By Guest Blogger Kim Knight
I recently was asked to participate in a podcast discussion about solo travel to Walt Disney World. It’s probably because I spend a good portion of my year on a plane or in a hotel room for business and pleasure. Add it all up & I spend significantly more time “on the road” than at home. Which suits me just fine – I like to travel.
But there’s a HUGE difference between traveling solo for business & on vacation. So this made the idea of solo travel for me at Disney a bit hard to get a handle on. Sure, I love the place to distraction” but who would be at my side during Illuminations? Who would sing with me during Magic Kingdom rope drop or dance with me during street parades? Who would hold their nose with me on Spaceship Earth as Rome burned? Who would share those wonderful moments when your eyes roll back into your head at some tasty treat in the world showcase?
It just didn’t seem very fun.
I ended up getting thrown into the world of solo trips – my 1st was a botched attempt at a BD celebration (mine) with friends. I decided that I was going anyway and it was going to be great! I’d finally get to do everything I wanted to do! All in one weekend! Yay me!
Soooooo… it was kind of weird.
Here I was in this place that I loved, but had never really experienced on my own. I’d never made choices there without thinking about everyone else. I enjoyed Epcot’s Food & Wine Festival, but I kept thinking how much other people would enjoy this and planning to come back with them. It was a bit distracting and I lasted less than 48 hrs before I invited a friend to join me and put me out of my misery.
It took 3 more attempts before I did what I’d consider a completely solo trip. And it was wonderful!!
My trip was short, but sweet. I had no one else coming. It was just me, myself and I (gulp). And as I watched Illuminations from one of my new favorite spots, I realized it wasn’t strange at all. In fact I enjoyed it quite a bit! As I strolled along the Boardwalk at night I took the time to really savor all of the sights & sounds. Since I didn’t have to worry if anyone was tired, or hungry, or hot, or cold, or bored (whew) I was able to really notice all the things we sometimes take for granted but create that atmosphere that is so distinctly Disney.
It was perfect.
I’ve done friend trips, family trips, Disney”tweep” trips, and just about any other kind of trip you could imagine at this point. And I cannot wait to go back to Walt Disney World on my own.
Things to consider? There are a few & safety is 1st. I have strolled avenues worldwide and Disney is probably the place I feel most safe as a solo female traveler. I am never worried about leaving my resort at night or coming in at 2am due to an Extra Magic Hour evening in one of the parks. I can converse and share the magic with complete strangers in our special place.
Ever wonder why you just feel a little bit safer at WDW? It’s not just those lovely endorphins making you feed good. Disney takes security and “Protecting The Magic” very seriously. There are security cameras throughout the parks & attractions and lots of cast members are employed by Disney Security to keep our “World” safe & secure.
That said, common sense will always be your best friend. I don’t disclose my resort/room number or leave my food or beverage unattended with strangers. I also pay attention to my surroundings & don’t check my “street smarts” at the wonderful gates to the “World”.
I have one other rule for solo travel (Disney or not) that makes me feel very secure. I don’t stay at properties where my bedroom door is also an exterior door (i.e. open to the elements). Interior hallways just feel safer to me. They tend to be better lit – which is important at night. If your budget doesn’t allow for this I’d reserve or request a room closer to the main buildings at Moderate & Value resorts. This will at least put you closer to the front desk & hopefully more guest/cast member foot traffic.
2nd observation & confession time: I rarely make advanced dining reservations for my solo trips. (And I enjoy table service dining).
I admit full-on obsession when it comes to dining plans for vacation. I have a spreadsheet for my Disney vacation reservations. And I save it to a folder on my phone. And I have a paper back-up – which I put in a plastic sleeve for protection. I stay up late reading and (re-reading) menus on Allears like they’re bestselling novels. I have to – my mom’s vegan and even at Disney World (perhaps the most accommodating place on Earth) it isn’t easy to fly by the seat of your pants with dietary restrictions. I also refuse to live solely on burgers and fries while on vacation.
But when I solo travel I’m a free spirit. I love the freedom of figuring out where to eat based on how I feel at the moment. My 1st meal at the Whispering Canyon was a solo one – and I still got the BEST refill ever.
