Spending One Day Solo at Walt Disney World Orlando [Guide]

I had to be in Florida for work earlier this year to visit a seller’s warehouse that was located between Orlando and Tampa. This meant my hotel was near Disney as that area is right on the main highway down to Tampa.

I arrived on the weekend, and with just one day to myself, I of course took myself off to Walt Disney World.

It took me a long time to decide whether to go or not, because I was travelling solo and I just didn’t know if I wanted to go to Walt Disney World by myself.

I’d been three times previously: as a 4-year-old, an 11-year-old, and then as a 25-year-old with a friend.

My main concern was, is going to Disney by yourself, weird?  

Reader, it was not weird. It was epic.

Sure, every time I go to Disney as an adult I cry at the fireworks and wish I was there experiencing it with a small child (bound to happen when you’ve had two miscarriages and still have zero children).

However, the rest of the day was perfect (albeit tiring).

As a solo visitor you can go on any ride you want without having to worry about another person and what they want to do. You can eat what you want, when you want.

So let me tell you more about it…

Where to Stay for One Day at Walt Disney World

I’d definitely recommend staying in a hotel close to Disney (ideally Lake Buena Vista area) if you’re doing one day at Walt Disney World. The closer you are the better as it will help you maximise your time for that one day.

I stayed at Gaylord The Palms Resort, which is owned by Marriott, as I was there for work so I had to stay at a hotel that was in our work travel system and within our company spending limit.

The location of the resort was great, they have a free shuttle bus to the Disney parks that goes regularly, and it was a fairly cheap Uber ride if you wanted to go at a time outside of the shuttle.

I also loved the lush greenery inside the resort, and the swimming pools too.

I’d been on the road with work for over a week and had stayed in some awful hotels for the majority of that time, so being at a resort like Gaylord The Palms for my last couple of nights was such a relief!

Choosing your Walt Disney World Orlando ticket

With just one day for myself before work began again, I actually didn’t fully decide if I was going to do Disney until the day before I went. I did pack my Mickey Mouse t-shirt just in case though!

I wasn’t sure if I had the energy after such an exhausting week of work travel (I’d driven from Washington D.C. all the way down to South Carolina), so couldn’t decide whether to just stay in the resort and chill before the next work day.

It was actually my colleague who I was in South Carolina with who changed my mind and told me to go. He said he went on his last work trip to Florida and had the best time, so I decided to go for it.

I chose the one day Park hopper ticket, as I’d decided I wanted to visit both Hollywood Studios, and Magic Kingdom.

Buying your one day Walt Disney World ticket from the UK

It’s worth noting that you can only buy these tickets online when you’re in the US, or if you’re using a VPN. You cannot buy them in the UK unless you use a VPN, as they only sell the 7-day and 14-day ones on the UK website.

Because I’d booked it so late and it was a public holiday weekend, it was the upper end of the Disney ticket ranges.

I think I ended up paying about $250 with taxes included. Obviously I had to pay for this myself because could you IMAGINE if I tried to get that through Amazon’s expense system, haha. I once expensed a cowboy hat, and that was really pushing it.

Once I’d bought my ticket I then downloaded the Walt Disney World app, which was crazy helpful in helping me plan my day, see queue times for rides, and access the Disability Access Service (DAS).

What to Wear at Walt Disney World Orlando

I know a lot of people ‘Disney bound’ when they go to Walt Disney World, or wear other cute outfits and dresses for photos.

I honestly just cannot. I need to be comfortable.

So I wore my comfiest gym leggings, my Mickey Mouse t-shirt (similar here), my Uniqlo bag (although this one on Amazon is the same but cheaper), and my Superga Cotu Classic trainers, and it was literally the perfect outfit for me. I also took my blue cotton shirt with me to wear over my t-shirt because it was February and a bit chilly, but I didn’t want to take a sweater. I just tied my shirt around my waist when I wasn’t wearing it!

I was comfortable, the bag meant I wasn’t carrying around anything bulky, and my trainers meant my feet didn’t get overly tired from walking around so much. Highly recommend as a Disney outfit.

Disney’s Disability Access Service (DAS)

Skip this section if it doesn’t apply to you!

When I was last at Disney I really, really struggled with the queues. I have a weird version of PoTS, which is classed as a disability – it’s an autonomous nervous system disorder that also causes fainting and tachycardia. Basically I go dizzy on standing and my heart rate skyrockets, and I faint if I stand up or sit down for too long (I know).

I had a tilt table test which revealed I’ll faint after around 15-20minutes of standing, and my blood pressure drops dangerously low if this happens. I’ve fainted in all sorts of weird places: in church, school, on planes, even on dates lol.

Naturally, I wanted to try and prevent this from happening during my day at Disney.

Enter, Disney’s Disability Access Service.

