While I will never turn down the opportunity to head to Walt Disney World with friends (or even a significant other, now and then!), there is a special place in my heart for the times I can do the parks solo.
I used to feel a little bit bad about people who were in the parks solo. Well, I felt bad until I tried it myself, and now I can say, undoubtedly, I will do whatever I can do to ensure I get at least a few solo days at Disney World each year.
What I’ve found is that a solo Disney trip is a strategic move where you get to make all the calls, like whether to sleep in, which rides to wait in line for, or whether or not that third margarita is in the cards.
If you’re planning your first solo trip, here are some things to help you put the perfect plan together.
Is a Solo Disney Trip Weird?
Worrying about looking weird at Disney World means you haven’t ever really looked around Disney World.
Disney World is where grown adults wear $80 sparkly mouse ears and fight over limited-edition popcorn buckets. A single person confidently walking to Space Mountain is the least strange thing a cast member will see all day. Trust me.
The only people who think a solo Disney trip is weird are the ones currently melting down because their toddler just threw a churro at a stranger while their partner is lost in the line for Peter Pan’s Flight. And, when you see the stares, they aren’t judging you; they’re envying you.
The freedom is staggering. You wake up when you want. You leave when you want. You can spend three hours in the Maharajah Jungle Trek looking at the bats and no one will be there to whine that they’re bored.
Benefits of Going to Disney World Alone
Still not convinced? Let’s break down the objective advantages of ditching the travel party.
Single Rider Lines at Disney World
This is the holy grail for the solo traveler.
The Single Rider line is a separate, usually much shorter, queue for people willing to be used as filler to complete a row on a ride vehicle. While a family of five waits 75 minutes to sit together, you can be on and off in 20.
It’s a legitimate shortcut that costs nothing extra and works precisely because you’re willing to ride alone.
Rides with Single Rider Lines:
- Test Track (EPCOT)
- Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure (EPCOT)
- Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets (Hollywood Studios)
- Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run (Hollywood Studios)
- Rise of the Resistance (Hollywood Studios)
- Expedition Everest (Animal Kingdom)
This alone can completely change your park strategy, letting you knock out major headliners with minimal fuss.
Your Schedule is Actually Your Schedule
Want to rope drop Animal Kingdom, ride Flight of Passage, and be back at the resort pool by 11 a.m.? Done. Feel like having a three-margarita lunch at La Cava del Tequila in Epcot? Nobody can stop you.
There’s no compromising on which park to visit, no negotiating snack breaks, and no being held hostage by someone else’s desire to meet Goofy. You can build your day around your own energy levels and interests, which means less exhaustion and more actual enjoyment.
Getting Dining Reservations as a Solo Disney Traveler
ADRs for groups at the popular spots are a competitive exercise. For one, much less so.
The Disney reservation system often has stray single spots tucked away. And, if you struggle to find an opening for one, try searching for a table for two. You can modify the number of diners when you check in, and as long as at least one person shows up, you won’t be charged.
Plus, many of the most popular Table Service restaurants have lounges attached where you can order the same items from the main dining room, and it’s infinitely easier to find a last-minute opening or snag a seat at a coveted lounge when you’re only looking for a spot for one.
My Pro Tip: Don’t even bother with a reservation for most places. Nomad Lounge, Steakhouse 71 Lounge, and the bar at Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar are almost always accessible for a party of one. You get a great menu and don’t have to plan your day around a rigid dining time.
Solo Disney World Trip Cost Breakdown
Let’s not pretend a solo trip is cheap; it’s still Disney. But the math is simple. One ticket is cheaper than two. One person’s food bill is less than a family’s. You can also make more budget-conscious choices without having to justify them to anyone.
Here’s a quick, painful look at how costs stack up.
