it super easy and relaxing. Another resort that I could see myself doing a solo trip at is Wilderness Lodge. They have an awesome lounge with the most amazing beer cheese fondue! They have an awesome DVC only pool that is usually pretty quiet and relaxing. Also if you stay in a DVC villa it's relatively close to the bus stop as long as you ask for a room near the elevator. Oh and don't forget the boat to MK! I would personally go with WL but that's because first of all, i'm obsessed with it, and second of all there's no DVC at Poly yet!

m_miller22 wrote:
Is there anything like that, that past solo travelers never got to experience before going alone?

I got up really early one day and headed for EPCOT for their version of Rope Drop. I got there about an hour before they opened the gates... Grabbed a coffee from the kiosk... stood in line and took in the sight of that big beautiful golf ball. It was so relaxing (and I am not a fan of standing in line). I was very surprised at how moving the opening ceremony was. I have a video of it on my facebook page (link at bottom). Being one of the first in that park is really something special.

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Another tip, on some of the rides you may be able to get on quicker as a Solo Rider, my DH usually finds that to be true with the coasters (and ToT) since I'm not a fan of flipping out my innards!!

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milliehubbard wrote:
Another tip, on some of the rides you may be able to get on quicker as a Solo Rider, my DH usually finds that to be true with the coasters (and ToT) since I'm not a fan of flipping out my innards!!

I agree, being a solo rider does allow for a shorter queue as I experienced last year when I solo'd my way round Disney World. The only problem I found was that on repeat visits, I only stuck to what I wanted to do again and didn't bother exploring areas I'd never normally go looking around if I wasn't alone or with a group.

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Definitely check out the single rider lines if you're doing Rock-n-Roller Coaster or Test Track. Be aware though that the design phase of Test Track is severely abbreviated in the single rider line. I think Expedition Everest has single rider as well.

I spent my first solo day in MK on our Anniversary trip bc DH was back in the room with food poisoning. The thing that I most enjoyed about the day was taking the time to do the things that DH gets annoyed by--stopping to pin trade 10 million times, taking a thousand pictures of every little detail, taking in the "nostalgia value" shows like Tiki Room and Country Bears, and waiting for character meet & greets.

You'll still find plenty of people to talk to if you choose to do so, but you're not obligated to them in any way--it's a pretty decent way to tour! mickey

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You are correct alicemouse, Expedition Everest has a single riders line.

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We're so glad you're here!!

I have ALWAYS wanted to do a solo trip, so I'm completely envious and excited for you!!!!

Best of luck with your plans!!

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milliehubbard wrote:
Another tip, on some of the rides you may be able to get on quicker as a Solo Rider, my DH usually finds that to be true with the coasters (and ToT) since I'm not a fan of flipping out my innards!!

On our last trip, we both had FP+ for Everest with the idea that we would switch Magic Bands so he could ride twice. But after his first time through, he said the single rider line would've been faster and didn't bother with the second FP+. Bottom line, yes, the single rider line will significantly speed up your touring.

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Oh I just remembered another one--on Toy Story, you still have to go through the "Andy's Room" part of the queue, but when you get to the FP merger area after you pick up your game glasses, couples and single riders are sometimes diverted through the right hand line which is frequently shorter than the left hand line.

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December 2013: 10th Anniversary, 1st DVC Stay | April 2014: Birthday on the Boardwalk | May 2014: Star Wars Weekend, Navigating WDW with a wheelchair | August 2014: Villains Unleashed | September/October 2014: MNSSHP, F&W, Tower of Terror 10-miler | March/April 2015: Disneyland and California Coastal Cruise | November 2015: Wine & Dine Half, Food & Wine, 1st Disney Cruise | February 2016: Presidential Classic Gymnastics Meet | March 2016: "Work" Trip, Tours, F&G Festival | April 2016: Conference at Disneyland | Fall 2016: Festive Fall Fun | January 2017: Festival of the Arts | May 2017: AbD Backstage Magic | July 2017: AbD San Francisco | Sorry I had to give up doing trip reports. Too many time commitments right now.

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I go to so many things alone, I wish I could give you some pointers. I don't even remember what I do. The shows are the easiest, I kind of don't like to stand in the single rider liens...I like what I like and this way I don't have to negotiate....hahaha

some day I will find a girl who is the same, or compliments my style... until then.....