Where should I stay?

Image: Brittany DiCologero

If you are going to Orlando only to visit Walt Disney World, the answer is always on site, especially as a solo traveler where you may not want to be using ride-share services like Uber or paying for cabs by yourself. (At least with the whole family the value of a cab ride is a little bit higher when acknowledging the number of guests using the service). The benefits of staying at a Disney resort far outweigh the benefits of staying off property. Regardless of how many people are in your party, you can always take advantage of things like extra time in the parks and complimentary transportation.

Deciding where to stay during your solo trip really depends on how much you’re willing to spend by yourself, and how much time you think you’ll be spending at the resort. The majority of solo guests tend to stay at value resorts like the All Star Resorts or Pop Century, however if you’re looking to splurge and stay somewhere nicer during your trip, the decisions are all up to you! Many solo guests do not spend too much time at their resorts alone, and therefore would prefer to spend their money elsewhere. But if you’ve been saving up for a splurge-worthy stay at the Polynesian Village Resort, don’t let the size of your party stop you!

Won’t it be awkward?

Going to the Walt Disney World Resort alone is only awkward if you make it awkward. Occasionally other guests may notice that you’re alone, but they probably aren’t going to dwell on this or make you feel uncomfortable. How many times have you been to Walt Disney World in the past where you saw someone by his or herself and it ruined your day? See? It won’t be awkward unless you make it awkward yourself.

For many first time solo trips, a primary concern is eating alone. If you feel like dining in a restaurant alone may be uncomfortable there are a couple of ways to combat this concern. If you are having major anxiety over it, and don’t think you’d like to have a table service meal at all, quick service restaurants and simply snacking throughout the day can help you avoid this altogether. If you value your Disney food however, sitting at a bar, or bringing something to look at while you’re at the table can make the experience a bit easier.

If you have a book that you don’t mind carrying into the parks with you, or a tablet, or maybe even simply your cell phone, you’ll already feel more comfortable than you would if you just stared at the empty chair across from you during the entire meal. Of course, if you’d rather not feel like you “need” the distraction, and you’re comfortable enough with the idea to simply sit and take in the ambiance of the restaurant, that works too! Sitting at a bar rather than getting a table can also ease the discomfort, as you’ll at least have the bartender to talk to, and probably other guests as well. At the bar you will also not be surrounded by families, as children obviously wouldn’t be hanging out there.

Another dining tip (that may be hit or miss so choose wisely) is to eat at restaurants that seat you with other guests. At Biergarten for instance, guests share tables with other guests regardless of whether or not they are dining alone. Be warned though, how awkward this experience will go can depend on who you end up being seated with-- some guests will embrace the new conversations with whoever is at their tables, and others will scoff at the idea of a traditional Biergarten setting in this day and age where people tend to avoid conversations with those they don't know personally.