{"id":74741,"date":"2019-11-14T08:00:32","date_gmt":"2019-11-14T13:00:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.themouseforless.com\/blog_world\/?p=74741"},"modified":"2022-04-08T22:13:17","modified_gmt":"2022-04-09T02:13:17","slug":"walt-disney-world-solo-series-planning","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.themouseforless.com\/blog_world\/walt-disney-world-solo-series-planning\/","title":{"rendered":"Disney World Solo Series: Planning"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Are you thinking about taking your first solo trip to Walt Disney World? Or, did your travel buddy back out, and you now have to go solo or not at all? Two words: Just. Go! Traveling to my favorite place in the world solo has always been on my bucket list. I had a trip planned for September 2019 for two glorious weeks. Life changes meant I now had to go solo or cancel my trip. I didn\u2019t feel ready for my first solo trip, and I was nervous about the length of time alone. I had spent over a year planning & saving for the perfect Disney trip. Although I am a Disney World veteran, this trip was full of fun things I had been wanting to do for years. I would\u2019ve been devastated to cancel it!\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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I asked if friends were interested in joining & I thought a LOT about going solo. I <\/span>sought <\/span>advice from friends, family & fellow Disney fans who urged me this had the potential to be something amazing. I finally decided to reduce my trip by 2 days (I know…HUGE <\/span>change<\/span> right?) & go completely solo!<\/span><\/p>\n

Since I come from so far away, my travel days are out for doing any activities. To accomplish <\/span>everything<\/span> I wanted to on this trip, the perfect plans I had had to be tailored, but I knew I needed at least 10 days. <\/span>So<\/span> I stuck with 12 days. I called my travel agent, and took the plunge. It was still before my final payment date, so I wasn\u2019t hit with any fees for changing. Within a couple hours, the changes were made & it was official, I was going to Walt Disney World solo!\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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I was nervous for many things. I was nervous being a woman alone in Disney, I was nervous for being so far from home alone, but most of all, I was nervous about getting lonely. I now had to somewhat shift my plans to be more \u201csolo\u201d focused & only had about a month to do so. The trip was already sort of geared towards my interests, but I wanted to do some research. I started with researching how I could make some friends when I was there. Sounds stupid, I know. I wanted this trip to be kind of the shift in life that I needed & I knew that meant making new friends. I started reading a lot of blogs & watching Y<\/span>ouTube<\/span> videos on solo Disney World travel. Here\u2019s what I learned!<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Choosing your Resort<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n

Since this was originally not a solo trip, my resort was already chosen. My resort for this trip was Disney\u2019s <\/span>All Star<\/span> Music. I did have the option to switch to something else if I wanted to, but I decided to keep it as is. I loved All Star Music! The rooms are a little outdated, which I knew, but I absolutely loved this resort.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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I think when choosing your resort for your solo stay, something important to keep in mind is your own comfort & the distance from the main lobby\/buses.\u00a0<\/span> Budget, of course, is another major thing to consider. With no one to share expenses, it can get pricey quickly.
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Disney\u2019s PhotoPass<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n

One of my biggest takeaways from this trip-get yourself the Memory Maker<\/a>! Our family gets it every single trip anyways, because it\u2019s not a major expense, it is just so quick & easy, and then everyone can be in the photos.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Animal Kingdom, Africa area<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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It was never a question in my mind if I would have the Memory Maker or not, and I am so glad I kept it. I thought maybe being a solo traveler it would be weird or awkward getting photos alone-but I got PLENTY! In fact, I think I got more use out of my Memory Maker than I ever have before. Being solo meant I didn\u2019t have the option of someone else taking a photo for me. Selfies & Memory Maker made capturing my vacation memories so easy. I loved scouting out some unique photo locations & stopped as often as I could. It was great too for character meet & greets<\/span>. I also love it for those ride photos & videos! I completely understand being nervous about getting Memory Maker as a solo traveler, however, just do it! You will be glad you did. <\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Making Friends<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n

One thing that often came up was to not be afraid to post in Disney groups on F<\/span>acebook<\/span> like the Mouse for Less page.<\/a> I also tried searching some Disney World Solo groups. I was weary of posting my exact time & location, but I did find some great groups that I was comfortable chatting to various people in-I even found someone from my home province! I met several ladies through social media & I felt a bit more comfortable knowing that if I wanted a buddy, I could easily have one. I ended up dining with a few of my new friends & had tons of fun! We still keep in touch & will have Disney adventures in the future<\/span>.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Another tip was to simply meet people the <\/span>old fashioned<\/span> way. Sit at the bar, chat to your <\/span>neighbor<\/span> or bartender, make friends! I met a lot of interesting people this way. My personal favorite was when I went to Trader Sam\u2019s Grog Grotto<\/a> & sat with a couple. He worked for a construction company with Disney & had a TON of cool stories to share. I talked to them for over an hour & we had an awesome evening at the bar! I was nervous for Trader Sam\u2019s because they encourage communal seating, so I knew I\u2019d have to sit with a stranger. I put my name on the wait list & decided that if I was still at the Polynesian<\/a> when I got the text, I\u2019d go for a quick drink & leave. I am so glad I did! I\u2019d met a few others along the way by sitting at the bar, chatting to people in line & on the bus home. Most of them were just a passing friendship, <\/span>but some I still keep in touch with!<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Planning Your <\/span>Itinerary<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n

As previously mentioned, this trip had mostly already been planned as my \u201cperfect trip\u201d. I did have some things scheduled that were geared towards my original travel buddy which were mostly things I\u2019d already experienced. The first thing I did was change those things to something else on my bucket list. I changed a couple dining reservations & got back to planning how to make this trip my dream solo trip.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

