If you are someone who has always dreamed of traveling solo to Walt Disney World, do we have a treat for you! We have all the information, tips, and advice you need, provided by an expert who shares your enthusiasm for the theme park and has been there time and again.
NikkyJ is the founder of ThemeParkHipster, the top resource for solo theme park travelers since 2012. Her tips will help you save money, save time, and get the most out of your solo Walt Disney World experience.
When you think of places to travel solo, destinations that come to mind might include exotic countries like Fiji or historic places such as Ireland. Today I’m going to take you on a journey into a location that’s often thought of for kids, but a place that’s truly made for adult travelers. Welcome to your complete guide to planning a solo trip to Walt Disney World!
Did I lose you? I hope not.
You see, many people think that traveling alone to any theme park, let alone a Disney Park, is weird. But I’m here to tell you that it’s absolutely not weird. In fact, there’s a whole community online filled with adult solo travelers who love going to Walt Disney World by themselves.
Why Is Walt Disney World a Good Place to Travel Solo?
Let’s go through a few reasons why you have to give Disney a try for a possible solo trip.
Safe Travels
One of the first reasons Disney World is a great place to travel solo is that you will feel safe there. Not only is it safe in the sense of preventing you from any harm, but Disney also has rules in place to keep you as healthy as possible.
There are many policies and protocols that Cast Members are following to keep you safe on your solo travels. We'll discuss this later in this guide.
Great Location
Walt Disney World is a great travel destination to visit alone because of its location. The Disney Parks are in the center of the beautiful state of Florida, less than an hour’s drive to many popular beaches Plus, it’s only a few hours from Miami and a little over an hour from Tampa, Florida.
Because of its Central Florida location, you have the option to enjoy other nature inspired activities outside of the theme parks such as: exploring the hiking trails, experiencing a swamp tour, kayaking through bioluminescent water, and swimming with manatees.
There are other thrilling and unique things you can do on your visit to Orlando as well, such as visiting the local wineries, skydiving, spending a day at Kennedy Space Center, exploring the local museums, and so much more!
Something for All Ages
You may think that Walt Disney World caters only to kids, but believe it or not, there’s so much for adult solo travelers to do here. From world-class dining to international festivals, there’s a path waiting just for you on your trip.
A Place to Relax
Now, you’re going to think that I’m pushing it with this reason, but Walt Disney World has many places for you to unwind and relax on your solo journey. You can do things such as visit one of the many top-rated spas, sit on the Boardwalk and people watch, or visit the park on a less crowded day and find a quiet spot to enjoy a good book and a glass of wine.
Personally, I love sitting behind the U.K. Pavilion in Epcot on a picturesque Florida day near the garden maze area with a delicious adult beverage from the Rose & Crown British Pub and a good book.
Trust me, there are so many ways to make your trip to Walt Disney World perfect for you!
Delicious Food
If you’re a true world traveler, you may be skeptical about the type of food Walt Disney World offers. Of course, there’s the traditional theme park food, such as hamburgers, fries, corn dogs, cotton candy, and the famous Mickey Mouse ice-cream bars, but you’ll be surprised at the incredible variety of food offerings you can find at this travel destination.
There’s even a whole blog dedicated to Walt Disney World food!
The Epcot theme park alone is reason enough for you to go ahead and book your solo trip. This Disney Park has an area called World Showcase which allows you to step into the culture, the architecture, and the food of 11 different countries.
The countries featured in Epcot are:
- Mexico
- Norway
- China
- Germany
- Italy
- United States of America
- Japan
- Morocco
- France
- United Kingdom
- Canada
There’s also the AAA Five Diamond Star restaurant on property called Victoria & Albert’s, located inside the Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. It’s the best restaurant on property and if you have a little extra room in your budget, you have to give this place a visit.
What Can You Expect at Walt Disney World?
One of the first things you should know is that the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida is very different from the Disneyland Resort in California. To begin with, it is much larger.
At 40 squares miles, Disney World is equal to the size of the city of San Francisco! The Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida has four theme parks, two water parks, Disney Springs (a shopping area and entertainment area), more than 25 Disney Resort hotels, a few golf courses, and a Boardwalk where you can enjoy nighttime activities for adults.
The four parks located inside the Walt Disney World Resort are:
- Magic Kingdom Theme Park
- EPCOT
- Hollywood Studios
- Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Safety Measures You Can Expect
Everything is pretty much “back-to-normal” and many of the safety protocols put in place during the global pandemic have been removed such as:
- Social distancing
- Temperature checks
- Theme park reservations
- Mandatory masks
The Disney theme park reservations have also changed and are no longer required for date-based tickets. However, if you’re an Annual Passholder, then you will need a reservation on certain dates.
More Cleaning
Another thing that Walt Disney World is doing to make sure you’re safe on your solo trip is enhanced sanitizing throughout the resort. You’ll see Cast Members cleaning doorknobs, handrails, and the actual ride vehicles more often.
6 Tips for Traveling Solo to Walt Disney World for the First Time
Now that you know what to expect on your first solo trip to Walt Disney World, let’s go through a few tips to help you have a smoother visit.
