When you think of Disney World, the first thing that comes to mind is a family vacation or a trip with friends. But you’d be surprised at how many people travel solo to Disney World and have a great time. This brings us to the next question – is it safe to go to Disney World alone?
You will be perfectly safe if you go alone to Disney World or any of the other Disney parks and properties. Solo travelers don’t need to be scared or constantly look over their shoulders at Disney World. Disney parks are some of the safest vacation environments anywhere in the world.
But this does not mean you can leave common sense at home or indulge in dangerous behaviors. There are many things you can and should do to stay safe while traveling to Disney World alone. Keep these tips in mind to enjoy a completely secure and memorable solo Disney vacation.
Is Disney World safe for the solo traveler?
Crime is rare on Disney properties because Disney takes security very seriously. There are stray incidents, most commonly theft, but you can take simple precautions to prevent that (more on this later).
In general, a Disney vacation is extremely safe for people who are on their own. Additionally, solo travelers can do several things to make their trip safer. For example, staying at one of the Disney properties means you will always be in a “Disney Bubble” from the moment you land at the airport to your transportation and your stay at a Disney Resort. Not only is this a more immersive Disney experience, but it also gives solo travelers added peace of mind. You can even request a room near the lobby so you’re always in a busy guest area and close to hotel staff.
If you’re a seasoned solo traveler and a little more adventurous, then security issues shouldn’t stop you from staying off-site and benefiting from a wider choice (and less expensive) accommodation. It’s a good idea, however, to pick a hotel close to Disney World or whichever park you’re planning on visiting. This will make transportation safer when you’re alone and also save you time, money, and hassle.
How does Disney ensure guest safety?
Disney World goes to great lengths to ensure the safety of all guests, including solo travelers. There is a range of visible and invisible security measures in place at all the Disney theme parks and resort hotels.
Checkpoints at the entry gates ensure that guests are protected from trespassers. Bag checks are routine to ensure no prohibited items are brought onto the premises. Guest are also randomly selected for secondary screening with metal detectors.
Cast members are great at their jobs, making sure everyone follows the rules. Uniformed police officers and trained canines patrol the parks to ensure guest safety. Undercover security keeps an eye on things. It is believed there are even one-way mirrors in some places. All these security measures make it completely safe to go to Disney World alone.
Tips for staying safe at Disney World when traveling alone
Disney World is a largely safe place to visit for people traveling alone. However, there are a few basic things you can do to keep yourself even safer. Some of these suggestions may sound obvious, but a refresher never hurts.
Protection against theft
- Use a camera or phone strap so the device stays around your neck or over your arm when you’re not using it (leaving a camera sitting on a table at a restaurant, for instance, increases the risk of someone stealing it when you’re distracted).
- Avoid bringing unnecessary valuables to your Disney vacation. If you must bring expensive items, use the safe in your hotel room.
- While visiting Disney World alone, it’s best to keep your belongings in a backpack. This will leave your hands free and your valuables out of sight.
- Don’t carry large amounts of cash. Keep your wallet well inside your backpack. Leaving it in an outside pocket that doesn’t fasten securely increases the risk of theft or the wallet accidentally falling out.
- Don’t get distracted. Sometimes a friendly stranger will ask for directions while their accomplice swipes a valuable, so stay vigilant of your surroundings.
General physical safety
- Follow all the rules and directions from cast members. Be respectful and cooperative with other guests.
- Stay away from the edges of water bodies (it’s very rare, but gators have been known to suddenly come out of lakes in Florida).
- Avoid poorly lit or deserted areas where there are very few other people.
- Review the floor plan for your hotel or resort. This is important information if you need to leave in an emergency.
- Be extra careful when using Lyft, Uber, etc. Check the car’s registration as well as the driver against the photo in the app before getting in. Take a screenshot of your journey and send it to a trusted friend.
Additional suggestions for women traveling alone to Disney parks
Women may be nervous about going to Disney World alone, but these fears are unfounded because this magical place is one of the best places for solo female travelers. You can let your hair down and have a great time, provided you take some simple steps to avoid bad situations.
- Keep your wits about you and be street smart. This doesn’t mean you should be cautious to the point of not enjoying your solo Disney trip. Just do the basic stuff like not trusting everyone and keeping emergency numbers on speed dial.
- Stay in touch with family and friends. Your loved ones should know your itinerary, where you’re staying, and the parks you’ll be visiting.
- Know where to get help for a medical emergency or to report a theft. This is important for everyone but especially so for anyone who is going alone to Disney World.
Making the most of your solo Disney vacation
Do some research on the parks, the rules, opening times, types of passes, and transportation. You should be aware of safety issues like crowd levels, staying onsite versus offsite, transit between parks, dining options, and features like FastPass before you leave home. Doing this homework will ensure you’re not preoccupied trying to find things out while at the park. You’ll also enjoy your Disney vacation more when you’re better informed (the Disney app is a great resource).
If certain experiences are unmissable for you, book in advance. It will reduce anxiety and last-minute rushes, which can leave you flustered, making you a target for theft. Planning will also reduce the risk of losing your way or going over budget.
Benefits of visiting Disney World on your own
Going to Disney World alone can be a liberating experience that can make you feel independent and empowered. This solo adventure could turn out to be the best vacation of your life. You get to decide your itinerary and visit the attractions that appeal to you most. Stop for a snack when you want. Skip lunch if you’re not hungry. Go at your own pace and change plans without upsetting anyone. Make new friends while you wait in line. Some parks have a Single Rider option that will whisk you to the front of the line in no time at all. And if you’re not sure how to capture your solo Disney vacation in pictures, consider signing up for PhotoPass and Memory Maker.
Disney World is incredibly safe to visit alone provided you take some sensible precautions. There’s no reason you shouldn’t go alone to Disney World if that’s something you’ve always wanted to do.