9 Reasons to Book a Solo Disney World Vacation

I keep seeing queries on Threads and the TouringPlans Lines chat about solo Disney World trips and as someone who has spent years going to the parks alone for work, I’m hopeful I can offer a few tips. Especially since most work days include a good bit of solo fun!

First, I apologize in advance for the lack of Len’s corporate card. Turns out, everything is more fun when Len pays. Moving on.

#1 No Sharing a Room

Sharing a room with folks you love and even one or two you have given birth to is not nearly as relaxing as being alone. I like the air conditioning on 65 degrees (we all know how to do that, right?), the fan app on my phone on loud, and a small crack of light showing from the bathroom. Not having to negotiate comfort settings and bathroom space / time is so nice.

#2 Rope Drop, Nap, Pool, Shut Down the Park

As someone who is normally up with the chickens, I enjoy rope drop, a few fun hours in the parks, a mid-day shower and nap, and then an evening jaunt to the Magic Kingdom for Happily Ever After. Sometimes I’m motivated to throw in a bit of pool time, too.

When you’re the only boss, you can do what you want! I like to ride the PeopleMover twice in a row. I don’t like to see Hall of Presidents but I do want to see Voices of Liberty at least twice and I want to cry through The American Adventure a few times, too. Peter Pan is always a skip when I’m alone.

#3 Whimsy Time is Less Stressful

There are dozens of times I’ve been caught up in a moment of whimsy or joy in the parks on my own! Many of them have been recorded on Instagram live with my blubbering tears in the background. A few of my favorite whimsical moments every solo traveler should enjoy:

• Watching whatever special show is happening on Spaceship Earth each night. Watching the lights and crying to Rainbow Connection at least twice on loop heals even old, crusty hearts like mine.
• Observing the animals on Gorilla Falls or Maharaja Jungle Trek for more than the usual minute or so is fascinating.
• Catching the glassblowing demonstrations at Crystal Arts on Main Street.
• Watching the full performance of the Dapper Dans when they’re standing on Main Street.
• People watching literally anywhere in Walt Disney World is a whole show!

#4 Character Interactions!

When I have to be in a character meet and greet line on my own, it’s for work. I’m either timing the wait or I’m trying to get new pictures. I’ve had to do dozens of character meals alone, too. During all of these interactions, I typically try to go very fast and get what I need so the characters can move on to guests on vacation. Occasionally though, a character will initiate a bit of silliness. Oddly, the picture above is not the first time Donald has tried to eat my head and it tickles me every single time. Maybe it makes the meeting easier since there is only one guest in focus, but I’ve been delighted more often than not when I show up alone.

#5 Single Rider Line!

Traveling to Disney World alone can mean saving a ton of money on Lightning Lanes. You only need to worry about your own ability or willingness to stand in line. While only a few rides have dedicated single rider lines, lots of attractions will have Cast Members calling out for parties of one or two. This is really common at Tower of Terror, Jungle Cruise, Pirates of the Caribbean, and It’s a Small World.

Attractions with single rider lines:

• Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure
• Test Track
• Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance
• Millennium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run
• Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets
• Expedition Everest

Occasionally, Soarin’ will also offer a single rider line.

#6 Dining Reservations Are Easy When You’re Solo

Have a gander at the My Disney Experience app and search for dining reservations for a party of 1. You’ll be surprised at how many hard to get spots come up! GEO-82, Space 220, Beak and Barrel, and so many other great locations often have openings for just one person.

#7 Enchanting Extra Reservations Are Easy

Basically any Enchanting Extra you want will likely have a reservation for one at some point during your visit! I’ve done Wild Africa Trek, Celebration at the Top, Glimmering Greenhouses, and so many other truly wonderful things by snagging a reservation for one.

#8 It’s Easy to Make a Friend if You Want

Need to hear your own voice for a minute? There are so many fun ways to have a little chat without needing to share your whole vacation. The Rose and Crown Pub in the UK Pavilion of EPCOT is a fantastic place to enjoy an English Rose or a Shandy and engage in a bit of chat before you strike out on your own again. Other really fun bars where you can get some good food include Citricos, Topolino’s Terrace, and California Grill. The food is wonderful AND you don’t need a reservation to eat at the bar!

#9 Lines Chat!

If you’re ready to head to Disney World on your own but you want some advice or even maybe a new friend to link up with for a snack and a hello, check out the chat feature on the TouringPlans Lines app. There are folks that met on chat a decade ago that now meet up in the parks to hang out. There is always someone headed to Disney World no matter when you’re planning to go.

What did I miss? Have you taken a solo trip to Disney World? Drop your tips in the comments, please! Thanks for reading!