And loosening up a bit on my planning has led to discovering some new counter service gems in places like the Morocco pavilion in World Showcase or Beaches & Cream (which usually has the longest line ever). It’s simply a lot easier to get into some of these places solo.
And finally, the absolute GEM of solo travel (drum roll please) – you can DO anything YOU want.
I know, it seems simple but it’s probably the best part so I saved it for last. When it’s just me I can see or do whatever I feel like doing in the moment. Jog along the Boardwalk instead of racing to a park for rope drop?? Or get to rope drop on time every day? Why not? Putter around and take pics at night? Sure! The “World” is your oyster.
My new goal is to slow down on my solo trips. Taking the time to soak up the magic has become more & more fun to me and I can’t imagine a better way to do it than solo.
What do you like to do when it’s JUST you? What do you dream of doing on your own at the world? Leave a comment – share your thoughts & suggestions with us!
Kimberly Knight is a born & bred New Yorker who loves living in the DC Metro area. She is completely addicted to all things travel related & everything Disney Parks. She’s been visiting Walt Disney World for over 20 years & still gets excited about her next trip like it was her 1st. You can follow her on Twitter @KimberKnight
Kim, this is a fantastic blog entry! I have to admit that I would love to do Disney solo, but I guess I just haven’t gotten up the nerve yet.
I’m a 28-year-old single chick, and don’t really have anyone to travel with (I’m at a different place in my life than many of the people I am friends with – unmarried and working full time, I have friends in relationships/marriages, and ended a long term relationship almost 3 years ago). I last went to Disney in March 2007 with my mom for a girls’ weekend – my dad has some specific care needs now and that makes it impossible for my mom to travel. I tend to be talkative (it only took me until I was almost 23 to break my shyness), and always love talking to CM’s when I am visiting the park (I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been asked where I’m from – I’ve lived in South Jersey for 22 years, and have a Central Jersey accent that varies between nondescript and extremely obvious depending on how fast I talk). I would probably have no problem starting conversations with people, as long as they are receptive to me. I know when to stop.
I would love to do this – I get so much vacation time from the non-profit I work at that I could easily take a long weekend…its an idea I am putting around and hopefully I will get up the nerve to do this. Thanks for sharing your experience! 🙂
After reading your blog and all the responses from other solo travelers to Disney World I have to say that I am so looking forward to my first solo trip. I plan to go September 2011 the last week of the month just in time for Halloween. I get so tired of asking family to go with me and having to deal with who wants to stay where and what their ideas of when we should go are. I am a very friendly person and always start up conversation with people next to us in line and the Disney cast members! It will be nice to do what I want to do for a change when I want to do it. I am nervous that I will get lonely but I am going to try this regardless. Wish me luck!
thank you everyone who replied to this blog because you all have made me feel SO much better about my upcoming (and first) solo trip. will actually be solo for 3 days before my friends get there, and I was so worried that I might be a little lonely as all my previous trips to Disney have been with family and friends, but never alone. Thanks again, everybody…now I’m really psyched!
Thanks for posting this – I have just returned from a 2 week trip at WDW on my own and had a great time. It’s great to hear I am not the only one that had done this. I have actually been to all the Disney parks in the world on my own and its comes down to “I either do this on my own or not at all”. I must admit, I don’t tell work colleagues I am going on my own but with family as I am sure they would think it was odd, in fact I am very shy and feel self conscious of the fact that I am a 37 year old man doing to Disney parks on my own but totally agree that you don’t have to worry about anybody else being tired, hungry etc.
I also means when I got with family etc I am not so worried about what I want to do all the time. I do miss having someone to share my enthusiasm with on my own and say “wow, look at that”, as I am not the type to speak to strangers. Off to Disneyland Paris in 2 weeks for another solo trip!
I have been to WDW many times with family and friends but last March I did my first solo trip. I went for 7 days (tho by the 6th day I got a little home-sick). I stayed at the Pop Century in a preferred room and was very close to the cafeteria and felt totally safe. I also treated myself to 2 nights at the Wilderness Lodge and that was wonderful.
I was nervous at first as well but I chatted with people on the buses, in line and the next table at dinner, did what I wanted, ate at some fabulous restaurants and had a great time. I would do it again in a heartbeat.
I had great conversations with cast members too and got some great tips from them. One cast member even gave me extra fast passes to Mission Space…cool!
