Traveling to Disney World alone can seem really daunting, but it can easily be one of your favorite vacation memories.
Disney World is a theme park made for families, kids and adults, as Walt Disney originally intended it to be, but if you’re an adult going on a solo trip, there’s no need to feel embarrassed or ashamed about all the fun you’re about to have. We go on solo trips all the time as Disney adults, and here are our top 5 tips for having the BEST possible trip with zero awkwardness.
Still Make That List!
Just because it’s only your agenda you’re following doesn’t mean you won’t get overwhelmed with all your choices of what to do, especially if it’s one of your first trips. So still make that list of what you’d like to do/eat/see in each park you’ll be going to!
This way, you can check off your list as you go, and accomplish all your must-do’s, and then (hopefully) still have time to do additional attractions to fill the rest of your time. It’ll also avoid the hassle and stress of standing in a park when one ride goes down and you have zero clue what to do next.
Do Your Own Research
We know, we know, research, blech, but it really is important! When you tell your friends and family you’re heading to Disney World, you’re very likely about to get a million recommendations about what “Absolutely can’t miss!” and “Can’t leave without doing!”.
We’re not saying their wrong, but everyone’s tastes are different. And going with your family vs. going by yourself are not the same trips. By doing your own research and making that list of what YOU want to do, you’ll leave your trip feeling accomplished and with all the best memories. That even goes for the advice we give you too — take what works and leave what doesn’t!
Use Single Rider AND Pay Attention in Other Lines
A few rides in Disney World have single rider lines, but not many. They are:
- Millennium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run
- Expedition Everest
- Test Track
- Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster
Using these is a great way to save time in Disney World, as well as mitigate that nervous feeling some of us get when we’re riding an attraction alone.
However, if you’re in an attraction that doesn’t have a single rider line and are getting close to the front, listen closely for any Cast Members asking for single riders in the rest of the line. Sometimes, if they need to fill an extra seat, they’ll ask if there are any single riders and you may get to skip ahead a little bit!
Have A Phrase in Mind When Meeting Characters
Meeting characters can be scary and awkward sometimes, especially if you’re by yourself, but there’s an easy way we mitigate that — we have a question already in our heads!
No matter who we’re meeting, we’ll have something to ask them after we exchange hellos. If we’re meeting Tiana, we might say “how is your restaurant doing?” or “What’s the hardest dish to cook?” If we’re meeting Winnie the Pooh, we may ask him if there’s such a thing as too much honey. Cast Members are trained to be able to carry conversations with all different types of guests — those that are chatty and those that aren’t — so don’t stress too much. But, having that question in your mind is a great way to ease your own fears!
Get Past That Mental Roadblock
Part of the reason you may feel so nervous about your solo trip is because you’re worried about what other people will think about you. You wanna know the truth? Everyone is too busy trying to have their own perfect day to scrutinize you for yours!
Remind yourself that Disney is for everyone, regardless of their age or how many people they’re traveling with. You made the decision to vacation here and have an amazing time, and that’s all that matters. Once you get past that mental roadblock, some of your anxiety very well may melt away.
And as an additional tip, we also wanted to share that we highly recommend documenting your trip in whatever way you prefer — photos, videos, journaling, or a mix! This way, not only will you have the trip to remember for all time, but you can show it to your friends and family so they can live through your trip with you.
We’re always here to help you plan the best Disney World trip possible, so stay tuned to AllEars!
Here’s why going to Disney World solo is kinda the best!
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What’s your favorite part about going to Disney World solo? Tell us below!
Definitely listen out for a cast member calling out for a single rider. On a recent visit I was riding Space Mountain alone — I happened to turn the right way as she called out for a single rider – and I skipped most of the switchbacks inside the ride. I’ll definitely be paying more attention next time and hope for the same good luck.
Was there with family other times, yet last year I took the trip alone for a number of reasons.
I had a great experience sometimes talking to kind people on the lines, was able to see all attractions in my own pace and was very welcomed by staff.
It can be sad when you want to share with loved ones, but nowadays video calls can make it feel less lonely and add to the whole experience walking the park or even through some rides.
It was a valid ritual of passage.
Sorry it’s still awful and awkward being by yourself
I’ve been to Walt Disney World 28 times and 7 of those times were solo! I got so much done and didn’t have to be saddled with who wanted to ride what and when. The same goes for dining. If I wanted to eat two table service meals in one day – I did. If I wanted to binge on Mickey ice cream bars, popcorn, and Dole whip – I did. I also feel really safe at Disney properties. I’m a 63 year-old woman who needs to use an electric scooter and I feel well taken care of by every cast member I meet. I would highly recommend a solo Disney vacation to anyone!
I have gone solo at least 10 timesto WDW. I go to clear my head from life. It may sound crazy but it works for me.
Not having anyone else telling me what they want to do.😉
Don’t limit yourself as a solo traveler. If you’ve always wanted to dine at Victoria and Albert’s, go for it! Plus any other extraordinary things.