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Hello,
I wanted to get opinions on a Solo WDW trip....
I have had Three, 2 week WDW trip with Family and friends in the past (The last one in 2013) Unfortunately things have changed ALOT in my life since then. Now Divorced, Son grew up and is out on his own, the family we travel with are no longer able to travel.... But I still love Disney.
I am contemplating a Solo Trip of 10-14 days.
I would like to go around October -January. At a time when it is fairly quiet and not too many kids....
I would be flying over from Europe so this is not an inexpensive trip. I loved staying at the Yacht Club and that area. (Was thinking of possibly staying at the Dolphin to save some money but still be in that area I like.) Epcot is my favourite Park.
Has anyone done a long solo trip ? What were the pluses, What were the minus's?
I am worried that I might get there and see all the families and feel lonely.
Is WDW a place that is best shared ??
I am outgoing and don't have a problem talking/meeting other people but will people be just into their own group ??
I did take a Solo (Non Disney) Cruise recently and had a great time, but part of it was that I was on a dining table throughout the cruise with other Solo Travellers and we got along very well.
Are there any WDW Groups going to be able to join in with ?
Would you go for the Dining plan or wing it ??
I realise a lot has changed at WDW since I was last there in 2013 (and I will be doing a lot of studying here on Passporter)
Any thought would be helpful to myself and possibly other out there in my same situation.
Many Thanks in Advance,
HappyDisney Gal
(Sitting here wearing my Rhinestone Disney Shirt....)
Last edited by HappyDisneyGal; 06-06-2018 at 08:01 AM..
No solo advice other than on the dining plan to say that it’s a good value only if you eat at the places required (both Quick Service and Table Service if on the Basic plan ) and will order everything it covers. The primary benefits of a dining plan are ease and the convenience of having all or most of your meals paid in advance. Cost-effectiveness often isn’t among them depending upon how you like to eat.
For instance, a meal includes a beverage, so if you prefer water with meals, you’d be wasting anywhere from $4-$10 or so per meal. Additionally, if an appetizer is enough food for you, you couldn’t order only that as your entree on any dining plan.
I suggest looking over the All Ears menus to calculate what you’d likely order at each meal for a few days and then compare your preferences and costs to the requirements of the various dining plans and their respective costs per day.
That’s the best way to determine dining plan suitability for you.
I have never done Disney solo, but I think, in your shoes, I would do it!
Touring solo seems like it would be very cool!
Want to sleep in? Do it!
Want to get up early for rope drop? Do it?
Want to change plans and just sit around the pool? Do it!
I don't think you have to worry about striking up a conversation with others, even if they're in a group. Waiting in line for an attraction or a bus. What else do they have to do anyway? It's always fun to hear about other's Disney experiences.
Where are you staying? Is this your first visit? What park is your favorite? There's just so much to talk about!
And the CMs are fun to chat with as well! We like to look at their name tags and see where they're from. That's always a good conversation starter.
Oh, and another “dining plan beware”: So-called free dining is often available in the fall months, sometimes extending as far as a few days before Christmas.
It’s nowhere near free because you must book a package which carries a list price room rate to get free dining. You can often watch the website for discounts on room-only and assemble your own stay elements separately for far less than a package with “free” dining.
Although, this may not apply as much to you as it does to us in the States. I’ve no idea how prices and offerings compare for international bookings.
October is still pretty warm, November or December somewhat less so if weather is a factor for you. However, we’ve been cursed with literally freezing temps for most of a weeklong stay in November more than once. And record-breaking heat the week of Christmas one year. Ya never know. I call it reverse Disney magic.
Also, January is when CM trainees start work, so lapses due to inexperience might affect your stay then.
If holiday season events and decorations are appealing for you, most park decorations will be up the third week of November. Events and resort decorations not until right after Thanksgiving. You can still get a pretty good Disney Christmas experience the week before Thanksgiving week, when we’ve been twice and will do again next trip. It’s a great time, we feel.
