Each year, thousands of families flock to the Disney Parks for fun, thrills, and a taste of the magic, and the Walt Disney World Resort is known for being the place where memories are made. As fondly as we look back at this time spent with our loved ones, a party of one is still a party.
Speaking as an experienced "Han Solo" traveler, the best way to see all that Disney has to offer is by yourself. However, as new developments are slated to hit the parks this year, it might be time to rethink your stay before buying those tickets.
Fly Solo, or Stay at Home?
From a long-awaited villains expansion to the arrival of Bluey and Bingo at the parks, big things are coming to Walt Disney World. That's all well and good, but it doesn't come without some major hiccups. As the saying goes, can't make an omelet without breaking some eggs.
Along with several ride closures, including the ever-popular Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, potential guests can also expect multiple resort hotels to undergo some refurbishment as well. Here is where we solo travelers are met with a severe disadvantage.
Including those big-name rides being shut down until next year, popular resorts like Pop Century and even The Grand Floridian are having more than a little work done. While Disney does offer a wide variety of places to stay, single travelers have to consider carefully where they hang their mouse ears at night.
Chances are, if you're a fellow Disney Adult like yours truly, you love Disney and want to stay immersed in the magic. However, large groups with several kids can often be more than a little disruptive. That's also not including how much you're willing to spend on your hotel.
If you're anything like this writer, Pop Century is always the first choice for two reasons: One, it has that sweet skyliner access to Hollywood Studios and EPCOT (Disney's most adult-oriented parks). Two, it's also one of the value resorts that won't break your wallet, at least not too much.
Of course, there are those who want to splurge a little, and few Disney resorts are the epitome of modern Disney magic like the Contemporary resort. Unfortunately, the resort is set to go under construction for remodeling at Bay Lake Towers, putting the kibosh on many DVC members (per AllEars).
The problem created by so many refurbs is that it forces some dedicated fans to drastically alter what works for them. If they're Value Resort fans, they will have to transition to other lodgings. That could mean putting up with an influx of rowdy kids or spending more than intended for a solo trip.
In the words of Rumplestiltskin, "All magic comes at a price, dearies." While 2025 is set to be a big year for the parks, it's not going to happen overnight. It all boils down to what guests are willing to pay for their annual fix of Disney magic.
If it were simply just the hotels, there might be some wiggle room, but there are many park favorites going under the knife this year as well. That's where Disney might lose a chunk of its dedicated fanbase this year.
Of course, families are still going to flood the parks regardless, but solo travelers might want to use this time to save up for a bigger and better adventure in 2026. Still, that's not saying there isn't plenty to enjoy and experience at the Disney Parks... for a price.
When was your last solo trip to the Disney Parks?