Solo Disney Tips

I think the first and foremost tip should be. Don't be afraid to do it.

I've gone to DL alone many times.. but that's only a day. I dont know about a trip across the country for a week at WDW.. I kinda want to do it though.
I think the hardest part would be meal time. I hate eating alone

Im with DD on the eating alone. I dont know if I would want to do it. I would feel I would need to bring at least someone with me. Disney World is one of those places where if I went alone... I would feel horrible because id want to experience it with someone. Kinda hard for me to explain. Would just feel that I would be cheating someone out of going an experiencing such a great place.

Dont get me wrong... I know I could go by myself and would probably have fun, but it would be much more fun with others.

It's funny that DD and Mase both mentioned eating alone. That's the one tip that I was going to give yesterday, when I decided that going to WDW alone wasn't really any different imo than being alone other places. But it would be different, not sharing a trip with someone that's all about the experience. Still, I'm with DD - I've done WDW often by myself for a day, and I enjoy the people watching, and doing whatever I want to do with no one's opinion interfering, and sometimes, doing the single rider thing and getting on rides faster.

So, my only tip is: take a book. Or if you prefer, a tablet (iPad) ereader, or smartphone. Eating alone doesn't have to be a bad experience. I rather enjoy it. But it does take some of the awkwardness away from wondering what to look at if you have a book to capture your attention before and after the meal.

For me I would do Disney alone if I was close to it. Since its a plane ride for me... I couldnt justify it. But yeah... taking something to read or a tablet would definitely help with a table for 1 for sure. Id sit there and be watching my DVR from home! lol

Take a camera and people watch or just look around there are so anything we miss by sticking our heads in technology that we miss the natural world.
The things I have found and seen are amazing

That is so true... Lol... You should see it when we go out to dinner with my inlaws. I have an iPhone, hubby is on his iPhone, the kids have the iPad, my father in law is on his iPad and my mother in law is on her smart phone. It's quite entertaining for the people around us.. Lol

My friend went on a solo trip to Disney once and she had a great time. She is a people person though and was chatting people up in line and ate mostly counter service to avoid to whole stigma of "table for one".
She took lots of pictures and did a lot of people watching. She is married and usually travels with her husband. She enjoyed going at her own pace and she did a lot of shopping!

My last trip to Disney World back in '08 was a solo trip. I was going with a couple of friends, but they backed down..so I ended up going alone. I'm not going to lie to you, there are times when it does get lonely, especially in your hotel room at night. But you will still have a blast! As far as eating alone, there is one thing I can suggest. If you are in Epcot in the World Showcase...there is a restaurant in the Germany pavillion called The Biergarten. You are actually seated with other people. I know it sounds odd to be seated with strangers, but it is actually quite cool. The people I sat with were very nice..I believe one couple was from Canada, and the other couple was from Texas, if I'm not mistaken. Those were the people that were sitting close to me..not sure where the people further down the table were from..anyway, it was a lot of fun, very social, there was a live band onstage everyone would raise their glasses.....plus the food was really good! Which is always a plus. I had a really good time in that restaurant and would recommend it to solo travelers who want to have a little social experience.
One good thing to think about as far as solo trips are concerned...YOU are in charge..you get to decide what time you want to get up..which park you want to go to, where you want to eat, what you want to ride how late you want to stay in the parks...it is all up to you! You don't have to ask anyone else.

In the age of the iPad, eating alone is probably barely an issue anymore. I see people who are eating together who spend their whole meal looking at their phones.

They do group seating like that at Tepan Edo in the Japanese pavillion as well

Cool! I did not know that. I never ate at the Japanese pavillion before, I'd like to one of these days.

Yes - or words with friends? lol

So true. I spent a couple of days on my own at Disney last year and will again this year. My first time traveling solo was to Hawaii a couple of years ago. I've done day trips on my own but never a vacation. At first I thought it would be weird until I realized I don't have to wait for anyone. I can do what I want when I want.

My first trip to WDW was this January/February, I'm older (50+) & single. I went by myself, and had the usual ? about solo travel to a "family destination." I had a great time, took most of the tours offered except the Backstage Safari, and the diving and segway tours. I have no issues dining alone, at home usually take something to read if go out to eat, @ WDW there was enough to see that there was no need for a book to read. Did all sit down dining, and people watched, or simply took in the sights @ the dining venue. Cast members were always ready to visit, I felt like I got more attention as a solo there than elsewhere. In my experience at restaurants at home, solo diner are often ignored. Never had that experience @ WDW. On the Wild By Design tour I was the only guest, with two guides - talk about a special experience. On Keys to the Kingdom, shared the table with the Guide.Dining @ Jiko I was twice seated @ the Chef's Counter, a totally new experience for me. I am seriously shy but made a point to engage with others on rides, queues, adjoining tables etc. if they were willing. I'm already planning my next trip to WDW. Will probably go with another person (for cost sharing) but both of us plan to spend time doing our own thing, then getting back together for some meals etc. I would encourage anyone who thinks they can't go to WDW alone to go ahead and do it. br

Hi everyone,

I think I know a thing or two about traveling solo to WDW, as the last seven of my eight trips were solo (the only one that wasn't, was my April 2-5, 1982 high school class trip). If I waited for someone to go with me, I'd never leave home. I think I alternate between shy and gregarious; but unlike Steve Martin in a 1980 movie called "The Lonely Guy", I didn't feel that there was a spotlight on me when I ate alone. People are generally so into their own vacations that they don't even notice, let alone care, that you are alone.

If you have a chance to go alone to WDW, by all means go for it! On a solo trip you can go at your own pace. If you want to, say, ride Expedition Everest five times in a row, there's no one to stop you or to complain. And if you want to sleep in, or sit on a bench and people-watch, you can do that too. Last trip in 2007, I went around with a copy of *Passporter's Treasure Hunts* and a little DCL notebook.

Solo trips rock!

Jim

Ah, after a morning like I've had..a husband who can't find his work clothes and a baby who throws his entire breakfast on the floor..a solo trip sounds niiiiiiiiiicccccccccccccceeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee.

Sound Interesting...

Disney Solo? Interesting idea. I think it would be pretty cool to try it. Always enjoyed traveling alone when I had the chance it was a great way to meet interesting people from around the world. Its amazing the relationships that can be formed in a long wait for a ride. As far as eating alone with so many people and things to look at you are never really alone.

Thanks, Jim. I was having doubts about doing a solo trip but your post sparked me up again.

Check out this link - Top 10 Reasons to Travel Solo To Disney World.

I haven't done a complete Disney trip on my own, just a couple of days while waiting for friends to arrive. It is a good time.

I'm just saying..an alone trip to Disney sounds kind of amazing to me.

Last year I travelled to the other side of the planet to spend 3 weeks in WDW alone.
It was the most incredible experience of my life.
Eating alone gave me the chance to look at the detail and decorations around me. The little details that make the story of your location real and magical.
Always look up, down and around.
I was also able to spend a little time talking to cast members about back story, menu recommendations and general chat.
I had my birthday dinner at the California Grill. When I told them I was travelling alone the gave me a window seat overlooking the Magic Kingdom. The meal was Fantastic. The desert came with a little chocolate "Happy Birthday" message.

If you are travelling alone at Disney, you can be sure the cast members will make you feel welcome.
Mike
Melbourne Australia.

Hey magimike, glad to meet you and ! Oh, the Cali Grill will always go that extra effort for you, glad to hear you liked it.

Hi,Magimike and welcome to WDWFG the home of the best Disney forum on the net.