Originally Posted By mainstfan5 I'll be traveling to Orlando on business in May and will be spending 3 - 4 days at WDW (as a single, traveling without wife and kids). The last time I visited WDW was back in the '70s when there was the Magic Kingdom and that's it (although I've visited Disneyland several times). I'm a bit overwhelmed with WDW and trying to figure out how to use my time well. I'd appreciate some help with some questions. - I'd like to take a small backpack (to carry a camera, etc.). Any problems with this? Are you allowed to bring in things like water bottles or small snacks? - What's the easiest way to get around the resort? Is it possible to drive / park at each area, or (if you want to visit more than one place in a day) is it easier to park at one spot and use Disney transportation the rest of the day? I'd like to avoid long waits for buses if I can avoid it since I will be there such a short time. If you drive/park at more than one spot, will you have to pay for parking at each or does the parking fee cover all resort parking areas for the day? - If I try to visit 2 - 3 places in a day, will I spend a LOT of time just in logistics of traveling from point A to point B? - If I'm staying off-site, are there facilities / amenities that I can't use (ex., are the buses limited to guests staying at Disney hotels?) - Can a guest visit and walk around the different Disney hotels to sightsee or are they off-limits to everyone but guests of that hotel? If you have any specific suggestions for persons traveling alone, I'd love to hear that also. THANK YOU!
Originally Posted By t1lersm0m Yes, you can bring a back pack with snacks and drinks. I think the official policy is you are not supposed to bring outside food or drink, but everyone does it and when security goes through your bag they don't say anything about it. If you stay off-site, you will pay $9 parking per day. However, if you park hop, you just keep your receipt from the first park and show it at the other parks. You can use the Disney busses if you stay off-site, once you pay to park at one of the parks. But it is quicker to drive yourself between each park. You can visit the Disney resorts, just tell the guard at the guard shack that you want to walk around the resort and maybe get something to eat. They will ask to see your driver's license and let you in. I would suggest making advance reservations to dine a few of the resorts. We love 'Ohana at the Polynesian and Boma at the Animal Kingdom Lodge.
Originally Posted By trekkeruss <<- I'd like to take a small backpack (to carry a camera, etc.). Any problems with this? Are you allowed to bring in things like water bottles or small snacks?>> No problems with a backpack. Snacks and water are okay as well. <<- What's the easiest way to get around the resort? Is it possible to drive / park at each area, or (if you want to visit more than one place in a day) is it easier to park at one spot and use Disney transportation the rest of the day? I'd like to avoid long waits for buses if I can avoid it since I will be there such a short time. If you drive/park at more than one spot, will you have to pay for parking at each or does the parking fee cover all resort parking areas for the day?>> I'd drive and park; it'll be faster than relying on Disney transportation. Parking is good all day, just show your receipt at each lot. <<- If I try to visit 2 - 3 places in a day, will I spend a LOT of time just in logistics of traveling from point A to point B?>> Not too much. A park in the morning/early afternoon, a resort for lunch and a rest, and another park for the late afternoon/evening is a good plan. <<- If I'm staying off-site, are there facilities / amenities that I can't use (ex., are the buses limited to guests staying at Disney hotels?)>> With regards to transportation, in theory, yes, in practice, no. You can't use Extra Magic Hours, or swim in any hotel pools. <<- Can a guest visit and walk around the different Disney hotels to sightsee or are they off-limits to everyone but guests of that hotel?>> You can visit other resorts... it's done all the time. When you drive to the resort, a guard will ask you why you're there, and direct you to visitor parking. <<If you have any specific suggestions for persons traveling alone, I'd love to hear that also. THANK YOU!>> On some attractions, there is a single riders line that will allow you to bypass much of the queue. Have fun!
Originally Posted By jodiefra Go to the bar at the Rose & Crown (British Pavilion in Epcot)...Last year after I put hubby and exhausted kids to bed in the hotel I went back to people watch -- it was great and not at all awkward (if you care about such things).
Originally Posted By Crazy4WDW WDW is probably one of the very few places I'd travel alone and feel o.k. about it. Definitely stop at the ESPN Club at the Boardwalk for some wings and a beverage!
Originally Posted By Goofyernmost >>>You can visit other resorts... it's done all the time. When you drive to the resort, a guard will ask you why you're there, and direct you to visitor parking.<<< This is a good time to use Disney Transportation. Park at DTD and ride the buses to the resorts have a look see and ride back or to another. Take a bus from a resort to the Transportation Center and then hop on the resort monorail and visit the Contemporary, Poly and Grand Floridian. It does require some planning but it's an entertaining day in itself. Been there...done that!