As for crowds, WDW has become more popular year by year. Yes, October and November are less crowded than other times but likely somewhat more crowded than you might expect. We’ve noticed quite an increase in the last few years.
__________________
“People say nothing is impossible, but I do nothing every day.” —Winnie-the-Pooh
Last edited by Her Dotness; 06-06-2018 at 11:28 AM..
I have traveled to WDW solo many times and love it. You can do what you want, when you want. I find that it does get lonely at times, but I love striking up a conversation with people while in line or waiting for parades. I am a person that is comfortable being alone, so it is an easy adjustment for me. As to the dining, I think that would depend on your desires for meals. For me, personally, it isn't a good deal. I do like to have a few table service meals, but I am just as happy with quick serve. The room discount (when available) is the best way for me to budget my money. I say go for it and have a great time. By the way, there really isn't a great slow time at WDW any more. For the time frame you mentioned, I might aim for mid- November. If you set the dates right, you can catch the end of the F&W festival at Epcot and will get to see a lot of the Christmas decorations in place as well.
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I heartily recommend the solo trip!
I did something like 10 days solo at Disneyland a couple years ago, when I was researching for the LIVE! Guide, and had an awesome time.
Couple more nice things about visiting solo:
--Nobody will notice or care how often you visit the ladies' room!
--When you're with even ONE person, every single thing you do is a negotiation or a compromise. By yourself, you can wander as you like, occasionally decide a 45-minute line is short enough or too long, sit and people-watch, sing out loud or visit characters without embarrassing anyone--all kinds of cool stuff!
One thing you can do is come to the boards here a month or two before your visit and ask whether anyone else will be there at the same time, and whether they'd like to meet up. I've met up with 6 or 7 PassPorters at DLR and WDW, and had great fun each time.
Good luck!
As for hotels: my Disney park philosophy is to go cheap, go often, and I'll nearly always stay Value. However, I've started to hate the beds at the All-Star resorts; I'm hoping the new ones at Pop will be more comfortable.
In your shoes, I'd stay at a Moderate, like Port Orleans, and use the money you save to splurge on something else fun. You can always visit the Deluxe resorts for meals, souvenirs, and sightseeing.
I totally agree with Dot--the dining plan does not save most people money, unless they have big appetites and purposely order the most expensive items on the menu at every meal.
I've been on 2 solo trips and going for my 3rd this November. I love Disney solo. The ease of planning, the ability to "wing-it", and the perk of getting to be selfish and do what I want to do are all pluses in my book. I do wish at times to have someone to share it with, but those thoughts are fleeting.
In the past I've done the Deluxe Dining Plan because I love the food at Disney and that allows me to be as flexible as possible. However, this year I'm tightening my budget and opting for the Quick Service Plan. I've heard it's not necessarily economical to do so, but I prefer the idea of paying for as much as possible ahead of time. That way I'm not concerned so much about possible money shortages when I return home. Also, by doing the QSDP this time I have much more flexibility on a shorter (5-day) trip! All I have to plan are my FP's.
I'm not a real outgoing personality, but I have enjoyed the occasional chat with people in line or at neighboring tables in the restaurants.
Hope you decide to go for it! Doing Disney solo is an experience I'd recommend for anyone's "bucket list!"
In the past I've done the Deluxe Dining Plan because I love the food at Disney and that allows me to be as flexible as possible. However, this year I'm tightening my budget and opting for the Quick Service Plan. I've heard it's not necessarily economical to do so, but I prefer the idea of paying for as much as possible ahead of time. That way I'm not concerned so much about possible money shortages when I return home.
Yep, what I said about ease and convenience is reflected nicely here, IMO.
Another paid-ahead method many use for dining is to estimate with the All Ears menus how much they’re likely to spend on food and then buy enough in Disney giftcards to cover it.
