It doesn’t always work out that you are able to plan a trip to Disney at the same time as your friends or family. Sometimes, you end up going it alone. And, as the strong, independent adult you are, there’s nothing wrong with that! Actually, visiting a Disney park alone can offer a lot of benefits. From shorter line waits to more flexible meal options, after this trip you may just find that visiting Disney alone is the way to go.
Visiting Disney World Alone, Visiting Disneyland Alone
Flexible Eating Choices
While many feel nervous about the idea of eating alone, at Disney World or Disneyland, you have a chance here to make visiting Disney solo count. So many reservations at the fantastic eateries across Disney can be hard to come by.
As a solo eater, you may have the chance to try something entirely new. Instead of worrying about choosing a meal that everyone is happy with, all you have to worry about is what sounds good to you. Go crazy!
Skip the Line
We have two words for you: single rider. As a single rider, you have the chance to skip ahead of the line at so many rides. Of course, this option is not available at every single ride. However, when you do see it- go for it.
Now’s your chance to ride the Rock ‘N’ Roller Coaster three times in half an hour. This is a great way to save time and to experience the park in a whole new way.
Less Scary Prices
Simple math here tells us that paying for the food, tickets, and experiences for one versus four or five means a huge drop in prices. A family of five may have to avoid a buffet, seeing as they would be looking at paying more than $200 for their group.
As a solo traveler, this is your time to shine! Instead of thinking about the cost of a group to do something or eat somewhere, you’re only budgeting for one. Treat yourself to a spa treatment, a surfing lesson at Typhoon Lagoon, or the fanciest dinner you have always dreamed of. You deserve it!
Meet Interesting People – Or Be the Interesting Person Yourself
Disney parks bring together people from all corners of the world. This is your chance to meet someone new and completely different! While in line, don’t be afraid to chat with your fellow riders, or make jokes with people watching the same show as you. You may find yourself in an interesting conversation with someone who lives across the world.
Another option here is to make yourself the interesting person that others meet! You’re surrounded by strangers who you’ll likely never see again, why not wear the shoes of someone new?
Give yourself a fake name, affect a Southern drawl or New Yorker accent, tell people that you’re traveling to Disney for work to assess the rides, the sky’s the limit! This can be a fun way to try things you normally might not have, by wearing a new hat and striking out as someone new.
You’re Not Alone
Although you’re walking the paths of Disney on your own, you aren’t truly isolated from your loved ones. Social media has its drawbacks, but this is one place where it shines. One of the best parts about traveling with someone is sharing special and memorable moments.
Use social media to do this while you’re at Disney! FaceTime a loved one while meeting a character or enjoying an incredible meal, send your ride photos to a group chat, or post what ride or experience you’re hitting next as you move throughout your day.
Your loved ones may chime in with their own memories and experiences, bringing you closer together and ensuring that you don’t get lonely. Waiting in line won’t be a waste of time if you’re talking to someone.
One piece of advice here, if you plan to use your phone often throughout the day, it’s a good idea to pack an external battery charger so you don’t find yourself out of juice.
Try Something New
Traveling with others is great, but it does mean that you end up making an awful lot of compromises. You sacrifice things you may have been really excited to do for the sake of the larger group. This is your chance to shine and do exactly what you want to do when you want to do it.
For Disney World adventurers, consider taking this time to check out Vacation Kingdom. This area is more targeted to specific interests, and so can be difficult for groups to manage. Check out a golf or fishing outing, take a ride around Bay Lake, or simply ride the rails on the monorail and soak in all that is available in the area.
One of the best ways to spend an afternoon is a walk around Crescent Lake, or by exploring Trail’s End and treating yourself to something delicious.
Whatever your interest and whatever park you are visiting, there is bound to be something that excites you. Take this time to hone in on your favorite things to do and dive right in!
Be Impulsive
One of the drawbacks of trips with a large group is the fact that you end up needing nearly every moment planned. This is especially true at a place like Disney. With so much to see and do, when you are visiting with a group you’ll need to have a detailed itinerary and a schedule. As a solo traveler, you can chuck the schedule out the window!
Do whatever you like, whenever. Maybe you had planned to do one thing, but then something else caught your eye. Go for it! This is your time to follow your heart and delight in the magic that it leads you to.
Make Yourself the Star of the Show
One of the amazing things about the parks today is that they are geared towards every type of visitor. Don’t assume that just because you’re traveling alone, you won’t be able to get any photos of yourself.
Ask the Disney photographers to snap photos of you and end up with some stellar prints of yourself against amazing backdrops. This is a vacation that you will never want to forget.
