What should I do in Disney Orlando for one day by myself?

[AbsentmindedWoman]

We're going to be in Orlando for a few days, my wife will be busy with work stuff so have decided to go to Disney World for a day on my own.

I know it's a giant resort with several parks - what should I prioritise? What were your favourite bits, or must sees?

Have never been before, but Lady and the Tramp and The Aristocats were favourite movies when I was a small kid (loved all the Disney animal animation) so think I'll enjoy the nostalgia

I loved huge rollercoasters in my youth, but don't want to go on anything too crazy now as managing blood pressure, so the Tower of Terror etc is probably out. But I think the Avatar virtual reality sounds fun? Also would maybe like to see a parade and fireworks?

All suggestions welcome!

If I was you I'd focus on just one or maximum two parks - they really are all enormous.

My personal favourite is Magic Kingdom - a real chance to relive your childhood. If you want animals then Animal Kingdom (obviously - although that also has the Avatar area which is spectacular), Epcot for sciences and the Disney experience of different countries. I gather that Hollywood Studios is now huge, with new areas for Star Wars and Toy Story.

There is a wonderful book called something like The Unofficial Guide to WDW. In it it has lots of touring guides to do each park in a day or two days. As a new visitor we found it worth its weight in gold. Make sure that you get Fastpasses for any must-do rides in your park of choice; I think you can get three (?) a day, and get to the park when it opens. Crowds will be quieter then.

You will probably get some better ideas if you post this on the Longhaul Travel section of MN too. Have a wonderful time.

Magic Kingdom for sure.
There is a restaurant - Tony’s - which is mildly lady and the Tramp themed (You’ll have to visit Disneyland Paris for the Aristocats).
It has some great rides, more thrilling than scary, Thunder Mountain, Space Mountain and Splash Mountain. Nostalgic rides like Peter Pan, It’s a Small World. And Main Street USA and the Cinderella Castle of course. The parade is amazing and the evening fireworks show is great. There is more than enough for a day.

I love the other parks, but for your first visit (you will want to go back!) the Magic Kingdom is a must.

I would do universal studios rather than disney as an adult. Jurassic park and harry potter - look them up online to see whats available at each place and have a blast!!!

I'd do Harry Potter at Universal if I was going to do a theme park.

But actually when I'm in Orlando I usually go window shopping in Winter Park, and do the Chain of Lakes boat cruise there.

Best parades and fireworks are in Magic Kingdom without a doubt. Although the Rivers of Light show is also good at Animal Kingdom.

Epcot is actually a really good park and has a different feel to the others. I wish we'd spent more time there as we didn't realise how nice it was.

The avatar ride is Flights of Passage - be prepared to queue!! The avatar stuff is all in Animal Kingdom which I actually really like as a park and the Pandora world is so well done and is great to see at night if you have the chance.

Also worth mentioning Star Wars area is now open at Hollywood Studios so if that's your thing it might be worth a visit.

If you've only got the one day then no question Magic Kingdom.

Make sure to get your FastPasses booked in advance. X

I would do universal studios rather than disney as an adult. Jurassic park and harry potter - look them up online to see whats available at each place and have a blast!!!

^This^, absolutely. 👍🏻

Another vote for Universal, or go to Cocoa Beach on the coast.

As an adult on your own I would also go with universal. I’m a huge Harry Potter fan and I literally couldn’t get over how amazing it was!

If you have the budget you could do a tour and see 4 parks in one day.
disneyworld.disney.go.com/en_GB/events-tours/vip-tour-services/

As an adult by myself who has been twice before I would probably spend the entire day at Epcot eating and finish with the fireworks.

I’d do Universal Studios personally.

That said, if it had to be Disney, I’d check your free date again Disney Calendars for After Hours and do that instead. Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom both do After Hours.

Epcot is a bit of a building site at the moment, so I’d probably skip it.

Disney’s Hollywood Studios is super crowded because of the opening of Rise of the Resistance (Star Wars ride) so I’d probably swerve that one too.

Magic Kingdom is best for that nostalgia hit, Animal Kingdom is a very nice park to potter around.

If you like Harry Potter go to Universal, but to see all the HP areas you’ll need entrance to Universal Studios and its sister park Islands of Adventure. You can ride the Hogwarts Express between the two parks but only if you have a ticket which lets you into both parks.

If it's just one day I'd say Magic Kingdom would be the best choice. I love Epcot, but it is a bit of a marmite choice... And a lot of building work at the moment.