Disney World - The Online Guide

The Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World 2003
(UK customers)

Travelling Solo

If you're considering visiting WDW alone by choice, or for some reason you have to travel alone, read on. As someone who has travelled to WDW alone, I can highly recommend it.

If you're going to visit anywhere by yourself, Disney World is the ideal place, as it's a self-contained resort. There's no need to venture off-site unless you want to visit other Orlando theme parks. I wouldn't consider travelling alone on vacation anywhere else, but I have always felt very safe when at WDW.

I would recommend staying on-site at a Disney Resort. You have then got the Disney transport system at your disposal, and you can return to your hotel whenever you like. Disney Cast Members are extremely friendly & there is no need for you to ever feel lonely.

One thing to consider when booking a room is that single rooms don't exist, you'll have to pay for double occupancy even though you are alone. This is when resort discounts come into their own. Watch out for Annual Passholder and Disney Club discounts, and you could save up to 45% on a room.

There are many advantages to travelling alone, you only have to do what you want to do - you can get up when you want to, go to bed when you want to, eat when you want to & go on the rides you choose.

Don't be afraid to eat at sit-down restaurants or character meals. You won't be the first to do so, and you certainly won't be the last! You may find that Cast Members are more willing to talk when you're alone, and you can engage in some very interesting conversations. At character meals, ask the server to take your photo. If you offer to take a photo for the family on the next table, they may be more willing to take one for you.

If you want your photo taken with a character, there is always a Cast Member who accompanies the characters who will be more than willing to take the photo for you. As for taking photos throughout the parks, ask other nearby (offering to take a photo for them in return usually helps). Also, there are usually Disney photographers wandering the parks who will take your photo for you to purchase later, if you ask them nicely they will take a photo of you with your camera.

I have met and got talking to more people when I'm alone, than when I'm travelling with someone else. You may find that you make new friends whilst sitting waiting for parades and shows. Don't be afraid to talk to other people - guests or Cast Members.

You could always arrange to meet others, for example, folks off the rec.arts.disney.parks newsgroup regularly arrange meets in the parks and resorts. You could also arrange to meet friends off our message boards. Just use common sense when meeting strangers. Meet in groups rather than meeting someone individually. Only meet in public places. Don't agree to go back to someone's hotel room.

At night, good places to visit are resort lounges, where entertainment is often laid on. Alternatively, visit one of the clubs at Pleasure Island (be aware that many locals visit, and single women may get more unwanted attention from men here than elsewhere).

Take the opportunity to do things you've always wanted to do, or try something new - backstage tours, parasailing, Grand Floridian Spa, etc.

Relax and enjoy yourself, make the most of being on your own, be selfish & do exactly what you want to do - it's your vacation!

Do you have any tips, or stories of travelling alone, to share? Email me.

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