The Most AWKWARD Things About Being Alone in Disney World

It’s quite literally my job to go to Disney World, and by nature of what I do, I spend a lot more time alone in the parks than most people.

The average guest goes to the parks with their family members or friends, but I’m often ridin’ solo on my Disney days, whether I’m attempting a ride challenge or competing in a game for our YouTube channel. Throughout all those hours spent ? all by myseeelfff ?, I’ve had quite a few awkward moments. And today I’m spilling the beans on what it’s REALLY like to go to Disney World solo.

Dining at Table Service Restaurants

Almost everyone on our team here at AllEars has had to dine alone at a table service restaurant in the past, and we pretty much all agree that it can be very awkward. When everyone around you is chatting with their family and friends, and you’re just sitting there by yourself staring into space…it just feels weird.

It gets even more awkward when we’re doing dining reviews for work and ordering extra food, because that’s when the looks from strangers begin (people around you notice when you take dozens of pictures of your meal ?). At least the positive side of this one is that the meal usually comes with some delicious eats!

The Single Rider Line

I love a short wait for a popular ride as much as (if not more than) the next person, so I have a deep appreciation for the single rider queues in Disney World. However, I definitely admit that they can be pretty awkward, considering they require you to sit next to strangers on rides.

What’s the protocol for riding an attraction with a stranger? Do I introduce myself? Do we sit awkwardly in silence while we wait for the Cast Members to come by and check safety restraints? What happens if we bump knees or shoulders? There are too many variables here! When in doubt, we just face forward and mind our own business. ?

Meeting Characters

Meeting characters can be an uncomfortable experience in and of itself when you’re an adult, simply because it’s hard to know what to say to them. But that discomfort can be tripled when you’re meeting characters alone — the burden of the conversation falls solely to you.

Emma and Fry meeting Goofy at CommuniCore Hall

When meeting characters like the princesses, they’re typically pretty good at carrying the conversation, but friends like Mickey Mouse or Donald Duck don’t talk. In that case, you’re often in a one-sided conversation while the character reacts to what you say — like a magical game of charades. My advice? Go into the meet and greet with some prepped questions, just in case. And if things get awkward? Just ask to take a picture and then skedaddle!

Waiting in Line Solo

Perhaps one of the most awkward things about going to Disney World solo is waiting in lines by yourself. You essentially have to choose between playing on your phone, people watching, or just staring into space while the line creeps forward at a glacial pace. On top of that, I’ve definitely found myself stuck in line next to families having arguments that felt a bit too personal for me to be overhearing.

If you know you’re going to be hanging out alone for a while, it might be a good idea to bring some headphones and a portable phone charger — great way to avoid accidentally eavesdropping on all the drama of the Jones family from Minnesota.

Taking Selfies

Last but not least on my list is taking selfies! Since a large part of my job involves social media, there have been many times I’ve had to do a solo photoshoot in the parks, or awkwardly record myself making TikToks and Reels. As soon as you whip out that phone to put it in camera mode, it suddenly feels like everyone in the park is staring at you.

Thankfully, photos and videos are a pretty normal phenomenon in Disney World, and thousands of other people are snapping selfies just the same as you are. So even if it feels weird, I promise you’re probably not quite the center of attention that you think you are! As long as you’re following Disney World rules, feel free to snap away.

So there you have it — all the awkward things I have to do in Disney World as a solo traveler. Thank goodness for my friends and castmates who join me in the parks and make my visits less lonely!

If you want to see more of my adventures in the parks, make sure to check out this video where AllEars viewers helped plan our day in Disney World!