So if anyone out there is a little leery about going solo, don’t be. Disney-philes are so happy to be there that they will help you along the way.
Wonderful article! I have done solo trips and truly enjoy them. I have a solo coming up the week before Christmas and can’t wait.
Great article Kim, I take mostly solo trips now and find it to be both relaxing and fun, doing what I want when I want. Everyone should have a chance to do this. I am going to be there for New Years this year and am looking forward to it.
OMG! I’m going on the 29th with a friend who is there for work, so I’ll be by myself from 8am to 6pm. I have been worried that the alone time was going to be weird. I’m so glad to read your blog post and all of the responses, now I’m not worried about it.
Great article. I’m doing it this weekend and I can hardly contain myself!!
I traveled for the 1st time by myself in January 2010 after my travel partner backed out last minute. It was a very short long weekend trip, and it snowed (YES, SNOWED!), but it was so worth it! It was a great experience. I am not one to strike up random conversation or to make friends quick, yet I still had a blast. I am a very frequent visitor, yet I saw things I never noticed before.
I know all of the parks by heart so I was able to run around at a quick pace and see a lot in the short time I was there. And, as a solo visitor, the highlight of my trip was being asked out by a cute guy in the Moroccan pavilion in EPCOT. Yeah, it was flattering and made me feel great (especially because I am a divorced single mom in her mid-30s). So, take that chance for a solo getaway at the greatest place to travel alone. WDW is the only place I said I would travel alone to and it didn’t disappoint! You never know what you’ll see or experience!
Thanks for a great article Kim…I’ve been thinking about making a solo trip to the World
because my girlfriend dosen’t want to go back for 3-5 years…too long IMO. Was kinda worried I would feel weird or seem weird to others but after reading the other post I’m going to do it.
I almost forgot – one of the best things to do on a Solo Trip is to take one of the Guided Tours. Backstage Magic (the seven hour, 4-park tour) is especially fun, as you’re with a nice group for the tour and for the included lunch. Keys to the Kingdom is also recommended for any MK fan.
I enjoy Going Solo too. I get to see different parts of The World that I might miss when I’m with someone else.
I don’t have to stick to anyone’s schedule but my own. I like to offer to take photos for people with their cameras so their entire party can be in the picture. Pin Trading, as noted, is fun too. I’ve spent lots of time just walking from shop to shop pin trading with CMs.
Dining is lots of fun too. I love Signature Dining, and never make an ADR when I’m solo. All signatures offer seating at their bars with full menu (though the dining room at Artist Point is preferred over the Territory Lounge, which is in a different area altogether). The Wave has a great bar too, as does CA Grill and Flying Fish. Citricos, not as much.
Another fun thing to do is to go ahead a get a Birthday Button even if it’s not your birthday. You’ll get Happy Birthdays from CMs and guests alike the whole time.
Kim! Thanks for the info. I did one solo trip to Disney and people always said how sad that would be and it is good to see you got the hang of it. I do feel Epcot is one of the best parks to be solo at but all are fun. I will have to try Beaches and Cream. It has been a long time since I have eaten there. Cheers!
I love this post! Before getting married, my hubby always went alone. He enjoyed it. He’d pray and invite the Lord to go with him so technically, he wasn’t alone :).
I took my first solo trip to WDW last month, and I can’t say it was an amazing time. For me, mealtimes were the hardest, but breakfast was much easier than dinner. I would say my biggest problem was not having anyone to share my long weekend with.
That being said, it was the most liberating trip I’ve ever taken. No countless bathroom stops, or having to duck into every store I walked by. I did what I wanted to do, and if that included seeing Illuminations every night, then so be it. I am considering giving it another try, though.
I’ve gone solo a couple of times and look at it as a challenge to find the nooks and crannies of Disney. each time my challenge is to find something new that I wouldn’t have found with my family. My first find was the eating space above the walkway between Frontierland and Fantasyland. wonderful view! The glassblower on Main Street was another. One year I took the monorail to all of the Magic Kingdom resorts on its route and walked around seeing what each had to offer. The flag ceremony at sunset in Magic Kingdom was very heartwarming. I must include the boat ride to Disney. have met the nicest people. And, I, too, have thought I’d go on one bus but another came first and hopped on…I’ll be back in January staying at Port Orleans for its feeling of safety. Haven’t decided what I’ll be doing but that’s part of the fun…no planning…just fly on a whim! Joyce
Hi, Kim…
I’m actually here at Disney World RIGHT NOW as I type this – solo. I’m a 48-year old mom, wife and planner – and this is my first solo trip, ever. And it has been wonderful!