1. Choose the Best Days to Visit
The best days to visit the Disney Parks are Tuesdays and Wednesdays. These days tend to have a lower crowd level which helps if you’re wanting to experience all that the parks have to offer.
The best months to visit Walt Disney World, are mid-January, early February, late August, September, and mid-November. Not to say that the other months of the year are bad options, but these times are better in terms of both the crowd level and the weather.
2. Visit Multiple Disney Parks in One Day
If you have a limited amount of time that you’ll be visiting Disney, then you’ll want to take advantage of Park Hopping. This ticket upgrade allows you to visit multiple parks in one day. So, you could spend your morning enjoying the charm of the Magic Kingdom, then spend your evening eating around the world at Epcot.
Just remember to have your Disney Park Reservation completed for both parks on that particular day.
3. Take Advantage of the Free Disney Transportation
The transportation system is absolutely free at Walt Disney World, even if you’re not staying at one of the Resort hotels.
Below are the different ways you can get around the park on your solo trip:
- Bus Available with transportation to the parks, Disney Resort hotels, Disney Springs and water parks.
- Water Also known as water taxis that allow guests to travel on the ferry or boats to various Disney theme parks.
- Monorail Takes guests from the Magic Kingdom parking lot around the Magic Kingdom resorts and to Epcot.
- Skyliner Connects Hollywood Studios to Epcot and the select Disney Resort hotels on its route.
- Minnie Van You can use the Lyft app (in partnership with Disney) to get transported throughout the resort in these one-of-a-kind Minnie Mouse designed cars.
4. Decide Whether To Stay On-Site Or Off-Property
There are advantages and disadvantages for both options. The advantage of staying on-site is that you’ll have the convenience of saving a lot of time when it comes to your commute.
The time saved by staying on-site at Disney will allow you to maximize your days since everything you need is in the Disney bubble. This option makes planning your solo trip a lot smoother and easier.
The main disadvantage of staying on-site is the cost. The Disney Resort hotels are some of the highest priced resorts in Orlando.
The advantage of staying off-site is that you will be saving a significant amount of money on your room. Many times the rooms off-property are much larger for the price you are paying as well.
However, if you stay off-site, you may have extra transportation costs. You'll going to have to figure out if your resort has a free shuttle option or if you will have to use a ride sharing program during your trip.
So, even though the off-site hotel rate is cheaper, you’ll spend more time and money on transportation and commuting back and forth to the parks.
5. Use a Disney Vacation Planner
There are authorized Disney Vacation Planners who will help you plan your trip from start to finish at no cost to you. Since they have a direct relationship to Disney, they can work on your behalf, add and adjust reservations, and help you out with the best discounts for your solo trip.
This is particularly important if it’s your first time visiting Disney alone. Their assistance can help reduce the feeling of overwhelm when planning your trip to the Florida resort.
6. Use Disney’s Mobile Ordering Service
Disney Mobile Ordering Service is a cool feature on the My Disney Experience app, which allows you to place a food order and pay for it ahead of time at select dining locations.
Once you arrive to your dining location, you can skip the regular line and pick your food up from the counter right away. This is a good way to save time and aggravation on your solo vacation.
Solo Travel Safety Tips for Walt Disney World
Let’s go through a few basic safety tips to make your Disney trip as magical as possible.
- Keep your hands clean.
- Bring a mask if that makes you feel more comfortable.
- Take extra masks in case one gets sweaty or dirty throughout the day.
- Stay on Disney World property for your first solo trip.
- Be aware of your surroundings.
- Let people close to you know where you are while on your solo trip.
- Always ask a Cast Member for help if you’re unsure about anything.
Disney for Adult Solo Travelers
Now that we have some of your top planning tips out of the way, let's go through some great activities for adult solo travelers. Do keep in mind that some of these experiences are either modified or on pause until the current global pandemic is under control.
Fun Festivals
There are incredible food centered festivals that happen at the Epcot theme park each year. No matter what time of the year you choose to come, you’ll most likely visit during one of these magnificent festivals.
Disney Food Festivals:
- Epcot International Festival of the Arts: from early January to late February
- Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival: from March until late-May
- Epcot International Food and Wine Festival: from August until mid-November
- Epcot International Festival of the Holidays: from Late November until the end of December
Incredible Lounges
For adult solo travelers who like to indulge in delicious libations with a great atmosphere, Walt Disney World can satisfy your cravings at the amazing lounges on property.
The top Disney lounges I suggest you visit are:
- Tutto Gusto Wine Cellar This a cozy little wine cellar in Epcot is in the Italy Pavilion of World Showcase. Here you can enjoy some tasty Italian appetizers, dive into the extensive wine list, and just stop by to relax and reflect on your theme park day.
- Nomad Lounge Take in the travel spirit and sense of adventure at this Animal Kingdom Lounge. It’s filled with travel banners of the Disney Imagineers expeditions from around the globe. The drinks here are absolutely out of this world! They blend the flavors from various countries in Africa and Asia in both their food and drinks. Outdoor covered patio seating is also available if you are looking for a quieter corner. As you overlook a little lagoon, you’ll hear some relaxing music while you enjoy your beverages and food.
