Now’s the PERFECT TIME for a solo trip to Disney World!
I’ve been taking vacations to Disney World since I was a baby (seriously, my first trip was when I was just 8 months old!). Now, as an adult and annual passholder who lives in the Orlando area, I still love visiting the parks, even if it’s just for a few hours. I’d often make the drive over by myself on a weekday after work or a random Saturday when I’d get bored. Of course, that was pre-coronavirus.
Physical Distancing waiting to board the ferry.
Physical distancing aboard the ferry headed to Magic Kingdom.
Don’t forget to bring your mask!Since Walt Disney World theme parks reopened their doors in July, The Most Magical Place on Earth is a bit different — but it’s not all bad. In fact, I’d say if you’re willing to take all of the necessary safety precautions of wearing a mask in the Florida weather, using a generous amount of hand sanitizer throughout the day, and keeping a positive mindset about it all, you can have a great time — especially on a solo trip!
If you’ve never been to Disney World by yourself, you’ve never had the pleasure of walking through the parks at your own pace, choosing what rides you want to do at the time you want to do them, and indulging in some delicious theme park treats without anyone judging you for it. Trust me, it’s wonderful!
My biggest gripe with solo trips to Disney World used to be that I wouldn’t really ride anything because the lines were always ridiculously long; one thing I don’t enjoy doing alone is standing in line. Now that the parks are at limited capacity, you can ride almost anything you want again! On weekdays, the lines are typically pretty reasonable, even for the most popular rides like Seven Dwarfs Mine Train and Flight of Passage. Gone are the days of standing in line for 2-3 hours. Welcome to the good old days of 60 minutes or less!
Physically Distanced lines may look long, but they move quickly.
Mickey Mouse riding in the character cavalcade at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
Freshly painted Cinderella Castle
Always great to see Spaceship Earth!Of course, some weekends can still get pretty full, as we learned on Labor Day Weekend, but even those crowds were much less than we’ve gotten used to at the House of Mouse over the last few years.
So, here are my tips on the perfect solo trip to Disney World!
1. Bring a refillable water bottle, sunscreen, and a hat. The Florida heat is no joke and you don’t need a sunburn or dehydration ruining your chilled out me-time at Disney.
2. Use the My Disney Experience app to keep an eye on wait times and figure out where to stroll to next. The most popular rides will typically have the longest waits earlier in the day. If you’re willing to wait until the afternoon or closer to park close, you’ll find the sweet spot of short wait times. You can also put in mobile food orders through the app at many restaurants throughout the parks.
3. Don’t be afraid to enjoy a sit-down restaurant on your own. The first time I ate at Be Our Guest I was by myself and had a great time. Cast Members will never make you feel uncomfortable about sitting by yourself and some may even strike up a conversation with you if you’re open to it. I loved taking in the detailed environments in the restaurant and really savoring my food without feeling rushed by anyone.
4. Save some room for dessert! Treat yourself to that pastry you saw on Instagram, a beautiful fruity drink or my personal favorite, the classic Mickey Mouse Ice Cream Bar. What’s a solo vacation for if you’re not going to go all-in?
5. Take your time! There’s no need to rush through the park trying to get to this ride and that restaurant like you would with a group of people. You call the shots on when you browse through the latest items at a store, enjoy some popcorn or catch a character cavalcade.
See you at the parks!
Vanessa De La Vina
Born and raised in Miami, FL. Now living in Orlando where I can enjoy the parks whenever I want! Animal lover, foodie and pop culture enthusiast. Have any restaurant recommendations? Send them my way!