I can’t get over the freedom I’ve had…not only freedom in my schedule, but freedom from “making sure” that everyone has a good time.
I’ve hopped to the parks where and when I want; eaten when I want; gone back to the room to rest when I want – and I’ve met some incredible people on this trip. A lot of that has come from utilizing Single Rider Line and being put with families or groups- and conversation always ensues.
I’ve sat on park benches; I’ve walked slowly through the parks taking photos of the details – and I have gotten much rest and relaxation.
I’m already planning another solo trip for next year!
Great blog. I just wanted to share some wisdom from the late, great Colin Fletcher, avid hiker and author. I am unable to lay my hands on my copy of The Complete Walker at the moment, so I must rely on this old memory system to paraphrase: it is best to travel alone, unless it is with someone with whom you are newly in love.
I’ve never been entirely alone, but a few years ago I went with my sister and then 3 year old niece. They wanted to spend all day in lines to see characters, mostly. So I was left to roam the park freely. I agree that it can be a very enjoyable experience. As much as I love my husband, he is a whiner and gets in bad moods when there are crowds. So when we’re together at Disney World I’m constantly worried about if he’s having a good time. Don’t get me wrong, I have more fun overall WITH him than without him, but the break was nice. I was also able to ride Space Mountain, which he quit after our honeymoon because he claims a beam touched his hair and he’s afraid he’s too tall to ride!
Loved your post! I have been traveling to WDW for the past 10 years with my husband and children and love it. However next January I will be making my first trip without them. I will be traveling with another Disney addict and though I won’t be completely alone I am considering this my solo trip. Guilty feelings of leaving my family behind have already crossed my mind and heart but you are right in that it is good to see WDW from a different prospective without worrying about packing a stroller, snacks, and creating a food itinerary-(already did that though-oops). Thanks for the reassurance that it will be a great trip!
Liked your report, Kim. The first time I went solo, I loved it and now I go solo a lot. People think I’m crazy and they can’t imagine going anywhere on vacation by themselves. It’s funny, though, because the last few trips I’ve taken I’ve had a family member or members with me and as much as I’ve enjoyed having them along I am itching to go solo again. So I just booked a trip the first week in January! Can’t wait! Linda
I too am a solo female traveler, I’m from Australia and over last few years have made several solo trips to many places across the US and Canada. My very 1st was to NYC when I was 21 after having worked in DC for the summer.
I have always wanted to go to Disney World however like you have thought maybe it would be better to have someone by my side. Well I am now looking at booking a trip in January solo, and after reading this story it makes me feel a lot better. Your exactly right in that you get to do things at your own pace and saver the magic, without worrying about someone else.
Looking forward to a magical trip 🙂
Great post! I’ve had many many trips w/my family, but one of my favorite times was on my own. Just one day on a business trip, but went to Epcot. You are so right! I spent the entire day going at my own pace, not worrying about which rides and attractions the family wanted to do. I sent hours browsing the shops in World Showcase (no way would hubby and son do that!), and topped off my day by watching Illuminations. While I love having my family with me, I hope someday to go on another solo trip to experience Animal Kingdom at my own pace.
Hi everyone! I’m overwhelmed (in the best possible way) by your responses! Thanks for sharing & for your kind words.
Ella – I completely agree! Tacking a solo day (or two) onto a group trip may be the BEST way to ease into solo trips. It’s what I (unintentionally) did.
Dina, Cathy, Sarah – I say take the plunge. It’s a different trip, but a fun one. It may take a minute to get your “sea legs” but you will. Also, reach out to the online Disney community. You just never know who may be in the parks that you could spend a little time or a meal with. Makes it a little easier.
Dennis – I understand. I almost cried the 1st time I saw Illuminations w/o my mother – and that wasn’t even on a solo trip. This isn’t for everyone. But it’s not an instead, it’s in addition. Wouldn’t trade family time in WDW for any solo trip.
