Hi,

My sister is a freshman at UW-Eau Claire and this upcoming January she will dancing at Disney's Wide World of Sports in a national competition along with my cousin who is a cheerleader. Seeing as I haven't been outside of the upper Midwest in several years (my vacations revolve around going to the lake, snowmobiling, and cross-country skiing) I thought it would be the perfect opportunity to come see her perform and visit WDW.

I am coming down a bit earlier than the rest of my family, meaning that I have one extra day. They will be touring Epcot one day, which I am enthused about. Reading through the trip guides, it seems like there is a lot to do at Epcot, much more than a full day's worth to see everything. So I am thinking about perhaps doing two days... but another part of me wonders if maybe I should see the Magic Kingdom, MGM, or Animal Kingdom. The thing is - I would be alone the first day.

I am trying to be as economical with this trip as possible, so the less money I spend, the better. I have exhausted all of my American Express points to purchase the tickets, which were approaching $300.

Does anyone have any recommendations for a 22 year old male visiting by himself for one day to do? I'd really like to see all Epcot, but a lot of other stuff looks fun too.

Have you EVER been to WDW? What are your interests as they may apply at WDW (thrill rides, movies, fantasy, experiencing your inner child)? Would you consider adding Park Hopping to your ticket?

If you aren't going to add park hopping (you said $ were a pretty big concern), I'd recommend doing the MK, since that 'says' Disney to so many people - but if there's a special event going on that limits the hours at the park, or something like that, you might want to consider a different park. Have you checked the Disney calendar to see what the hours are for the 3 other parks and if it's an Extra Magic Hour park at any of them (and are you staying on site?)

The last time I was to WDW was in 1993, and the last time I was to Disneyland was during the 45 year celebration.

I have money to spend, but I want to make this trip as cheap as possible because I would like to buy a condo within the next year. I have cut pretty much all "extra" spending from my budget to sock away into savings.

I will be staying off site at the Country Inn and Suites.

The main reason Epcot appeals to me is I am a Comm Studies major and I'm enthused by all forms of communication.

I'm debating whether I should use the extra day to make sure I see ALL of Epcot, or whether I should to the MK or MGM.

My vote goes to diversifying. Even with two days devoted entirely to Epcot, you'd probably not see the whole thing. I figure, if you see the highlights of two parks, it'll feel like you've seen and done more. Additionally, thinking outside the box, Disney is wonderful at communication. Virtually any Disney attraction will try to tell you a story. A lot of them will also try to subtly sell you a product at the end too! Looking at it through this lens, you could think a lot about any Disney park in the context of your studies (although you're right, Epcot is probably the best starting place for that). MGM is a great park for focusing on visual media communications. But even Animal Kingdom (which wasn't open the last time you were there, I think?) would be very interesting from a communication standpoint as they're clearly trying to express a message of conservation. But how do you repeat a message that everyone's heard a million times and nobody cares about anymore?

Also, I recommend you check out the "Business of Magic" MousePlanet columns. Some of them are pretty good and take a look at how Disney philosophies can be applied to other aspects of life.

If I were preparing for my first ever WDW visit, and had only 2 days, and one of them was already devoted to Epcot (my favorite park!), I'd most definitely do the Magic Kingdom the other day. As Drince said, it's the most identifiable DISNEY park. There's plenty to do there to fill up your first day. My guess is that you'll be kicking yourself at the end of the trip for not budgeting more days!

I am kicking myself already; 3 days would've been ideal for me. I wish this was a possibility, but I leave from MSP at 7:20 and arrive at MCO around 11:30... the rest of the day will be getting stuff together, hotel, relaxing. Thursday and Friday will be Disney days, Saturday and Sunday I will be at Disney's Wide World of Sports to see my sister and cousin, and MLK Monday night I will be flying back. Taking Tuesday off from work to recuperate, but can't MISS that day because it is the first day of my last semester in college. I am a full-time employee at Wells Fargo (already started my career, so graduation from college will be more of a formality).

I wish I could spend more time, but this vacation is tight on time and tight on budget.

What do you recommend as far as going to a theme park alone? I have never gone to a park without friends before.

What do you recommend as far as going to a theme park alone? I have never gone to a park without friends before.


You won't have any trouble--I have been to Disneyland on my own and have had a lot of fun--in some ways it's more relaxing! Plus, you can take advantage of those rides that may have a single rider policy!

I seriously would consider doing a park on your arrival day!

There've been some threads about touring solo, as well as an article on MousePlanet about it - I'll link to them later when I get a chance.

I'm a confirmed single visitor - got another trip coming up in 3 weeks (well, 23 days, but who's counting?). It's a blast to run your own schedule, change plans at a moment's notice, not have to referree over debates on what to do next, etc. Say you're headed up to Splash Mountain, and you find that the line is 90 minutes long? Just shift and go somewhere else. Or you're wandering around and a show starts up - just go sit down and enjoy it. Park storming solo RULES!!!!

Will I get my money's worth? I will get to MCO at 11:30, head to the hotel, etc, and by that time it will easily be close to 3. If I buy a ticket I want to spend the full day sight seeing, and the cost of $203 for tickets as opposed to $139 for 2 days is quite large! I am afraid I will get too stressed/zonked out.

