Tips and Advantages for Solo Travelers

Disney World Hollywood Studios for Solo Travelers

Walt Disney World is widely known as a beloved family vacation destination, but solo travelers can have a fantastic time as well. While commercials often feature smiling children and their indulgent parents, solo travelers should not feel out of place. In fact, hundreds of solo visitors enjoy Disney World every day, benefiting from unique advantages.

Vacation Planning Tip

If you are a solo traveler planning your Disney World vacation, consider adding the ‘hopper’ option to your Disney World tickets. It's much easier for a solo traveler to hop from park to park compared to a larger group.

Advantages of Traveling Alone

Solo travelers can often bypass longer wait times and crowded areas. Filling a theater to exact capacity can be tricky for Cast Members, who often need to eyeball the crowd. A friendly "I'm alone" can frequently get you past a rope line, shortening your wait time. The same is true for ride vehicles, where a single seat may remain available at departure time.

Navigating through heavy crowds during parades and fireworks displays is also easier for solo travelers. Excusing yourself past people who have been holding a spot for hours is less bothersome when you're alone.

Rides, Shows, and Dining

Thrill Rides

At Disney-Hollywood Studios, arrive early and head straight to Sunset Boulevard for Rock 'n' Roller Coaster and the Tower of Terror. Check both lines and get a FastPass for the longer wait attraction, then queue for the shorter line. After the first ride, use your FastPass for the second ride and then get another FastPass for the one you just rode. This strategy allows you to ride both attractions twice with minimal waiting.

Both the Tower of Terror and Rock 'n' Roller Coaster often have a single seat available. Even without a Single Riders line, always ask the Cast Member if you can take the vacant seat, as groups ahead of you may not want to split up.

Star Tours is another ride where your single status can be advantageous. Ask the Cast Member if there is room for one as you approach the pre-load area. If the line is short or you're using a FastPass, request the back row for a more thrilling ride.

Shows

For attractions like The Great Movie Ride and the Backstage Studio Tour, which have large seating capacities, you may end up seated between groups. If this makes you uncomfortable, request to be seated at the end of a row. This is usually accommodated immediately, though you might have to wait for the next vehicle.

Many theaters at the park allow you to seat yourself, and being solo can help you slip into the end of a row close to the stage, even minutes before showtime. Be cautious as people often save seats, and always ask before sitting down.

Dining

Popular table-service restaurants often book up in advance due to the Disney Dining program. However, solo travelers are more likely to find available spots. The Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater and the 1950s-themed Prime Time Café are particularly fun and well-themed. The Prime Time Café, with its fully in-character wait staff, is especially great for solo diners, making you feel like part of the family.

Visit the restaurant early in the day to check for cancellations or see if they can accommodate a single diner later.