That way, they can either present a giftcard as payment or set up room charge, charge meals to the room and then drop by the front desk of their resort every other day or so to pay down their room charge balance with giftcards.
Far too much hassle for us.
We love the Deluxe plan because we like Signatures and character meals. It’s not at all unusual for us to pack a half dozen character meals into a week’s stay. Those babies are pricey-pricey. Most are only one TS credit, enabling us to do several.
However, we really don’t care how cost-effective the DxDDP is because we love getting those character meals for what seems like little or nothing. We also don’t pore over the menu figuring out what are the most expensive dishes to be certain we’re ordering those. We simply like the freedom of not caring what anything costs, which we know we’d worry about if paying for each meal. It’s already paid for. We order whatever we fancy and ENJOY!
And that’s why I am a big fan of the ease and convenience of the dining plans if any fits your eating style and attitude. Also, why a dining plan is probably not for you if you are concerned about holidaying as economically as you can.
__________________
“People say nothing is impossible, but I do nothing every day.” —Winnie-the-Pooh
I have done 5 solo trips! I too love Disney! I am planning my 6th one for next May.
If you want you can message me....
But what everyone said is Great advice. I am a people person so I can strike up a conversation with anyone. I never feel lonely. I love going solo because it gives me an opportunity to do things I want to do...or things that I haven't done in awhile.
I normally schedule at least one sit-down meal. Because it gives me the opportunity to get off my feet and enjoy the meal.
I Definitely think you should do it! I think you will have a marvelous time too!
__________________
Kate in PA All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them- Walt Disney
My mother is 70+, and drives her little SUV and camper (caravan) to Disney at least once a year. She loves it - she goes where she wants, when she wants. Eats where, what, and when she wants. Rides the rides she wants, wakes up when she wants. she people watches too - and will strike up a conversation with anyone.
In the past, when we've gone to WDW, we've frequently invited others to join us at our table (see a single or couple, ask if the restaurant can accommodate the extra 1-2 people at the table, and squeeze in) - it's great fun!
Go and enjoy! If you wanted, you could always move resorts, too. We've done that before - spent 1/2 our time at GF, the other 1/2 at Boardwalk. Very nice to do.
As one who has not traveled solo, but has read your status and the reports of others, such as Kate from PA, who have traveled solo, I say you should take the trip. We only live once, and we aren’t promised tomorrow, and if WDW gives you joy, you should do it! As WDW trips go, I can imagine (aka dream) that a solo trip would be the ultimate in leisure.
I think the DDP has been well discussed already, but as for dining itself, I would suggest, a la Kate, a TS meal pretty much every day. It’s just a nice opportunity to sit in comfort and enjoy a meal for an hour or so. Definitely schedule Biergarten, since its seating arrangement is conducive to small and large parties getting to know each other. Some solo travelers also like to eat at the bar areas of some TS restaurants. If I were going solo, I would probably do that some of the time.
As for lodging, I agree with Ginger that you might consider a moderate resort. Caribbean Beach Resort is in the Epcot area, and at the time of your visit would be newly renovated, I think. The last I heard, it was scheduled to be fully functional by sometime this summer. Even if not, the Port Orleans resorts are very nice and a leisurely boat ride to Disney Springs. Really, any of the moderates are just a short WDW bus ride to Epcot. At CBR, you would still have construction visible for the next phase of DVC, next door to CBR, but as I understand it, CBR itself is almost finished. Certainly, Yacht Club seems ideal for an adult solo traveler, but it is one of the pricier deluxe resorts. On a two week holiday, you would save a wad of cash staying moderate. Just sayin’
Considering your proposed window of travel, I’d also suggest going to enjoy some of the Christmas events, assuming that sort of celebration appeals to you. You could experience Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party many dates in November and December, but I’d you were interested in Epcot’s Candlelight Processional, you’d need to visit after U.S. Thanksgiving.
Thanks Susan and to All who have replied.