This vacation will be so highly structured that it is a bit daunting. When I go snowmobiling I just leave the hotel and GO! It seems like I will be doing a lot of coordination and not a lot of relaxation on this trip. I want to make sure that I have some time to just sit by the pool and lounge.

I will be staying off-property at the Country Inn and Suites. I have always had good experiences at those hotels.

First, are you renting a car? If not, how are you planning on getting from the airport to your hotel? From the Hotel to the Parks?

A 2 day ticket without hopping is $139, 3 day is 203, and 4 day is 212. Adding hopping changes those to 184, 248 and 257.

MK hours: Jan 16 - 9 to 8; Jan 17 - 9 to 8 with morning EMH; Jan 18 - 9-8 and Jan 21 - 9 to 7

Epcot is 9-9 each day, with evening EMH on the 18th

AK is 9-5 each day (you have available), with morning EMH on the 21

Studios is 9-7 each day.

If you are renting a car, you could go straght to a park that first day (saving a bit of time) and would have a decent amount of time for any of the parks except AK. Also, note that Epcot has evening EMH on the 18th (the day I am guessing you're all going) which you won't be able to do AND which will add to the crowds (the park will be open until midnight for those staying on property), so that's something to be aware of.

Also, what are you doing on Monday before you leave? You could hit another park that day, if your flight is late enough! Note that the price difference for 3 vs 4 days is quite a bit less than the 2 vs 3!

I love going to Disney solo. And most of my trips have only been for 1-2 park days (I'm going in January for my longest ever - 3 full park days) so I'm up on this. Buy the Unofficial Guide - great communications tool take plenty of fun time now deciding what you want to do (you can leave Epcot to the last since you have a full day there). Buy the 1 or 2 day hopper (it's a must) and then use your skills to be at the park which open the earliest first and close with the one that is open the latest. Make a list of all of the must do's at all thre of the other parks (MK, AK and DS) for you. As a solo traveller you can move at a rate that I feel is up to 60% faster than travelling with a group (depending on the group of course). I've done all four parks in a day - three easily and enjoyed it immensely (even the challenge is fun). You need losts of stamina and energy though. You also need to plan, BUT then be completely flexible once you arrive and see you can't FP something or your ride is closed or has a long line. You may also discover something new you want to see/try. Go for it! Chances are you'll see 70% of what you wanted to and another 30% of unexpected wonder. Just read enough not to spend time of stuff which isn't all that great (save that for the next trip).

Since I seem to be a minority 1-2 tourer, most will think this absurd, but I always vist at least 2-3 parks a day and think it works great (fun to go from one experience to the next). PS. You probably should focus on counter style meals (there are some good ones out there) instead of formal dining (which you probably don't want to do by yourself anyway). PSS. I am originally from northern Wisconsin and have spent much time at UW-Eau Claire.

Well, there is a free shuttle from the hotel to the parks, so that's not a problem. I will probably take a cab from the airport to the hotel.

Monday - I am not really sure what the plan is. My family will be here this day, so I may be spending it with them, but I will see. I am starting to think that the 4-day may be my best value. I can much more easily justify the additional expense. This opens up some more possibilities... perhaps do MGM on one day and MK on the other... spend 2 days at Epcot. If I add the park hopper option, how long does it take to get around from park-to-park? I don't want to spend too much time on transportation.

How busy is the time of year I am going? I want to be strategic so I can minimize time in lines. Plus, crowds really, really make me nervous and crabby. I can't handle being around too many people at once.



PS: I spend a lot of time in the Balsam Lake area, as well as Hurley for snowmobiling! I work DT Mpls, go to UMN, and live DT St Paul, but desparately want to move to Hudson/River Falls when I have a wife and kids!

Good news and bad news about the time of year. January is usually a great time to visit, with mild weather and low crowds. But your trip by definition happens during a cheerleading competition. These events usually bring in tens of thousands of kids from all across the country, so it might be a little busier than usual.

I like your idea of the 4 park ticket. I'd also strongly suggest the park hopper option. That way you can hit one park early, and then if it gets overly busy just hop over to another park and close it out. If you haven't already paid for your hotel, you might check out Disney's rates at the value resorts - sometimes their rates are pretty close to the off property resorts. And there's something special about immersing yourself in the WDW magic for the entire trip.

Keep listening to us and we'll have you there for 15 days and staying at the Grand Floridian!!!

It's quite a ways from the airport to the WDW area. I'm not sure how much the cab fare is, but it's not trivial. I would not be surprised if MouseSavers (www.mousesavers.com) has page about this (I know they have info about other private transportation from the airport).

Also, many of the offsite hotels have shuttle service, but it's very limited in the times. You should contact your hotel directly to find out the schedule. This may very well limit what/if you can go on your first/last days!

It's quite a ways from the airport to the WDW area. I'm not sure how much the cab fare is, but it's not trivial.

From your lips to a cabbie's ears! Depending on exactly which hotel, it's usually better than $50-$60 cab fare each way! A lot of hotels run shuttles from the airport, though, maybe you should look into those...

