If you hear the term “solo Disney trip”, you probably fall into two camps. One group probably thinks that it sounds like a terrible, lonely idea. However, there’s another group that, like me, probably finds it to be a very appealing idea.
If you are thinking about taking a solo Disney trip to Walt Disney World, your experience will be a little different than your family vacations. You’ll plan a little differently, and will likely do some different things.
During my recent trip to Walt Disney World for a conference, I had the opportunity to spend some time in the parks completely on my own. I’ve been to Disney World solo twice so far and have enjoyed both times.
While it was quite different from when I visited with my kids, I had such a great time. I’d recommend that any adult Disney fan consider taking at least one solo trip to Walt Disney World.
I am a former member of the Disney Parks Moms Panel (now the planDisney Panel) and have been on some complimentary press trips at Walt Disney World, but all opinions are my own. This post contains affiliate links. A purchase through one of these links may result in a commission paid to us at no additional cost to you.
When booking your Walt Disney World vacation, consider purchasing through our affiliate Get Away Today. They offer great prices on tickets and can book many hotels.
Tips for Solo Disney Trips
Why Take a Solo Disney Trip?
Whenever you travel with others, especially kids, you’ll have to take a variety of opinions into account as you plan your vacation. With a destination as large as Walt Disney World, it’s almost impossible to do everything. So it’s less likely that you’ll be able to do everything that you’d like to see and do.
Although I used much of my solo Disney time to work on stories and photos for this website, I also enjoyed taking things at my own pace. I ate where I wanted to eat and rested when I wanted to stop.
I recommend getting the park hopper option on your tickets so that you have the flexibility to go to multiple parks in one day. Now that reservations are no longer required for most dated tickets, it’s easier to do this.
Traveling for Your Solo Disney Trip
I wanted to make my trip as inexpensive as possible, so I chose to fly Frontier Airlines (I had a voucher to use). I will consider flying a low-cost airline on my next Disney trip because I didn’t bring along too much luggage and I found it to be a very cost-effective way to travel.
I also did not rent a car for my stay. Disney transportation is also fairly easy to navigate, especially when solo.
I stayed at the Yacht Club for my conference, so I walked to Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios. The Skyliner station is also a short walk away from the Yacht Club.
Where to Stay for Your Solo Disney Trip
Because you’ll be on your own, you’ll have much more flexibility when choosing where to stay. I’d recommend staying on property because you’ll be close to everything.
It’s up to you to decide whether or not you want to splurge. You may choose to find the most reasonably priced resort for your stay (probably one of the value resorts) or may splurge for a place that your kids won’t appreciate, like the Grand Floridian.
Unless you plan to spend a lot of time in the room, I wouldn’t worry about spending extra money on getting a specific room location or view. When I’m alone, I don’t even look out the window very often, so paying extra for a view isn’t worthwhile.
Riding the Attractions
Genie+ and individual lightning lanes are always an option. If you only have a little bit of time, it may be worth the extra expense if you have specific rides you want to experience.
However, you should also consider which rides have Single Rider Lines. These can be utilized when you are alone.
Some of the rides with single-rider lines include the Rock N Roller Coaster, Test Track, Expedition Everest, and Millenium Falcon: Smugglers Run. Just keep in mind that there’s no guarantee that these lines will be shorter than the regular standby line (although typically, they are).
On my recent solo trip, I went on several rides at Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios. I arrived early, went on Slinky Dog Dash at Toy Story Land, and then headed over to Galaxy’s Edge.
I waited in the single-rider line for Smugglers Run (which was about 40 minutes) and then went over to the Rock N Roller Coaster. That single-rider line took about 30 minutes.
On another trip, I went to the Magic Kingdom. I had gotten an individual lightning lane for Tron, and also experienced Space Mountain, Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin, Thunder Mountain, and the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train. I did purchase Genie+ to make things easier, especially since I only had one day for that trip.
If you are going to be waiting in line, make sure that you have a full cell phone battery so you have something to do. Bring along a portable charger so you can charge on the go when your battery starts to die. This is my favorite from Amazon.
The best part about going to Disney yourself is that you can do everything on your schedule. Stay out late if you’d like, or sleep in.
Dining on Your Solo Disney Trip
Some people may find it a bit awkward to dine alone at a table service restaurant, but it’s surprisingly not uncommon at Walt Disney World. Don’t feel intimidated to make a reservation for one. Bring along a book if you want some entertainment while you wait for your food.
During my solo day, I had two reservations. One was at Oga’s Cantina for a drink. If you haven’t been to Oga’s yet (in Galaxy’s Edge), it primarily serves beverages.
Much of the “seating” is standing room, although you’ll be assigned a table to stand or sit at. I sat with several other groups and talked to them as I enjoyed my drink. There were also other solo travelers around me. .
My second reservation was at the Hollywood Brown Derby, one of my favorite Disney World restaurants. I ate at a table by myself and enjoyed my beverage and Cobb salad.
If you feel awkward eating alone, you have many other options. There are plenty of Walt Disney World quick-service restaurants where you can grab a quick bite, eat, and be on your way without needing a dining reservation.
You can also leave the theme parks and visit Disney Springs during your trip. In addition to quick-service restaurants and food trucks, you’ll also find plenty of shops you may enjoy visiting during your solo Disney trip.
Several years ago, I visited Disney Springs on my own and enjoyed leisurely walking through the shops. You won’t need a park ticket, so it’s a good option to save money.
If you are visiting during one of the several Epcot events during the year, you can choose to eat at the kiosks. My visit this past fall coincided with the Epcot International Food and Wine Festival.
Instead of making a dinner dining reservation, I went to the festival instead. While the other festivals (the Festival of the Arts and the Flower and Garden Festival) don’t have food in their names, you’ll still find kiosks throughout the World Showcase offering delicious food. You’ll be able to purchase various food and drink samples and can eat on the go.
Have you taken a solo Disney trip? What tips would you offer?