I have taken your advice and decide to book, only to find that there is no hotel vacancy to the hotels I wanted to stay at.... I had found a flight over from the UK but can't get hotel. I am very disappointed, having made the decision to go.
Thank you for your idea about a moderate hotel, I will give my Travel Agent call today to enquire.
I'll keep you posted.
Thank You all again. Disney People are the best!!!!
Have a Super Day.
Thanks Susan and to All who have replied.
I have taken your advice and decide to book, only to find that there is no hotel vacancy to the hotels I wanted to stay at.... I had found a flight over from the UK but can't get hotel. I am very disappointed, having made the decision to go.
Thank you for your idea about a moderate hotel, I will give my Travel Agent call today to enquire.
I'll keep you posted.
Thank You all again. Disney People are the best!!!!
Have a Super Day.
B
Also sending out a welcome to the PP boards. Keep trying for the dates you want. If you can be a little flexible on dates, that might help as well. Also, you might consider a split stay between 2 different resorts. That might open up some dates for you. Don't give up!
Solo Trip that includes holiday events would be near perfection!!!! My family does not enjoy all of the extra-holiday events at WDW but I do....may join you in planning my own solo trip!!!
You could choose a time that includes Food & Wine festival as well as holiday possibly.
Definitely consider Moderate hotels - we enjoy the Coronado but Port Orleans French Quarter might be nice for a solo trip.
Enjoy!!! Keep us posted!!!
__________________
"Disneyland has that thing - the imagination and the feeling of happy excitement - I knew when I was a kid."
--Walt Disney
Hello,
I wanted to get opinions on a Solo WDW trip....
I have had Three, 2 week WDW trip with Family and friends in the past (The last one in 2013) Unfortunately things have changed ALOT in my life since then. Now Divorced, Son grew up and is out on his own, the family we travel with are no longer able to travel.... But I still love Disney.
I am contemplating a Solo Trip of 10-14 days.
I would like to go around October -January. At a time when it is fairly quiet and not too many kids....
I would be flying over from Europe so this is not an inexpensive trip. I loved staying at the Yacht Club and that area. (Was thinking of possibly staying at the Dolphin to save some money but still be in that area I like.) Epcot is my favourite Park.
Has anyone done a long solo trip ? What were the pluses, What were the minus's?
I am worried that I might get there and see all the families and feel lonely.
Is WDW a place that is best shared ??
I am outgoing and don't have a problem talking/meeting other people but will people be just into their own group ??
I did take a Solo (Non Disney) Cruise recently and had a great time, but part of it was that I was on a dining table throughout the cruise with other Solo Travellers and we got along very well.
Are there any WDW Groups going to be able to join in with ?
Would you go for the Dining plan or wing it ??
I realise a lot has changed at WDW since I was last there in 2013 (and I will be doing a lot of studying here on Passporter)
Any thought would be helpful to myself and possibly other out there in my same situation.
Many Thanks in Advance,
HappyDisney Gal
(Sitting here wearing my Rhinestone Disney Shirt....)
_______________
I just did it !
I booked my first (of many?) Solo trip(s) to WDW. (I am doing a Happy Dance around the house and grinning from 'Ear to Ear'!!!)
But I almost lost my nerve.
Yesterday I decided to do it so I contacted my agent only to find no rooms in the Hotels I was interested in were available... so I was pretty bummed out,
I dug a little deeper today and found some rooms available. I almost lost my nerve and choked out .... (But I thought of all of you cheering me on) and I 'Phoned a Friend' who talked me through my options.
I actually was booking the airline ticket online while I was on the phone and the TA who was booking the hotel. (I did not want to end up with one and not the other !)
I went with Full Hopper tickets and Full dining Plan.
So Disney, Here I come!
Thanks again to all of you my fantastic friends.
Hugs,
'Happy Disney Gal'
Last edited by HappyDisneyGal; 06-09-2018 at 05:30 AM..
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