Experiencing a Disney World solo trip is magical. Ever since I took my first solo trip in 2015, I’ve seen a lot of interest in solo trips to Disney. However, there is a little bit of fear that comes with a solo Disney trip.
There are concerns about leaving family behind, the general thought of being alone in the parks, and wondering if eating alone will feel awkward. I want to share with you today some of the ways to prepare for a Disney World solo trip so that these concerns virtually disappear.
How to Prepare for a Disney World Solo Trip
Leaving Family Behind
Leaving family behind on a solo trip is tough. When you have younger kids, who want nothing more than to come to Disney World with you, a solo trip might seem selfish. Sure, I have some “mom guilt” when I go alone to Disney World, but I also must remember that we’ve taken our kids twice and on a Disney Cruise.
Each Disney trip has a place. Couples trips, solo trips, family trips, multi-generational trips. A solo trip to Disney has a very special place in getting the chance to enjoy every detail without worrying about keeping a larger party together and happy.
Plus, most times a solo trip to Disney is much shorter than a family trip because you can cover so much ground. You’ll be back home with the kiddos in no time. It might even be a fun vacation for the kids to if they are staying with family or get one-on-one time with your spouse.
Planning Weather Around Your Day
Being alone in the Disney Parks might seem a little lonely at times but I think you will quickly learn just how awesome it is. Before leaving for your trip, look at what the weather will be like and plan out each park accordingly.
You’ll want to capture awesome photos so if a storm is due in on the day, you’re heading to the Magic Kingdom, be sure to plan time around the weather to capture what you want. Heading back to the room for a nap is perfect around the time that storms are due.
Planning FastPasses and Single Rider
Also, keep in mind that while you will probably still want to book FastPasses, you can plan out Single Rider opportunities too. Try and get FastPasses for Tier 1 rides that you are eager to enjoy and then plan out other locations for Single Rider.
That’s kind of the beauty of going solo. You get to “double-dip” into faster ride lines. You will be shocked by how quickly you move through your favorite attractions when going solo.
Booking a Disney Resort Hotel
When you are going solo at Walt Disney World, I personally would not go out of the way to book a more expensive resort hotel. Value Resorts are awesome and have plenty of space for a single traveler.
I certainly don’t shy away from staying at a Moderate or Deluxe, if your budget allows it, but you can save a lot of money by opting to stay at a Value.
You’ll be spending a lot of time outside of your room anyway. You can also choose to resort hop a bit while alone since you can navigate so easily. This lets you get a peek at other great resort hotels.
Packing for a Disney World Solo Trip
Packing for one is already easy. I recommend packing as light as possible. The one drawback to being alone is that there are no extra hands to help.
If I intend on only packing a carry-on but plan to bring back souvenirs, I’ll fold a soft duffel bag in my carry-on to use if needed. This way I can check my suitcase on my return flight and ensure I have room to bring back anything I purchased in the parks.
Planning Dining Reservations for One
Is there anywhere at the Walt Disney World that you have been eager to eat at but have never been able to get a reservation? Now is the time to check and see if you can easily slip into a reservation with just a party of one.
Eating “alone” at Disney isn’t all bad either. Parents, can you imagine eating a meal that’s warm and quiet? I know, right? Weird!
Jokes aside, it is nice to sit solo (parent or not) and enjoy a meal that you can completely focus on. You get a chance to take time to savor every bite. Enjoy chatting for a moment with your server. You’re never alone at Walt Disney World.
Quick Tip: Bring a book to enjoy while having a meal or simply look around and people watch. Listen to ambient music and take a deep breath.
What Being Alone in the Parks is Really Like
I’ve spent many days alone in the parks at Walt Disney World. What is it really like? It is quiet…in a good way.
I have never had more of a chance to listen to the music, take in the smells, look at the details as I have had when I am alone at Disney. This is the time to take out the camera and get the shots you’ve been wanting to get for years. It is tough to stop and take different angles when you have a larger party. Now is your time to shine.
There is so much going on within the parks that you often forget that you are alone. You can maneuver very quickly through a crowd, so it is okay to take time to just sit and watch. I enjoy grabbing a coffee, a bench and sitting for a while to watch the Disney World go by.
I think the best part about being solo at Walt Disney World is having the ability to take things as slow or as fast as you wish. There isn’t anyone to check-in with but yourself!
If you do start feeling lonely, give someone back at home a phone call. With technology these days, you can easily video chat while a parade or show is going on to enjoy it with them. My kids love to watch the fireworks every evening with me when I am solo at Disney. It brings them into the fun too.
Why I Take Solo Trips to Disney
I have a pretty deep connection to Walt Disney World that was created long before I was married or had children. For me, visiting Walt Disney World alone is getting the chance to visit with people I used to work with as a Cast Member there.
I get to visit family and friends in the area too. I get to relive a lot of moments that shaped me as the person I am today. I also tend to go solo so that I can focus on content for the blog and update my photography.
If none of these things resonate with you, I still recommend a solo trip to Disney if you simply love it for all the magic that it is. As a Disney fan first, there is something about being alone in the parks that leave with me with an appreciation of all the things I love about them.
I am reminded of the detail that so many have put in to make this place special. Chatting with Cast Members reminds me of just how wonderful the people are that create magic every day. Instead of focusing on making a vacation great for everyone in my family, I get a chance to take everything in again. I believe you will feel the same way too!
More Walt Disney World Tips:
- What Not to Pack for Walt Disney World
- Ultimate Guide to a Disney Solo Trip
- What to Do on Walt Disney World Arrival Day
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