Planning a Solo Trip

[beksy]

I am thinking that my next trip to WDW may be a solo trip...my first so its scary and exciting. For those of you who have done these or know others that have, what suggestions do you have? I'm thinking of going during the Flower and Garden Festival (new time of year for me too) but I'm still debating on where to stay, exactly when to go, where to make ADRs, etc. so any advice would be great! Thanks!

[Scar]

When to go... Anytime school is in session.

Where to stay... If you can afford it, Boardwalk area. Swan and Dolphin usually have decent rates.

See as many Eat to the Beat concerts as possible. I can't tell you how many times I was like, "Eh, I guess I'll see them", and it is always great.

I never make ADR's so can't help you there, but I recommend to eat at the bar of any restaurant that has one. If it's not busy, you can talk to the bartender, and if it is busy, you can talk to the person/people sitting next to you.

[T-Belle]

I had a blast last year on my 1st solo trip! I was there during the F & G Festival. It was a great time to go. I NEVER felt awkward or alone! I ate at both counter and table restaurants. Take advantage of single rider lines. It was so nice to be able to slow down and do what I wanted to do or not do! I even took the KTTKT~fantastic! Don't be afraid to talk to people. Everyone's friendlier at the Happiest place on earth. Most were a little jealous that I was solo. Some even invited me to join their families on rides! Relax and have fun. I would do it again in a heartbeat!!

[Opus X]

Done it solo two times....NO idea what you mean by "scary"..Nothing scary about traveling to WDW!! It is incredibly fantastic to go alone and take it all in. Slow down. Smell the roses.
I would recommend going when school is in also.
The flower and garden festival is great and Early May is the BEST time to goto WDW.
Low crowds...nice hot but not too humid weather.
Ride al the attractions you want..see the shows. I wouldnt stress about ADR's
When you are alone....its not too difficult getting a seat.
At least it wasn't for me.

[DisneyDINK]

According to my Android countdown widget I have just 14 days until my first solo trip! Yeah, I'm not worried at all.

I read Scar's "Eat at the bar" thread a couple of years ago and I'm going to give it a go. I have no ADRs. Social aspects aside, I like eating at the bar because you are served quickly and you can eat and leave at your own pace. There's always room for 1 at the bar.

I'd say the Epcot area would be a good location, but I just stayed there so I'm going with the WL.

I don't have too much to offer right now, but I enjoy composing trip reports, so I should have one out in about 3 weeks.

Happy planning!

[Opus X]

According to my Android countdown widget I have just 14 days until my first solo trip! Yeah, I'm not worried at all.

I read Scar's "Eat at the bar" thread a couple of years ago and I'm going to give it a go. I have no ADRs. Social aspects aside, I like eating at the bar because you are served quickly and you can eat and leave at your own pace. There's always room for 1 at the bar.

I'd say the Epcot area would be a good location, but I just stayed there so I'm going with the WL.

I don't have too much to offer right now, but I enjoy composing trip reports, so I should have one out in about 3 weeks.

Happy planning!

Yep...I ate at the bar EVERY place...NO wait and no planing...Except when i got a fast pass...and planned around the return time.

[MCeee]

I read Scar's "Eat at the bar" thread a couple of years ago and I'm going to give it a go. I have no ADRs. Social aspects aside, I like eating at the bar because you are served quickly and you can eat and leave at your own pace. There's always room for 1 at the bar.
Happy planning!

Yeah... while not "solo" we did the "eat at the bar" thing a number of times on our Apr/May 2013 trip. Lots of great choices, never crowded, cool atmosphere. Although the full menu from the connected restaurant isn't usually available, what is available is wonderful, and it comes from the same kitchen.

[disney obsessed]

I love going solo. It is soooo relaxing. Not what I think of in a disney trip. No one to please but yourself, aaahhh.

May is a great time to go. You will miss the spring breakers. Weather is great. Flower and garden festival has a lot of great things to do.

When I go alone, I eat quick service or strike up conversations with the people in line, sitting around me, looking lost, sitting at the bar or by the pool. Its very easy. The only time i felt odd was getting ready for bed. I would miss the clamour of my family.

Have fun!

[Scar]

Here's the "bar thread" for anyone interested.

[beksy]

Thanks everyone! My mom and sister are still up in the air about going this trip and I'm starting to feel a little guilty after reading this hoping that they might NOT go! Either way I will just be glad to get back! I think if I don't do a long solo trip this time I am going to treat myself to a mini-trip in the next year or so and go solo for that.

[Crow]

ive done this a few times. u can go where u want wen u want

[AvonleaCF]

Just got back from my 3rd solo trip! Sometimes it was a little lonely, but definitely not scary. Occasionally a little awkward saying "just one" for every ride and sit-down restaurant, but it was also nice and relaxing and got to be as selfish as I wanted, doing what I wanted when I wanted.

I ate at 6 table service restaurants, and never once sat at the bar. 3 were buffets so I didn't have any idle time, and at the 3 others I just read on my phone while I waited for my food. I saw someone else eating solo at one place, too. At the Flying Fish they asked if I wanted to sit at the bar, but I wanted a table, and that was fine.

I stayed at the Beach Club and it was a great resort! But I've also gone solo at Pop and POR.

[KEYONNAH]

Hope to go during that time as my first solo trip too. Not made any definite plans though

[2Epcot]

I did a few solo trips in my early years of visiting the parks. On a least a couple of trips I went to Universal as well. It's been more than a decade since I've done solo trips to WDW, but I always had a good time. I would always split my stays between 2 resorts, and I believe on one trip I stayed at 3 different resorts ... A lot easier to move when you are by yourself, and it makes the trip more interesting getting to explore the different resorts as well.

[amorillo]

i also did a short solo trip in the past... definitely fun! no one's schedule to appease but your own! several rides the cast members let me have the ride to myself... splash mountain being the most memorable! i'd love to do it again in the future!!

[DCDisney]

I think that the Food & Wine Festival or the Flower & Garden Show times of year would be great for a solo. You can enjoy the demonstrations & concerts and go/stay for as long as you want. Also, walking around AK, the trails, the trek, the bird show, all great for solo.
Don't be shy about saying"1" to the ride attendants, for all they know, you split up from a group/family who went to ride something else.
Take the time to chat with CMs.
At your hotel/resort, sit by the pool or a random table/bench and people watch or read a book.
On the plane or at the airport, there are tons of solo travelers, so you won't stick out there unless you bring up the topic that you're alone.
Enjoy !!