Cost Category (5-Night Trip) |
Solo Traveler Estimate |
Couple’s Estimate |
|---|---|---|
Moderate Resort (Coronado Springs) |
$1,500 |
$1,500 |
4-Day Park Hopper Tickets |
$650 |
$1,300 |
Food & Drink Budget ($100/day pp) |
$500 |
$1,000 |
Genie+ / Incidentals |
$200 |
$400 |
Total Estimated Cost |
$2,850 |
$4,200 |
Now, of course, this can also work against you. If, for example, you are used to splitting your hotel cost with whomever you are traveling with or even splitting meals, you are going to find that going solo will actually cost you more.
That math doesn’t always work in your favor, especially if you’re used to splitting hotel costs. But, we still think it’s still worth it.
Best Disney World Resorts for Solo Travelers
Your resort choice is critical. You want somewhere that feels safe, has good transportation, and offers amenities for adults, not just splash pads.
Best Overall: Coronado Springs Resort
Specifically, Gran Destino Tower. This is the unofficial adults-only resort at Disney.
Because it’s also a convention center hotel, the vibe is more professional and subdued. The rooms in the tower are modern, the lobby bar is excellent, and the rooftop Dahlia Lounge has killer views and even better cocktails. The bus system is also one of the better ones.
Best Disney World Resorts Near Epcot
If your trip is centered around an Epcot festival, staying at the BoardWalk Inn, Yacht Club, or Beach Club is a no-brainer.
You can walk to Epcot’s World Showcase and Hollywood Studios. The area has fantastic lounges (Ale & Compass, Martha’s Vineyard) and you can easily stumble back to your room after a long day of… cultural exploration. They are Deluxe resorts, so you’ll pay for the privilege.
Value Resorts Might Also Work
We are not afraid to stay at the Values (the All-Stars, Pop Century, Art of Animation).
In fact, at least a couple trips every year you’ll find us there. The price is definitely right, and if our plan is to spend most of our awake time in the parks, we don’t mind that the Value Resorts might be a bit noisier and less glamorous than the Moderates and Deluxe options.
But, if your plan is to enjoy some resort time or pool time in addition to some solo time in the parks, you may want to consider paying a bit more to get a bit nicer experience.
Solo Dining at Disney World
Eating alone can be daunting for some, but at Disney, it’s an opportunity.
Embrace the Bar & Lounge Scene
This is the number one hack for solo dining. Most of the best restaurants have lounge areas with open seating. You can often get the full menu without a reservation.
Top-Tier Lounges for Solo Diners:
- Nomad Lounge (Animal Kingdom): The best vibes on property. Great small plates and phenomenal cocktails. Sit on the outdoor patio.
- Geyser Point (Wilderness Lodge): Open-air, lakeside lounge. The bison burger is fantastic. A perfect escape from the Magic Kingdom chaos.
- Space 220 Lounge (Epcot): Want the view without the absurd prix-fixe price? Snag a spot in the lounge. It’s tough to get, but check the app for last-minute availability.
- Steakhouse 71 Lounge (Contemporary): You can get the incredible stack burger and a classic cocktail just steps from the Magic Kingdom.
A Note on Drinking Solo
Don’t overindulge without a plan for getting back. Bus routes take longer than you think at midnight, and driving is never the answer.
Answering Your Awkward Solo Disney Trip Questions
Let’s clear the air on the things you’re actually wondering about.
- Will I be bored? Only if you’re a boring person. JK. Honestly, there’s enough on property to fill a week without repeating yourself. So, staying busy is easy but at WDW? Boredom requires effort.
- Is it safe? Disney World is probably one of the safest places you can be on your own. It’s a well-lit, heavily monitored bubble. Use standard common sense, though. Be aware of your surroundings, don’t overindulge without a buddy, and definitely don’t drive if you decide to drink. But othewise, you are generally very safe.
- How do I get photos of myself? This is what PhotoPass photographers are for! They’ll even take pictures with your phone if you ask nicely. You can also ask another solo traveler or a couple to trade photo duties. Nine times out of ten, they’ll be happy to.
- What do I do while waiting in line? Put in headphones and listen to a podcast. Catch up on emails. Download the Play Disney Parks app and do some trivia. Or, again, just people-watch. The family drama unfolding in the Slinky Dog Dash line is better than most reality TV.
