10 Things to Consider Before Embarking on a Solo Walt Disney World Trip

Walt Disney World is a top vacation destination for all ages, in groups large and small. You’ve likely been there a time or two with your family or friends or really anyone you could grab to take with you. But once in a while, the urge might strike to just jump on a plane and fly to Florida by yourself — especially on a Monday morning when cubicle life seems like the farthest thing from the Happiest Place on Earth. If you’ve never taken a solo trip, it might seem daunting at first, and there are definitely several things to keep in mind before you go. So here are five pros followed by five cons to a solo Walt Disney World trip.

1. You get to plan your trip your way

Want to stay somewhere you’ve always dreamed about staying? Want a quick weekend getaway or would you like to stay for two weeks? It’s all up to you (and your budget, of course). A solo trip is the time to do what you — and only you — want. There’s no worrying about whether your friend really wants to ride Spaceship Earth five times in a row or if it’s a bad idea to eat a Dole Whip for dinner (hint: it’s not). 

2. You won’t stick out, and you’ll be safe

Walt Disney World is much safer than many other travel destinations for solo visitors. Think about it: When was the last time you even noticed a person walking through the parks by themselves? Most people are too preoccupied with their own touring plans to even see that someone is alone, and there’s also plenty of security inside and outside the parks as well as well-lit walking paths at resorts and reliable transportation options to get you wherever you want to go.

3. You can get right on the rides

Single rider lines are a huge bonus when you’re on a solo trip. There will always be parties of seven on rides that seat eight, so you’ll fit right in and avoid long wait times. If you combine the single rider lines with your FastPass+ selections, you can likely hit all of your favorite rides more than once.  

4. It’s easier to get a front-row seat for fireworks and parades

Because you’re not traveling with a huge group, you can squeeze into your preferred spot for the shows. And since you’ll probably be able to get a good space for even the new Disney Festival of Fantasy Parade at the Magic Kingdom, you won’t have to spend as much time saving your place as you would if you were with a big party.

5. You get dining perks

By choosing quick service dining, you won’t need to worry about making (and keeping) reservations, but if you’re hoping for table service meals, it can be easier to get reservations (even last-minute) as a solo traveler. And another bonus is that you’ll likely meet a bunch of friendly cast members who will make you feel welcome, and you could end up sparking fun conversations with fellow travelers in lines or restaurants.

6. You’re the only one who will be excited before your trip

7. There isn’t anyone to share the costs with

Some people might find it hard to justify spending the big bucks on a Disney hotel room just for themselves, even if that does mean you won’t have to listen to snoring or early wake-up calls that aren’t set by you. If you’re used to sharing costs with a friend, it can be an eye-opener to foot the entire bill by yourself. However, there are plenty of room and package discounts that can make the prices easier to accept. 

8. Dining by yourself can be difficult

 

Some solo travelers think it’s a little embarrassing to ask for a table for one, and it can be hard to not have anyone across the table to talk with. Some people on solo trips say they find themselves rushing through meals so they can get back to exploring the parks. But if you’re worried about how to occupy your time while you dine, you can bring a book or your phone — and posting updates about your delicious Disney meal on Facebook will probably make your friends at home jealous, whether you’re dining alone or not.

9. You might miss sharing the magic with someone

Seeing couples and families together at the parks could make a solo traveler miss the companionship. Your character photos will feature just you and you might wish you had someone to share that Dole Whip dinner with. But you’ll likely gain a different perspective of the parks when you tour them by yourself. You’ll probably find details in the dark rides and other nuances painstakingly placed by Imagineers that you might never have noticed if you were traveling with other people.

10. You have to depend on yourself 

Instead of having someone to help you carry items to your room or to the parks, or help you keep from forgetting something, it’s just you. But this will probably make you more able to rely on yourself. If there’s no one else around to remind you not to leave your phone in your room, you’ll learn to not leave your phone in your room. You might also gain the confidence to do things by yourself that you may have thought you couldn’t do before, like strike up conversations with strangers in lines.

 

There are definitely more pros than cons to a solo Walt Disney World trip. You’ll make your own memories, which will still be as priceless as the ones you have with others. You’ll meet all kinds of other Disney fans. And you’ll get a chance to treat yourself. So the next time the urge strikes to plan a solo trip, why not take yourself up on the offer?