Karen – I met the Magic Kingdom’s Mayor on my last trip!! He took a pic with me & I tweeted about it – he walked away shouting “I have been tweeted!!” It was the best thing ever.
My 1st Disney spa experience was during a solo-ish trip. God bless the Mandara Spa at the Dolphin & their hot stones. May they forever work their magic.
Thanks to all of you who shared your solo travel experiences as well. See you in the parks!
I’ve had the pleasure of visiting the World solo twice. I enjoyed it immensely each time. It was nice to just do whatever I wanted, without worrying about anyone else. Sure, it’s not the same without my wife and son, but that doesn’t mean it’s not a fun trip.
I had lots of great conversation with Cast Members. Disney bartenders are the best!
the only bad part was the guilty part knowing my wife and son were freezing their butts off back home.
Great post, Kim! I’ve traveled to WDW solo too and I love it. Talk about self-indulgence! And I do the spreadsheet thing, too. It’s nice to have a plan in place…but it can be fun to toss it aside and live in the moment, too. Which you can do if you go solo. 🙂
I did take a solo trip about 5 years ago and I LOVED every minute of it. One of the most memorable was being at the Animal Kingdom in the rain, finding a secluded spot to people watch and eat my ice cream. Mickey has the best ice cream. Being able to do whatever I wanted when I wanted was a new experience for me. One morning I went out the catch the bus to Epcot but when the Magic Kingdom bus showed up first I hopped aboard. Talk about a flexible schedule. It’s been almost two years since my last visit with my daughter and son-in-law when they ran in the WDW Marathon. I’m starting to get the itch for another solo trip. Hmmmmmmm, wonder how much is in my change jar.
Great post, Kim! I took my 1st solo trip to the World back in February. At first, I was lost. I didn’t know what to do. But then as I was able to do what I want, when I wanted to, I realized how great it was. I normally travel with 2 kids and an impatient husband, so I have to take pictures whenever I get a moment. But by myself, I was really able to wander where I wanted and took the time to see the little details that make Disney what it is to me. I also never made the ADRs for my solo trip. I was able to get into a couple of table service meals that I wouldn’t have been able to without my family. I missed my family, but it was a FANTASTIC experience!
I went on a 7 day solo trip a few years ago and had a great time. I did the Keys to the Kingdom tour and the Back Trails Adventure on a Segway. There is always someone in a line or a cast member to talk to. I made ADR’s at all my favorite restaurants. I sat on benches or rocking chairs and people watched. It wasn’t until my last meal on my last day that I thought, gee it would be nice to have someone to share a meal with.
When I was eating lunch at Sunshine Seasons it was very crowded, there was another lone woman eating lunch at a two person table and we sat and talked for about 45 minutes and both enjoyed the time greatly.
I never felt unsafe or had any concerns. Unless you tell people they don’t know you are alone for the trip or alone for the day.
I would definitely do a solo trip again.
I returned home yesterday from my first Solo trip to WDW…I heartily agree with all the info above. I had the best time, felt very safe. I stayed at Port Orleans Riverside and even walking from the North Depot to my room in Acadian I never felt uncomfortable, but I would have been in a Deluxe if my budget would have allowed.
I enjoyed pin trading on my solo trip – it gave me a great conversation starter for cast members and other guests and searching for pins to complete a set was kind of a game.
The only ADR I used was at a character meal – I canceled the other ADRs because I threw my spreadsheet away and park hopped – it was so much fun to follow my whims.
Thanks for sharing, Kim. I imagined myself in your place on a solo trip…since I’m always at WDW with others. A nice read.
i have taken many solo trips to Disney. i have taken trips there with one other person or many other people. i have to say i absolutely adore my solo trips. i do what i want, when i want. i spend time just loving the atmosphere. i eat what i want, when i want. or just do nothing when i want. if i want to talk to some one else, there are 1000s of people from all different places in the world at the world. i just talk to one of them. usually people are in a really good mood at Disney and you can learn about different people and different cultures. and my old joke aren’t old to these people. lol. i also take a book in my back pack and if i don’t feel like socializing i read on the buses, in line, just sitting at a pool or in a park. i can go to American idol over and over and no one complains. it is absolutely heaven. love it!
