Solo Traveler About This Page:

[LightLes]

Greetings, all!

I am in the "fantasizing" stage of planning my WDW vacation (meaning that I haven't actually done anything yet) and I was wondering if anyone had any tips for an adult travelling solo. I've been to WDW three times, but never by myself. Are there any particular places/things/events I should pay attention to? Any I should avoid? At this point, I am particularly interested in suggestions on hotels and dining.

Thanks so much!

[DVC_Don]

Welcome to the PassPorter boards LightLes. I have not done a solo trip, yet. But, I know there are a bunch of folks here who have. I'm sure one of them will stop by. [img]images/icons/smile.gif[/img]

[Elliot'sDragon]

Take this opportunity to enjoy the World at your own pace. Take advantage of the tours offered at each of the Parks.

Welcome LightLes,

I have been to WDW many times but two times I was on my own (my boyfriend has not been converted yet!) and I'm hoping to go back this fall. I love going on my own. You can do what you want, when you want and for how long. I stayed at Dixie Landings last time and am sad that it has closed. Not sure where I will stay next time, maybe Wilderness Lodge.

As for things to do on your own, I did the Backstage Pass tour once which was an all day thing and loved it - but I'm not sure if they are offering that one anymore but there are lots of other tours you could go on. Eating at the Biergarten/Germany in Epcot seats people at long tables so you can be seated with other groups/families and have some people to talk to. I met a wonderful family from Montana last time who had just come off the Disney Cruise and filled me in on their adventures.

Also, there are always fellow Passporter friends down there so if you firm up some dates, I'm sure you could arrange a mini meet to meet up with some people for part of a day to do some rides. Also, if you plan around a holiday like Halloween or especially Christmas, you can go look at the different decorations at the resorts. Or go to one of their holiday only events.

Pleasure Island has some great places where you can go too for fun. The Adventure Club is a must. There is also a huge movie theatre to escape for awhile. I've done that too. Cirque de Soliel is amazing but I haven't done that one alone yet.

If you have any specific questions, feel free to ask. I'll do my best to help you make this a trip to remember.

[wdwlovers]

I would love to do a solo trip. No making other people happy, just me! [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img]

[CU Tigger]

Hi LightLes!

I've been away from the boards for what seems like forever, but I realize it has really only been since returning from my October solo trip! It was my first solo journey to the World and I stayed 5 nights at the Animal Kingdom Lodge. I began my trip report, but have been snowed under with work since that time. I promise to finish it and include all sorts of tips for solos.

In the meantime, I think if I had it to book all over again, I would pick a resort "in the middle of everything" like the Boardwalk Inn or the Yacht or Beach Clubs. That puts Epcot, MGM and the Boardwalk and all sorts of evening entertainment options in your backyard so to speak. Having said that, I am actually doing it over in 3 weeks when I'll be in the Orlando area for a conference and will spend ONE night at the Grand Floridian. Of course, that one night will be my birthday and I plan to spoil myself a little with some spa treatments (and a hug from Mickey) before returning home.

I guess the reason for your trip is the most important factor in determining where to stay and eat. Getting away from it all or putting yourself in the middle of the hubbub are both possible at WDW. As mentioned by others, there is never any problem striking up interesting conversations with a tremendous variety of people from all over the globe. That is a high point of traveling alone since you are open to all sorts of experiences that you might miss out on when you are absorbed in the company of a group.

The one thing that I found most ironic about my trip was that I never stuck to my schedule and I cancelled every PS I made. When I travel with others and end up being the "cruise director," we stick to a schedule. On my own, I found that I lingered (sometimes for no reason at all) and ate randomly so that my meal planning was completely thrown off.

Feel free to email me with specific questions. Good Luck with your planning!

[infinity&beyond]

Hi LightLes!
I haven't traveled alone, although I think there are a lot of advantages to it. There was a nice article in the latest Disney Magazine about visiting the World alone. You might check it out!

[LightLes]

Thanks for all the responses. It's so nice to "meet" such a friendly group who are so willing to give advice! I can already think of sooooo many questions I want to ask and I haven't even settled on dates yet!