Registering for DAS

Again, because I’d booked my ticket so late, I wasn’t able to get a video call appointment with them to register and get approved for it, so I had to go to guest services the morning I arrived.

Ironically, the queue at guest services was so long I actually felt very unwell and kept having to do leg raises and jump up and down on the spot. So if you have PoTS, definitely book further in advance than I did and make sure you do the video call appointment!

Anyway, eventually I got to the front of the queue and they were very clear in saying I shouldn’t tell them what disability I have, just how it impacts my ability to queue. I told them, and also explained that a mobility scooter wouldn’t solve it because it also happens if I sit down for too long and then stand up quickly – so the best thing for me is to actually keep moving.

They then added the DAS registration to my digital ticket which showed up on the Walt Disney World app.

Using the DAS Benefit

Actually using the DAS certification is done via the Walt Disney World app. You can basically see estimated queue times for rides, and then add yourself to a ‘virtual queue’ for one ride at a time.

The strategy I used was to basically look at the estimated ride times, put myself in the virtual queue for the rides I wanted to go on with the longest wait times, and then put myself in the physical queue for those with the shortest, while I was waiting to get to the front of the virtual queue for the longer ones.

Park 1: Hollywood Studios, Orlando

I hadn’t actually been to Hollywood Studios since I was 4-years-old and it was called MGM Studios. I couldn’t remember much, but there were little bits and pieces I remembered which was a slightly odd feeling.

I arrived around 9:30am and after getting my DAS registration sorted, I immediately put myself in the virtual queue for the Star Wars Rise of the Resistance, and started physically queuing for Star Tours. This was perfect as the Star Tours queue was only 20-minutes long but moving at a continious pace instead of stop/starting.

I loved Star Tours. The queue was awesome as there was so much to see on the route, and then when you get to the ride at the end it’s a nice lil fun simulator.

After Star Tours I made the biggest mistake of the day, and queued up for Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway.

Guys. The queue estimator said 1-hour, so I thought ‘okay, I can do that, I’ll just have to sit down on the ground every so often and make sure I don’t get up too fast’.

The queue ended up taking TWO AND A HALF HOURS.

I was exhausted and felt horrific by the end. I was not a happy girlie.

And the worst part? The ride wasn’t even worth it.

Part of it was broken (the bit at the start), and it’s definitely one for small kids. It was over in about 5-minutes and I left feeling really annoyed.

Thankfully I was finally at the front of the virtual queue for Star Wars Rise of the Resistance, and this was 100% my favourite ride of the whole day.

It was INCREDIBLE. I was honestly so impressed.

With DAS I was able to go through the lightening lane so there was no queue, and the ride was just amazing. It felt so immersive and was absolutely thrilling! It was also a long ride as it was a whole experience, rather than just a quick ride.

By the time I got out of Rise of the Resistance I was super hungry – another thing about PoTS is you have to eat regularly, especially salt. If your salt levels are low it makes it so much worse and can contribute to a faint.

I had a look around the Star Wars area (which honestly blew my mind, you actually feel like you’re on the set of Star Wars), but knew I really needed a Mickey Pretzel covered in salt and they didn’t have any at the food stalls there. However, I grabbed a bottle of water so I could have one of my Liquid IV hydration sachets, which would help until I could get a pretzel.

I then got lost in the Toy Story area (which was rammed with small children so I didn’t go on any rides there), and finally found a Mickey Pretzel on Sunset Boulevard! Hallelujah!

Also, sidenote, but I love the Sunset Boulevard area at Hollywood Studios, it’s so cool and actually feels as though you’re in 1920s LA!

After my Mickey Pretzel I then treated myself to a Micky ice-cream as well (both delicious), and decided to head over to Magic Kingdom for the rest of the afternoon and evening.

Park 2: Magic Kingdom, Orlando

This was my fourth time at Magic Kingdom, and it didn’t disappoint. It’s just so magical and feels like true Disney.

If you have one day in Orlando, you absolutely need to do Magic Kingdom!

I walked up Main Street and checked the app to see which rides had the shortest times, and then headed to the Little Mermaid ride as it was only a 35-minute wait. Meanwhile, I joined the virtual queue for Jungle Cruise.

I really love the Little Mermaid ride, it’s one of my favourites, and I got chatting to some Americans in the queue who thought it was awesome that I was there by myself haha.

After the Little Mermaid I walked over to Tomorrowland for a burger and drink at Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe.

I find Tomorrowland so fascinating, and really love it as an area of the park.

Cosmic Ray’s is a huge space-themed diner and I actually really like it. Don’t get me wrong, the food isn’t amazing (it’s diner food after all), but it’s tasty and reasonably priced.

By the time I’d finished my food I was at the front of the virtual queue for Jungle Cruise. I wandered over there and was very happy I’d joined the virtual queue as the physical queue looked awful!