My family and I have been to WDW the last 13 years in a row. I think even if I had to go by myself for work or some other reason, I would still feel guilty.
Kim,
I couldn’t agree more. I think every Disneyphile should do a solo trip. It is absolutely liberating! I’ve only done it once, but I swear it won’t be my last time. To not be concerned about what somebody else wants to do, or that they don’t want to do something I want to do is divine. I love the freedom. I do admit that the first day I felt somewhat guilty that my wife and son weren’t with me, but I got over it. 😉
I did Disney alone one time and it was one of the best times I have ever had. I did the Keys to The Kingdom tour. I took my time stopping to look and enjoy the little things you miss while with the kids, like looking at the details of tree and Animal Kingdom. I even got some ice cream and just sat on Main Street and watched people.
Did you know there is a Mayor of Main Street who comes out to talk to visitors? I didn’t because we always rushed down Main Street into the park. It was fun to see how wide eyed kids and adults get as they are walking down Main Street. I highly suggest everyone go alone at least once!
Kim,
Great post!! In a couple of weeks I will making my 3rd annual solo trip to Disney. This is a place where I totally feel comfortable and safe. Granted there are times when I do wish I had someone to share the memories with, however I do like the freedom of doing what I want when I want to. I totally recommend going solo!!!
Thank you for the wonderful post! I’m still unsure about solo trips and I’m almost positive my husband won’t let me go without him, but I might be willing to give it a try now!
Thanks for the great article. My first solo trip to Disney in a few weeks and I am so looking forward to it. I keep getting asked if I won’t be lonely and bored by myself. My answer, if you are lonely and bored at Disney, you are not doing something right. The freedom to do what I want when I want is just so appealing, no responsibilities to anyone, no compromises, no having to do stuff I don’t want to do because the rest want to do it or not do it, ah heaven. No planning and execution that would make an invading army jealous, just freestyle all the way. Doing Disney solo, sounds like a dream come true to me.
About half of my Disney trips have been as a solo traveler. I love it. I’ve meet some really great people at Disney when traveling on my own. Generally folks are quite surprised at the idea of traveling to Disney on your own “Really? You’re here by yourself?”. My most recent trip by myself I finally got to see Miyuki making her pulled candy creations and I was the only adult to walk away with one of my own! I was very surprised that I was chosen as there were many children there, but I think that Disney worked its magic – I’d arrived early and didn’t know where she set up, so asked around. I have a feeling some of her fellow cast members let her know I’d been waiting to see her! My beautiful candy tiger from Miyuki also led me to meet a wonderful family waiting in line for Soarin. It was a family of four (parents, I assume grandfather & son Michael approx. 12 years old or so). The line was long, but shorter than the wait for my fastpass time, so I gave away my fastpass to another single rider and got in line with them. By the time we reached the front of the line Michael was asking “will you tell them there’s 5 in our group?” (meaning he wanted me to ride with his family) and then double checked to make sure I’d told them we had 5 in our party. He asked if he could sit near me on the ride, I told him as long as his parents were okay with it, so was I (we all ended up in the same row anyways, but Michael did sit with me). At the end as we were parting ways, he called out “It was nice to meet you Marcy!”. Meeting this family made waiting in the line for Soarin much more fun and meeting such a polite young gentleman made my trip! I probably never would have interacted with that family if I had been traveling with my family or friends. Of course the other benefits to solo traveling are that you get to see all the shows and ride all the rides that you want, but meeting great people is the best part of it for me.
Great post Kim. I have always though about a solo trip and your post may push me towards doing that at some point next year since I already have a trip planned for this year with my 10 year old godson.
What a great report and now it’s making me think how great a solo trip would be also. I enjoy experiencing it with my family but to be able to go anywhere in Disney and do anything I wanted and just take time to slow down and take it all in…sounds magically wonderful!
I totally echo your sentiments on this one. Just took a solo trip last weekend and met up with some “tweeps” and I’m doing another one next weekend for my birthday. The freedom is completely invigorating to be able to do whatever you want whenever you want and not feel like your are letting anyone down or forcing them to do something else. Great blog.
Great post Kim!
Solo trips can be amazing!
And if anyone is unsure about a solo trip – I’d suggest arriving at Disney a few days before other family and/or friends arrive. This will give you a few days to experience Disney on your own.