One thing I focused on this trip was resort hopping. I have done the parks countless times, and while it\u2019s my absolutely favorite, there were a lot of resorts I had yet to explore so checking them out was high on my list.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Fort Wilderness (top left), Grand Floridian (top right), Port Orleans French Quarter (bottom left), Wilderness Lodge (bottom right)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Polynesian<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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I also decided I wanted to do a lot of pool time this trip. This is not something I typically do because I love the parks too much! But I wanted to relax & soak up the atmosphere more than I usually do.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Having the freedom to plan what I wanted was awesome. I typically travel with my family, and while I love that, it was nice to be able to not worry about other\u2019s wishes when I was making a plan. What can I say? I\u2019m greedy LOL, just kidding. It just made the trip so stress free to be able to be the one who calls the shots. <\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

I am a big planner when it comes to Disney trips. I have spreadsheets & bucket lists & planners galore. I don\u2019t have every minute of every day planned, but I definitely do know what parks I am going to on which days, and what I will be eating. I also have a bucket list that I sometimes reference to knock out some things off my list. I like to be organized & prepared! If you are a planner like me, check on my blog on tips for planning your Walt Disney World itinerary.<\/a>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Safety<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n

One other thing that made me a little nervous traveling to Disney World solo was being my strong independent female self.<\/span>..alone in a foreign country.<\/span> I have traveled alone to destinations before to meet up with friends or family, but I had never truly traveled solo before. I was a bit nervous, but I am pretty safe & savvy so I knew what precautions to take.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

First off, while I did post my whereabouts on social media, I did not post it in any groups or specify exactly where I was staying. Disney World is a safe place, but things can happen anywhere.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Secondly, I was always aware of my surroundings when I went to my room at night. Again, I never felt unsafe, but I wanted to be <\/span>mindful<\/span>. <\/span>When I submitted my room request, I also requested to have something facing the main courtyard so I was at least in view. <\/span>Unfortunately,<\/span> I never got my room request, but I was happy because I was kind of towards the back with a garden view & it was very peaceful. Still felt perfectly safe at all times!<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Lastly, I was just smart. I met a lot of great people on my trip. Those I felt comfortable with & got to know well, I didn\u2019t mind sharing things with. However, those I met in passing<\/span>,<\/span> I didn\u2019t disclose much information to unless asked & I kept my answers broad. I did indulge in some alcoholic beverages, but never too much. Just enough to have a good time, but make it home safely. I also took Uber a fair bit this trip-it was just so convenient if I had a late night, early morning or wanted to go off site at all. Again, I was smart. I also kept my Uber app open during the drive<\/span>,<\/span> in case I needed the safety button.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

All this aside, I never once felt unsafe. Not even a little bit, and not even when I took Uber off site (which was rare). Walt Disney World is a great stepping stone for solo travel because it is so safe. The Cast Members everywhere work hard to make sure each & every guest is comfortable, happy & most of all, safe. It\u2019s important to be savvy & aware of your surroundings, but there is honestly no better place to be solo. I knew I would feel safe, but I also wanted to be prepared. Keep these tips in mind on your solo trip. At the end of the day, there is the potential for people to end up in an unsafe situation anywhere. Have your wits about you, but I promise, you are truly in the happiest place on earth & have absolutely nothing to worry about. <\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Hard Ticket & Special Events<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n

Have you been daydreaming about any fun additions on your Walt Disney World vacations, but have been traveling with others & unable to do so? Great news! As a solo traveler, you can do what you want to! If it\u2019s within the budget, of course. Whether it be an <\/span>After Hours<\/span><\/a> event, guided tour, dessert party<\/a>, Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party<\/a> or Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party,<\/a> there are so many fun extras you can do on a Walt Disney World vacation. Check out my lists of <\/span>splurge<\/span><\/a> worthy or affordable bucket list<\/a> items to help you with your planning!<\/span><\/p>\n

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Sassagoula Riverboat, Port Orleans<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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I opted to do a couple of \u201cextras\u201d on my Disney World vacation. I had a blast at Mickey\u2019s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, and an incredible time at the Happily Ever After Fireworks Dessert Party<\/a>. Because I was solo, I actually ended up with the PERFECT seat at the dessert party & it was the best night of my trip! The Halloween party was also a ton of fun \u2013 check out my review here<\/a>. <\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Lastly, I enjoyed the Epcot Food & Wine festival. While this isn\u2019t an extra ticketed event, it was something I was looking very forward to! I had traveled during the Epcot F<\/span>ood<\/span> & Wine Festival many times, but never truly indulged in it. Getting to wine & dine around W<\/span>orld<\/span> Showcase was a blast. Read my full review here<\/a>.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Ravioli, Italy booth, Food & Wine Festival<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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Don\u2019t be shy or nervous to do these events! Solo travel is something to commemorate, so why not make the trip extra special by splurging on some fun additions?<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Single Rider Lines<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n

Another pro tip \u2013 take advantage of the single <\/a><\/span>riders<\/span> line! I cannot stress it enough. There aren\u2019t a ton in Walt Disney World, but the ones that are there, definitely take advantage. Don\u2019t waste precious FastPasses on these attractions \u2013 use the single rider line! They are usually walk on or 10 minutes max. The one exception I did find was Rock n’ Roller Coaster. This one always has a long single riders line. I waited in it for 20 minutes, then I decided to check for a <\/span>FastPass<\/span> on my <\/span>My<\/span> Disney Experience app later that evening. I got my F<\/span>astPass<\/span>, and decided to skip out on this single <\/span>riders<\/span> line. All others, however, I rode multiple times in a row. I rode Smuggler\u2019s Run 3 times in a row, and Expedition Everest 7 times in row. That\u2019s right. 7. Why? Because I had no one with me to tell me I couldn\u2019t. LOL. Here are all the attractions that have single rider lines.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n