[QUOTE=aTorridGustofSun;1157092]Well, there is a free shuttle from the hotel to the parks, so that's not a problem. I will probably take a cab from the airport to the hotel.

If you are not on site, and if you want to minimize your transit time, and maximize your park time, you should rent a car. The hotel shuttle will probably have an irregular schedule, and it may take you a lot longer to get back and forth from your hotel. When you offset the cost of your transportation to and from the airport, and with the many discounts available, it should not cost you that much. I know there are age restrictions for many rental car companies, that are not related to driving age, so that may be a factor.

The last time I rented a car was when I got in a car accident (should have opted to have rental car coverage in my plan), and because I wasn't yet the proper age (I was 21 at the time and I had to be at least 25 to not pay extra fees). I paid almost double for a crappy Chevy Cobalt.

My few days driving that car cost more than my monthly payments on my new car! So I am a bit hesitant about renting a car if the costs will be similar.

The Disney hotels are so expensive, and the Pop Century resort really doesn't strike my fancy.

I was doing some reading up, and am a bit disappointed that Space Ship Earth will not be running. Any chance of "soft openings" when I am there or do these only apply to new attractions?

I was doing some reading up, and am a bit disappointed that Space Ship Earth will not be running. Any chance of "soft openings" when I am there or do these only apply to new attractions?

The best anybody is gonna be able to tell you on this is to "stay tuned." Things like soft openings do happen, and scheduled closure times are sometimes lengthened or shortened, but nobody really knows anything until it's announced. Once anything is announced, though, you can be sure that it'll be reported on the MousePad boards and it'd be in the weekly MousePlanet WDW updates as well. That's a great way to stay informed until you go. Aside from that, it never hurts to wander by (and with an attraction like SE, you kinda have to wander by) and see if there are any changes in the status. If construction walls are up, don't bother knocking, nobody will answer or tell you anything. Sometimes, though, there are cast-members around to answer questions you may have.

The Disney hotels are so expensive, and the Pop Century resort really doesn't strike my fancy.

If the prices are similar to what you are paying off-property, you may want to reconsider Pop Century or the All Star Resorts for two reasons:

1. You would then have access to Extra Magic Hours which will allow you to see more at the parks

2. You won't have to worry about paying for a cab or renting a car because you could then take Disney's Magical Express to and from the airport

Just something else to plug into the equation.

BTW - I have traveled as a single guy to Disney a couple of times. Though at times I wished someone was there to share the experience with, for the most part I have had a great time because of the flexibility traveling solo allows. I have seen many things that just have not been possible when I traveled with family or friends. And usually you will strike up a conversation with the people around you.

I agree - Hudson is a great place to live. I started my family in Stillwater, MN a few miles up the road but also lived and worked in St. Paul for awhile.

If you can get extra time to spend at WDW - then for sure go for it. If you can't then you can still see a lot as I mentioned in a short period fo time.

I also have to agree staying on property is just such a better experience. Although the Pop Century or the All Stars at first didn't appeal to me either - I have stayed at both a really like them. You really have to be there to understand. And the rooms are plenty big for one person.

You will be there when crowds are smaller for sure - but there will still be crowds - the good news about doing this alone is that you can pick and choose your crowds.

Enjoy your trip. I'm looking forward to mine in early January.

As the values go, I much prefer the Pop to the older All Stars. The Pop is better landscaped, the rooms are nicer, and the food court is great. If the price is anywhere close to what you're getting at your off property hotel, I say go for it!

I am going to need to plug some numbers, but we will see. I am still thinking off-site will be the best option on my budget. I was reading that the "value resorts" on-site also seem to be echo-chambers for traffic.

Plus, they just seem so GAUDY, and not my style at all. I have always been pleased by Country Inns.

I was reading that the "value resorts" on-site also seem to be echo-chambers for traffic.
Plus, they just seem so GAUDY, and not my style at all. I have always been pleased by Country Inns.

I'm not sure what you mean by echo-chambers for traffic. I've never had a noisy room at the Pop. Depending on when you go, you might be stuck with a wild crowd of teens at a cheerleading competition, but that doesn't happen year round. Check the schedule here at MP or on the Disney World site for special events.

And I"d agree that the Country Inns are much more mellow and stylish than the WDW values. But the advantages of staying on site (free airport transportation, access to extra early and late hours in the parks) far outweigh the disadvantages. I mean, you really are just going to be back to your room to sleep - the rest of the time it'll be park storming on your trip. And the rooms themselves at the values are perfectly comfortable.

Let us know what you decide, and keep them questions coming!

Some of the downtown disney hotels offer rates that rival the value resorts. My parents stayed at the Grosvenor last summer,(the name has been changed since then) because like you, they didn't care for the decor of the pop. They paid $99 a night, were right across from DTD, and they were happy with it. They stayed off site the year before, and used the hotel shuttle to get to Disney. It was a tight schedule, and the bus only dropped passengers off at the Epcot parking lot, they would then have to take another bus, monorail, or cab to the park of their choice. They weren't able to see fireworks or eve parade, because they would miss the shuttle. I would highly recommend finding out more about the shuttle service before you make a decision!