What in the World?

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A weekly peek at Walt Disney World

Monday, January 22, 2007
Glenn Sonoda

A common misconception is made when someone travels to Walt Disney World alone. Questions like, “Will you have any fun by yourself?” or “why would you want to go to Walt Disney World alone?” are bound to asked when your travel plans come up. Well, the answer is simple: traveling to Walt Disney World solo can be just as memorable and exciting as going with family or friends. All one needs is the right perspective and outlook.

The advantage of going solo starts at your resort. Because there are no family or friends with differing schedules, wants, likes, dislikes, and favorites asking/begging/pleading/telling you what to do and when to do it; you can go at your own pace. If you want to stick around your hotel for a day or two, you can. Your options are limitless: lounging around the pool in the early afternoon with a good box, taking a nap, relaxing at a spa, or taking tennis lessons are just some of the many things you can do. Traveling alone allows you to truly relax when you want to. Take time to rejuvenate yourself.

Shopping is a popular pastime on solo trips. Browsing the shops on Main Street in the Magic Kingdom, wandering around Mouse Gear in Epcot, cruising Hollywood and Sunset Boulevards at the Studios, exploring the shops around Animal Kingdom, or spending an entire day at Downtown Disney offer the solo traveler a huge opportunity to bring back some of the magic your family and friends missed.

Going solo also allows you to experience the parks in a much different way. Instead of having to deliberate or negotiate what attractions to see first, you make the rules. You can follow a touring plan to avoid as much wait time as possible, and depending on the attraction, utilize a single rider line. Even when there aren’t single rider lines, one may find cast members asking for one or two people to fill in holes for rides like The Great Movie Ride. This allows you to experience more attractions with less of a wait. On top of that, you have the opportunity to walk around the parks and really take in and appreciate the planning and Imagineering that went into making Walt Disney World. I personally enjoy taking pictures of interesting sights in the park. And just because you’re going it solo doesn’t mean you can’t be in some of your pictures. Cast members, especially PhotoPass photographers, will be happy to take a picture of you with your own camera. Take this opportunity to explore the World like you never have before because you can truly experience the World at your own pace when you travel solo.

Traveling solo doesn’t mean you wont interact with anyone either. For starters, you will find that most Disney cast members are happy to speak with you about the parks. For example, while I was waiting for Illuminations, I spoke with a cast member that had recently moved to Florida with his wife for retirement. He was a professor of economics at a New England college before retiring and decided to become a Disney cast member. He knew an incredible amount of information about Epcot and Walt Disney, and even shared his experience as a cast member. You will find that many cast members have wonderful stories and insight to share with you. Another way to share the magic on a solo trip is to take a tour. Tours are small and intimate, and allow guests to interact with one another. You’ll even find that waiting in line at an attraction, standing in a crowd during a parade, or riding next to someone might lead to a very interesting discussion with a guest or cast member.

Dining does not have to be a bore either. Dining alone may cause some trepidation by some, but it can be both fun and filling. Eating solo allows you to have whatever type of cuisine strikes your fancy whenever you want. And just because you’re going at it alone, doesn’t mean you have to be relegated to eating only at counter service restaurants. Eating at table service restaurants can still be enjoyable. Many table service restaurants are uniquely decorated and offer something interesting to look at while you dine. In addition, you can converse with your server and ask what his/her favorite meal is, or what the chef recommends that evening. And of course, people watching always offers a different (and usually entertaining) experience every time.

Finally, when traveling solo, be cognizant about your safety and security. Keep to well-lit areas and try to stay with large numbers of people. Taking Disney transportation to and from your resort is always a good idea as well.

So, can you still have fun at Walt Disney World by yourself? Because of the ability to do what you want, when you want, the answer is an overwhelming YES.