6 ways to make your Disney World trip unforgettable as a solo adult
Disney World may not be the first place that pops into your head when you think of solo travel destinations, but Disney is so much more than just nostalgic rides from your childhood and Mickey Mouse sightings (though it has both of those, too). Yes, it is a great theme park destination for families, but it's also a fun place for solo adults to unleash their inner child. You just have to know how to do it right.
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Pick your must-dos
Disney World is, frankly, a lot. Including four parks, Disney Springs, all of the resorts and the shops, restaurants and attractions at each, it's impossible to experience it all in a typical trip. Since there's no way to do and see everything, planning out your must-dos at each park is essential.
For example, while the Magic Kingdom is definitely a park favorite for families with kids, there were only a few attractions that I was really invested in riding while there during a recent trip in July. Meanwhile, Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom had many more attractions that I really wanted to check out. Wait times were high across the board. Having a pre-planned list of my must-do attractions helped me prioritize which parks to spend the most time in (Hollywood Studios), which lines I was willing to wait in (a two-plus hour wait for Avatar Flight of Passage) and which attractions I skipped this time around (Seven Dwarfs Mine Train).
Of course, you should do what you can to pre-plan your days, whether you're going as a solo adult or bringing the entire family with you. But when you're only planning for yourself, it's a bit easier to map out which attractions are must-sees and how you plan to check them off.
Related: Ultimate guide to visiting Walt Disney World
Take advantage of single-rider lines
Hands-down the worst part of Disney World is the lines. During peak times at the parks, you can end up waiting hours in line (sometimes in the hot sun) for an attraction. But thankfully, some Disney World attractions also have small signs at their entrances with two magical words: single rider.
Only a select handful of attractions have a single-rider line (and unfortunately, neither Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance nor Avatar Flight of Passage are among them), but all four are still great attractions that are worth checking out:
- Expedition Everest (Animal Kingdom).
- Rock 'n' Roller Coaster (Hollywood Studios).
- Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run (Hollywood Studios).
- Test Track (Epcot).
I personally recommend hitting up single-rider line attractions when you're waiting for other top-attraction lines to go down midday, which is also when you'll want to avoid lines as much as possible.
Oh, and a pro tip for Smugglers Run: There are actually four different "roles" you can play while on the ride, and you can use the single-rider line to experience all four without a wait. When I went back in July, I was able to play each pilot (controlling different aspects of the ship, so I consider them different roles), a gunner and an engineer — all within the span of an hour, tops.
Skip character dining
Personally, getting face time with characters is less important the older I get. If you're like me, I'd recommend skipping character dining. Right now, it's a socially distanced version where you only get a quick peek at characters as they pass, and there are no true autographs given (you get a pre-printed postcard with autographs on them instead). Plus, character dining options are expensive compared to other restaurants at Disney, and you can generally find much better food for the money.
Grab a reservation at Disney Springs or one of the resorts instead. Or, if you're headed to Disney World before Nov. 20, hit up Epcot for the Food & Wine Festival (I loved the spicy Vietnamese beef pho at The Noodle Exchange).
Related: Best restaurants in Disney World in 2021
Build in time for relaxation
Learn from my mistakes, and make sure to build time into your trip for rest and relaxation. I tried to get through all four parks in just two days, which left no room for exploring the resorts or downtime.
Disney is more than just the parks, and those non-park excursions can be more fun as a solo adult. Resort-hopping to check out different restaurants, hanging out by the pool and leisurely shopping at Disney Springs are all worth blocking out time for — and they each provide a much-needed respite from the go-go-go you experience while trying to hit up attractions at the parks.
And make sure to slow down and let yourself relax when you're at the parks, too — whether it's taking a minute to people-watch on Main Street, U.S.A. at Magic Kingdom, slowing down to grab a bite to eat at Ronto Roasters (and check out the seriously impressive design of Galaxy's Edge) at Hollywood Studios or letting yourself watch the full "Walt Disney Imagineering Presents the Epcot Experience" show at Epcot. Yes, the attractions and shows are a highlight at any Disney World park, but those in-between moments when you relax and just soak in the Disney magic are their own kind of special.
Don't forget about Disney Springs
Speaking of Disney Springs, make sure to carve out time to explore the area. Disney Springs has great dining, fun entertainment at night and lots of great shopping. On the hunt for classic Disney merch, exclusive Marvel or "Star Wars" gear, or want to hit up stores such as Fabletics, Zara or Anthropologie? Disney Springs has all of the above. Add in fantastic dining options from food trucks (I highly recommend 4 Rivers Cantina Barbacoa Food Truck) to sit-down restaurants (House of Blues has great food and an even greater atmosphere) to places to grab drinks (hit up Splitsville's outdoor bar for alcoholic Dole Whip), and Disney Springs is easily one of the most underrated areas of Disney World.
Disney Springs is definitely something adults will enjoy more than kids (with the exception of maybe some of the Disney stores), so a solo trip to Disney is the perfect time to hit up the area for an afternoon of shopping before dinner and live music.
Lean into the Disney magic
Yes, Disney can be pretty ... extra — especially if you're going on a solo trip without kids. But you have to let yourself lean in and enjoy it. Play along with the characters when you get to interact with them, get excited for each of the attractions — both old and new, try every flavor of Dole Whip if it strikes your fancy. Disney World has so much to offer, whether you're 8, 28 or 80.
Bring out your inner kid, the one who still believes in magic and the power of a little pixie dust. It'll make your trip that much more unforgettable.
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Intro offer
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Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
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Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
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- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.