A vacation to Walt Disney World is usually advertised in a certain, almost formulaic way. When we think of visiting Disney Parks, we are likely to think of all of those happy families you’ve seen in Disney marketing, enjoying the perfect Disney day with blue skies and minimal crowds. Sounds wonderful, doesn’t it? While I have to admit that I have had those near-perfect experiences with my family, I’ve also enjoyed a Disney getaway in many other forms. From a day out with friends to a date night with someone special, the parks are a draw card for more than just a perfect-looking family with children. In fact, there is one particular demographic of Disney goers that we under-represented when it comes to Disney’s marketing: the solo adventurers.
If you are a Disney Parks lover at heart but don’t have someone to share the experience with, a solo trip to Disney might be just what the doctor ordered. Perhaps, if your partner in life isn’t a fan, or maybe you would just prefer to suit yourself and go with your own company. In any case, many of us consider a solo visit to the magic at some point in our lives, though some things tend to hold us back. Here are ten reasons why you should put those fears aside and give it a try.
1: Unapologetically suit yourself
Personally, there are some rides that I just don’t want to do, some shows that I’ve stamped once is enough, and some dining experiences that just aren’t up my alley. Even so, I often find myself doing these things anyway, pleasing the overall group dynamic as we all cater to each other’s preferences. Visiting the Disney Parks by yourself means you can tailor this trip to be exactly what you want. If you want to spend an entire day enjoying back-to-back rides on Big Thunder Mountain, go do it! If you never get to see the Enchanted Tiki Room because the others don’t like it, do it! And if you don’t usually make lavish table service reservations because the regular party of ten is too expensive, now is your chance to go and enjoy! This is your chance to suit yourself in every aspect of your stay unapologetically. Now if you chance to wait for the perfect Castle sunset photo or meet that character that no one else in your group has any interest in. Now is your time.
2: Use Single Rider lines
Single-rider lanes are a great way to bypass the regular stand-by queue and board your attraction faster. You will miss some of the special scenes that can be observed in the queue along the way, but you will move through the line at a much faster pace. These are available on Walt Disney World rides such as Expedition Everest in Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Test Track in EPCOT, Millennium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run, and Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster in Disney’s Hollywood Studios. In the Disneyland Resort, there are more options, such as Goofy’s Sky School, The Incredicoaster, Radiator Springs Racers, Grizzley River Run, WEB SLINGERS, and Soarin’ Over California and Disney California Adventure Park, as well as Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run, Matterhorn Bobsleds, and Space Mountain in Disneyland Park.
3: Snag easy Lightning Lane returns
Lightning Lanes are limited to numbers and timeslots, which makes finding sooner return times for larger families more difficult. As a solo traveler, you might just find that as a party of one, you can find a sooner return time than those families around you. In doing so, you can move through the park a bit faster and get more out of your Lightning Lane Multi-Pass while also saving time for the stand-by lines that have no alternative.
4: Grab a walk-up seat at popular dining
Just like the attractions in a Disney theme park, dining experiences all come down to numbers, and dining as a solo adventurer can be advantageous when looking for last-minute options. While a party of 6 might be waiting an hour before a stand-by table opens up, a party of one might be seated relatively quickly. Try your luck at some of your bucket-list locations and see if you get lucky.
5: Take time-outs that suit you!
No more stopping the fun at the worst times to take children to the restroom or waiting for a friend or spouse who is getting tired. Take breaks when you want them without worrying about anyone else’s needs. No more untimely trips back to the resort room or unnecessary early morning starts unless you want to!
6: Listen to podcasts or music in line
Even though we love the atmosphere of Walt Disney World and the Disneyland Resort, in some queue areas, the ambiance seems drowned out by the noise of people around you. When flying solo, throw in one of your AirPods and listen to something that is more your style than the Heads Up game behind you. Whether it be the juxtaposition of heavy rock music in the Mad Tea Party line or a Disney history podcast you can enjoy while standing in the park, there is a better way to pass your time!
Photo by Aubrey Odom on Unsplash
7: Don’t be self-conscious; no one is paying attention.
One concern I hear frequently is a level of self-consciousness about being alone in the parks, worried about what people will think of you. The truth is, no one is thinking about you. You’ve only got to see how guests blindly navigate through walkways while their attention is embedded in their mobile devices to know that most people aren’t conscious of much around them. Anyone who notices that you are by yourself will either assume you are waiting for someone else to join or perhaps even be envious that you get to do Disney your way without the needs of others weighing you down.
8: Stay where you want
I don’t know about you, but I rarely get to choose the resort or room I would want because I am always trying to accommodate the family. Perhaps you compromise on a bigger room in a less desirable hotel, or maybe it’s a ground-floor stay instead of the higher view upstairs. In any case, I always find myself looking for the room with the most beds and bathrooms, forgoing what would otherwise be my personal favorite. Now is your chance to do it your way, staying in the perfect resort and room to suit only your needs. Take the view or the suite with the bathtub, whatever strikes your fancy.
9: Listen for “Party of One!?”
There is a reason why I mentioned only one Airpod in a few lines above. That is so you can hear the Cast Members scrolling through the queue looking for the elusive ‘Party of One!’ To fill the more popular attractions, Cast Members will be looking to bring each ride vehicle to capacity, which means that single riders can be brought through the last stages of the queue much faster than expected. Be ready for that call and try to make eye contact with the Cast Member along with raising your hand as a clear indicator you can come through.
10: Why not?
This one is simple. Why not? Unfortunately, we all go through times in our lives when we are tragically reminded that our time on this earth is too short. If a solo trip to Disney is on your do-to list, find a way to make it happen. Life is too meaningful and fragile to miss out on the things we love, only to worry about what other people will think. If something is holding you back, ask yourself, why not? And then, really think about whether or not giving up your dream trip is worth the concern.
Have you ever traveled solo to Disney Parks? Let us know your best tips and tricks!
Feature Image: Photo by kaleb tapp on Unsplash
