Welcome to this month’s Blogorail Orange Loop. Today we are sharing tips and ideas for a solo trip to Disney World… so we decided we might need to answer WHY you should take one in the first place!
Taking a Solo Trip to Disney World
We all know that Walt Disney World is one of the most family-friendly destinations in the world – but some people are surprised to hear of adults who love to take solo trips there, too. I’ve taken a couple of solo trips of my own, and I have to say – they’re super special in their own way.
I’ve asked some of the biggest Disney fans we know to try and describe just what makes a solo trip so special. In no particular order…
A solo traveler in WDW:
- …can interact with characters however she wants without embarrassing her children.
Oh, just me and my boyfriend Launchpad McQuack…
- … can sing and dance to whatever band is playing at Eat to the Beat or Garden Rocks without embarrassing her children.
- …has the freedom to go wherever he wants, whenever he wants.
We LOVE watching the Streetmosphere characters – especially Ms. Dorma Nesmond. My kids don’t find them quite as funny.
- …can totally ignore bedtime. or have an early bedtime. (See also: can sleep in. Or blast Disney music at 5am.)
- …can eat Dole Whips or Butterfinger Cupcakes for breakfast, everyone morning if she wants.
- …can let go of responsibility to others. The people who travel solo are often the same people that pour their heart, soul, and energy into making sure every other Disney trip is the best it can be – for everyone. When traveling alone, there is no pressure to make sure anyone else has a great trip.
- …gets to utilize Single Rider Lines at several attractions! (Pro tip: Don’t try it at Rock n Roller Coaster. Never works.)
- …can purposefully make reservations at all of the restaurants that make her kids (or picky spouse) say, “Ewwww!”, and “Ugh!” and, “Why do you want us to starve to death?!”
- …can enjoy a full day without listening to whining. Hopefully. (If not, please revisit number 4…)
- … has the ability to actually take in the background music, because there are plenty of moments when nobody is talking to her. Or can put in headphones and listen to audio tours or other related experiences.
c. Photo via WDWRadio.com
- … is not too busy keeping kids from scaling the walls or poking one another’s eye out to take really beautiful photographs.
- … can walk faster. Or slower.
- … or he can sit somewhere, take in the atmosphere (or a pint in Rose & Crown) and people watch for as long as he wants.
- … is going to get through crowds much more efficiently than a family or a group. Unfortunately, she is still not exempt from getting hit in the heels by strollers and scooters.
- … will likely get a much better seat at shows and attractions, even if he arrives at the last minute. The same can be said for grabbing a meal at busy restaurants that have bar/lounge seating.
- … has the freedom to spend as long as she wants perusing shops without the kids a) getting bored, b) asking for everything, or c) breaking stuff.
- … can hop on whatever bus shows up first, because there’s no itinerary to stick to. (Um, I LOVE this idea provided by someone on Facebook.)
- …is free to take as many trips to (or as long as he wants in) the bathroom. (This one showed up in my poll at least 8 times more frequently than I expected it to, which is to say 8 times. It must be a good reason!)
- … gets to eat food he actually orders, instead of just planning on eating everyone’s leftovers, every meal. (My husband didn’t suggest this one, but wholeheartedly applauded it.)
Finally, one I heard (a few different ways) that nearly makes my skin crawl. I literally almost didn’t put this one on the list because, to me, it sounds more like a reason to stay home.
Then I realized not everyone in the world is an introvert who wears earbuds and avoids eye contact at the grocery store so as not to have to talk to anyone. So for the rest of you:
20. …has plenty of opportunities to join another family or make new friends. This statement brings back vivid, stressful memories of the time I went to Walt Disney World alone for the very first time, and booked a meal at Biergarten. Not only do I not like any German food, I was also 11 weeks pregnant with twins (have you smelled German food?), and had no idea I would have to sit with like a hundred of other people at my table. Worst. dinner memory. ever. But to each his own. 🙂
Have you ever taken a solo trip (or would you)? What reasons would top your list?
For more ideas for traveling solo to Disney,
check out the other great posts from the Blogorail!
Here is the map of our Magical Blogorail Orange | Traveling Solo to Disney Loop:
- 1st Stop – Adventureland Pam | 5 Favorite Solo Trip Activities at Disney
- 2nd Stop – Magical Mickey Tips | Mom and Mickey – Top 5 Disney World Solo Travel Tips
- 3rd Stop – My Pixie Dust Diary | Eating Solo at Disney
- 4th Stop – The Delightful Life | 20 Great Reasons to take a Solo Trip to Walt Disney World
- 5th Stop – Saving Up for Disney | Traveling Alone to Disney with a Baby
Julie Bigboy
I loved being able to walk through the shops and just LOOK without anyone asking for a souvenir!
Pam Ilosky
I didn’t think I would enjoy my solo trip as much as I did and I’m glad to see you enjoy yours as well! I never thought of doing an audio tour. That is a great idea!! Also my family is always waiting on me while I go to the bathroom too. Trying to stay hydrated at Disney = lots of water = a thousand trips to the bathroom!
Patricia
Love #19! No more ordering something with a kid or just a small plate because you know there will be left overs. Or actually getting to eat on of the fried green beans from Yak and Yeti, since the kids gobble them up before you have a chance.