Heading to Walt Disney World solo? We’ve got you covered!
Traveling to Disney World solo might seem like an intimidating concept, but it can actually be a super rewarding experience — especially if you’re properly prepared! Having the ability to “choose your own adventure” as you make your way through the parks can be a lot of fun. But before you head out for your solo Disney World trip, be sure to pack your park bag accordingly.
Here are five must-haves for your park bag on a solo trip!
Camera
Since you can make your way around the park on your own terms on a solo trip, you can stop in places you might not normally linger. And this can lead to some really cool photo opportunities. Head to the back of a World Showcase pavilion to look for hidden details, stay until park close to get a photo of a nearly empty Main Street, U.S.A., or embark upon whatever Disney World adventure speaks to you!
If you have a great camera on your phone, that might be able to get the job done — we’ve taken some of our favorite Disney World photos on our iPhones. But if your phone’s camera leaves something to be desired (or if you’re super into photography) we’d recommend bringing along a camera to take advantage of those unique photo opportunities on your solo trip!
Cell Phone Charger
To be fair, this is pretty important for all Disney World guests. Since guests can use the My Disney Experience app to manage their Advance Dining Reservations, place a Mobile Order, check wait times for attractions, and more, we often find our phone batteries draining pretty quickly. But when you’re visiting the park solo, you might find yourself pulling out your phone even more often while waiting in line for attractions, sitting in a restaurant, or even just making your way around the park without company to talk to. Oh, and if you’re using your phone to take those cool photos, that’s even more screentime!
With all that in mind, there’s a good chance that your phone will need some extra juice to make it through the day. You’ll definitely want to have a portable phone charger to keep your phone going until you make it back to the hotel!
Headphones
If you’re waiting in a long line for an attraction or sitting down for a meal, you might find yourself feeling lonely — or maybe just a bit bored! Make sure you have some headphones in your park bag so you can listen to a podcast, audiobook, or music to give yourself some company!
Luckily there are usually plenty of things to keep our minds occupied in Disney World — but it doesn’t hurt to be prepared when you need a little (digital) company!
Snacks
One of the best parts about a solo trip to Disney World is the freedom to do whatever you want, whenever you want — within the bounds of reality/the rules, of course! By packing snacks in your park bag, you’re basically giving yourself another level of flexibility.
There’s a five-minute wait for Seven Dwarfs Mine Train in the middle of the day, and you want to head there instead of stopping somewhere for lunch? You’re covered! Want to skip eating breakfast and lunch in the park so you can save up for a nice Table Service meal for dinner? You’re covered! Since you don’t have to clear your meal plans with other members of your party, on a solo trip, snacks = freedom.
List of Emergency Contacts
This one might seem a little old-school, but if you’re heading to Disney World alone, it’s a good idea to have a list of emergency contact information just in case something happens. And it’s not just in case of medical emergencies — it could be helpful if you run into a technology mishap. Like if you drop your phone into a giant puddle, or worse, the raging waters of Kali River Rapids! By having a hard copy of your emergency contacts in your park bag, they’re easier to access if your phone isn’t immediately accessible.
Since you don’t have other members of your party with access to the same, or at least similar, contact information on their cell phones, bringing a hard copy is a “better safe than sorry” approach!
There are some items that make it into our park bag no matter how many people we’re traveling with. For example: rain gear, sunscreen, and a water bottle, are always must-bring items. But when we’re visiting Disney World solo, be sure to throw in these extra necessities as well!
What are your must-have items when visiting the parks solo? Let us know in the comments!
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I couldn’t imagine taking headphones to Walt Disney World. Whether listening to the themed music and ambient sounds, or just eavesdropping on other Guests’ conversations, there is always something to hear.
I went to Disney World in early February and loved it! Got a Little Mermaid room at Art of Animation—don’t think my husband and son would have been amused. Got to ride what I wanted when I wanted, eat what I wanted when I wanted, not wait for anyone to get ready in the morning…I loved it! I was there only for 4 days—maybe I would have gotten lonely if it was longer. I was a little uncomfortable asking a stranger to take a picture using my phone, so I missed some cool Festival of the Arts photos. Instead of playing a game or plugging in while waiting, talk to someone in line. I shared some great laughs with perfect strangers, played tag with a cute little boy and his grandma. Great memories!