Jungle Cruise is one of those very simple rides that just brings me joy. You basically sail on a boat around a little river full of animatronic jungle animals and the ‘guides’ are really funny with their commentary.

Pirates of the Caribbean was my next ride that I physically queued for, while I joined the virtual queue for Peter Pan. I always forget how scary POTC is though – I can’t stand realistic mannequins and POTC is FULL of them! But I love water based rides and I always get such a thrill from the little drop at the start.

Peter Pan was just as good as ever. It’s just so cute, makes me feel like a child again, and always makes me want to watch the movie!

After Peter Pan I had a wander around Fantasyland and Liberty Square and a look in the shops, then went to one of the nearby food places for the ‘Rapunzel Sundae’, which was a delicious ice-cream sundae inspired by Rapunzel, consisting of Shortcake with DOLE Whip Lemon and Wild Berry Soft-serve, topped with Berry Compote and Sugar Flowers. Yum!!

By this time it was evening, the sun was setting, and I had time for one more ride and a bit of food before the fireworks. A lot of people at this point were getting in position for the fireworks, so the rides were fairly quiet.

I never understand why people start getting into position so early, as you really do get a good view wherever you are!

So, I decided now was the time for my absolute favourite: Big Thunder Mountain.

I walked through Frontierland, to find the queue was super short so I got in straight away, and I was so happy!

It’s such a thrilling ride and just makes me very happy. I shrieked and giggled with delight the whole way around, and by the time I got off I figured I should probably get some dinner before the fireworks.

Peckish after all those rides, I went to Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn and Cafe for tacos! I wanted something quick, easy, and cheap, and they really delivered.

With my belly full, I was ready for fireworks.

Because I was by myself I found a good spot amongst the crowds right on the circular ‘square’ directly in front of Cinderella’s Castle, and sat down on the ground with everyone else before the show started.

The show was ‘Happily Ever After’, a new one that I hadn’t seen before, and it was honestly incredible. It was done so well, and was so beautiful – obvs I cried as usual haha.

I can’t even explain it, I’m not a ‘Disney adult’ by any means, but the show always makes me get all teary – it just brings out your inner child whether you want it to or not. It’s just so magical and the creativity is immense. As a creative I find it inspiring and just amazing what imagination can do.

Side note: My career DREAM is to become a Disney Imagineer one day!!

While everyone else piled out of the park, I stayed behind and had another ride on Big Thunder Mountain, then wandered back to Main Street to join the queues out to the ferry.

Some people leave immediately after the fireworks, while others stick around and do some more rides, have a browse in the shops, or get some food before leaving.

Food & Drink at Walt Disney World Orlando

The food at Walt Disney World is never going to be amazing. It’s not there as world-class cuisine, it’s there to be quick, easy, and reasonably satisfying.

I enjoyed everything I had, and would definitely recommend sticking with the counter-service places if you’re just there for one day. You don’t want to be wasting time at the sit-down service restaurants.

Also, make sure you have a large breakfast at your hotel before you go to WDW. It will keep you full for the morning so you’re not wasting time finding food.

It’s also important to remember that you’re doing a lot of steps, so you need to fuel yourself and eat frequently (even if you don’t have PoTS), and also drink regularly!

I usually carry my own water bottle on me, but I cannot stand the tap water at Walt Disney World (it always tastes of rubber), so I buy bottled water there.

I ate the following during my day at WDW:

• Mickey Pretzel from The Market at Hollywood Studios ($7.79)
• Mickey ice-cream from snack cart at Hollywood Studios ($6.25)
• Burger and drink lunch at Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe ($12.29 + $6.49)
• Rapunzel Sundae from Storybook Treats ($7.79)
• Taco Trio dinner at Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn and Cafe ($10.99)

Total food spend for the day: $51.60 (excl. tax)

I would 100% recommend taking Liquid IV sachets too. I use them for my PoTS and they’re the best ones I’ve found – they have double the amount of sodium than most other brands. Just pour a sachet into a bottle of water, put the cap back on and shake the bottle, and drink the whole bottle and you’ll be good to go.

Favourite Rides of the Day

My top three rides for the day were:

1. Star Wars Rise of the Resistance
2. Big Thunder Mountain
3. Peter Pan

I think the only bad ride I went on though was the Runaway Railway one. It just wasn’t worth the queue time at all.

A Perfect Solo Day at Walt Disney World Orlando

I loved my little solo day at Walt Disney World Orlando, but I loved it so much that I’m now desperate to go back and spend a whole week there! I also did find it really exhausting though, and I think being there for a week would mean I could actually take it slower and not rush around doing so many rides.

I already have my 2025 travels planned, so 2026 maybe? 😉

Top tip: watch the ‘Behind the Attraction’ documentary series on Disney+ before visiting Disney! It made me appreciate the rides and their history so much more!!