“The 2021 wedding season was the craziest year ever..” I am sure you heard that from a lot of wedding vendors this year… Some of us went to the spa, others bought a ton of new gear, but I decided on a Disney solo trip. Yes, I went to Disney World by myself and I am so glad I did.
I used a lot of my skills from being a business owner to plan the best Disney solo trip I could. I researched by reading forums, watching Youtube videos (especially ones on food thanks to Disney Food Blog ), and organizing my prep and packing on Trello. Planning trips are a lot of work but I personally love doing it, so I found the planning and prep just as fun as the trip itself.
This trip was not my first Disney solo trip it was actually my second. In 2015 I went to Disneyland on a whim during a vacation in California. This was the first time I went on a trip to Disney World solo. This was actually a trip of many first.
Table of Contents
Disney Solo Trip Firsts
- Staying on property- If I could give any tip to anyone planning a trip to Disney it would be to stay at a Disney Resort. Not only did it give me that full Disney experience it also gave me easier travel options. I stayed at the Pop Century Resort in the 60s building and I was right next to the skyliner gate so when I got back to the resort after a day of walking it was nice to walk right of the gondala to the room. I loved staying on property thanks to bell services. This is the biggest reason staying on property is so great.
I arrived at Pop Century at 1 but check-in is not until 3 so with bell services I was able to drop off my bags and head straight to Disney Springs for lunch. Not only did they take my bags they put them in my room while I enjoyed my first day at Disney. Bell services also held my bags my last day by letting me leave my bags there while I spent a full day in the parks.
2. Riding the Skyliner- The last time I went to Disney World it was a bus or monorail and that’s it. The Skyliner was definitely the fastest way to get around.. I kind of wish they had it for all of the parks. But for now, it just brings you to Epcot and Hollywood Studios (my two favorite parks).
3. Using Genie Plus- Last time I went to Disney World there wasn’t even a My Disney Experience App. This app is a necessity for Disney. It is where you make dining reservations, find your info, and use the Genie System. For details on the Genie Plus system click here. I found that for busy parks the Genie Plus system is the best because of the lightning lanes (formally known as a fast pass). I didn’t really use the suggested itinerary but I did find the tip board section very helpful.
4. Table Service Eating- This was the first time I did any of the sit-down restaurants. I always do quick service, but since it was a Disney solo trip I got to eat where I wanted and didn’t have to settle for a spot that caters to who I was traveling with.
Disney Solo Trip Recap
Day One
Like I mentioned earlier, I arrived at the Disney World Resort at one and then headed to Disney Springs for lunch at Wine Bar George. Where I had a caffeine-filled cocktail and flaming cheese, which was out of this world. I did a little Christmas shopping and then walked over to the Sarasota Springs Hotel to catch the bus to head to Magic Kingdom for some rides and dinner at Be Our Guest.
The Be Our Guest restaurant is perfect for a Beauty and the Beast fan like me. There are three rooms the grand ballroom (where I was seated), the west wing that is dark and has the enchanted rose, and the library. It was the perfect way to top off my first day.
Day Two
I started the day on the Boardwalk for breakfast at the charming Trattoria Al Forno and had the breakfast pizza, which was like all of the food I had, very yummy. Then I walked over to Epcot for rope drop. I spent the morning riding rides and the afternoon drinking around the world (I had three lol).
For dinner, I headed over to the Contemporary Resort and ate at the Steakhouse 71, which is perfect for a quiet dinner. The hallway leading to the dining room and bar was full of black and white photos rich with Wald Disney World history. The decor was bright and modern but not tacky.. If you are looking for a nice adult dinner this is highly recommended.
I headed back to Epcot for the Candlelight Processional, which was great. One, I got to sit for a half-hour. Second, because it is a stunning Christmas concert. As someone who has done many Christmas concerts in her life, this was a highlight of my entire trip.
I ended what was pretty much an Epcot day with Harmonious the firework show that closes out the day. It reminded me why Epcot is my favorite park. The show featured songs that represented the countries found in the world showcase. Harmonious was the perfect way to end the day.
Day 3
The third day if my Disney Solo trip began with a Lyft over to the Yacht Club Resort for breakfast at the Ale & Compass.I then hopped on to the Friendship boat to start my day at Hollywood Studios. Actually it started with me buying Individual Lightning Lanes for Rise of the Resistance and Mickey an Minnie’s Runaway Railway.
This was definitly the most crowded park, mostly due to the Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge and Toy Story Land areas. I love the Star Wars movies so I thought Galaxy’s Edge was really cool. The area is based more on the newer trilogy, so if you are looking for old school Star Wars the ride Star Tours may be your jam. The two rides in Galaxy’s Edge were both great. They defintly lived up to the hype.
I followed my morning at Galaxy’s Edge with lunch, Beauty and the Beast Live, more rides, and a visit to Toy Story Land. I really thought the decor of Toy Story Land was great but there were so many children. For an adult Disney solo trip it wasent ideal.
I ended my visit at Hollywood Studios with dinner at the Hollywood Brown Derby and had the famous cobb salad. Then I went to Pop Century for a nap before I headed to the Very Merryriest Holiday Party at Magic Kingdom. I didnt take any photos there because I enjoyed myself so much that I never took any photos.
Day 4
This was my last scheduled Disney day of my trip. I started the morning by sleeping in… I then went to Animal Kingdom and had a early lunch at Yak and Yeti (my favorite meal of the trip). The higlights were the safari ride and Pandora Land’s Avatar Flight of Passage. I ended my last DIsney solo trip day with a second trip to Epcot to get to the pavillians I hadnt visited and buy my mug that I get every WDW trip.
I eneded up going back to Disney Springs on my way back to the aitport from my brother’s house, but that was to pick up some gifts so I didnt take photos.
Disney Solo Trip Tips
- Get Park Hoppers when you get to Disney… I didnt need them for most of the trip
- Bring comfy shoes
- Look for reservations the a couple days before you go.. A lot of resteraunts hold off on solo reservations til the last minute
- Priritize what are must dos
- Dont rent a car if you are only going to Disney for your trip
- Use Lyft for early breakfast
- Order shirts from Etsy a month before your trip (support small 🙂 )
- Plan a rest day
- Bring a phone charging bank
- Remember no matter how much you plan be flexible
Disney Solo Trip Must Haves
- ID Lanyard– This was one of the best purchases for this trip…
- Portable Power Bank… You use your phone alot because of the app and you want to take photos .. This one lasted the entire trip fully charged
- Comfy Shoes- Toms are what I wore
- Water- Trust me
I cant wait to go back. There are things I wanted to do that I didnt get a chance to… I also want to go with my family again because now that I had four days to myself I can enjoy whatever they want to do.
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Raina