- Territory Lounge This lounge is a bit hidden inside Disney’s Wilderness Lodge Resort, which makes it perfect for a solo traveler trying to get away from the hustle and bustle. It’s themed around the great Northwest of America with an array of wine from the states of Washington and Oregon.
- Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto You have to visit this lively place inside Disney’s Polynesian Resort. It has so much rich detail and history based on 1950’s Tiki culture. The Grog Grotto offers you outstanding food, drinks, gift items, and immersive entertainment theming to make your visit spectacular. Also, every drink has his own unique song or chant complete with special effects while you are there to make you feel as if you’ve truly landed in the mysterious hidden bar of Trader Sam.
Sangria University
A must-try experience on your solo Disney trip is to explore your own mixology skills at Sangria University. Led by experienced instructors, you’ll delve into the rich history and techniques of this popular beverage, all while enjoying delightful tastings. This is one of my favorite things to do as you will have the chance to craft your own unique blend by experimenting with different fruits, wines, and spirits. Plus, it's a fun hidden gem at Disney World just for adults!
World-Class Dining
As mentioned before, you can expect to enjoy some delicious top-notch dining options at Walt Disney World with familiar names attached to them such as:
- Todd English Blue Zoo
- Shula’s Steakhouse
- STK Orlando
- Wine Bar George
- Morimoto Asia
Explore the Boardwalk on Your Solo Disney Trip
Disney’s Boardwalk is a place where you can enjoy the turn-of-the-century ambience reminiscent of Americana in Atlantic City. There are places to dine, relax, and shop. You can even enjoy a lively dueling piano bar at Jelly Rolls that is only available for adults older than 21.
Eat and Drink Your Way Around the World
Epcot is the best Disney theme park for adult solo travelers for the mere fact that you can eat and drink your way around the world. You aren’t technically leaving Florida to do this adventure, but it will sure feel as if you’re globetrotting through the 11 countries represented in this Disney Park.
Savor the Savanna: Evening Safari Experience
During the evening hours, Disney offers a private safari with African-inspired tapas, beverages, and more. This is one of the best tours you can experience on a visit to Animal Kingdom.
Your Solo Disney Trip 5-Day Itinerary
Now that you have all the tips and strategies needed for your solo trip to Walt Disney World, let me give you a sample itinerary that you can adjust to your liking for your vacation.
Day 1: Arrival Day
Since this is your arrival day, you’re going to take it easy. On this day, I recommend stopping by Disney Springs for some light shopping and a tasty dinner after you have checked into your hotel.
You’ll definitely want to have some sushi and sake at Morimoto Asia. If you’re not into sushi, then you must try the delicious meatballs and appetizers with a good wine pairing at Wine Bar George.
And don't forget to get this oversize half pound cookie at Gideon's Bakehouse to complete your Disney Springs adventure.
Day 2: Epcot
On day two you’ll head to Epcot, the best theme park for solo travelers. You're going to spend your day exploring all the wonderful countries represented while getting on some of the top attractions at Walt Disney World, such as Soarin’ Around The World.
Day 3: Magic Kingdom
On this day, you’ll head to the classic Magic Kingdom theme park. This is the park that most people picture when they think about Disney. It's the “castle park.”
Here you’re going to take on that childlike side of you and get lost in all the charming and magical attractions that Walt Disney World is known for.
Day 4: Animal Kingdom
On day four, you’ll voyage over to Disney’s Animal Kingdom and spend your whole day relaxing, exploring the nature trails, looking at all the animals, and traveling through the land of Pandora-The World of Avatar.
You're definitely going to want to have lunch at the Tiffins restaurant while you’re here and spend some time enjoying exotic libations at the Nomad Lounge.
Day 5: Hollywood Studios and Departure Day
This is your departure date, but you can spend the first half of the day at Hollywood Studios. While there, you’ll want to explore Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge. It's the newest land, themed around the Star Wars franchise with one of the top rated attractions in the country, Rise of the Resistance.
Should You Go Solo to Walt Disney World in 2024 or 2025?
Absolutely! Traveling to Walt Disney World and other theme parks alone has changed my life in the most amazing way.
I’m more confident when I meet others, I have more time to reflect on my solo travels, and I get to enjoy every Disney ride, attraction, and show without ANYONE judging me on how I choose to discover the parks.
Have I convinced you to go to Disney by yourself?
I hope this guide has sparked that curiosity inside of you to take that leap and go!
Overall, a solo trip to Disney doesn't have to be thought of as something that is only for kids. As you can see, there’s something for everyone to do at the Disney Parks.
NikkyJ is a theme park super fan, Author of The Solo Theme Park Traveler’s Guide, the founder and owner of ThemeParkHipster.com, a wishful food critic, coffee enthusiast, and a lover of life! She now resides in Orlando, Florida where she enjoys spending time with her husband and two little girls while discovering the beautiful attractions of Florida. You can watch her on YouTube or listen to her podcast.
